GoPro HERO3: Black Edition Action Camera Instruction Manual

Introduction

The GoPro HERO3: Black Edition is an advanced action camera designed to capture high-quality video and photos in various environments. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your device to ensure optimal performance.

Image: GoPro HERO3: Black Edition camera, waterproof housing, Wi-Fi remote, battery, and various mounts.

Setup

What's Included

• GoPro HERO3: Black Edition Camera
• Waterproof Housing
• Wi-Fi Remote
• Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery (1050mAh)
• USB Charging Cable
• Various Basic Mounts (Curved + Flat Adhesive Mounts, 3-Way Pivot Arm)

Battery Charging

Before first use, fully charge the included 1050mAh lithium-ion battery using the provided USB cable. Connect the USB cable to the camera and a compatible USB power source. The camera's indicator light will show charging status.

Memory Card Installation

The HERO3: Black Edition requires a Micro SD card (not included) for storing photos and videos. Insert the Micro SD card into the designated slot on the camera. Ensure the card is properly formatted for optimal performance.

Firmware Update

For the best performance and access to the latest features, it is recommended to update the camera's firmware. Visit the official GoPro website (gopro.com/support) to download the latest firmware and follow the provided instructions for manual installation.

Mounting the Camera

The HERO3: Black Edition comes with various mounts to secure your camera. Attach the camera to the desired mount using the included hardware. Ensure all connections are tight and secure before use, especially in high-impact or water environments.

Image: GoPro HERO3: Black Edition securely attached to a helmet using a mounting accessory.

Operating Instructions

Powering On/Off and Mode Selection

• Power On/Off: Press and hold the Power/Mode button on the front of the camera.
• Change Mode: Press the Power/Mode button repeatedly to cycle through video, photo, burst photo, and time-lapse modes.
• Shutter/Select: Press the Shutter button on the top of the camera to start/stop recording or take a photo.

Video and Photo Performance

The HERO3: Black Edition offers professional-grade video and photo capabilities:

• Video: Captures cinema-quality video at 2X the resolution and frame-rate of previous models. Supports 1080p-60, 720p-120, WVGA-240, 960p-100, 1440p-48, 2.7KP-30 fps, and 4KP-15 fps (Protune only).
• Photo: 12MP burst capture at 30 frames per second. Features Still Photo, Time-lapse Photo, and Continuous Photo modes (3, 5, or 10 photo-per-second rate, up to 30 photos).
• Field-of-View: User-selectable Ultra-wide, Medium, and Narrow field-of-views.

Built-in Wi-Fi and GoPro App

The camera features built-in Wi-Fi and includes the GoPro Wi-Fi Remote. It can also be controlled by iOS smartphones and tablets running the free GoPro App. The app allows full control of camera settings and live video preview for easy shot framing.

Protune™ Mode

Protune is a video mode that unlocks the camera’s full potential for professional productions, offering stunning image quality and cinema-caliber video. Key features include:

• 35Mbps Data Rate for improved, less compressed images.
• Neutral Color Profile for greater latitude in color correction.
• Log Curve Encoding for more detail in shadows and highlights.
• Reduced Sharpening and Noise Reduction for improved flexibility in professional workflows.
• 24fps Frame Rates for easy intercutting with other sources.

Battery Life Considerations

• Extreme cold temperatures may decrease battery life. Keep the camera in a warm place prior to use in these conditions.
• To maximize battery life during longer activities, use the camera with the LCD Touch BacPac turned off or unattached. Turning off Wi-Fi also helps conserve power.
• Using Protune mode will increase power consumption.

Image: A surfer in action, demonstrating the camera's capability to capture dynamic sports footage.

Maintenance

Waterproof Housing

The HERO3: Black Edition comes with a highly engineered polycarbonate exoskeletal housing, making it shockproof and waterproof to 197' (60m). This housing ensures the camera's durability in harsh environments, including heavy surf and underwater activities. Always ensure the housing is properly sealed before exposing it to water.

Image: The GoPro HERO3: Black Edition camera enclosed within its transparent waterproof housing, ready for aquatic adventures.

Lens Care

The camera features a reduced-distortion, 6-element aspherical lens. Keep the lens clean and free from smudges or debris for clear image capture. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe the lens. Avoid abrasive materials that could scratch the lens surface.

Replacement Parts

Replacement lens kits and housings are available for purchase, allowing for continued use even after wear and tear from extreme activities.

Troubleshooting

Common Issues and Solutions

• Camera Freezes: Ensure firmware is up to date. Try removing and reinserting the battery.
• Battery Draining Quickly/Getting Hot: This can occur, especially with Wi-Fi on, Protune mode, or high resolutions. Turn off Wi-Fi when not in use, disable Protune if not needed, and consider using an optional Battery BacPac for extended recording.
• Wi-Fi Not Working: Ensure the camera's Wi-Fi is enabled and correctly paired with your remote or smartphone app. Check for interference from other devices.
• Protune Problems: If experiencing issues with Protune, ensure your camera's firmware is current. Protune content may require specific editing software for optimal playback and processing.
• Playback Issues with High Resolution Video: High-resolution videos (e.g., 1440p, 4K) require powerful playback software and hardware. Standard media players may not support these formats or resolutions efficiently. Use dedicated video editing software or a powerful computer for smooth playback.
• Reduced Battery Life in Cold: In extreme cold, battery performance can decrease. Keep the camera warm before and during use to mitigate this effect.

Specifications

Accessories

Recommended Accessories

• LCD Touch BacPac: A removable LCD touch screen for GoPro cameras, providing convenience for shot framing and review.
• Battery BacPac: Attaches to your GoPro camera to double battery life, ideal for extended recording sessions.

Available Mounts

GoPro mounts enable you to capture immersive experiences from various perspectives:

• The Frame
• Handlebar Seatpost Mount
• Helmet Front Mount
• Tripod Mount
• Suction Cup
• Roll Bar Mount
• Vented Helmet Strap Mount
• NVG Mount
• Curved + Flat Adhesive Mounts
• Surfboard Mount
• Head Strap Mount
• Grab Bag of Mounts

Warranty & Support

Software Updates

Get new feature updates, product enhancements, and more for your HERO3 through camera software updates. Available at gopro.com/support.

GoPro App Support

The GoPro App lets you control your GoPro camera remotely using a smartphone or tablet. Features include full control of all camera settings, live video preview for easy shot framing, and more. Available for free on the Apple App Store™ and Google Play.

Official Product Video