GoPro HD Hero 2 or 3 Discussion!

Adamiam on 03/12/2012 - 13:33

Hey guys!

Since the HD Hero 3 range came out, I have been looking into some of my options for upgrading.
What I have discovered is the HD Hero 2 may be a better purchase than ever!

Firstly, I'd like to point out that the HD Hero 3 range isn't an all over improvement. Comparing it to the mid-range HD Hero 3 (Silver edition):

HD Hero 2 key advantages:

  • Greater battery life
  • Cheaper spare batteries purchasable online - $6ish (eBay)
  • The packs come with more mounts
  • Uses SD cards which are usually cheaper (HD Hero 3 uses micro SD exclusively)

HD Hero 3 Silver edition key advantages:

  • Comes with inbuilt WiFi (about a $90 attachment for HD Hero 2)
  • Housing it comes with has a flat lens (needed for underwater footage - $70 attachment for HD Hero 2)
  • Slightly better video quality, but same resolution/frame rates as the HD Hero 2
  • Smaller form factor
  • Better audio

What is important to note is that the smaller form factor and better audio won't be major improvements for most people, as the camera is fairly small as it is and often mounted anyway. Audio from the camera isn't as important, as usually the action is primarily visual and you can always accompany with background music.

Currently, the HD Hero 2 in one of the packs (Outdoor, motorsport, surf) is around $80-90 cheaper than HD Hero 3 Silver edition. This can represent even further cost savings if you are buying the cheap batteries and cheap SD cards, and you won't have to purchase as many mounts separately.

So, my advice:

If you are looking for an action camera, the HD Hero 2 is currently a great cheap alternative and still very relevant. You will save a lot of money buying this camera over the HD Hero 3.

However, if you are interested in doing a lot of underwater footage or you'd like to use the GoPro app (streaming video to the app via WiFi) then I'd recommend the HD Hero 3 silver edition, as these attachments for the HD Hero 2 will cost you a similar amount to just buying an HD Hero 3 (silver).

I have a quick 2 min video review at the moment where I review the HD Hero 2 and then compare it at the end to the HD Hero 3. The comparison I have posted here is more detailed however.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Il9pJ…

It is my entry for a competition, so if you find the 30 seconds or so that it takes to vote, and vote for me (Adam H), that would be greatly appreciated :) http://tinyurl.com/voteadamh

tl;dr
If you want a great action camera, and won't be filming underwater or using the GoPro app, then buy the HD Hero 2 and save yourself a lot of money, Ozbargain style.

If you have any questions, I'm happy to answer them!

Electrical & Electronics GoPro Video Camera

Comments

  • Paul Atreides on 03/12/2012 - 15:33

    I have a hero hd2, low light noise performance is alright for it, if you could do a noise comparison for both, thatd be cool :D

    • Paul Atreides on 03/12/2012 - 15:34

      should add that i think its best @ 960 30fps or 720 30fps/50fps

      • Adamiam on 03/12/2012 - 21:21

        Hi there :) I currently don't have any HD Hero 3 camera, but I plan on purchasing the Black one as I don't think it's worth upgrading to any of the others if you already have an HD Hero 2 that serves all your needs.

        However, I had a look for some comparison videos for you :)
        http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1rsw5njJHk
        This one shows the HD Hero 3 and 2 in a range of situations for you to check the light out on.
        I will say though, videos uploaded to YouTube tend to diminish the noise effect, so it's not as obvious on YouTube clips. The HD Hero 3 definitely seems to perform better in the low light however.

        As for the recording mode, a low shutter speed is best at night so you can get more light. I tend to film at 720p at 60fps, but will lower to 30fps for night footage.

  • rdomain on 04/12/2012 - 09:56

    I have the Gopro 2 which I use for mountain biking and scuba diving mostly. The weakest link for me is filming my night dives. Lots of added noise to the image. Has anyone done a comparison with extreme low light conditions? I already have aftermarket water lenses etc so that part isn't an issue.

    • Adamiam on 04/12/2012 - 11:42

      I have filmed night dives before and had a similar issue. Obviously, the best set up will be a photo light setup (not focused torches) but these are expensive.

      I found a comparison of very low lighting levels, but the problem is YouTube does a really good job of hiding the noise.
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDwlaBawfNk
      In their particularly dark examples, we can see noise in both images, but the Hero 3 at least captures more light, which may make noise less of an issue.
      The other alternative is using software in post production to decrease the effect of any noise. Here is an example:
      http://www.redgiantsoftware.com/products/all/denoiser-II/

      • rdomain on 04/12/2012 - 13:26

        Yes, I've only been using a focused torch. I don't think I'm up for splurging on a photo light setup :-/ Post software could be an option. Cheers for the link. I'll have a suss.

        • Adamiam on 05/12/2012 - 13:07

          Yeah I know what you mean, the photo light setups are so expensive!
          The thing about the focused torch though is that you have part of the image being so bright, and the rest so dark. So noise is fairly understandable in these situations.

          You might have more luck with the most recent firmware update.

        • rdomain on 05/12/2012 - 17:17

          Oh ok. Didn't know about new firmware. I'll get onto that. I found with filming with the torch at night, that your subject is way better off axis from the main bean because that just turns into white light (overexposed). Aim the beam to the side of the object so the secondary light from your torch beam lights it. Doesn't help noise but handy to take note of at least.

          Cheers.

  • rockbottom on 06/12/2012 - 13:21

    I sold my old GoPro a while back, but after reading about wifi connectivity to your phone I looked up some alternatives. Check out the Sony Action Cam. Lot's of comparisons around.

    When I went to JB to buy it, there was another one from JVC which I was told to stay clear of.

  • the hammer88 on 17/12/2012 - 19:15

    I've got one for sale if anyone is interested.

    My listing is here.

    http://www.gumtree.com.au/m-my-ad.html?adId=1011130807

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