The blockbuster model that popularized GoPro
GoPro HERO3
The GoPro HERO3 series is the breakout model that made GoPro a household name in action cameras. It offers compact size and high-quality video recording.
Key Features of the GoPro HERO3
Product Lineup
GoPro HERO3 Black
Supported Formats
- 4K15fps
- 2.7K30fps
- 1440p48fps
- 1080p60fps
- 12.00MP
Camera Specifications
- Released Date
- 2012/12/5
- Chipset
- Image Sensor Size
- 1/2.3”
- Aperture
- f/2.8
- Stabilization
- 10 Bit Color
- x
- Loop Recording
- ✔
- Live Streaming
- x
- Waterproof
- 60m
- Max Storage Size
- 64GB
- Body Size
- 59 * 40.5 * 30 mm
- Weight
- 73g
Successor Model GoPro HERO3+ Black
GoPro HERO3 Silver
Supported Formats
- 1080p30fps
- 960p48fps
- 720p60fps
- 480p120fps
- 11.00MP
Camera Specifications
- Released Date
- 2012/12/5
- Chipset
- Image Sensor Size
- 1/2.3”
- Aperture
- f/2.8
- Stabilization
- 10 Bit Color
- x
- Loop Recording
- ✔
- Live Streaming
- x
- Waterproof
- 60m
- Max Storage Size
- 64GB
- Body Size
- 59 * 40.5 * 30 mm
- Weight
- 73g
Successor Model GoPro HERO3+ Silver
GoPro HERO3 White
Supported Formats
- 1080p30fps
- 960p30fps
- 720p60fps
- 480p60fps
- 5.00MP
Camera Specifications
- Released Date
- 2012/12/5
- Chipset
- Image Sensor Size
- 1/2.5”
- Aperture
- f/2.8
- Stabilization
- 10 Bit Color
- x
- Loop Recording
- ✔
- Live Streaming
- x
- Waterproof
- 60m
- Max Storage Size
- 64GB
- Body Size
- 59 * 40.5 * 30 mm
- Weight
- 73g
Successor Model GoPro HERO3+ Silver
Features
Three Models: White, Silver, and Black
Previously, GoPro offered only a main model, but with the HERO3, it introduced three different models with varying specs and prices for the first time. This lineup—White, Silver, and Black—continued intermittently through the HERO7 series, appealing not only to professional users but also to casual users who wanted to upload videos to social media.
The differences between editions can be identified by the color of the "3" on the HERO3 body.
Compact Yet Capable of 4K Recording
The GoPro HERO3 supported 4K video recording at 15fps. While 15fps resulted in somewhat choppy footage, the fact that such a small camera could record in 4K was quite a surprise at the time of its release.