GoPro HERO3 vs GoPro HERO2 vs Sony Action Camera HDR-AS15 Comparison Specs
Everyone and their mother seems to be stoked about GoPro’s recent announcement of their latest and greatest GoPro HERO 3 Black Edition action camera, but what does this all translate to for those of us who committed to purchasing the GoPro HERO2
Before you go running to eBay to sell your new step child, let’s take a look at what the HERO 3 really has over the other two action camera contenders.
Below is a basic specification break down comparison:
GoPro HERO3 vs GoPro HERO2 vs Sony Action Camera HDR-AS15
A very exciting feature that can be used with both the HERO 2 and 3 is ProTune (CLICK HERE). This firmware offers higher bit-rates and flat cine style image curves that are better suited for post-processing. When you shoot with a very flat color space, you have more latitude to push in post. Very cool, GoPro!
Also for those of you (like myself) who have been waiting, Wi-Fi Bac Pac and Remote in-hand, impatiently for the release of the FREE GoPro App, it is now available. CLICK HERE
Below are two GoPro videos. One shows results with ProTunes (left) and the other is the official GoPro HERO 3 video from GoPro. Expand both to see them in a larger window.
Another add-on option to the GoPro HERO 3 is the touch LCD backpack. This option allows the ability to control the camera via touchscreen and also adds a 3.5mm headphone jack. GoPro has yet to specify the exact capabilities of the LCD backpack so it remains unclear whether this is solely for viewing or if the LCD touchscreen will be capable of monitoring recording.
A Comparison Chart for all 3 of the New GoPro HERO 3 Camera options can be found by CLICKING HERE.
Thanks Olivia for thoses interstings infos.
The micros abilities are seldom compared, do you have any specs for the sound part ?
@Lew There is a spec on the audio for all of the cameras. What did you want to know?
The internal microphone from the GoPro Hero2 was horrible. I’ve mave a DIY external micro with a windcutter, and it’s perfect now !
If I switch to the gopro3, will the new internal stereo mic will be okay ? Can we here something with the houssing ?
Why did they made this useless “frame” houssing ? Please GoPro, make a new skeleton houssing !
@Lex Native audio from action cams remains to be a losing battle. I have not been able to shoot with the GoPro HERO 3 as of yet, I’ll keep you posted when I do!
Thanks for the info Olivia! I think I will pre-order the black edition strait away. Looking at that picture of the housing it looks as if it will do much better under water as well!!
Keep up the good work.
Nice comparing of specs. Just wish the Android version of the WIFI APP was out too.
The Sony is only $300 here in Canada while the Hero3 Black will be retailing for $450. A Hero2 is currently $350 and the wifi kit is $160…makes the Hero3 Black seem reasonably priced even with the north of the border mark ups.
I’m very impressed with the Hero3 specs but one thing which I’ve never been overly impressed with is GoPros time to market. With the amount of time I waited for ProTune and the Wifi App, I doubt I’ll see one in the flesh until next year except maybe at a trade show.
The promise of being able to control multiple cameras from my iPad (yet another feature we’re waiting for) will likely keep me a loyal GoPro user and not jump to Sony…unless it’s proven that the Steadyshot Zeiss lens is a game changer compared to the Hero3.
The SONY lens may not be a game changes, but the backlit CMOS (Exmor-R) sure is. There is nothing GoPro can do to compete in this form factor, other than using the same style chip… and they don’t.
Any of them will work fine in bright lighting, but the SONY will be far superior in marginal conditions.
I’ve got a question for you… given that right now both the Hero 2 and Hero 3 white are being sold at the same price (hero 2 on clearance obviously), which would you spring for? The Hero 3 has WiFi and the smaller packaging, but is image quality significantly worse than the Hero 2?
@Chris I honestly would spend a little more and get the HERO 3. The newest version is supposed to be way better than the 2. I say go for it. It’s an investment and if you’re using the camera, it’ll be worth it in the end.
Hi Olivia!
What about differences between GoPro Black and Silver?
I think I’m either buying HERO3 Silver or HERO2 Outdoor Edition since they seem to have quite the same specs. Or do you think?
GoPro Black is probably too heavy on my wallet right now, so if either of those two above-mentioned models are even close to the Black one, I would be very happy.
@Sonja There is about a $100 difference between the GoPro HERO 2 and the HERO 3 Silver Edition. What will you be shooting with your GoPro? What capabilities do you NEED? Let’s go from there.. I almost think the White Edition might be your best bet depending on what you’re looking for specifically.
I’m having the same debate —- is the main difference size and wifi? Walmart has a deal for Cyber Monday for $199 including a free 32GB card – this deal is hard to beat imo.
@Jason The new slimmer profile and the Wi-Fi are stand-outs, yes. The HERO 3 also has a new UI and is 30% smaller and 25% lighter. The HERO 3 White Edition also has the completely redesigned HERO3 flat-lens waterproof housing for sharpness both above and below water. You do not have the 120fps option with the HERO 3 White Edition though.
Using the go pro to shoot amusic video with action sequences (think longboarding)…plus night scenes. I can’t figure out which edition to get. The hero3 black edition tech reviews say its amazing but then when I read the reviews on best buy of people have actually bought and used it, they repeatedly say the software freezes and the wifi doesn’t connect (and the software won’t be ready for another month or more). It’s between the hero2 or hero 3 white silver and black…and I have no idea bc the reviews are all over the place. I don’t want t get the white when the silver is better, and so on. But I also don’t want to pay more for the ‘new’ version if the hero2 actually works glitch free…help! I need to buy tomorrow and am lost. Thanks!
@Victoria Did you purchase the GoPro already? In my opinion, I say go with the 3. Check the specs and see what you actually NEED. I’d avoid shelling out top price for the black if you will not be using all of the features. If you’re just recording for a music video and not using the Wi-Fi right off the bat, I wouldn’t worry too much about this. Little bugs are always fixed with firmware updates later on when a brand new product is released such as the HERO 3 with all of its brand new features.
Have never done this type of work, just straight stills with a lot of sports. Looking at getting one of these for the lens hood and adding some Video – especially Slo-Mo video – of close-in shots under the rim in basketball. High School gyms I’m shooting at ISO800-1600 f/2.0 to f.2,8. How does this new “better in low light” model work under these conditions?
@Dan I’ve found the Sony Action Cam to perform best in low lighting situations, the Sony also has Image Stabilization. Personally I feel like the GoPro HERO 3 gives you the most for the cost of the actual unit. The HERO 3 does have sufficient low light capabilities to shoot in a school gym during a game.
Hi Olivia, I was going to ask you about the Image Stabilisation which was not mentioned on your review and comparison. I want to shoot freestyle skiing, this is a very action movement sports where you are constantly bouncing up and down on moguls depending on the terrain beneath you. I like the GoPro hero 3 but it seems like the IS of the Sony could be a must when you shoot this kind of sports. what do you reckon?
@Santi The GoPro’s do not have IS, however with the Black Edition, there is more information for you to correct in post. The Sony Action cam does have IS. I’d watch some YouTube videos and see for yourself if you like the look of the Sony or the GoPro. Also, check out some post IS correction on the GoPro and see if it’s something you’d be up to doing yourself.
Olivia,
Good evening.
Which camera should I use if I’m looking to just shoot video while performing tough mudder races??
Would the hero 2 be sufficient?
Thank you
@Reben I honestly think that any of the cameras will do for simple shooting in wet and dirty environments like a mud race. The real question is what capabilities do you truly need to utilize? The HERO 3 is the biggest and baddest toy of all of these options, but the price point is pretty high. Check out the white edition of the GoPro HERO3, the price is right for the new form factor and might be sufficient for what you need from your action camera.
I see the GoPRO HERO 3 at $199 but also see the GoPRO HERO 2 Outdoor edition at $199. As a first timer with this kind of camera, I like all the mounting options that come with the HERO 2 Outdoor. I can’t find much detail on what mounting choices come with the HERO 3. Your thoughts or recommendation.
@John What type of mount are you looking for in particular? On GoPro’s page, under each edition of the HERO 3, you can find what comes in the box. Here are some other options, none are too expensive on Amazon: GoPro Handlebar Seatpost Mount, GoPro Tripod Mount, GoPro Camera Helmet Front Mount for HD Hero Camera
Hi. I really dont know anything about these cameras so I’ve been trying to research everything, but still not sure what to get. basically I am looking to buy my boyfriend his first gopro and I’m not sure where to start. He will use it in the desert on his quad and snow boarding as well. I know all the 2′s are on sale but wondering if the 3 is still the way to go? Or if I should save the 200$ price difference and get the 2? Just looking for opinions. Thank you!
@Julie The GoPro HERO 3 White Edition should be sufficient for what you’ve detailed in regards to his usage. I would suggest getting the HERO 3 White because it’s the newer camera that has the slimmer form factor and improved specs, even at the basics. The HERO 3 also has a new UI and is 30% smaller and 25% lighter. The HERO 3 White Edition has a completely redesigned HERO3 flat-lens waterproof housing for sharpness both above and below water. You do not have the 120fps option with the HERO 3 White Edition though. Currently it is the same price point as the older HERO 2. That’s my two cents! I think he’ll like the shinier HERO 3 and what it has to offer.
Hello. I am new into the world of these specific cameras.
I am looking to get a camera which can be used for multiple purposes. We will be attaching it to a car for driving purpose, mostly just daily driving to help lower insurance, but also occasionally for recreational driving. We are also hoping to take it with us on a trip where we will be doing some hiking, biking, and diving. I was wondering what would be best for a situation like this.
There is no price difference between the GoPro Hero3 white edition and the GoPro Hero2, and only a 100 dollar difference between the GOPro Hero2 Outdoor edition and the GoPro Hero3 silver edition. What do you think would be the best way to go? I don’t think we really need the Black edition but I am not sure. Thank you.
@Kay For what you’re describing I don’t really think you need the Black Edition either unless you want to trigger the camera remotely and really push your footage in post. I always suggest going with the HERO 3 at this point over the 2 for the new form factor and the added specs, even at the white edition model. There are a few features, mostly in the video capture frame rates and photo burst modes, between the silver and the white. If you don’t need variable options on the slow motion side of your shooting and don’t need more than 5 megapixels /10 photos per second for burst mode, then the white should suffice. There is more room to expand with the HERO 3 as well when compared to the 2. I’d go HERO 3 White for you, but double check all of the specs to be certain that what you NEED is there.
I am also trying to decide on a GoPro purchase. What would you recommend for scuba diving, HERO 2, HERO 3 and which edition? Thank you!
@LeAnne I will recommend the HERO 3 over the 2 at this point due to the new slimmer and lighter form factor and all of the added specs, even at the white edition option. It’s really about what you need and will actually use with your GoPro. If you’re doing basic shooting and won’t be pushing your video footage much in post, the white or silver really should be fine for your needs. If you don’t need the 11 megapixel / 10 frames per second burst, the white at 5MP / 3 fps Burst will save you 100 bucks. Check with the specs and really narrow down what you need is my best suggestion. All will be killer for scuba diving though.
Olivia, I’m debating whether to buy my husband the GoPro Hero2 Outdoor edition or the GoPro Hero3 Silver. Basically he wants it to mount on his sandrail while he’s out driving around thru the Imperial Sand Dunes (Glamis). The Black edition is too pricey for me right now. Which one do you think I should go with?
@Dory I say go for the GoPro HERO 3 Silver. The new form factor and the newly added specs are worth it. GoPro may also have firmware updates that could increase the capabilities of the 3 later on, where the HERO 2 might be at its peak. I do think he’ll like the 3 better also. I hope this helps!
Thanks so much Olivia! This really helps. Merry Christmas!
Olivia,
I am trying to decide between the Hero 3 Silver and the Hero 3 White (was considering the 2, but think you have it narrowed down to these choices for me) for both my husband and our 21 year old son. Can you explain, in non-tekkie terms, the differences between the 2? What would be the advantages of getting the silver over the white, and is it worth the extra money? Just as an aside, the cameras will be used while biking, racing cars, snorkeling, wake boarding, snowboarding, etc.
Thanks for your help!
@Kim If you don’t need the 11 megapixel resolution for taking 10 pictures per second in burst mode, then the GoPro HERO3 white edition at 5 megapixel resolution at 3 pictures per second will save you 100 bucks. This is probably the biggest difference between the Silver and White. Check with the specs and really narrow down what you actually need. For simple shooting of the activities you listed, the white edition should do just fine.
Thanks Olivia
This was the question I needed an answer to as well. Getting hubby one for Christmas, which he’ll use for biking and surfing.
Do all the various mounts I’ll need come with the White?
@Jodie Whichever retailer you purchase from should list the accessories that the white version comes with. Sometimes it varies depending on the seller, so I advise that you double check.
Great – thanks!
I am looking at the GoPro strictly to mount on a bow and/or rifle scope. I’m wondering which camera is best for this purpose.
@Anita I would go for the smaller and lighter GoPro HERO3. The 2 might be pretty bulky for this application. If you don’t need all the bells and whistles, the silver or white should do just fine. The silver gives you a faster burst mode at a higher resolution. If you find that you will not need that feature, I’d go for the white.
Olivia,
finally… 
I’m approaching my first GoPro purchase.
I will mainly use for skiing and motorsport activities, not much more…
Shall i go for the Hero2 or hero3?
And among the Hero3 versions, which one is more appropriate for this usage?
Cheers!!
R
@RobiRitz At this point you can get the smaller and lighter GoPro HERO 3 at a respectable price point in the silver or white version. The newest version has its perks, beyond the form factor, it has improved image quality and should perform better in low light. If you’re doing the straight forward shooting of action sports, I’d go silver or white. If you want the added remote and Protune package for more intricate post work, the black edition might suit you better. The silver give you more frames per second in burst mode at a higher resolution. If you don’t need this feature, go white.
I’m looking at a gopro for my husband for xmas. He mainly wants it to use for my sons motocross and snocross races. I found a GOPRO HIGH DEFINITION HERO2 11MP MOTORSPORTS EDITION or should I go with the Hero 3 white edition? This is all so confusing!!
@Trina There are definite differences between the GoPro HERO2 and HERO3. I would suggets the GoPro HERO3 since the form factor is smaller, lighter and all-around updated. The image quality between the HERO2 and HERO3 Silver seems to be about the same but there are some noticeable differences. I’ll actually be publishing a blog post about this later on today, hopefully this can help you decide. One more thing to consider is this, will he need to push the footage in post or will he be doing simple edits and uploads? If he really needs to get the most out of his footage, the HERO 3 will give him more information to work with. If he just needs a basic action camera, the HERO3 silver will suffice.
Hi my son wants a camera to make music videos of his songs. we are tossing up between Gopro and Sony Action Cam. What would you suggest? He doesn’t need the audio component as it will be laid down seperately. Also do any of them come with editing software?
@Scott I would go GoPro HERO3 Black Edition if you can afford the extra hundred bucks. The Black Edition will give him the ability to get the most out of his footage in post production. The HERO3 Black Edition will also offer him the ability to remote into the camera, it has the best low light performance or all three cameras and it comes with Protune, this will allow him to shoot his video very flat and then introduce any added color that he may want to, later on in post production. He can also opt to buy the LCD Touch Screen later on so he can visually see what he is shooting.
Dear Olivia,
i’am in the same situation. I will buy an action cam for christmas. Purposes: Motorcycle, gliding, and skiing. Technically Gopro3 is much better, but Gopro2 MOTORSPORTS edition’s kit is more impressing, and buying all the accessories for Gopro3 (they are included in the MOTORSPORTS pack) would be very expensive. (The same situation at gopro3 white & silver.)
So I think the best price/worth factor is az Gopro2 motorsports edition.
What do yo think?
@horndorfer Yikes, I hear you on this one. Personally, it would be difficult to sell me on a HERO2 over a HERO3 at this point. I’m experiencing a really terrible internet connection right now. Let me respond to this in a few hours! I’ll get you some info
Ride Hero Handle Bar Mount Also, check out the body harnesses or helmet attachments.
Hope this helps!
Hi,
Like already mentioned I’m confused on whether to get a gopro2 or white gopro 3, you said go for a gopro silver ? Which is to expensive , I’m using it for motocross only.
@Martin If the GoPro will only be used for basic motorcross, the white edition is only $199 on the GoPro website (CLICK HERE). Also, check out this Ride Hero Handle Bar Mount to attach the GP onto your bike.
Hi
First thank you for your great review .
I rarely use sports footage. What I use is timelaps outdoors and interviews,
sometimes even as a main câmera ( I’ve been doing it with the go 2)
So, in your oppinion is black edition better because of the 2.7k and remote or
do you think Silver edition is quite enough. ( footage to be watch on TV’s )
The price diference in Portugal is more or less the same as there.
Could you advise me ? Thanks , cheers & a Marry Christmas to you all
@Joao I’m sorry for such a delayed response! I would certainly go with the GoProHERO3 Black Edition for what you’re looking to shoot. The WiFi remote alone will run you about 100 bucks and the image quality along with the sound quality and post production capabilities of the Black are hands down far better than what you will get with the White Edition.
Olivia,
What GoPro edition for saltwater fishing in a boat with rough seas?
Regards,
Mary
@Mary If you can afford the GoProHERO3 Black Edition, I would settle on this one. A few reasons being the WiFi remote comes with the unit ($100 alone), the new lighter and slimmer form factor, the vastly improved image and sound quality and the flat lens housing that the camera comes with. The flat lens housing will give you much sharper images underwater. The curved lens housing from the GoPro HERO2 makes images underwater soft and a bit blurred.
Hi Olivia,
i’ll buy a camera for my fiancee for christmas. Purposes: motorcycling, snorkelling, in the future snowboarding..
I live in Italy, and here we have now in offer : GOPRO 2 OUTDOOR EDITION 289EURO,
AND GOPRO WHITE EDITION 249 EURO. I can’t spend more than that.
i’m really confused, can you help me to choose between these two?
thank you a lot
@Silvia I would go GoPRO HERO White for a few reasons. The newer form factor, the built-in WiFi and the improved microphone. The image quality isn’t very different from what I’ve seen. Have you already decided and made your purchase? Which did you go with?
Hi…..want your opinion on the GoPro 2 vs GoPro 3 ……is the silver or black hero 3 that much better than the Hero 2 when Academy Sports had the Hero 2 Outdoor version for $179.99… I got the black hero 3 for $339. Would you still buy the silver or black 3 ? I’m going to be using this for kayak fishing. Thanks
@Dogdad I would go GoProHERO3 for a few reasons. First of all, you get the Wi-Fi remote which will alone cost you $100. The image quality and new form factor are also worth spending the extra cash on. The images from the HERO3 are really much better than the HERO2, as is the sound.
I would go for a Hero3 BEdition but… you don’t ship it to Portugal and here The distributor increment the prices!
So… between a Hero2 and a Hero3White?
Need the specs and an opinion.
@Nuno The Hero2 and the Hero3 White are pretty similar in image quality. The form factor on the Hero3 is smaller and lighter which is nice and the design has been updated to better accomodate underwater shooting with a flat lens housing. The Hero3 has improved audio and built in Wi-Fi, the Hero2 does not. The Hero3 White can only do 60fps in 720p or 30fps in 1080p. The Hero2 can do 120fps in 848X480. Last, for burst mode, the Hero2 can do 10 frames per second at 11megapixels and the Hero3 can only do 3 at 5 megapixels. What I would do is take into consideration the features you actually need most and choose according to that.
Looking at hero 2 or hero 3 silver or black. Have just basic needs on videoing but am concerned wit.h comments on 3′s with freezing up and other negative comments. Would like to have wifi control and ability to see what I’m shooting. Please advise. Thanks
@Mike Although there may be some glitchy comments, not all HERO3′s will experience this issue. Firmware updates typically remedy these bugs. For what you’re looking to do, I’d go GoProHERO3. The camera comes with the WiFi Remote which will easily cost you around $100 alone. The image quality and new form factor are also worth spending the bit of extra money on, in my opinion.
Hello,
I´m also have some doubts in witch to buy, the black or silver edition.
Not interested in Gopro 2 because the new one as some new good specs.
I will use it basically for extreme sports, Some normal Photos and Video, but mainly surfing. Then editing the video specially for slow motion (I do not have experience in editing but I hope I can manage it with experience)
Since the black edition as 60fr/sec and the silver 15fr/sec isn´t it worth to me buying the Black one?
And I think it also can take more good pictures/second isn´t that so?
I´m an amateur, so that´s the reason of my doubts.
Thanks
Sorry, I’ve seen now that the between black and silver, for me the black one is worth because the silver one here in Portugal hasn´t the surfing pack, so with all the extra surf features that I need to buy it´s almost the same price as the Black one with the surfing pack.
My new question is if I should buy the Gopro2 even if it hasn´t some features like the Black ?(both have the surf pack)
@Francisco I’d really get the GoPro HERO3 Black if I were you. You get the additional WiFi Remote, new slimmer and lighter form factor and all the bells and whistles that come along with the newer edition. Since you’ll be using the GP for surfing, the Black also comes with their new flat lens housing. This will give you WAY more clarity underwater when shooting.
Hi Olivia!
you’re really giving great answers to all the different requests – I hope you have one for me too!
We want to get a GoPro for shooting baby clips and additionally have some fun with the camera while motocycling.
For using it as a camcorder we would have to add the LCD-Screen.
Do you know whether the hero2 Screen and the hero3 screen differ?
And do you know anything about the battery life of the different versions?
kind regards, thomic
@thomic The newest LCD screen is controlled by touch screen and the resolution is much more clear and sharp. As for the battery life, I have not heard anything confirming that the GPHERO3 has a longer life span than that of the GPHERO2. The battery itself is smaller though. For what you get in the packaging itself and for the sheer upgrade picture quality, I’d go HERO3 Black.
hi olivia, this is indeed a very useful blog, many thanks.
hero3 is by far a better camera than hero2 with superior specs, namely the black edition. no question about that.
however reading out there and watching some youtube hd footages, i see that there are some issues with hero3:
1. freezing problem
2. hero2 colors are better and more real than hero3 even when you try all possible settings (hero3 could require some post processing (color correction) and this is boring)
3. battery life is short even with wifi off
4. overheating
regarding the 1st issue, it is a firmware issue that sooner or later will be solved (i think).
the 2nd one, do you think it is also a firmware issue or it is a hardware one ?
what do you think about 3. and 4. issues ?
thanks again
@Fernando I will be doing some GoPro HERO 3 Black and HERO 2 comparisons next week, so stay tuned for this. I can’t say for SURE first hand yet, however I do know that the GoPro HERO 3 gives you way more information to work with in post. This means that increasing, say, the saturation, contrast or exposure in your editing suit will not result in your picture falling apart as easily as it would with the HERO 2 since there is more information to work with.
I found the review very biased towards GoPro 3. Nothing is said about the Sony’s image stabilization, which is huge. Without IS it is hardly possible to make not annoying movie lets’s say of a bicycle ride. Plus better low light plus $130 cheaper than GP Black. Sound is also noticeably better in Sony. Where GP black shines is better performance in highest resolution modes. If you need it – it worth extra $130 if regular 1080p mode is good enough for you I would go with Sony. Silver and especially white models are really not contenders for Sony.
Gopro3 Black Vs Silver?
Black – I’m not convinced I need all the extra filming variants – eg, 4k. Or, the 30fps on camera mode. The only difference Black upgrade I’m keen to understand whether it is worth wanting is the improved low light performance of the Black. What are your thoughts? Have you done a comparison?
@Liam I just completed a full comparison video. If you can hold out for another few days, it will be live and you can judge for yourself with the low light performance of the Black and Silver. There are so many variables though, it’s a bit tough to say based on only one comparison. What types of low lighting situations will you be while shooting?
I just purchased two hero 3 black editions . . . WHat a nightmare. . . My macbook pro 15′ latest specs lacks the capacity to play the videos. Twice the camera has shown it has been recording and has recorded the video which is somehow corrupted and no program including cineform can play. And the customer service is non existent .. . . . . my solution – Avoid go-pro at all cost.
@Ben I’m really hoping that GoPro would hurry it up with a firmware fix for the glitchy black edition problems. I’m sorry you had a bad experience. Looks like your computer doesn’t have the capacity to ingest the information from the GP Black? Such a bummer. This is something important to look at. Are you going to return for another edition or are you through with GoPro all together?
Good day,
I have read in the internet (including here) lots of complaint about issues with Hero 3 Black. (freezing, battery problems, issues with wireless etc)
are these issues affecting only or mainly black edition? or also Silver has same problem?
Thanks in advane
@Edgar While I can’t know for sure if a GoPro HERO Silver will experience freezing up like the Black does I can say that I’ve only experienced and have heard of the BLACK freezing while shooting video and photos. I personally have not experienced this with the Silver edition and I haven’t heard any feedback from my readers experiencing the freeze ups with the silver either.