GoPro had a hit on its hands with the first-generation GoPro Hero. The small camera combined decent video quality and rugged reliability in a small package that was easy to use in action-based scenarios. However, the Hero wasn't without its flaws. Finicky battery choices that often cut recording sessions short with poor power usage combined with mere standard-definition video quality created a package that was at times less than optimal, particularly when faced with competition from the ContourHD.
So GoPro did what any good tech company would do: innovate. Enter the GoPro HD Hero.
The HD Hero seeks to not only increase video resolution, but also video quality. Other improvements come in the form of a rechargeable battery pack and the addition of the HeroBUS add-on port, which allows users to upgrade the functionalities and performance with BacPak modules.
Let's take a look at the Motorsports variant of the HD Hero to see how it stacks up against its older sibling and the competition.
 
Design
The new center of the GoPro universe is the HD Hero camera, which is quite similar to the previous generation Hero 5 camera. The unit uses a similar 170-degree ultra-wide-angle lens, features the same two-button interface (mode select and shutter), and displays data on the same 1-inch monochromatic LCD display.
This tiny camera measures 1.6 inches by 2.4 inches by 1.2 inches, which is a slight increase in every direction over the previous-generation Hero.
Part of the reason for the increase in size is apparent when you take a look at the back of the camera, where you'll find a large 1100mAh lithium ion rechargeable battery behind a removable door. Battery life has been boosted to approximately 2.5 hours thanks to this larger, more reliable cell. The battery charges through a Mini-USB cable (which is included) in about 2 hours when connected to a computer or other powered USB port. Purchasing an optional power adapter slashes the charge time to 1 hour.

Connecting to a computer is also how you download photos and videos stored on the HD Hero's SD card media (not included). The unit supports SDHC card at capacities up to 32GB, which is important for recording videos at the highest resolution. Record times on a card that size will vary depending on video format, but range from a little over 4 hours to about 8 hours, which you'll notice is longer than the battery life. For continuous shooting, the GoPro can be used while connected to a power source.
Users wanting to connect directly to a television are given the choice of using standard-definition connections for composite video and stereo audio or component video for high definition. The unit ships with both sets of cables with RCA connections for your television on one end and 3.5mm mini jack connectors that connect to the HD Hero on the other.
One notable change is the omission of the previous model's tiny optical viewfinder. This useless plastic window won't be missed. In its place, the HD Hero gains the HERO Bus, an expansion port that allows the addition of optional Bakpac units that expand the functionality of the camera. No Bakpacs are available at the time of this review, but GoPro has an LCD Bakpac for preview and playback and a Battery Bakpac for double battery life slated for early 2010 release, with the promise of more to come. Each Bakpac will ship with a replacement door to allow it to fit within the confines of the waterproof housing.
 
Features
The HD Hero features a wide variety of shooting modes for both video and still photography.
Starting with video, there are five modes from which to choose. Full HD 1080p (1,920x1,080 pixels) video captured at 30fps is the maximum resolution the HD Hero offers, however, in this mode the video is cropped to only a 127-degree viewing angle.
Users wanting to utilize the full 170-degree wide angle can choose either 720p capture (1,280x720 pixels) in either 30fps or 60fps, a 960p (1,280x960) "tall HD" mode (which is the HD Hero's only 4:3 aspect ratio), or the lowest resolution WVGA mode (848x480 pixels) at 60fps.
Regardless of resolution, all videos are saved with H.264 and compressed as MPEG4 files. Although the HD Hero supports stereo audio output, it only captures monaural audio from its single microphone, which is run through AAC compression and rolled into the MPEG4 video.
For still photography, there is only one resolution and that is 5 megapixels with 24-bit color depth. However, there are multiple shooting modes: single-shot mode captures one photo per shutter press; Per Second mode captures photos at user defined intervals from 2 to 60 seconds; burst mode captures three photos in rapid succession; and a self timer mode delays the capture of a single shot.
 
Mounting and accessories
While the HD Hero itself is a fairly neat--if not slightly crude--bit of kit, the true appeal of the GoPro line of cameras is the wide range of relatively cheap mounting accessories.

We'll start with the waterproof housing that ships with every GoPro camera. This polycarbonate shell is custom fitted to the HD Hero and seals with a strong plastic clamp. Once shut, the HD Hero is waterproof to 180 feet and shockproof.
Being shockproof is a great feature to have when mounting the HD Hero to the exterior of a vehicle using the PanaVise suction cup mount that is included in the HD Hero Motorsports kit. This is the same great suction cup mount that is included in the GoPro Hero 5 Motorsports kit and the ContourHD vehicle mount kit and has allowed us to capture miles of worry-free footage. Just make sure the attachment surface is clean, as dirt can weaken the suction.
The HD Hero Motorsports kit also ships with an assortment of flat and curved adhesive mounts for semi-permanent attachment to helmets and other surfaces, a pair of quick release buckles for connecting to the adhesive mounts, and a three-way pivoting arm for aiming and positioning, which gives users a fairly wide variety of mounting options out of the box.
The HD Hero can also be purchased as part of the HD Helmet Hero package (which includes a pair of helmet straps, in place of the suction cup mount), the HD Surf Hero package (which subs an FCS Plug-compatible mount for surfboards), or simply as the HD Hero Naked without any special mounting accessories. Additionally, any of the specialized mounts or straps, articulating arms, and replacement waterproof housings and lenses can be purchased separately for easy repairs or expansion.
 
Performance
We expected the HD Hero to produce higher quality video than the older Hero 5 thanks to its higher resolution and increased lo- light sensitivity, and we weren't disappointed.
Recording in-vehicle videos is usually a tricky affair with inexpensive mountable camcorders because of the large differences in ambient light outside of the vehicle and available light in the cabin. The HD Hero side steps this issue by offering a spot metering setting that exposes photography for the center of the frame, allowing you to keep your subject more evenly exposed. However, this isn't a magic bullet solution and care must be taken to properly aim the HD Hero to ensure that you're metering for the right subject when in spot metering mode.
While the HD Hero does sport increased low-light sensitivity, make no mistake that this is a camera that is best utilized in daylight. When capturing video at dusk, there are noticeable amounts of visual noise in the video. When used indoors, video and still photos were clear and detailed but the color took on a yellowish tint. Perhaps this is something that can be tuned out with future firmware updates to the camera's automatic white balance.
One area that we didn't expect to notice a dramatic improvement was in audio quality. The HD Hero does a good job of capturing engine noises while blocking wind noise when mounted outside of a vehicle, but it can also capture clear dialog when mounted inside of a vehicle's cabin.
While the HD Hero represents a huge jump in video and audio quality, it hasn't done much to increase its user friendliness. Sure, the addition of an idiot-proof lithium ion battery pack has made it easier to keep the Hero juiced and ready to go, but the user interface is still a nightmare.
The small LCD display features darn near microscopic icons representing the camera's various modes of operation and functions, many of which aren't obvious without first checking the user's manual and some of which are so similar it's still difficult to tell them apart. Resolution is represented by a single-digit number in the lower left corner, for example 2 is 720p at 30fps. There's no way you'd know that unless you checked or memorized the manual.
Plunge into the settings menu and you're greeted with even odder three-letter abbreviations of functions, for example selecting ALL formats the SD card--something that you really don't want to accidentally do after a day of shooting.
The GoPro may just be too complex a device for its two-button interface. Its microscopic icons and cryptic menu structure just can't match the ease of the ContourHD's no-setup interface. The menu system isn't impossible to navigate and there really aren't that many commands to memorize, but the first couple of outings with the HD Hero will most likely result in a few head scratcher moments. It's better to set up the camera at home and then just stay out of the menus.
Oddly, the upside down shooting mode--which flips the video capture for those times when you must mount the HD Hero upside down--has gone missing for the Hero's launch. GoPro tells us that it should be added back in a future firmware update.
 
In sum
The GoPro HD Hero addresses most--but not all--of the issues that we had the old Hero 5 model, while keeping everything that we loved intact. The included rechargeable battery is a godsend that should save current GoPro users a good deal of money in replacement batteries.
Compared with the competition from the ContourHD, the GoPro HD Hero Motorsports offers users much more flexibility of video resolution, exposure controls, and still photography that hasn't been matched by any mountable camera system that we've tested.
Additionally, the GoPro system's polycarbonate shell makes it a much more rugged unit, able to take knocks in stride and be used under water. If the unit goes flying off of your car, it's not the end of the world, just order a new lens ($20) or shell ($40) and you're ready to record again.
If the HD Hero's interface were less of a chore, it would be a contender for our Editors' Choice award, but the oddball menu system lowers its design score and, consequently, its overall score.

Source
Engadget  GoPro Motorsports HD Hero Reviews (Critic Reviews 8.2/10, User Reviews 8.3/10)
CNET GoPro Motorsports HD Hero Reviews (CNET Editor's Rating 3.5/5)

The Good The GoPro HD Hero Motorsports captures video in a variety of resolutions and frame rates up to and including 1080i full HD, as well as still photos. The Hero has a large selection of mounting options and replacement parts. The polycarbonate shell is submersible, shockproof, and--if it takes too bad of a beating--replaceable.

The Bad The lack of a viewfinder makes precise aiming difficult. The tiny LCD display and a cryptic menu is difficult to navigate without first consulting the manual. Low-light performance still leaves much to be desired.

The Bottom Line The GoPro HD Hero captures crisp HD video and offers users a great deal of flexibility of resolution and mounting options. However, some users may find it to be too complex for its two-button interface and tiny screen.

Official Website

Where to Buy

$271.80 Amazon GoPro HD Motorsports Hero* + $13.50 shipping  

Lighter, smaller, sharper
The GoPro Hero3 is 25 percent lighter than the previous-generation Hero 2's camera. It's also 30 percent smaller. However, all of that reduction manifests in reduced thickness with a new depth of only 20mm. The height and width (42mm by 60mm) are unchanged to maintain compatibility with GoPro's line of BacPac add-on modules and rear doors for the clear plastic shell.
On the front panel, you'll find the new f/2.8, six-element aspherical lens that is supposed to offer twice the image sharpness and reduce the amount of barrel distortion at the extremes of its 170-degree field of view. However, the characteristic fish-eye look of the video and photos captured by the Hero3 hasn't been totally removed, as it's sort of a hallmark of the action-camera style, adding a bit of drama to scenery as it speeds by.
The Hero3 uses the same improved LCD of the Hero 2, with its monochromatic dot-matrix display. I found the screen to be easy enough to navigate using the GoPro's combination mode/power button to change modes and the shutter release to make selections. However, there is a bit of a learning curve. Expect to spend a bit of time on your first outing just looping through the menus and getting used to where the options are. I also found the LCD to be a bit difficult to read in direct sunlight.

The Hero3 (right) is the smallest GoPro camera ever, edging out the previous Hero 2 (middle) and the old-school Digital Hero 5 (left). Antuan Goodwin/CNET

The front panel is also home to two indicator lights: one red to indicate that the Hero is recording and one blue that blinks to indicate that Wi-Fi is active. There are also smaller red indicator lights on the top, back, and bottom panels that are visible from most angles.
On the back panel, you'll find the removable cover for the 1,050mAh lithium ion battery. Swappable batteries are a good idea if you plan on being out shooting all day. Next to the battery door, you'll find the proprietary BacPac connection where the accessory BacPacs, such as the LCD and Battery BacPacs, connect.
On the right side of the unit (when viewed from the front), you'll find the Wi-Fi button that activates and deactivates the wireless connectivity with the GoPro app for smartphones or the Wi-Fi remote (which is included with the Hero3 Black Edition, but not the Silver or White editions). The details of how the Wi-Fi remote works have already been detailed as part of our review of the GoPro WiFi BacPac. However, this built-in Wi-Fi functionality renders the WiFi BacPac itself obsolete for this new generation -- although you'll still need it if you have a few older Hero 2s kicking around.
On the left side, behind a removable plastic panel, you'll find the Hero3's greatly simplified bank of connections. There's a Micro-HDMI output, shrunken down from the Mini-HDMI of the previous generation, and a microSD card slot, shrunken down from a full-size SD card slot for space savings. The Hero3 doesn't come with a microSD card, but supports cards with capacities up to 64GB. Finally, there's a Mini-USB port, which makes a return appearance, that is used for charging and syncing. However, with the aid of optional adapter cables, this Mini-USB port can also double as a 3.5 mm microphone input or an analog video output. I like to see GoPro doing more with less space here, but this connection scheme pretty much locks you into only using GoPro's first-party adapters, which may not be too big a deal for some users.

The Hero3 consolidates the previous generation's inputs and outputs down to two ports and a card slot. Antuan Goodwin/CNET

On either side of the Hero3, you'll find a small pinhole microphone for audio recording alongside your video. GoPro claims that its wind reduction algorithms have been improved for this generation. Like the previous generation, the camera comes with a swappable Skeleton back panel for its clear plastic case that can be used to further improve audio quality at speeds below 100 mph at the expense of waterproofing.

Rough and tumble shell
The Hero3's clear plastic shell is as much a part of the GoPro system as the camera itself and has received an update as well to match the smaller Hero3 chassis. Now thinner than before, the Hero3's shell also offers three waterproof buttons that pass your inputs through to the power/mode select button, the shutter release, and the new Wi-Fi button.
The back panel is still removable to allow replacement, for example, with the aforementioned Skeleton door or deeper doors that accommodate the BacPac add-ons. The door also features a new two-stage lock that that requires a tab to be pushed to the side before the locking mechanism can be lifted and rotated out of place. This adds a bit of extra security, keeping the camera sealed in its case, but I never really had any issues with the old, single-stage lock, so this new, sometimes incredibly difficult-to-open lock seems a bit unnecessary. Users who often submerge their GoPro cameras might not think so.
Finally, the Hero3's new shell features a new, flat lens that is supposed to work better with the new lens' reduced distortion and offer better underwater image quality.
Like every generation of Hero shell before it, the Hero3's clear shell is completely user-serviceable with the ability to replace any component from the lens to the door to the body itself independently. It also retains compatibility with GoPro's entire catalog of mounting options.

Build quality & handling

The plastic housing, like the previous version, is robust enough to be knocked, dropped, drenched and thrown about.
There's an extra lock on the top hinge which can be fiddly with cold or gloved hands, but will guard against accidental leverage of the hinge, although we did find the hinge assembly coming off from time to time.
The mount attachment is the same as previous models so you can reuse your existing mounts without buying new ones, or take advantage of the many Third Party options out there such as the K-Edge GO BIG mounts.
The only things about the camera that have got bigger are the operational buttons for the menu and shutter activation: an improvement over the previous model, as it makes operating the camera inside and outside the housing easier.

The menu system is unchanged although, as with previous HERO cameras, you can find yourself pressing the same button over and over to cycle through the menus when you've clicked past the option you wanted to change.

Performance

The metering functions cope very well across a range of light conditions and rapidly changing light conditions.
The sensor and compression improvements, in terms of quality over the HERO2, are obvious when looking at 100% crops of identical photos with a reduction in artefacts.
There is a tiny improvement in resolution and chromatic aberration is still present, but less so than with previous models.
The white balance, which can be adjusted in nerd-friendly Kelvin, isn't always right in auto mode, returning magenta-tinged blues at times, but nothing that a little post production couldn't fix.
One marked improvement is the ability to retain details in highlights. On the previous model bright areas were easily blown out, but there's a lot more detail now.
There is a sacrifice to be made in detail in dark areas, which we found when shooting into low autumnal light. But then this camera comes from California, where they love the sun.

LCD touchscreen performance

The optional touchscreen is a great addition, if only for navigating the menus. Whilst only 5cm across the diagonal it eliminates the guess work from lining up shots, and provides an opportunity to check back footage quickly and easily.
The unit doesn't have its own power supply so it is a drain on your camera's battery. There's no setting to change the brightness and the screen isn't visible in bright sunlight.
Why they chose to use white graphics on light grey backgrounds is a puzzler, when more contrasted icons would make for easier viewing.
It can be a little slow to respond to presses in video playback.
When shooting underwater, the touch functions won't work so you'll be relying on the regular buttons for menu selection.

Compared to the competition, such as the £100 ($150) cheaper Sony HDR-AS15, which already has Wi-Fi built in for live streaming, identical frame rates at 1080p and 720p plus a stereo microphone and speaker compared to the GoPro's mono and no speaker; and the £160 ($250) cheaper Drift HD which has a built in colour screen and more buttons for menu navigation, is the GoPro worth the extra money?

• Buy GoPro HERO3 Camera Black Edition at Value Basket for £254.99

Yes.
Especially if you're a professional videographer, because of the wide range of resolutions and frame rates it offers.
And yes again, if you want a small, light camera that is capable across a wide range of environmental conditions.
If you're not that worried about weight or size and are looking for a cheaper alternative, then the Sony offers a great picture for less money and does pretty much the same job.

Depending where you want to use it, the GoPro already has a mature range of mounting accessories. They're still a little flimsy and overpriced, and difficult to attach with cold or gloved hands, but it does mean that you can attach the camera to pretty much anything that moves.
With the HERO3 the main takeaway in terms of image quality was the improved detail in highlighted areas, but when shooting into the light you can lose a lot of information in the dark areas of the image.
The menu system is still a frustration too, but the LCD touchscreen negated this annoyance and we hope the free GoPro App, which becomes compatible in December for the Black Edition, will do the same job as the touchscreen, as well as making framing of shots and shooting a more controlled affair.

In sum
The $399.99 flagship GoPro Hero3 Black Edition goes head-to-head and toe-to-toe with the top of line Contour+2, which retails for the same price. Both cameras offer great HD video quality and both cameras ship with waterproof, ruggedized plastic shells to protect your investment. Both feature built-in wireless connectivity with smartphone apps: GoPro uses Wi-Fi; Contour uses Bluetooth. The Contour+2 wins a round with its ability to record and embed GPS elevation and speed data into its videos and the fact that it ships with video editing software, while the GoPro offers neither. I've also noted on many occasions that the Contour is easier for novices to use, with its slide and record control scheme.

The GoPro Hero3 Black Edition (pictured) is the best sports camera yet, but the Silver and White editions are great value alternatives. Antuan Goodwin/CNET

However, the Hero3's smaller chassis, on-device display and controls, and superior resolutions and available frame rates make it the obvious winner in a spec battle. If you're a semi-professional or prosumer sports camera enthusiast, taking an extra day to figure out the Hero3's more complex control scheme is totally worth the greater amount of on-device flexibility of shooting modes.
However, at about four Benjamins, the Hero3 Black Edition may be too much camera for your average consumer who only occasionally hits the slopes or is only uploading to YouTube or Facebook. For those who don't need 4K video or want to hold off on buying the Wi-Fi remote, the $299.99 Silver Edition and $199.99 White Edition meet the right price points, but come into competition with the newly announced ContourRoam 2.

Source
Engadget GoPro HERO3 Reviews (Critic Reviews 8.2/10, User Reviews 8.3/10)
Techradar GoPro HERO3 Reviews (4/5)
PC Mag GoPro HERO3 Reviews (4/5)
CNET GoPro HERO3 Reviews (CNET Editor's Rating 4.5/5, Average User Rating 1.5/5)

The Good The GoPro Hero3 is smaller, lighter, and features built-in Wi-Fi connectivity. The Black Edition offers a number of ultra-high-resolution capture modes and high frame rates for standard HD resolutions; burst speeds for still photos has been greatly improved.

The Bad GoPro's control scheme has a longer learning curve than the simpler slide-n-go setup of the Contour cameras. Only 15fps on 4K video renders this selling point mostly moot for action videography.

The Bottom Line The GoPro Hero3 Silver and White editions are strong contenders in the sports camera market, but the faster, more powerful Black Edition is head and shoulders the best sports camera on the market today.

Official Website

Where to Buy 
$399.99 Official Website HERO3+ Black Edition
$448.00 New Egg GoPro HERO3: Black Edition 12MP Camera with Built in WiFi, Micro HDMI Port, Supports up to 64GB MicroSD*free shipping
$229.99 Amazon GoPro HERO3: White Edition - (197'/ 60m Waterproof Housing)*free shipping
$229.00 Amazon GoPro HERO3: Silver Edition*free shipping
$199.99 Amazon GoPro Hero3: White Edition - (131'/ 40m Waterproof Housing)*free shipping
$399.99 Amazon GoPro HERO3+: Black Edition*free shipping