Choosing the right action camera can be a daunting task, especially when you’re weighing two titans like the GoPro Hero4 and the GoPro Hero 3. Both have left their mark on the adventure videography scene, offering incredible capabilities for capturing life’s most thrilling moments.
If you’re an aspiring filmmaker or a seasoned adventurer looking to upgrade your gear, understanding the nuances between these two popular models is crucial. We’ll dive deep into their features, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
Get ready to discover which of these GoPro legends truly deserves a spot in your kit. Let’s break down the GoPro Hero4 versus the GoPro Hero 3 and see which one comes out on top for your needs.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | GoPro HERO4 | HERO 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Video Resolution | 4K30, 2.7K60, 1080p120 | 1080p60, 720p120 |
| Photo Resolution | 12MP | 5MP |
| Frame Rate (1080p) | Up to 120fps | Up to 60fps |
| Low-Light Performance | Improved | Standard |
| Image Stabilization | Digital | No |
| Field of View | Ultra Wide | Ultra Wide |
| Waterproof Depth (with housing) | 131ft (40m) | 131ft (40m) |
| Built-in Wi-Fi/Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Audio Quality | Enhanced | Standard |
| Processor | Newer, faster | Older |
| Burst Photo | 30fps / 1 sec | 10fps / 1 sec |
| Battery Type | Rechargeable Lithium-ion | Rechargeable Lithium-ion |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Video Resolution & Frame Rates
- Gopro Hero4: Offers significantly improved video capabilities, including 4K at 30fps, 2.7K at 60fps, and 1080p at 120fps. This allows for incredibly detailed footage and smooth slow-motion playback. The higher frame rates are a major advantage for action shots.
- Hero 3: While still capable, its top-end resolution was 4K at 15fps, which was often considered too low for practical use. It offered 1080p at 60fps, which was good but not as versatile as the Hero4’s higher frame rates.
- Winner: gopro hero4
Image Sensor & Quality
- Gopro Hero4: Features a larger and more advanced image sensor, resulting in better low-light performance, improved dynamic range, and sharper images. Colors are more vibrant and details are more pronounced, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
- Hero 3: Had a decent sensor for its time, producing good quality images in bright conditions. However, it struggled more in low light, often producing noisy or washed-out footage compared to the Hero4.
- Winner: gopro hero4
Processor & Performance
- Gopro Hero4: Equipped with a more powerful processor, enabling faster processing of video and stills, quicker startup times, and smoother overall operation. This also contributes to the ability to handle higher resolutions and frame rates without dropped frames.
- Hero 3: Its processor was adequate for its features but could be a bottleneck when pushing its limits, especially with higher resolutions. It sometimes exhibited slight lag or stuttering in demanding scenarios.
- Winner: gopro hero4
Audio Quality
- Gopro Hero4: Features a significant upgrade in audio recording capabilities with improved microphones and processing. It captures clearer, richer audio with less wind noise, making voiceovers and ambient sounds more discernible.
- Hero 3: Audio was a known weakness of the Hero 3, often described as tinny and prone to wind noise. While it captured sound, it lacked the clarity and depth of later models.
- Winner: gopro hero4
Low Light Performance
- Gopro Hero4: Demonstrates a marked improvement in low-light shooting. The larger sensor and better image processing allow it to capture usable footage in dimly lit environments with less noise and better detail retention.
- Hero 3: Struggled considerably in low light. Images would quickly become noisy, and colors would desaturate, making it less ideal for indoor or nighttime activities without external lighting.
- Winner: gopro hero4
Battery Life
- Gopro Hero4: Offers slightly improved battery life over the Hero 3 in many common shooting modes, though still a point of contention for extended use. Higher resolutions and frame rates can still drain the battery quickly.
- Hero 3: Battery life was generally considered adequate but not exceptional. Users often found themselves needing spare batteries for longer shooting sessions, especially when using higher-end settings.
- Winner: gopro hero4
User Interface & Display
- Gopro Hero4: Introduced a more refined user interface and often came with a better rear LCD screen (depending on the specific Hero4 model), making navigation and playback easier. The menu system was more intuitive.
- Hero 3: Had a more basic interface and often relied on a separate LCD BacPac for viewing. Navigating menus could be less straightforward, and the absence of a built-in screen on some models was a drawback.
- Winner: gopro hero4
Durability & Waterproofing
- Gopro Hero4: Maintains GoPro’s reputation for ruggedness and waterproofing. It comes in a robust housing that is waterproof to 40 meters (131 feet) without any additional casing.
- Hero 3: Also features excellent durability and waterproofing with its included housing, capable of reaching the same depth. Both cameras are built to withstand harsh environments.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Video Quality | GoPro HERO4 |
| Frame Rates | GoPro HERO4 |
| Low Light Performance | GoPro HERO4 |
| Durability | Tie |
| Ease of Use (Basic) | Tie |
| Connectivity | Tie |
| Value for Money | HERO 3 |
What They Have in Common
- Waterproof Design: Both cameras are designed to be waterproof up to 131 feet (40 meters) when used with their protective housing, making them ideal for aquatic adventures.
- Durable Build: They share a rugged construction, built to withstand the bumps, drops, and harsh conditions that come with action sports and outdoor activities.
- Wide-Angle Lens: Both models feature a super-wide-angle lens, allowing for immersive shots that capture a broad field of view.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth allow for easy connection to smartphones and tablets for remote control, viewing, and sharing of content.
- Mounting System: They utilize GoPro’s standard mounting system, ensuring compatibility with a vast array of accessories and mounts for versatile placement.
- Rechargeable Battery: Both cameras are powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, providing power for recording sessions.
GoPro Hero4 vs Hero 3 Buying Guide
Performance and Features
The Hero4 represents a significant leap in performance, boasting higher frame rates at 4K resolution and improved low-light capabilities. Its advanced image processor delivers sharper footage and better dynamic range. If you prioritize cutting-edge video quality and the ability to capture incredibly smooth slow-motion, the Hero4 is the clear choice. For most casual users, however, the Hero 3’s performance might still be more than adequate. (See Also: Demeyere 5 Plus Vs Atlantis )
Durability and Design
Both cameras share GoPro’s signature rugged and waterproof design, making them suitable for extreme sports and adventurous conditions. The core build quality and waterproofing are largely consistent between the Hero 3 and Hero 4. You won’t find a dramatic difference in their ability to withstand the elements. Therefore, design and durability shouldn’t be a primary deciding factor when choosing between these two models.
Ease of Use and Connectivity
GoPro has consistently refined its user interface, and the Hero 4 offers a slightly more intuitive menu system and faster Wi-Fi for app connectivity. However, the Hero 3 is by no means difficult to operate, and its companion app remains functional. If you’re looking for the absolute latest in user experience and quicker file transfers, the Hero 4 has an edge. Otherwise, the Hero 3 is perfectly user-friendly.
Price and Value
The Hero 3, being an older model, is significantly more affordable, especially if you can find it on sale or refurbished. The Hero 4, while offering superior features, comes at a higher price point. For budget-conscious buyers or those who don’t require the absolute best in resolution and frame rates, the Hero 3 offers excellent value for money. Consider your budget and your specific needs carefully. (See Also: Nikon 50 1 8 Vs 1 4 )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy GoPro HERO4 If…
- You need the absolute best video quality and frame rates for professional or high-end amateur use.
- You plan on doing a lot of slow-motion footage with excellent clarity.
- You want improved low-light performance and better overall image processing.
- You require advanced features like Protune for greater control over image settings.
Buy HERO 3 If…
- You’re on a tighter budget but still want a capable action camera.
- Your primary needs are for standard HD video recording and photo capture.
- You don’t require the absolute highest frame rates or advanced low-light capabilities.
- You’re new to action cameras and want a solid entry-level option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest difference in video quality?
The Hero 4 generally offers superior video quality, particularly at higher resolutions like 4K and 1080p, with higher frame rates enabling smoother slow-motion. It also features improved low-light performance and better dynamic range, resulting in sharper, more vibrant footage compared to the Hero 3.
Is the Hero 4 significantly better for slow motion?
Yes, the Hero 4 excels in slow-motion capabilities. It can record at higher frame rates at resolutions like 1080p and even 720p, allowing for much more detailed and fluid slow-motion playback. The Hero 3 offers decent slow-motion, but the Hero 4 takes it to another level.
Can I still get accessories for the Hero 3?
Absolutely. While the Hero 4 has been out for a while, there’s still a vast ecosystem of accessories available for the Hero 3. Mounts, batteries, dive housings, and other add-ons are widely compatible with both models, ensuring you can expand the functionality of either camera. (See Also: Samsung Pro Vs Evo 850 )
Which camera is better for beginners?
For absolute beginners on a tight budget, the Hero 3 can be a fantastic starting point. It’s simpler to operate and still delivers great footage. However, if your budget allows, the Hero 4’s slightly more refined interface and advanced features might offer a more rewarding long-term experience without being overly complex.
Is the Hero 4 worth the upgrade from a Hero 3?
If you’re a serious videographer, content creator, or demand the absolute best in image quality and slow-motion, then yes, the Hero 4 is likely worth the upgrade. For casual users who primarily shoot in 1080p, the difference might not be dramatic enough to justify the cost.
Final Verdict
The GoPro Hero 4 stands out as the superior action camera, offering significant advancements in video quality, frame rates, low-light performance, and user experience. While the Hero 3 remains a capable device and a great budget option, the Hero 4 provides a more professional and feature-rich experience for those who demand the best. For most users looking for the latest and greatest in action camera technology, the Hero 4 is the clear winner.
Winner: GoPro Hero4