Which is better GoPro Hero 3 or 4?

Q: Is the Hero 3 still a good camera?

Theres no denying the very good quality of both the Hero 3s video and still images, which are saved from the video footage. With little option to mount floodlights, the camera was a challenge inside wrecks and on night dives, but you can buy handheld units that allow you to mount lights.

Q: Are GoPro 3 and 4 the same size?

Dimensions. The size and shape of GoPro cameras havent changed much in recent years. All of these actioncams have the same nude dimensions (thats when not in a protective housing) of 41 x 59 x 21/30 mm. The two depth measurements vary depending on whether the protruding lens is taken into account.

Table of Contents Show

Is the Hero 3 still a good camera?
Is GoPro 4 still good?
Are GoPro 3 and 4 batteries the same?
Are GoPro 3 and 4 the same size?

The new GoPro Hero 4 was released on the 5th October 2014.

[UPDATE: GoPro have released the Hero 7 Black Edition. You can find more about it here.]

The new Hero 4 is available in two varieties the Black Edition and Silver Edition. The Hero 3+ Silver and Hero 3 White editions still form part of the range. A new lower spec Hero is also available.

The form factor of the Hero 4 remains the same as the 3 and 3+ with some slight alterations. This includes a change to the front LCD information screen that now houses the status and connection LEDs. The battery has also changed in both spec and shape!

This clearly means that batteries and external battery chargers for the Hero 3 or 3+ range will not work with the Hero 4.

The remote now called the Smart Remote along with the battery Bacpac (15% more power) have had an upgrade but are backwards compatible with the Hero 3 and 3+ series.

Using the specs gathered from various sources Unsponsored has created the following comparison chart. Details of the new Hero 4 Black, Hero 4 Silver, Hero 3+ Black, Hero 3 White and Hero editions have been listed.

The front button of the Hero 4 switches the camera on/off and allows you to select the shooting options – video, stills etc just like the Hero 3/3+. The side button (which is slightly larger than the the Hero 3+ version) on the Hero 4 allows you to change current settings very quickly. On the Hero 3+ this button switches wifi on/off. The top button has the same function as the previous GoPro cameras.

The case of the Hero 4 is very similar to the case of the Hero 3+. All of the cases including the blackout version can accept the 4, 3+ or 3 series cameras.

The GoPro 4 silver edition of the camera includes an integrated LCD screen. You may want to consider whether or not this feature is something that you would use. I already have a LCD Bacpac which works perfectly with the Black Edition but have rarely used it.

The Micro SD cards used in the Hero 3, 3+ and 4 editions need to be carefully selected depending on whether or not you intend to use 4k, 2.7k or certain other settings. For some thoughts on the best micro SD cards for and of the GoPro action cameras check out my write up here.

I have a fair bit of GoPro kit and to maximise its use I also have a range of must have accessories

Is the Hero 3 still a good camera?

There's no denying the very good quality of both the Hero 3's video and still images, which are saved from the video footage. With little option to mount floodlights, the camera was a challenge inside wrecks and on night dives, but you can buy handheld units that allow you to mount lights.

Is GoPro 4 still good?

The GoPro Hero4 Silver Camera is a great camera for veterans and beginners alike, and the much more in-depth Night Photo and Low-Light Modes are a welcome addition. There are some design missteps, and it's clear GoPro went the video capture and image route.

Are GoPro 3 and 4 batteries the same?

The battery has also changed in both spec and shape! This clearly means that batteries and external battery chargers for the Hero 3 or 3+ range will not work with the Hero 4.

Are GoPro 3 and 4 the same size?

Dimensions. The size and shape of GoPro cameras haven't changed much in recent years. All of these actioncams have the same nude dimensions (that's when not in a protective housing) of 41 x 59 x 21/30 mm. The two depth measurements vary depending on whether the protruding lens is taken into account.