GoPro has become quite a major name in the domain of cameras specifically built to capture action. The devices made by the company have proven to be a hit amongst adventure enthusiasts, athletes and many other users who could not otherwise record good quality footage using traditional cameras.
The GoPro Hero 3 Plus has been around for some time now and is widely considered as one of the best action cameras available. Recently this year, GoPro has launched another model, the GoPro Hero 4 with improved capabilities and many added features. This article will take a brief look at how these devices stand against each other.
Both the Hero 3 Plus and the Hero 4 provide 4K video recording capabilities. While the Hero 3 Plus can only record 4K videos at a frame rate of 15 fps, the later model has multiple options for 4K video recording at 24 fps, 30 fps and 35 fps. There is also a super-view 4K mode for the Go Pro 4, which enables 4K recording at 25 fps. Other resolutions that the Hero 3 Plus supports are 2.7K at rates of 30fps, 1440p at rates of 48 fps, 1080p at rates of 60 fps, 960p at rates of 100 fps and 720p at frame rates of 120 fps. The Hero 4 also supports the same resolutions, but at better frame rates. It supports recording at 2.7k at rates of 50 fps, 1440p at rates of 80 fps, 1080p at rates of 120 fps and 960p and 720p at frame rates of 120 fps. This essentially amounts to the Hero 4 providing better high definition video recording than the Hero 3 plus.
In terms of capturing photos, both these devices can capture images at 12MP. Both devices feature burst modes of 30fps with a fixed aperture of f/2.8. Additional capabilities provided by both models include night mode, night lapse and time lapse features. Both devices are exactly the same when it comes to capturing images. However, the company insists that the GoPro 4 provides better quality both in terms of capturing videos and images and provides for faster frame rates. The GoPro 4 is also equipped with a more powerful processor than its predecessor.
The GoPro 4 also features Bluetooth connection options in addition to Wi-Fi as earlier providedby the GoPro 3 Plus. The GoPro 4 also provides for many additional features over and above those found in the prior model including ProTune, HiLight tagging features and adjustable FOV settings. The model also features a back screen, which can be custom set to frame shots and decide on settings and also allows playback on tablets and laptops without the need to connect the devices.
In terms of retail pricing, the GoPro Hero 3 Plus starts at $299. The Black edition of the GoPro 4 starts at $499 and there is also a silver edition which is cheaper at $399.
All in all, the GoPro 4 provides for faster and better recording qualities and also boasts of a variety of features not present in the GoPro 3. For many users, the added functionality is good enough to consider an upgrade to the latest model.