Perhaps no technological advance outside of social media itself has led to as much FOMO as GoPro’s line of action cameras. Palm-sized, waterproof, and nearly indestructible, these devices are known for their design as much as the dazzling photos they produce.

The GoPro Hero 3 and its younger cousin the Hero 3+ were the most popular models, and the ones you’ve probably seen on beaches and trails the most. With it, many a hike, dive, and even a dog run became a viral sensation, if not online then among friends and families. Those models, while sturdy and practical, have been lapped by a new generation of GoPros.

Hero3

The Hero3 was GoPro’s first standout offering in the action camera space. While lacking some features that are commonplace on even the most basic cameras today, its popularity grew due to its tiny frame (due, in part, to the Hero3’s switch from the Hero2’s full-size SD card slot and mini-HDMI output to a microSD card slot and micro-HDMI output) and durability. It’s waterproof up to 60 meters, making it a versatile camera capable of producing high-quality photos and videos.

The Hero3 brought recording in full 1080p high definition at 60 frames per second (fps) to the mainstream. It was also capable of scratching 4k quality video, albeit at a nearly unwatchable 15 fps. Regarding photo quality, the Hero3 shot photos at 5 megapixels and in multiple modes:

• Burst
• Continuous
• Single shot
• Time Lapse

Originally selling for $399.99, the Hero3 can now be purchased for $149.99. It should be noted, though, this price point is for refurbished or used models, as the Hero3 stopped being manufactured in 2013.

Hero3+

Smaller than its predecessor, and with better HD video options to boot, the Hero3+ only waited a year before knocking its forefather from the pedestal of the best action camera on the market. It continued the Hero3’s trend of producing inspiring photos and videos in a waterproof body. (Although, the Hero3+ survives only in depths of 40 meters or less.)

The Hero3+ shoots videos of up to 4k resolution, but you’ll be struggling through 15 fps, much like with the baseline model. However, you’ll be able to get footage in a wide range of aspect ratios, from 4:3 to 17:9, along with wide range angles regarded as the best at the time.

Released at $399, you can now purchase refurbished Hero3+ devices for $149.99, much like the Hero 3.

Product Specifications

• Model: Hero3
  • Max 1080p frame rate: 60 fps
  • Max 4k frame rate: 15 fps
  • Year released: 2012
• Model: Hero3+
  • Max 1080p frame rate: 60 fps
  • Max 4k frame rate: 15 fps
  • Year released: 2013

The Alternatives

GoPro has diversified its lineup somewhat, with multiple options available for amateur and professional action videographers. Depending on how much you’re willing to spend, the GoPro Hero, Hero6 or Fusion are all great choices.

Budget Pick – GoPro Hero (2018 model)

Not to be confused for the original Hero model that GoPro released in 2006 (and could only record up to 10 seconds of video), the new Hero is the perfect action camera for the budget-conscious crowd. At only $199 (with a free microSD card if you purchase through GoPro’s website), this camera doesn’t have the expansive array of filming options of even the Hero3 or Hero3+, but packs in some smart, intuitive features.

This new model is waterproof up to 10 meters (or about 33 feet), comes with a touchscreen display and responds to simple verbal commands:

• “GoPro, burst mode”
• “GoPro, highlight”
• “GoPro, photo mode”
• “GoPro, shoot burst”
• “GoPro, start recording”
• “GoPro, start time lapse”
• “GoPro, stop recording”
• “GoPro, stop time lapse”
• “GoPro, take a photo”
• “GoPro, time lapse mode”
• “GoPro, turn off”
• “GoPro, video mode”

When shooting video or taking a photo, basic stabilization technology will help keep the frame stable, instead of bouncing around in a vertigo-inducing Blair-Witch-Project-camera kind of way. Outside of the touchscreen display, which isn’t available with the Fusion, these features are standard across the three alternatives.

Where the Hero gets its value is due to its limited filming options. Its photo quality goes up to 10MP, with its video quality stopping at 1080p/60 fps. Even at slower framerates, 4k video recording is not possible on this device. If having video in extreme slow motion or at super high resolution isn’t relevant to you, the limitations here may not be that big of a deal.

Another Budget Pick – GoPro Hero5

For $100 more than the baseline Hero model, the Hero5 brings a lot of the same features as its cheaper cousin but packs a punch when it comes to high-quality video recording. Unlike the Hero, the Hero5 can shoot at 4k resolution at 30 fps, as well as 120 fps at 1080p. That, in and of itself, is worth the $100 for someone looking for professional-level quality at a convenient price point.

The Hero5 is durable, with the same waterproof body that can survive in depths up to 10 meters. Its voice control makes it easier for snapping photos or recording videos that you want to be in. It offers basic video stabilization, but this feature won’t work when shooting at more than 60 fps.

The GoPro Hero5 is also noticeable for its introduction alongside the GoPro Plus service. This service costs a penny under $5 a month, but comes with a whole bunch of benefits:

• 20 percent discounts on all GoPro accessories
• Automatically save and back up unlimited photos and 35 hours of video whenever the GoPro is plugged in to recharge its battery
• Cloud storage that’s accessible everywhere through the GoPro app and website
• No questions asked replacement for broken devices
• VIP customer support

Virtual Reality Lover’s Pick – GoPro Fusion

Like other GoPros, the Fusion is waterproof (only up to five meters), responds to simple voice commands, and offers video stabilization. As opposed to the Hero, however, the Fusion utilizes advanced stabilization through its video editing app to keep videos impossibly smooth. Some online reviewers even tested the stabilization by mounting the camera to a tractor and taking it for a spin. The results were surprisingly impressive.

Able to shoot video at up to 5.2k resolution at 30 fps, the Fusion produces dazzling videos. Because of the high-quality images, you’ll also need two microSD cards, one for each lens, to store the large video files this camera produces. When it comes to photo quality, this camera works just as well, with the capability of shooting photos at 16.6 MP in either JPEG or RAW formats, a necessity for professional photographers.

The Fusion uses its two lenses to produce something it calls “OverCapture,” which is technically a 360-degree viewing field. These lenses help create “little planet” or fish eye style photos.

To stitch together these images into one compelling sphere of photo goodness, however, you will need some real computing horsepower. Multiple online reviewers stated their laptops or desktops from just a couple of years ago were unable to process or even view the large video files created by this type of shooting.

GoPro offers a phone app to edit OverCapture videos, but it lacks the full feature suite of the desktop experience. After struggling through computer processing issues, the video quality is professional-level.

Best Overall – GoPro Hero6

The Hero6 will set you back $399.99. This price pushes it out of the budget-pick contender price range, but its feature set and video quality are closer to the Fusion than the Hero6’s cheaper counterparts.

Capable of shooting at 4k resolution and 60 fps, the Hero6 only fails to compare to the Fusion, which costs $400 more but carries the same GP1 video processing chip that allows for such amazing images. At 1080p, the Hero6 shoots at an astounding 240 fps. The high frame rates at high resolutions make slow-motion videos a breeze, a very, very slow breeze, that is. It also means single frames are easier to snag to become photos or artwork and makes editing an easy proposition.

Also like the Fusion, the Hero6 comes with advanced video stabilization through GoPro’s editing apps and software. In online photo comparisons, the Hero6’s video quality consistently and continually outclassed its less expensive brethren.

The Hero6 even is an excellent audio recording device, with three distinct microphones that automatically turn on and off depending on your preference for either wind reduction or surround sound. This feature is shared throughout all GoPro devices, except for the Fusion which employs four microphones, but the sound really pops on the Hero6.

Comparison Table

• GoPro Hero3
  • Price: $149.99 (refurbished)
  • Dimensions: 61 W x 58.4 H x 40.6 D (mm)
  • Weight: 73 grams (2.56 ounces)
  • Max photo quality: 5 megapixels
  • Max video quality: 4k at 15 fps or 1080p at 30 fps
  • Image stabilization: None
  • Waterproof depth: 40 meters with case
  • Features: Basic audio recording and wind noise reductions
• GoPro Hero3+
  • Price: $149.99 (refurbished)
  • Dimensions: 61 W x 58.4 H x 40.6 D (mm)
  • Weight: 73 grams (2.56 ounces)
  • Max photo quality: 12 megapixels
  • Max video quality: 4k at 15 fps or 1080p at 60 fps
  • Image stabilization: None
  • Waterproof depth: 40 meters with case
  • Features: Basic audio recording and wind noise reductions
• GoPro Hero (2018 model)
  • Price: $199.99
  • Dimensions: 62.3 W x 44.9 H x 33 D (mm)
  • Weight: 117 grams (4.13 ounces)
  • Max photo quality: 10 megapixels
  • Max video quality: 1080p at 60 fps
  • Image stabilization: Basic
  • Waterproof depth: 10 meters
  • Features: Touchscreen display, voice control, wind noise reduction
• GoPro Hero5
  • Price: $299.99
  • Dimensions: 62.3 W x 44.9 H x 33 D (mm)
  • Weight: 117 grams (4.13 ounces)
  • Max photo quality: 12 megapixels
  • Max video quality: 4k at 30 fps or 1080p at 120 fps
  • Image stabilization: Basic
  • Waterproof depth: 10 meters
  • Features: GPS, touchscreen display, voice control, wind noise reduction
• GoPro Hero6
  • Price: $399.99
  • Dimensions: 62.3 W x 44.9 H x 33 D (mm)
  • Weight: 117 grams (4.13 ounces)
  • Max photo quality: 12 megapixels
  • Max video quality: 4k at 60 fps or 1080p at 240 fps
  • Image stabilization: Advanced
  • Waterproof depth: 10 meters
  • Features: GPS, touchscreen display, voice control, wind noise reduction
• GoPro Fusion
  • Price: $699.99
  • Dimensions: 74 W x 75 H x 40 D (mm)
  • Weight: 117 grams (7.76 ounces)
  • Max photo quality: 18 megapixels
  • Max video quality: 5.2k at 30 fps or 3k at 60 fps
  • Image stabilization: Advanced
  • Waterproof depth: 5 meters
  • Features: GPS, OverCapture touchscreen display, advanced wind noise reduction

Should You Keep Your GoPro Hero3 or Hero3+?

Pros of Keeping:

• Most likely your Hero3 or Hero3+ is in working order due to GoPro’s general durability
• New GoPro cameras can be expensive, with the Fusion coming in at just under $700
• Video quality of older cameras still matches that of our budget pick, the Hero (2018 model)

Pros of Replacing:

• Even the current budget pick will pack in nice features like voice control and a touchscreen display
• The Hero6, which costs the same as the Hero3 did when it first came out, can shoot higher quality video at higher framerates
• The budget pick comes in at only $50 more than a refurbished Hero3 or Hero3+

Final Thoughts

Choosing to replace your Hero3 or Hero3+ is a tough decision; one that should include a variety of factors from personal needs to price point to the feature set. If you’re dying to shoot at 4k, an upgrade is in order, with the Hero6 being the best balance between price and quality.

If you’re merely looking for a replacement with similar quality photos but features like a touchscreen display or voice control, the Hero (2018 model) will fit your needs and do so at a sub-$200 price.

Otherwise, if you’re looking for super high-quality video and want to start dabbling in virtual reality photography, the GoPro Fusion is for you. It’s the most expensive camera reviewed, but its quality cannot be beaten.