Media Tips: Which GoPro Should I Buy?

Reynolds School of Journalism student Kaitlyn Olvera decides between the GoPro Hero 4 Session and GoPro Hero 3+ Silver with help from classmates Addie Eykelbosh and Emily Hodge.

Kaitlyn Olvera — Newbie GoPro User / Location: Reynolds School of Journalism / Credit: Addie Eykelbosh

Want to be the next GoPro videographer, but don’t know which one to buy? Many wannabe GoPro users, such as myself, have no idea what the pros and cons are of the many GoPro series cameras available.

As someone who knows nothing about GoPros, but wants to buy one, I decided to set out and find the right GoPro for me. Luckily, two other Reynolds School of Journalism peers of mine own different versions.

Some GoPro Info

Well, some background information might be helpful. In this testing experiment, we are using the GoPro Hero 3+ Silver and the GoPro Hero 4 Session. The 3+ is the older of the two released in October 2013. The Hero 4 Session was released in July of 2015. Currently on Amazon, you can buy the Hero 4 Session for $104.99, and the Hero 3+ for $199.95. On GoPro’s website, they also offer more recent models which have touch screens and upgraded technology. According to the GoPro website, both models are HD, 1080p x 720p. Both are also waterproof with similar features. The Hero 4 Session has interchangeable lens and night mode.

The User Experience

Kaitlyn, the newbie GoPro user, tries out the GoPro Hero 3+ / Credit: Addie Eykelbosh

Does Less is More Apply?

As we began comparing the two, we noticed a couple of things. For one, the Hero 4 Session is lighter and smaller than the Hero 3+. However, the phrase ‘less is more,’ does not apply when comparing these two cameras. The big difference between the two is that the Hero 4 Session only has one button that controls the power and play/stop. We found it easier to use a camera that has separate buttons for different controls. Both are simple to use, but the delay also was a bigger factor. The Hero 3+ has a very small delay, less than a second. The Hero 4 Session, on the other hand, has a delay of three seconds, which was a little frustrating. The Hero 4 Session is better with stabilization. When comparing the two for image quality, which may be the most important factor for videographers, they are pretty equal. The Hero 4 Session appeared a little overexposed, and underexposed where there is shade. To our surprise, the Hero 3+ has better, and more clearer video quality than the Hero 4 Session.

Kaitlyn, Addie and Emily test out the two GoPro models. Other than the stabilization and delay issues, there were not many other problems. The size matters, so if you want something smaller, the Hero 4 Session would be better. The Hero 3+ is bulkier and a little heavier. With these older models, it is hard to not see what you’re filming; however, that depends on the user.

The Winner is…

GoPro Hero 3+ featured on the left, GoPro Hero 4 Session on the right. / Credit: Addie Eykelbosh

The GoPro Hero 3+ Silver. Overall, the older model is better! Heading into this experiment, we expected the Hero 4 Session to be an improved version of the Hero 3+. We found that the color and exposure in the Hero 3+are very good, and the camera adjusts smoothly when lighting conditions change. We think that because the Hero 4 Session is smaller, it forced some compromises, like the long delay and one button. We think the Plus model features more than the Hero model.

CNET gives the Hero 3+ Silver 7.5 stars, out of 10. They give the Hero 4 Session 8 stars.

We give the Hero 3+ Silver 8 stars and the Hero 4 Session 7 stars.

*VERDICT: Kaitlyn will buy the GoPro Hero 3+ Silver!

Experimental Reporting by Kaitlyn Olvera, Addie Eykelbosh and Emily Hodge shared with Reynolds Sandbox