GoPro HERO3 White Review | 96 Data compared

The PCMag review highlights the GoPro Hero3 White Edition as a capable, budget-friendly action camera, offering sharper 1080p30 video output than the higher-end Hero3+ Silver Edition. Key pros include built-in Wi-Fi for app control, a 5-megapixel sensor producing clear video, and an included 40-meter waterproof housing, making it a strong entry-level option. Conversely, the camera suffers from a narrower field of view, noticeable purple fringing in high-contrast scenes, and, at times, muted color reproduction. Additionally, it lacks a built-in display, requires a separate purchase for a remote, and features a challenging, two-button menu interface.

The GoPro HERO3 White is an affordable, entry-level point-of-view camera launched in late 2012 for $200, making it a budget-friendly choice for tight spaces, underwater recording, and action sports. Testers praised its extensive mounting options, exceptional durability, and its ability to focus properly underwater. The menus are intuitive with helpful pictorial icons, and the side button offers quick control over the built-in WiFi, which pairs with a useful smartphone app to easily adjust settings. However, the camera has significant drawbacks regarding its performance and reliability when compared to the higher-end Black model. Its image quality is flat and lacks sharp detail, while its low-light performance suffers from washed-out colors and pixel binning. Furthermore, bright areas can overload the sensor and cause lines of pixels to completely blow out. The physical buttons are stiff and difficult to depress, particularly in cold weather. Finally, the review noted reliable hardware flaws, including instances of the camera shutting off mid-recording, rapid battery drainage, and exposure flickering in flat light.

In this Road Reality review, John Suit evaluates the GoPro Hero3 White Edition specifically for its utility as a vehicle dashboard camera. He purchased the $200 action camera locally at Target, pairing it with a $30 Suction Cup Mount and a $54.99 SanDisk 32GB MicroSD card for a complete setup under $300. The core strengths highlighted in the review include the device's high-quality video capture at 1080p and 720p (30fps), an excellent mounting system, and a robust variety of compatible cases, such as a skeleton case that permits charging while recording. Additionally, the reviewer favored the GoPro's built-in Wi-Fi connectivity over Bluetooth-dependent competitors because it allowed his smartphone to remain paired to his truck's audio system. He also highly praised the internal settings menu feature that allows the user to flip the video recording 180 degrees, allowing the camera to be securely mounted upside-down on a windshield without requiring later software orientation edits.

The GoPro Hero3 White Edition is highlighted as a solid, budget-friendly action camera retailing around $199.99, ultimately earning PCMag's Editors' Choice for its price tier. A major standout feature is its video quality, which delivers surprisingly sharp and clear 1080p footage at 30 frames per second. Interestingly, it outshines the more expensive Hero3+ Silver Edition in sharpness by utilizing a tried-and-true 5-megapixel sensor. The camera comes packaged with multiple convenient accessories, including standard mounts, buckles, pivot arms, and a removable case door that allows users to capture louder, clearer audio when waterproofing is not required. Additionally, it features a step-down resolution mode of 720p that ramps the frame rate up to 60 fps while widening the field of view to 170 degrees. However, the device has notable drawbacks, particularly when compared to rivals like the Kodak PixPro SP1. Its colors can look somewhat dull, and it suffers from a narrower 127-degree field of view at full resolution. Low-light performance is weak, and considerable purple fringing occurs on objects positioned against bright backgrounds when the camera remains still. From a hardware...

The GoPro Hero3 White Edition is an affordable action camera that delivers sharp 1080p video quality, outperforming its $100 more expensive sibling, the Hero3+ Silver Edition, and edging out budget rivals like the Kodak PixPro SP1. It relies on a tried-and-proven 5-megapixel sensor that holds up well against cameras with higher megapixel counts. Packaged with standard accessories such as pivot arms, mounts, and a convertible waterproof housing that can be modified to record clearer audio, it lacks a built-in display or a Wi-Fi remote. However, it compensates for these missing hardware elements through its effortless integration with the GoPro mobile app for shot referencing. The camera's greatest strength is its performance value, offering exceptionally crisp video that prevents the jagged edges on straight lines commonly seen in budget competitors. Despite these core advantages, the review highlights several noticeable drawbacks, including a narrow 127-degree field of view when shooting in 1080p, somewhat dull (though highly accurate) color replication, and pronounced purple fringing on objects contrasted against bright backdrops. Weak low-light performance also poses a distinct challenge. Ultimately, the Hero3 White Edition...