Highlights
- The HERO3+ offers a wide 170° FOV, while the HERO5 Black provides a wider 200° FOV.
- The HERO5 Black can record up to 120 minutes of 4K video at 30fps, while the HERO3+ can record up to 100 minutes of 1080p video at 60fps.
- The HERO5 Black has a higher depth rating of 10 meters (33 feet), while the HERO3+ is waterproof up to 40 meters (131 feet).
For adrenaline junkies and adventure enthusiasts, the GoPro has become synonymous with capturing breathtaking footage of their exploits. In the realm of GoPro cameras, the HERO3+ and HERO5 Black stand out as two popular choices for adventure seekers. But which one reigns supreme? In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key differences between the GoPro HERO3+ and HERO5 Black to help you make an informed decision.
Image Quality
The HERO5 Black boasts a significant advantage over the HERO3+ in terms of image quality. It features a 12MP sensor capable of capturing 4K video at 30fps and 12MP still images. The HERO3+, on the other hand, has a 10MP sensor and can only record 1080p video at 60fps and 10MP still images. This difference in resolution is noticeable, especially when viewing footage on large screens or TVs.
Video Stabilization
Video stabilization is crucial for capturing smooth and shake-free footage, and the HERO5 Black excels in this area. It utilizes advanced electronic image stabilization (EIS) and digital image stabilization (DIS) technologies to minimize camera shake and produce stable videos. The HERO3+ also offers EIS, but it is less effective than the HERO5 Black’s system.
Field of View
The field of view (FOV) is another important consideration when choosing a GoPro camera. The HERO3+ offers a wide 170° FOV, while the HERO5 Black provides a wider 200° FOV. This means that the HERO5 Black can capture a broader perspective, which can be beneficial for capturing action-packed scenes or expansive landscapes.
Waterproofing
Both the HERO3+ and HERO5 Black are waterproof, but they differ in their depth ratings. The HERO3+ is waterproof up to 40 meters (131 feet), while the HERO5 Black is waterproof up to 10 meters (33 feet). This difference may not be significant for most users, but it could be a factor if you plan on diving deep underwater.
Battery Life
Battery life is another important consideration for adventure enthusiasts who spend extended periods away from power sources. The HERO5 Black has a slightly longer battery life than the HERO3+. The HERO5 Black can record up to 120 minutes of 4K video at 30fps, while the HERO3+ can record up to 100 minutes of 1080p video at 60fps.
Connectivity
The HERO5 Black offers more advanced connectivity options than the HERO3+. It features built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing you to connect to your smartphone or tablet for easy control and sharing. The HERO3+ also has Wi-Fi, but it does not have Bluetooth connectivity.
Other Features
In addition to the key differences discussed above, the HERO5 Black also offers some additional features that the HERO3+ lacks. These features include:
- Voice control: The HERO5 Black can be controlled using voice commands, making it easy to capture footage hands-free.
- GPS tagging: The HERO5 Black can track your location and add GPS data to your videos and photos.
- Protune mode: Protune mode gives you greater control over your camera settings, allowing you to capture professional-quality footage.
- Night Photo mode: Night Photo mode enhances your photos taken in low-light conditions.
Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Choice
The GoPro HERO3+ and HERO5 Black are both excellent cameras for capturing adventure footage. However, the HERO5 Black offers superior image quality, video stabilization, and connectivity options. If you are looking for the best possible GoPro camera for your adventures, the HERO5 Black is the clear choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which camera is better for capturing high-quality videos?
The HERO5 Black offers superior image quality and video stabilization, making it the better choice for capturing high-quality videos.
2. Can I use both the HERO3+ and HERO5 Black underwater?
Yes, both the HERO3+ and HERO5 Black are waterproof. The HERO5 Black has a higher depth rating of 10 meters (33 feet), while the HERO3+ is waterproof up to 40 meters (131 feet).
3. Which camera has a wider field of view?
The HERO5 Black has a wider 200° field of view compared to the HERO3+’s 170° field of view.
4. Does the HERO5 Black have Bluetooth connectivity?
Yes, the HERO5 Black features built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, while the HERO3+ only has Wi-Fi connectivity.
5. Which camera is better for low-light photography?
The HERO5 Black’s Night Photo mode enhances your photos taken in low-light conditions, making it the better choice for low-light photography.