Author Archives: hobbymounts

GoPro Hero 3 Plus Battery BacPac

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Well, it’s finally arrived and it’s what all GoPro Hero 3 Plus users have been anticipating, the release of a dedicated Hero 3 Plus Battery BacPac with the correct Backdoors for the Hero 3 Plus Camera. Hooray!

So, the history.  Originally, the Hero 3 Battery BacPac came with Backdoors that suited the Hero 3 Housing.  However, with the release of the GoPro Hero 3 Plus came a new housing and that’s right, although the Battery BacPac fitted the new Hero 3 Plus, the Backdoors didn’t.

Well, now you can get your hands on the NEW Hero 3 Plus Battery BacPac with the correct Bacdoors for the Hero 3 Plus Housing,

www.hobbymounts.co.uk/shop/GoPro-Hero-3-Plus-Battery-BacPac-ABPAK-303

If however, you already own a Battery BacPac from a Hero 3 and don’t want to have to buy a whole new kit, then you’re in luck!

GoPro will also be releasing the Hero 3 Plus Backdoor Kit separately very soon, so keep your eyes peeled for another blog post coming soon…

GoPro Hero 3 Plus Black Edition Review

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GoPro Hero 3 Plus Black Edition Review

GoPro Hero 3 Plus Black Edition

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, we’ve had the GoPro Hero 3 Plus Black Edition since release date (1st October 2013) and they are selling well.  But what’s it like, compared to the previous version, the Hero 3 Black Edition.  We’ll try and highlight some of the improvements below.

The first thing you’ll notice is it’s smaller.  Not the camera itself, that’s exactly the same size, but the waterproof housing the Hero 3 Plus Black Edition sits in.   20% smaller according to GoPro’s official figures.  The next thing you’ll probably notice is the lens on the housing, now only 37mm x 35mm, so that’s small too with fixing screws on the inside, rather than the outside, so it looks a cleaner design compared to the previous Hero 3 Black Edition.

Staying with the housing for a moment, some other changes here include the top clasp, which is much easier to release than the Hero 3 due to not having a secondary locking mechansim.  The clasp can now be operated one-handed which in our eyes is a vast improvement.  It still feels very secure.  The last thing we noticed on the housing were the buttons have changed too, these are now much larger and much easier to press with more feel.  Ideal too if you happen to be wearing gloves, while skiing or snowboarding.

Now to the camera.  On the outside, there is little difference, the power on button is a single colour rather than silver with a printed power logo, the mics have changed position and now sit one on top of the Hero 3 Plus Black Edition and one to the side, this is said to improve sound quality and we think it does, ever so slightly.

Technically the Hero 3 Plus Black Edition is superior, images are sharper thanks to a better lens.  33% sharper and a 2x reduction in image artifacts, according to GoPro.

We also have something called SuperView, which allows more action to be captured in an extra wide angled view, but sideways and top to bottom.

The Hero 3 Plus Black Edition also has an Auto Low Light mode, which is selected will automatically reduce the frame rate for low light situations on the fly, so you could be mountain biking in a well lit downhill section and then through some shaded wooded area and the Hero 3 Plus would compensate for the low light automatically.

One of the most critised aspects of the previois Hero 3 Black Edition was the poor battery life.  Having the top of the range model with all the fancy shooting modes and high quality images really took it out of the battery.  The new Hero 3 Plus has a bigger battery so battery life has increased by 30%, again, according to official GoPro figures.

Wifi aquisition and lag has also improved dramatically.  Whereas previous lag on the Hero 3 was around 4 seconds, the Hero 3 Plus Black Edition lags by just under 1 second, so using the GoPro App is much more rewarding as it feels like you are almost getting a real-time stream.

Pricing on the Hero 3 Plus Black Edition is £359.99 and is available from our website here >>> http://www.hobbymounts.co.uk/shop/GoPro-Hero-3-Plus-Black-Edition-Camera-CHDHX-302

SP Remote Pole Review

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It’s been a crazy week so far, with the arrival of the new GoPro Hero3+ Black Edition, but that’s not the only thing to arrive at HQ this week.

We took delivery of the all new SP Remote 39″ Telescopic Handgrip pole this week too.

SP-POV-Remote-Pole-23-500x500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So why are we so excited about this telescopic pole? This neat little device also allows you to clip your WiFi remote into the handle too, allowing you to easily swap between video and photo modes. We’ve been waiting for this for  long time.

 

They arrived on Monday, and straight out the packet they feel sturdy, the quality is there. The grips comfy, and the telescopic poles slides up and down freely with no issues at all. It also comes with a wrist strap and caribiner for extra security.

 

SP-POV-Remote-Pole-23-d-500x500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The tether point at the bottom of the grip is a funky blue colour, and feels sturdy enough for the heaviest of wipeouts. One thing we keep mentioning is the build quality, it really feels good, but  the downside (if you can call it that) is it is  heavier than your standard grip, to be expected though, this is the first pole we’ve seen that incorporates the wifi remote.

The neat little pocket for clipping the WiFi in is straight forward too, although you want to make sure its attached properly if you don’t want to loose your remote. We had it all up and running in  a matter of seconds.

SP-POV-Remote-Pole-23-b-500x500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The fact you can use this and swap between modes with one hand, is super exciting, allowing you to quickly jump between photo burst mode and video, it’s a really handy bit of kit.

We spoke to SP about using this in the water, I know a lot of people will be wanting to use this in the sea to get that gnarly barrel sunset shot, they said its fine, but to make sure its all washed with clean fresh water at the end of every session.

Overall we are super excited about this nifty bit of kit. We’ve been waiting for this for a long time, and its everything we were expecting. It is bulkier and heavier than your standard grip, so although it might not replace your current pole, it is a nice addition to your collection. It’s also available in 23″ as well this 39″ model we tested.

SP-POV-Remote-Pole-23-c-500x500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To order, or for more information and pricing :-

http://www.hobbymounts.co.uk/shop/GoPro-Handgrips-and-Poles/SP-Remote-Pole-39-GoPro

The GoPro Hero 3+ Black Edition What does it all mean?

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pdp_image2x_HERO3Plus_black_cluster3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exciting day here at the HobbyMounts HQ, with GoPro launching the all new Hero 3+ cameras.

Since releasing the camera, we have been asked what are the differences and is the camera smaller, well we have been looking into the differences between the Hero 3 Black Edition and the all new Hero 3+ Black edition and we aim to answer all your questions here in this blog!

 

Is the Hero3+ smaller than the Hero3?

Well, heres the thing, the camera body is actually the same size, it weighs a little less (around 2 grammes) BUT its the external waterproof housing where the magic happens! They’ve managed to get the casing 20% smaller than the original hero 3! The case is waterproof down to 40m, where as the old housing was 60m. Fear not, the new Hero 3+ fits in the old cases too!

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Has the battery been improved in the Hero3+?

Good news here, the new Hero3+ battery has been improved by 30%. GoPro have traded in the old  1050mAh (3.885Wh) battery for an 1180mAh (4.37Wh) battery! In real terms, GIZMODO ran its own test:

“We did an independent test, running both cameras at 1080p/24fps. The original Hero 3 Black went one hour and 37 minutes of continuous shooting, and the Hero 3+ Black went two hours and nine, which is a very respectable 25-percent improvement over its predecessor.”

 

Has the WiFi been improved?

Oh yes! We’ve been treated to a nice new WiFi chip under the familiar looking hero3+ body, the chip is faster, which in real terms means that we should get less lag from the GoPro App and wifi remote. GoPro claim it’s 4x faster, meaning you can preview in the GoPro app in “almost” real time (1 sec delay over the previous 4 sec delay experienced on the hero 3)

 

What is this new “superview” I keep hearing about?

We all thought the wide angle was impressive on the hero3, well imagine “super wide angle” and this is what  GoPro call superview. If effectively allows you to capture more of yourself/surroundings. This is available in 720 and 1080 video.

For the super savvy out there, here is how they do it:

 “When you’re shooting in 1080 or 720, the camera essentially crops the top and bottom of the image sensor, so it becomes 16:9. What SuperView does is that it shoots video in the 4:3 ratio, using the entire sensor, and then conforms it within the camera to be 16:9”

large_Superview_actual

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are my old mounts still compatible?

GoPro havent changed anything here, so all your old mounts, and even your hero 3 housing will fit. They are however releasing a range of new and improved mounts (such as the suction cup and head strap mount) We will be reviewing these soon.

I keep hearing about a new low light mode, what is it?

The new Hero3+ Black Edition automatically adjusts your frame rate to improve your low light performance. A lower frame rate allows more light in. Heres how it works:

 “if you’re shooting 1080p at 60fps, and you’re not getting enough light on the sensor, it may automatically drop you down to 24fps (which is as low as it will go, mercifully).”

What are the other differences between the Hero3 Black Edition and the Hero 3+ Black Edition?

It can all be a bit daunting with new products, so we thought we’d list the differences and what it really means:


  • New smaller external case – this case also features new buttons, which are bigger and MUCH easier to use. The camera also fits better in the case, more snug. We’ve heard people complain about the rattling noise in the old hero 3 case, this should now be a thing of the past
  • Weight -The Camera is a little lighter than the previous hero 3
  • A new f/2.8 lens is a major improvement, making images sharper, and reducing distortion. GoPro claim 33% increase in image sharpness and 2x reduction in imaging artefacts.
  • Audio performance has been improved, with a redesigned mic. The Hero 3 had 2 mics on the side, the new Hero 3+ has one on the side and one on top.
  • 30% increase in battery life
  • 4x faster WiFi
  • Auto Low Light mode – automatically adjusts frame rates for improved low lighting performance
  • Superview – Super wide angle view

 

You can find more info here:

http://www.hobbymounts.co.uk/shop/GoPro-Hero-3-Cameras/GoPro-Hero-3-Plus-Black-Edition-Camera-CHDHX-302

What will please a lot of people (especially mac users) is the exciting news you will soon be able to update your camera wirelessly, using your smartphone.

GoPro have also announced the Hero 3+ silver edition, we will be reviewing that soon too.

 

GoPro Recommended Memory Cards

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Are  you unsure about which GoPro Memory Cards you now need to use in your GoPro Hero Camera?

Is your GoPro freezing or stopping recording randomly?  Here’s a little background information on what’s changed recently.

Back in late July 2013, GoPro released a new firmware update to address problems with freezing and recordings stopping randomly on GoPro Hero 3 Cameras, as well as other issues.

For a long time GoPro recommended SanDisk Memory Cards, which in hindsight, may have caused most of the issues associated with problematic GoPros’.

Since the firmware update, GoPro has ditched the recommended SanDisk Memory Cards and has issued new guidance on which cards suit the GoPro Hero 3 Cameras.

In addition to that, tests have revealed that if you DON’T use one of the GoPro recommended memory cards, write speeds are throttled back from 45Mb/s to 35Mb/s, which in a nutshell means the quality of the recorded video suffers.

GoPro Recommended Memory Cards

Here is the latest list from GoPros website:-

Now, since the list was published, there has been a change to one of the memory cards above, namely, the Lexar 64GB SDXC 300x (LSDMI64GBBNL300R).  This card, although recommended by GoPro, has since been discontinued by Lexar, although you may still find some retailers have this in stock, it will soon become unavailable to buy in its current form.

The reason for this is Lexar has released a newer, faster version and called it, Lexar 64GB SDXC 600x (LSDMI64GBBEU600R) .  Now, at the time of writing, this card is available to buy BUT not on the GoPro Recommended Memory Cards List.

So, if you want a 64GB GoPro Recommended Memory Card, you have the choice of either Delkin Devices or Samsung.  If you are outisde of the US, you will also struggle to find the part number MB-MGCGB/AM.  In Europe, it’s part number is MB-MGCGB/EU which makes sense, but it just makes searching that little bit harder.

At some point I’m sure GoPro will test the new Lexar 64GB card and we’ll keep you posted as and when that happens.

www.hobbymounts.co.uk

GoPro Bodyboard Mount

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GoPro Bodyboard Mount

GoPro Bodyboard Mount

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you’re looking for a new and unqiue mount for your Bodyboarding sessions, then take a look at this GoPro Bodyboard Mount from Hobby Mounts.

Named “TheBelt”, it is just that!  A belt that wraps around your waist, attaching your GoPro Hero Camera at the rear and pointing over your shoulder.

It offers a POV that no other designated mount offers and is super secure and very comfortable.

Check it out here…

 

Available from www.hobbymounts.co.uk/shop/TheBelt-GoPro-Bodyboarding-Belt-Mount for just £24.99 + free delivery in the UK.  International shipping is also available.

GoPro Cornwall

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GoPro Cornwall

GoPro Cornwall

 

 

 

 

 

 

GoPro Cornwall

Hobby Mounts are an authorised dealer based in North Cornwall.  We stock a large range of GoPro Cameras, Mounts and Accessories.

We also stock a range of products by K-Edge, SP POV and GoPole, aswell as memory cards by Lexar & Delkin, both of which are recommended by GoPro.

So, if you’re looking for an authorised GoPro Dealer in Cornwall.  Get in touch.

We deliver for free or you can collect in person.

www.hobbymounts.co.uk

Best memory card for GoPro Hero 3?

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If you’re looking for the best memory card for your GoPro Hero 3 then we have the latest information on which one to choose and why.

The Hero 3 was dogged with problems since launch and most of them caused by an under performing memory card recommended by GoPro, namely, SanDisk.

SanDisk have since been dumped by GoPro.

Freezing was the biggest issue, followed by random stopping of recordings but there is good news!  A recent firmware update by GoPro and new memory cards have solved alot of the issues related to the Hero 3.  Below you will find links to the new recommended cards available:-

Lexar 32GB GoPro Memory Card

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lexar LSDMI32GBSBNA600R 32GB 600x SDHC Micro SD Class 10 Memory Card by Lexar for GoPro Hero 3

32GB SDHC Micro SD Class 10 Memory Card by Delkin for GoPro Hero 3 – DDMICROSDPRO2-32GB

64GB SDXC Micro SD Class 10 Memory Card by Delkin for GoPro Hero 3 – DDMICROSDPRO2-64GB

A new way to attach your GoPro to your Mountain Bike or BMX

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We’re always looking for new ways to film from our bikes, right?

And we’ve all seen handlebar mounts, headcams, etc.  So here comes the new GoPro CNC Aluminium Headset Mount.  At just £22.99, it fits most 1-1/8″ headsets and all you need to do is unscrew your original headset top cap and replace it with this new Headset Mount.  It’s that simple!

Available in two different colours; red or black.

http://www.hobbymounts.co.uk/shop/GoPro-Top-Cap-Headset-Mount-Adapter-Aluminium

GoPro Headset Mount