Third Time Hero

Hero3GoPro has announced the release of the Hero3+ line of action cameras; and these have slimmed down while including a whole lot more. These new models are up to 20 percent smaller and lighter but offer a 30 percent improvement in battery life. The new Black edition can capture video at 4K resolution while the Silver model can do Full HD 1080p video.

If you are betting on Black, expect recording of 15 fps in 4K (3,840×2,160), or at 1080p in 24,30, 48 and 60 fps. At 720p you can even get up to 120 fps. There is also a wide-angle mode called SuperView that will include more of the surroundings in the frame. This model can also snap 12megapixel still images with bursts of up to 30 images per second. The Black edition features improved low-light performance and can go deep – as in it is waterproof to 131 feet (40 meters), when the included housing is used. It offers built-in WiFi along with a micro-HDMI port. It is available now for $399.99.

The Silver edition also shines, and for $299.99 it offers Full HD 1080p resolution video at 24, 30, 50 or 60 fps. It includes the same wide-angle lens and can capture 10megapixel stills at bursts of 10 images per second.

GoPro Official Website

Garmin Gets Going

GarminGarmin has revolutionized the world of cycling computers with its GPS-enabled devices, and now the company could be looking to take on GoPro with two new full HD action cameras.

The VIRB and Wi-Fi-enabled/GPS-enabled VIRB Elite both feature a 1.4-inch display for watching those “dailies” while each unit can capture three hours of HD (1080p) footage on a single charge, and each can be used to capture 16megapixel still images as well.

The VIRB Elite adds the Wi-Fi and GPS functionality, allowing users to embed info on altitude, speed and location into their footage or connect wirelessly to an Android or iOS device. Both cameras will be ready to roll this fall.

Garmin VIRB Official Website

CES 2012 Preview: Gobandit is Coming

What do we know about the gobandit digital camcorder? Not much, but the CES teaser said to “Get ready for something new,” and promised readers: “Now you can shoot, show and share much more than a video clip. gobandit captures experience more detailed than ever. Full HD, GPS, acceleration sensor, gyroscope and 150° wide angel show you more than words could ever tell.”

We’ll be sure to check out this at next week’s Consumer Electronics Show.

Gobandit Official Website