At first glance, the Hero 3’s conspicuous lack of sophistication and James Bond gadgetry could easily make it cannon fodder for a bad product review. It has no on-the-fly video playback, the near TV quality 512 by 384 resolution may cause the keen eye to wander to the next product.

 

Upon further reflection, however, where the Hero is found wanting has more to do with exactly that : user wants, and not user needs. One can still get good footage without the LCD screen for playback, and video storage capabilities are ample for most users. It may not be as small as a tube of lipstic, but the GoPro Hero still comes in under other “cable less” helmet camera systems both in size, weight, and cost. So, if your willing to wait until you return home to view your video footage, and you don’t mind changing memory cards when taking more than an hour of Motion JPEG video, then purchasing the GoPro Hero instead of one of the pricier -and albiet more sophisticated- helmet camera systems can instantly put several hundred dollars or more towards making that next footage ladden vacation a reality.

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The core differences between the GoPro Helmet Hero 3 and it’s siblings, the GoPro Digital Hero 3 and the GoPro Motorsports Hero 3 are the mounting options. The Helmet Hero 3 includes 4 unique mounting systems, which is by far the most versatile selection of mounts that ships with any system on the market today. The Digital Hero 3 only includes the wristband mount, the Motorsports Hero 3 - I really don’t know, their website is so confusing!

 

Unit Specifications

• 512 x 384 TV quality resolution
• 30 Frames per second
• Supports NTSC and PAL formats for video playback on television
• Waterproof to 100Ft
• Also takes still photos in single, burst, and timed modes.
• 3-megapixel resolution for still photos
• Small LCD screen that shows battery, modes, and status.
• Automatic white balance
• Removable SD card storage (up to 2GB SD cards)
• RCA cable to television compatibility(included)
• USB cable to computer compatibility(included)
• AAA battery powered (included)
• Four different mounting bases (included)
• Waterproof and impact resistant case (included)

 

Advantages

Interestingly enough, this unit opens up some windows of opportunity not available to “point-of-view filmers” possessing pricier models. For example, the GoPro Hero’s small, compact, cable-less design encourages the user to discover more creative mounting locations; locations not limited by proximity to user. As an example the stern of a 15 foot sea kayak, or the nose of a long-board surfboard, or the wheel well of a stock car, or the front fender of a motor-cross bike. Sometimes, to get that highly unlikely camera angle, or to capture the seldom documented event, its best to leave the $500+ camera at home. Enter, the GoPro Helmet Hero 3 at $169, with no cables, no high price tag, you get no worries. At the $169 price point, the GoPro Hero 3 product line provides a wearable video system totally bomber durable and is waterproof to 100 ft! ( Yes, the GoPro Hero can scuba dive! )

 

Mounting Options

Death-wish mounting locations aside, your Helmet Hero will most likely utilize one or more of the following (included) mounting hardware options:

 

1. Headband mount: No bulkier or heavier than, say, a high powered headlamp, this strap configuration will keep the camera firmly plastered to your forehead where its easier to tell what the heck is in the picture frame. This method also allows one to easily and quickly pull it off one’s head to check unit status, change menu options, put it back in pocket or pack, etc. The headband could also be worn on the outside of some helmets, especially those designed to accept headlamps. While perhaps not as dignified to wear as a lipstick camera, the headband mount can easily make up in usability what it lacks in style.

 

2. Helmet vent-hole strap-mount: If your activities definitely warrant a helmet, and it has air ventilation holes, then this mount has the benefit of being an adhesive-less and easy way to attach the camera to the helmet surface, as well as being easily transferable to a different set of vent holes or to a different helmet altogether. Using vent holes located in the front of the helmet has the advantage of keeping the camera fairly low profile and therefore safe from clothes lines, tree branches and “yard sale-ing” during the occasional whipe-out. The physical world can place strain on action video camera systems (and their users!) and this attachment method seems to provide the least risk that the camera is going to get ripped of its’ mount (or mounted to surface). The straps are super strong, yet there is enough slippage and flex in the system to absorb some impact should things come to that.

 

3. Base-mount w/ single pivot: This well built pivot mechanism keeps the camera locked into the exact angle that you spent 5 minutes trying to fine tune. After sticking the base to a smooth surface with the provided adhesive patches, sliding the quick release camera mount onto the base, and pivoting the camera to the desired field of view, one simply tightens down the knob (by hand or by using the recessed screw head for that extra tight crank). This mount provides a plethora of camera mounting options.

 

4. Base-mount w/ double pivot: Maybe your not into wearing the Hero on your melon? The double pivot could be used for a side of helmet mount position, but is particularly useful for the side of a bike, car, 4-wheeler, or whatever. The second pivot point simply acts to bring the camera back to a horizontal position (the camera’s menu settings allow for a recorded image to be rotated 180 deg., or upside down, but not 90 deg., sideways). Here again solid construction prevents preset angle drift. It would have been nice of the manufacturer to put angle reference marks on the mount itself, for changing from one useful angle for one application to another useful angle for a second one (a person could possibly create one’s own if desired).

 

Usability

In terms of overall usability the Hero scores pretty high. It has a simple 1 page manual for quick reference or easy (partial) memorization. Its two button configuration doesn’t leave room for much confusion when adjusting settings or utilizing different modes: video, triple shot sequence, photo every 5-seconds (up to 700 photos on a 2 GB SD card)- and self timer photo, all of which are displayed on the unit’s small LCD screen. The LCD display first appears to be in an upside down -and hence slightly inconvienent- orientation until you consider that many users will be utilizing the camera as a wrist-mounted device, where upside down display is essential for usability. The one (and only) cord provided with the camera covers AV cable hookup to a television (NTSC and PAL) for quick and easy playback, and doubles as a USB hookup to your computer (careful with the somewhat delicate looking camera port). Mac and Windows users will be able to upload and/or edit files just like they would with any other digital camera or camcorder. While the unit does not come with any type of remote control device, the fact that the camera -and its two buttons- will be out in the open when recording can make for easy record on/off button manipulation (depending upon mount location in relation to user). Two different flashing LEDs make recording status evident from either side of the camera.

 

The Case

One of the more impressive accessories that comes with the camera is the waterproof case (up to 100ft). While I didn’t rent scuba gear to test this theory, I did clothesline a branch while tree skiing, and then later tripped and landed on it while running up my driveway to look at the days footage. After these abuses, I proceeded to take it in the bathtub with me… tight as a drum. Not exactly a field test, but I was personally convinced anyway. This camera’s 100′ waterproof rating combined with the graceful movements of snorkeling or scuba diving might make it particularly well suited to underwater recording. The waterproof case has a removable lens cover that is designed to accommodate a soon to be released (early 2008?) wide angle lens, which will definitely make capturing action video easier. However, while the case’s plastic clasp does seem durable, if one isn’t careful it has an annoying habit of popping off its hinges when the case lid is open. So does the battery compartment door on the camera proper (not a problem when camera is in waterproof case). The batteries themselves can present some problems being AAA and particularly vulnerable to cold temperatures. If NiMH re-chargeables or higher cost lithium batteries don’t solve this problem then a hand warmer pack is easily pinned between the back of the camera and the pivoting camera mount plate. Inside its case, the camera is so tough that one could put it on a key chain, or clip it to the outside of one’s backpack or climbing harness, where it will be within arms reach, just two button pushes from taking a picture. No worries about it getting wet, or getting banged around and broken, and no case to take it out of; Just grab the camera, press and hold on and press the other (shoot) button.

 

 

Super Small

Perhaps the only thing more impressive than the case itself, is just how small the camera can become if the case isn’t utilized. I took the camera out of its case and put it in a closed fist and couldn’t tell the difference between it and my other empty hand (and I have small hands!) 56 minutes of video in a unit no bigger than a match box car. Nice.

 

Additional Information

GoPro provides a 1 year manufacturer’s warranty on the device. From what we hear they are pretty good about exchanging units. Returns are only accepted for defective or unopened packages.

 

Recommendation

The price is right, and for many applications the GoPro Digital Helmet Hero 3 will meet the needs of many cost conscious consumers.The waterproof rating of 100 feet makes this an ideal unit for scuba diving, kayaking, and surfing. The bomber case provides ample protection from the elements and will ensure the longevity of the unit. GoPro has been manufacturing this for quite a while and has their production quality under control as well. Helmet Camera Central recommends this unit to the cost conscious consumer who is looking for a helmet cam to capture their events and post to YouTube. This unit is not recommended for a videographer or when you are looking for DVD quality video.

Pricing

Helmet Cam Central Price: $169.99
Visit The Shop @ HelmetCameraCentral.com to order one up today.
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We Review AND Sell Helmet Cam Systems. Wha-Wha-What!?!
Some history on us, the blog, and The Shop….In the Fall of 2005, Helmet Camera Central was born as a result of our helmet cam experiences from our video consulting business Two Brothers Video. Helmet Camera Central is a simple resource designed to help people find objective and pertinent information about helmet camera systems. Over the past few years we have tried to review helmet camera systems with an unbiased and objective point of view. Generally, we focus on the functional and usability aspects of helmet camera systems. We have run the gamut of helmet cam systems and know what works and what does not.

The type of reviews we produce are a by-product of our day to day experiences with helmet cam systems. Ease of use, reliability, and quality are at the top of our priority list. The helmet camera systems that we chose to Recommend and Sell at The Shop were chosen for a very good reason: They rock! If a review seems biased, it is only because we strongly feel that particular product is worthy of our bias! There are quite a few systems out there, and the ones we recommend generally provide the most elegant solution and the best return for your investment.

We are always here to answer your questions and help you purchase a helmet camera system that meets your needs. If one of our recommended systems is a fit for you, we hope you will find that The Shop is a trusted storefront to supply your helmet cam equipment. If our recommended systems do not fit your needs we will not hesitate to put you in contact with the right vendor to find a solution.