Is it worth upgrading from GoPro Hero 1?

I've gained the GoPro1 me before buying the GoPro3, Black Edition, can record the clips in 1920x1080p. Since the housing of GoPro1 for underwater shooting is not suitable, then I have gained me an extra housing. Furthermore I bought a display (see GoPro LCD Bacpac), which can be mounted on the back. So you have the recording in sight.

In the settings of the GoPro Hero 1 I chose the value of R5 with 1920x1080p. This setting is very well chosen for over- and underwater shots. In good lighting conditions the GoPro HERO1 gives good results. If the lighting conditions but weaker, then sets quickly noise in an image. That's the reason I've been thinking about a camcorder changes.

The GoPro3, Black Edition promised to be considerably sensitive to light, which has ultimately led me to buy this camcorder. I did not buy this camera from Amazon, but directly in the dive shop in my town. So I had the opportunity to informally this and my old GoPro 1 compare directly in the swimming pool.

Before the first test in the swimming pool:
I have the latest firmware installed me directly via the Internet. Reason: When set to 1920x1080p so another perspective was offered in the setting. Now are the viewing angles

- Wide
- Medium
- Narrow
Available. The narrow version (I mean it's a 90 ° angle) is an excellent addition to all above-water shots. The arc effect at the image edges can thus be minimized wonderful. The update went smoothly. Please let the GoPro a little time for the update and turn it not too early. Only when the camcorder is not reactivated and all lights are off, the update is complete. Cancels the update unintentionally from that procedure without any problem can be restarted.

+ Additional display (see GoPro LCD Bacpac):
For the narrow viewing angle is a display at the back mandatory to have the focus right in the image. It is gratifying that the display of Gopro HERO1 could be grown without complaint to the Black Edition. This display is therefore compatible. The special benefit of the display can also be found in the setting of the setting. The setting appears in the display and is much more pleasant than the setting through the small window at the front.

+ MicroSD card:
Please make sure that the correct MicroSD card (Our current Card: SanDisk Ultra 16GB HC Class10) is used for recording, this card is also available in the highest quality image settings no problems during recording. In my case, the recording had 'swallowed' by a SD (Class4), ie the recording stopped.

+ The first deployments in the swimming pool.

I have collected a total of nearly 2 hours of footage (Format 1920x1080, 30fps, angle, Mittel`). Most of the time it underwater in the deep diving pool. It was evening, saying it was only the hall light available.

At the beginning I have stretched the HERO1 and Hero3 on a small boards in order to see directly the differences on the screen can.
In summary: The Hero3, Black Edition is a significantly better picture even under low light conditions compared to the HERO1. This has been shown especially in test shots of a bubble stream, which has been very well received with the Black Edition.

+ Additional light:
I have also examined the use of an external light together with the Hero3. For lighting I have taken my dive light (Kowalski, Speed), when I exchanged the headlights of spot beam on the diffuser to help. This light comes from a wide field of view and is particularly at depths from 6-7m in conjunction with the GoPro a necessary tool for good underwater photographs.

+ Handle:
This blurring of the image less, I've bought a small handle. In fact, by a tremor in the recording will be significantly reduced.

+ Supplied UW-housing:
Unlike the Hero 1, the housing for underwater shooting is ideally suited. Here are no additional costs for a special underwater housing.

+ Error, as described in other reviews.

I have read the reports of 'bugs' and error accurately and taken seriously. That was also the reason why I wanted to test before buying the Black Edition through its paces.

+ Unintended switching of WiFi:
Does not occurred.

+ Take the remote control:
The remote control is for us just a 'nice-to-have', was yet checked by us.
After the remote control has been charged via USB and the 'blue lights burned WiFi, this remote worked fine. According to our dealers this remote is tested up to 3m depth. Benefits we are but this remote control very little.

+ Freezing movie recording
With the use of the SSD (class 10) is not occurred

+ Inadequate film quality
Not traceable. Compared with the HERO1 so much better, especially in low light conditions.

+ Battery power:
Even with switched extra display (see GoPro LCD Bacpac) on the back of the Hero 3 dives of over an hour are possible. Current battery capacity is sufficient for me.

+ Heavy annoying to adjust the settings.
Of course: it is a ActionCam who has not all the usual Gismos a conventional camcorder. However, the settings deserve by no lower rating. The setting is also mostly done only once before taking the picture. A display (see GoPro LCD Bacpac) on the back enhances comfort settings.

++ In summary:
In good lighting conditions on land, the differences are not so serious that the purchase is worth based on the price absolutely. This acquisition will cost a lot of money and a certain level of enthusiasm for beautiful shots should be a basic condition.

A change from the HERO1 the Hero3, Black Editon worthwhile if the focus is set to underwater shooting in the sea or lake. Most memorable shots are taken then that inspire even more with a better image quality.

In my case, by the purchase decision was made. Special features such as wireless connectivity, remote control or the extremely high-quality image formats have not accomplished a shift to the Hero3. It is ultimately the picture on the TV, which really impressed.

The error mentioned in the previous reviews, I could not understand fortunately. The technology runs perfectly.

+ 24.02.2013 Addendum:
We have once again seen this product and are very surprised about the many negative reports on this camcorder. We are confident that the resentment is justified. Therefore, we can only recommend in retrospect, this camera to buy directly from the dealer or ordered from (for example) Amazon. So a right of return is guaranteed. In our case, we have purchased the camera a few days ago right in the dive shop. The dealer gave us the camera complete set and all functions tested together. Only after we have tested the camera with 2 hours of footage, this camera has been purchased from us.

Summary: Maybe we have just been lucky with our camera, or there are unfortunately some 'Motagsmodelle' at the dealership.