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GoPro Hero3+ review (Black Edition): your action videos never looked so good
Got an adventurous spirit? A love of video? If either of those apply to you, then you're likely well-familiar with GoPro. Heck, if you nodded "yes" to both, then there's a chance you actually even own one. Every iteration of the camera has promised to bring your chosen activity to life in more detail and clarity. So, what could the king-of-the-cams pull out of the bag this time around to inspire another purchase? The answer -- GoPro hopes at least -- is the Hero3+. As the name suggests, this is more of an incremental revision, rather than the overhaul we saw with the last update. That's not to say there isn't anything to talk about here; there really is. But if you were hoping for 8K (c'mon, really?), or even full frame rate 4K, then sadly no dice. What you will get are better optics, a new "SuperView" mode, an improved battery and a slimmer profile (more on this later) -- all for the same price as last year's model. We jumped at the chance to get outside and see how it fares, so join us below to see the results.
GoPro's WiFi BacPac and Remote available for helmets and wrists everywhere (video)
We all know how annoying it is when you're trying to land a tre flip, and trigger your GoPro at the same time. That's no doubt why they came up with the WiFi BacPac and remote combo we saw at CES. Well, they are finally out in retailers in the US, Europe and internationally online. So double-corkers and megaloopers alike can finally control their favorite helmet cam, literally, on the fly. Not only will you get the remote convenience for $99, but smart-phone (Android and iOS) viewfinder capabilities too. A new software update will also let you stream directly to the web. Kickflip over the break to see three-times X Games skateboarding gold medalist Ryan Sheckler put the kit to the test, in a way most of us never will.
Oregon Scientific unveils ATC Beats WiFi sports cam and ATC Chaméléon dual-lens camera
Joining Oregon Scientific's range of waterproof sports cameras later this year are these two new models: the ATC Beats on the left and the ATC Chaméléon on the right. The Beats, arriving in November for $399, features 1080p 60fps video capture with a 130-degree field of view and a 270-degree rotatable lens, along with built-in GPS, accelerometer and heart rate monitor (via wireless chest belt) for those keen on recording some extra data. Most importantly, though, is its WiFi connectivity with any iPhone or Android device: not only can you do wireless file transfer with it, but much like the way ContourGPS Connect View app works, you can also use your phone as a wireless viewfinder. Pretty handy for when the camera's stuck on a helmet, of course.The Chaméléon, on the other hand, is slated for a September launch at $199 only. While it doesn't have all those fancy wireless features, it boasts two 180-degree rotatable lenses (with a 110-degree field of view) at each end of the long body: one moves horizontally, and the other moves vertically; hence the name. The idea is that the camera can simultaneously capture 720p 30fps footage from both lenses (there's only one camera controller inside), and then output a synchronized horizontal or vertical split-screen video clip. We can already picture the Chaméléon being used on a surfing board or in a racing car, so there's certainly great potential here. Anyhow, enjoy our hands-on photos while you imagine the adrenaline rush.
Swann releases Freestyle HD, begs you to capture 1080p underwater via LCD viewer
Looking to step your game up when capturing surfing footage from atop your longboard? Swann is aiming to lend a helping hand with its newfangled Freestyle HD wearable video camera. This offering is the company's first that sports a detachable 1.5-inch LCD viewer for taking a peek at your 1080p video capture in real-time -- which you can capture at up to 30 fps. You'll also be able to snap eight megapixel JPEGs should you so choose with 3x digital zoom at your disposal. Waterproof at depths up to 65 feet, the Freestyle HD can be helmet-mounted, attached to your favorite fixed-gear or the roof of your rally car via the three included mounting brackets. The camera will connect directly to an HDTV for viewing, or you can hop over to a PC via a microSD card or USB transfer. You can expect 2.5-hour battery life and a $279 price tag to boot -- too bad that flight to the southern hemisphere isn't nearly as affordable.%Gallery-138657%
Contour Plus helmet cam spied, offers wider view of your extreme antics
If you're the type who likes to risk life and limb in pursuit of pleasure, then you know the best way to document your exploits is with a little helmet cam action. Bike Rumor is reporting that Contour, one the leaders in this (admittedly niche) field, will soon be releasing a new POV shooter called the Contour Plus. The site came across some Giant pro cyclers testing the device, who claim the Plus will improve on the ContourGPS by adding an HDMI-out port, boosting image quality, and widening the viewing angle from 140 degrees to 170. And, for those who really like to live dangerously, the Plus will supposedly pack a Bluetooth radio so you can stare at the iPhone viewfinder app while hurtling down a snow-covered slope or through an obstacle-riddled bike path. Of course, this is all unofficial at the moment, but the "little birdy" whispering in Bike Rumor's ear said the updated cam will land in the next month or two. One more blurry shot after the break.
Swann's shockproof, waterproof Sportscam straps on your cranium, captures momentous occasions
It's been a hot minute since we've seen any new tools from the security-minded folks at Swann, but it's hitting back with a new head-mounted camera at CES. The Sportscam is a familiar device -- similar to Contour and Go Pro units we've toyed with in the past -- but rather than seeking optimal image quality at a premium price, this guy sticks to the basics. The VGA camera can only log clips at a resolution of 640 x 480, so HD junkies best look elsewhere. But it's still encased in a rugged plastic shell, one that's both shockproof and waterproof, and it's capable of holding up to five hours of footage on a single 16GB microSD card. There's a rechargeable Li-ion battery that'll last 2.5 hours, and it ships with a variety of mounting options (though we'd suggest around your head, obviously). As we alluded to earlier, this one's a lower-end product, and that $99 price may entice those who would otherwise never consider such a thing. The full release is after the break, and it'll start shipping in the US of A next month.
