GoPro 3

As an avid surfer, Nick Woodman was in Australia in 2002 when he found himself wishing he had a camera inside the waves that he and his friends were riding. Woodman took his idea and ran with it. Two years later he launched a new line of cameras for a new generation of athletes.

GoPro cameras were first released as 35-millimeter film versions intended for the capture of action sports. They were designed to be able to survive the water and shock. Soon after they hit the market, GoPro released 3-megapixel digital versions capable of capturing short video clips.

Now GoPro cameras capture a stunning High Definition 170 degree view of the world. A key feature of the device since its inception has been its various attachments and mounts most commonly used on one’s head, chest or a wall.

As YouTube began to swell with GoPro footage, so did the realm of possibilities with such a device.

The perspective of birds, dogs, kayaks, airplanes, sky and scuba divers, and any number of other things have now been documented in one way or another.

In October of this year, the newest edition of the popular camera, GoPro HD Hero 3, was released. The device can be purchased in three different models (white $199.99, silver $299.99 and black $399.99) all of which are Wi-Fi enabled to allow live previews, remote control, and incorporation into smart phones via the free GoPro application.

All three models capture 1080 HD video, varying megapixel still images, and rugged housing designed to operate nearly 200 feet underwater. The priciest version allows users more manual control of the video, impressive 12 MP still images, improved low-light functionality, and even 4K resolutions at 15 frames per second.

The camera can capture video and stills in a variety of resolutions, speeds, and varying depths of field that allow for manipulation of video recording to be at an all time high. Size and weight were both improved upon, as both characteristics are vital for a wearable camera. According to the company, the Hero 3 is 30% smaller and 25% lighter than the previous model.