GoPro HD

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Youtube member Sitha Puth shares his DIY built to power a GoPro Hero3 from a Canon LP-E6 battery. Instead of powering the unit from the USB port, he's decided to craft up a power source from a Canon LP-E6 battery plate, step down converter, and GoPro dummy battery AC DC Adapter.

The build comes just in time with the new Protune 2.0 FIrmware Update packed with features that makes the GoPro Hero3+ (black edition) feel like an entirely new camera. Here's the build video.

Eventually Sitha will mount this to an inexpensive GoPro Hero Cage (he currently has on order). His build leaves access to all ports along the side of the Hero3 / Hero3+ camera so that you have full access to the Microphone input for better audio capture, or HDMI port for video output.

[Update Videos with Instructions on Build]

Here are the products in use.

AC DC Battery Adapter Kit GoPro Hero Hero3 Plus Dummy Battery
find-price-button GoPro AC DC Battery Adapter

DC Step Down Converter Voltage Step Down GoProStep Down 3.7 5V 7.4V DC Adapter Converter
find-price-button Gopro DC Step Converter

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Kamerar has released a few GoPro accessories that allow you to get more creative with the Hero3/Hero3+ cameras. The new Kampro Handle Kit works with existing GoPro housings (waterproof / skeleton) comes with 1x Handle, 3x Thumb Screws, 2x Threaded Pivot Arm, 1x Pivot Arm, 1x Phone Mount, 1x Tripod Mount, and 1x Cold Shoe Mount. The Kampro Handle Kit can be found (here).

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find-price-button Kamerar KamPro Handle Kit for GoPro Hero Cameras

When you want to run the GoPro 'naked' (without the waterproof housing), Kamerar has released an affordable GoPro Cage. Made of precision CNC machined aircraft grade aluminum, the new Kampro offers a few cold shoe mounts (a feature not found on other GoPro cages) ready to accept microphones, led lights, or other accessories.
Kamerar Kampro GoPro Cage
A single knob locks the GoPro Hero3/Hero3+ in place while still allowing full access to ports, buttons, lcd screen, MicroSD slot, and fast access for battery swaps. A lens cap fitted over a 37mm threaded filter mount is ready to accept your ND, CPL, or other popular filters. For more information on these products, check out the https://PNCGear.com website (click here).

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find-price-button Kamerar KamPro GoPro Cage with Cold Shoe & 1/4-20 threaded Taps

If your GoPro Hero camera spends most of it's life in the waterproof case, Fotodiox has options to add a filter mount system for both the Hero3 and new Hero3+ OEM waterproof case.

Filters will improve the quality of the GoPro Hero by adding a CPL, an ND to reduce shutter speeds, or offering color correction while still keeping your camera completely waterproof. Aside from the metal filter adapter kit, and filters, Fotodiox has launched a line of various other GoPro accessories found at https://FotoDiox.com

Fotodiox GOPro filter SystemGoPro Hero3+ Filter System
find-price-button FotoDiox GoToughGear GoPro Hero3 / Hero3+ Filter Kit

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Tehkron CagePro GoPro Powered Cage

To solve the issues of short battery life on the GOPRO HERO3/ HERO3+ cameras, a short time ago a GoPro Powered Cage (concept) running off of Canon LP-E6 batteries was introduced. It appeared to be well received, so the concept idea was moved quickly into manufacturing. The day it was announced, YouTube member Blunty created a short 'WANT' video about the CagePro [Thanks Blunty].

Fast forward a few months and several prototypes later, the new CagePro is finally ready to ship with an optional Top Handle and the final version can accept 52mm threaded CPL or ND filters. Since the new HERO3+ camera is exactly the same size, the CagePro is compatible with both the HERO3 / HERO3+ cameras once placed in the skeleton housing. Announced today in a newsletter, pre-orders are available now (limit 1 per customer) and is expected to ship earlier than November 10th.

For more information about the CagePro GoPro Hero3 / Hero3+ Powered Cage check out the listing page (found here).
Tehkron CagePro with Top Handle Gopro Powered CageTehkron CagePro Canon LP-E6 Battery Powered GoPro Cage
CagePro GoPro Canon LP-E6 Battery Powered Cage w/ Top Handle

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So GoPro has recently announced a new HERO3+ Black Edition Camera and the main questions are "how much of a difference is the new camera?", and "is it worth the upgrade?" Physically, the camera is basically the same with the exception of the new housing. This means the new HERO3+ camera will still work with previous accessories that you might already own.


YouTube member GearAddix

I'd have to say most everyone was already very happy with the image from the original HERO3, but somehow GoPro managed to deliver even better quality from the new HERO3+. Audio was also greatly improved in the new HERO3+, and the video below shows some of these examples.


YouTube member GearAddix

If you don't currently own a GoPro, the new HERO3+ Black Edition is the camera to get. For those who already own the Gopro HERO3, judging from this very basic side by side HERO3 vs HERO3+ image quality and audio test, do you guys think these differences are worth the upgrade?

[UPDATE March 14th, 2014]
GoPro Releases new Firmware for Hero3+ Black - more Manual Controls.

gopro hero3 plus blackgopro hero3 vs hero3 plus white
find-price-button GoPro Hero3+ Black / Silver

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Shipping Now - Purchase the new GoPro HERO3+ Black Edition

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Cheesycam GoPro Hero3+ Camera

Announced first thing this morning, and already my new GoPro Hero3+ Camera is in hand. Immediately I can see the buttons are designed differently than the previous Hero3 along with the housing. The lens cover has also been changed. I'll dig a bit more and post a few updates soon...

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The new GoPro Hero3+ Cameras Are Shipping Now.

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This morning GoPro just announced the brand new GoPro Hero3+ camera, available in Black and Silver Editions (in stock / shipping now). The new GoPro Hero3+ has significant upgrades over it's predecessor. Below is just a small list of new or improved features found on the amazing new Hero+ cameras.

see_hero3plus_in_action

large_Home_Brandbar_product_actual Smaller, lighter, mightier still.
Capture and share your life’s most meaningful experiences with the HERO3+ Black Edition. 20% smaller and lighter than its best-selling predecessor, it delivers improved image quality and powerful new features geared for versatility and convenience. SuperView™ is a new video mode that captures the world’s most immersive wide angle perspective, while Auto Low Light mode intelligently adjusts frame rate for stunning low-light performance. Combined with 30% longer battery life, 4x faster built-in Wi-Fi and a sharper lens, the HERO3+ Black Edition is the most advanced GoPro yet.
large_Lens_actual Sharper images, less distortion.
Enjoy crisper, clearer footage with reduced distortion. The HERO3+ Black Edition boasts a 33% increase in image sharpness thanks to its sharper lens and 2x reduction in imaging artifacts.
superview-FEATURE Introducing SuperView.
GoPro is proud to introduce SuperView, a video mode that captures the world’s most immersive wide angle perspective. It allows you to capture more of yourself and your surroundings in the shot—resulting in captivating, ultra engaging footage.
low-light-FEATURE New Auto Low Light mode.
Want your camera to automatically adjust for low-light situations? Auto Low Light mode intelligently changes frame rates based on lighting conditions for enhanced low-light performance.
large_PhotoCapture_actual Powerful photo capture.
The HERO3+ Black Edition captures gorgeous 12MP stills at up to 30 frames per second—perfect for fast-action sequences. Time Lapse mode enables automatic photo capture at 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 30 or 60 second intervals. Continuous Photo shoots full-resolution stills at a steady 3, 5 or 10 frames per second when holding down the shutter button.
battery-FEATURE 30% longer battery life.
Featuring a 30% increase in battery life, you can go longer and capture more with the HERO3+ Black Edition.
large_Audio_actual-1 Improved audio.
Sound quality is as important as image quality. The HERO3+ Black Edition features upgraded audio performance, capturing even the most subtle of sounds—whether you’re recording voices, music or the roar of your engine on a spirited drive. Advanced wind-noise reduction technology keeps the audio clearer during high-speed activities.
large_Powerful_WiFi_actual Control, view, share—4x faster.
With 4x faster1 connectivity to the GoPro App, you can preview content in near real-time2, and share your photos and videos quicker than ever. The GoPro App makes it easy to control your camera remotely with a smartphone or tablet—plus preview, play back and share your favorite shots via email, text, Facebook®, Instagram™ and more.3 Also enjoy enhanced connectivity to the included Wi-Fi Remote, which enables control of up to 50 cameras from distances of up to 600’/180m.

Hero_top_image
The new GoPro Hero3+ Cameras Are Shipping Now.

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New 3D renderings of the CagePro were added today showing that the final design will now accept threaded filters for use with CPL or ND. The top handle of the CagePro has also been modified with additional accessory mounting points.

CagePro Canon Battery LP-E6 Powered GoPro Hero3 Cage Top Handle Bump
Latest renderings CagePro GoPro Hero3 Canon LP-E6 Powered Cage

If you're not familiar with the CagePro, it's a new GoPro Hero3 Accessory Cage that houses a Canon LP-E6 battery used to power up your GoPro Hero3 for over 5 hours of continuous run time. It started out as merely a concept with working prototypes but was quickly 'Bumped' right into production on it's first day.

You get more information and can follow the product development over at https://PhotographyandCinema.com/pages/cagepro

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Have you ever 'Bumped' a Project? Well I guess there's a first time for everyone. It's a step towards answering the question 'How do you know when a good idea is really a good idea?" The concept is simple. A project/product is presented and if enough people think it's a good idea then it moves into actual manufacturing.

We'll get more into that later, but for now check out this CagePro - A GoPro Hero3 LP-E6 Battery Powered Cage.

GoPro_Powered_Cage_Canon_LP-E6_CagePro_Project

The CagePro houses a GoPro Hero3 camera using the skeleton case and plans to use an LP-E6 battery (yes a Canon DSLR battery) inserted into the cage to power up the Hero3 over a USB cable hidden inside of the casing. More battery juice is great for extending the run time when shooting video, and when working with time lapse photo projects. The concept has been proven and working prototypes are already in use (seen here).

It's close to reality, but to drive this project over to manufacturing, it doesn't require funding, deposits, or any type of obligation. All it takes is a bit of social feedback from you in the form of a Like or Tweet, a 'Bump' if you will.

Bump Project Cage Pro

So what do you guys think about this product? Hit or miss? BTW, you can possibly win a CagePro simply by leaving a comment over at the project page.

If you'd like to see this for sale on the market, check it out at https://www.photographyandcinema.com/pages/cagepro.