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table of contents Accessories 4 Mounts + Accessories 5 HERO3 Features 6 Camera LCD Status Screen 8 Camera User Interface Flow Chart 9 Software Updates 10 Basics 10 Camera Modes 13 Camera Settings 21 Delete 29 Capture Settings 31 Set Up 38 Wireless Controls 46 Storage/SD Cards 48 System Requirements 49 Transferring Files 50 Playback 51 Battery Life 53 Important Warning Messages 55 Camera Assembly 56 Customer Support 62 3
wear it. mount it. love it. Premium ACcessories hero3 ACcessories Wrist Housing LCD Touch BacPac™ Replacement Housing Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery Battery BacPac™ Lens Replacement Kit Caps + Doors Wi-Fi Remote 32GB/16GB microSD™ The Frame Mount (HERO3 accessory) 4 More HERO3 accessories available at gopro.com.
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HERO3 FeaTures 1. Status Indicator Lights (Red) 2. SHUTTER/SELECT Button 3. LCD Status Screen 4. Wi-Fi Indicator Light (Blue ) 5. POWER/MODE Button 6 6. Micro HDMI Port (Cable not included) 7. microSDTM Card Slot (SD card not included) 8. mini-USB Port (Supports Composite A/V cable/3.
HERO3 Features 9. HERO Port 10. Battery Door 11. Wi-Fi ON/OFF Button 12.
camera lcd status screen The LCD screen displays the following information about HERO3 modes and settings: 1. Camera Modes/FOV (Field of View) 2. Capture Setting Modes (not shown) 3. Resolution/FPS (Frames Per Second) 4. Time Interval Settings: (not shown) 5. Counter 6. Time/Storage/Files 7. Battery Life Note: T he icons displayed above will vary depending on what mode your camera is in.
camera user interface flow chart MODES CAMERA SETTINGS CAPTURE SETTINGS WI-FI SET UP *Note: White Balance and Playback only appear in your camera display if Protune™ mode is turned ON or Playback is activated.
software UPDATES G oPro adds new product updates through software updates. Check to see if any updates are available for your camera or other GoPro products. Visit: gopro.com/update. USING YOUR HERO3: BASICS GETTING STARTED Before using your HERO3 for the first time: 1. Insert a microSD, microSDHC™ or microSDXC™ card into the card slot with label facing forward, narrowest part of the card first. Speed Class 4 or higher cards are recommended. When using 0.
USING YOUR HERO3: basics CAMERA Default SETTINGS The HERO3 Silver Edition camera powers up with the following default settings: PRO TIP: Video Resolution 1080p30fps Photo Resolution 11 Megapixels (MP) Photo Burst 10 photos in 1 second Time Lapse 0.5 seconds Wi-Fi OFF Want to change your VIDEO and PHOTO settings? ▶See SETTINGS menu to make changes.
USING YOUR HERO3: Basics POWERING ON AND OFF To power ON: Press and release . The red Status Indicator Lights flash three times and the Sound Indicator emits three beeps. To power OFF: Press for two seconds, then release. The red Status Indicator Lights flash several times and the Sound Indicator emits seven beeps. PRO TIP: Want to turn your HERO3 into a “one-button” camera that automatically starts recording PHOTOS or VIDEOS once it turns ON? Set the camera to ONE BUTTON mode.
USING YOUR HERO3: camera modes Overview The HERO3 features several camera modes. To cycle through the modes, press The modes will appear in the following order: PRO TIP: . video Record Video photo Capture single Photo Photo burst Capture Burst photos time lapse Capture Time Lapse photos PLAYBACK Appears only if the camera is plugged into a TV/HDTV. Playback allows you to play Photos and Videos on a TV/HDTV (via optional Micro HDMI cable or A/V composite cable).
USING YOUR HERO3: camera modes Video To record Video, verify the camera is in Video mode. If the Video icon on your camera’s LCD screen is not showing, press repeatedly until it appears. To start recording: Press and release . The camera will emit one beep and the red Status Indicator Lights will flash while recording. To stop recording: Press and release . The red Status Indicator Lights flash three times and the camera emits three beeps to indicate recording has stopped.
USING YOUR HERO3: camera modes PHOTO To capture a Photo, verify the camera is in Photo mode. If the Photo icon on your camera’s LCD is not showing, press repeatedly until it appears. To take a photo: Press and release . The camera beeps two times and the red Status Indicator Lights flash. ▶See PHOTO modes for instructions on how to change resolution settings and other PHOTO features.
USING YOUR HERO3: CAMERA MODES photo burst In Photo Burst mode your camera takes multiple photos in short time intervals— 3 photos/1 sec, 5 photos/1 sec, 10 photos/1 sec or 10 photos/2 seconds. To capture a Photo Burst series, verify the camera is in Photo Burst mode. If the Photo Burst icon on your camera’s LCD screen is not showing, press repeatedly until it appears. To take a Photo Burst series: . The red Status Indicator Lights flash and the camera Press and release beeps multiple times.
USING YOUR HERO3: camera modes time lapse Time Lapse mode captures a series of photos at 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 30 or 60 second intervals. When using the 0.5 seconds setting, an SD card with a Speed Class 10 Rating is required. To capture a Time Lapse series, verify the camera is in Time Lapse mode. If the Time Lapse icon is not showing on your camera’s LCD screen, press repeatedly until it appears. To take Time Lapse: Press and release .
USING YOUR HERO3: CAMERA MODES Settings The Settings menu allows you to adjust a variety of camera settings including: Video Resolution Photo Resolution Time Lapse Photo Burst • and more ▶See SETTINGS menu to make changes, learn how to navigate menu options and read more details on each setting.
USING YOUR HERO3: CAMERA MODES playback You can playback your GoPro Photos and Videos on a TV/HDTV or with the LCD Touch BacPac (optional accessory). Playback appears as a camera mode when camera is powered ON and plugged into a TV/HDTV. ▶See PLAYBACK for more information on viewing your VIDEOS and PHOTOS.
CAMERA settings Settings To enter the Settings menu: 1. Verify the camera is in the Settings menu. If the Setting icon on your camera’s LCD screen is not showing, press repeatedly until it appears. 2. Press 3. Use 4. Press to enter to select desired option. 5. To exit, hold down PRO TIP: 20 menu. to cycle through the various Settings options. for two seconds or cycle through to and press . If at any time you wish to exit from the SETTINGS menu, press and hold for two seconds.
camera settings Video Resolution/FPS/FOV Modes You can change Resolution, FPS and View Angle (FOV) for your HERO3 camera when using Video mode. This mode contains sub-level menu options. Once in the Settings menu: 1. Press 2. Use 3. Press 4. Use to enter . to cycle through options. to enter desired menu. to cycle through each sub-menu option and to select. 5. To change additional options, repeat step 4. 6. T o exit, hold down press .
camera settings The HERO3 Silver Edition offers the following Video Capture modes: Video Resolution NTSC fps PAL fps Protune Field of View (FOV) Screen Resolution 1080p 30fps 25fps Yes Ultra Wide, Medium, Narrow 1920x1080 16:9 1080p 24fps 24fps Yes Ultra Wide, Medium, Narrow 1920x1080 16:9 960p 48fps 50fps Yes Ultra Wide 1280x960 4:3 960p 30fps 25fps Yes Ultra Wide 1280x960 4:3 720p 60fps 50fps Yes Ultra Wide 1280x720 16:9 720p 30fps 25fps No Ultra Wide 1280x720 16:9
camera settings Video Resolution Best Use 1080p Use this mode when camera is mounted on a vehicle tripod or other stable object. 1080p Good for television and productions. 960p Use for body-mounted shots and when slow motion is desired. Provides the largest viewing area and smoothest results for high action capture. 960p High-quality 4:3 video. Good when shooting in low light conditions. Use for body-mounted shots.
Camera SETTINGS PHOTO resolution modes The HERO3 can capture photos at 11MP, 8MP and 5MP resolutions. Any change to photo resolution also affects photos captured in Photo, Photo Burst and Time Lapse modes.
camera settings PHOTO BURST options Photo Burst mode captures series of Photos when can be captured in the following rates: is pressed. Photos 3 photos in 1 second 5 photos in 1 second 10 photos in 1 second (Default) 10 photos in 2 seconds TIME LAPSE Several time interval options are available for Time Lapse mode, including 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 30 and 60 seconds.
camera settings CAPTURE SETTINGS MENU Capture Settings allows you to adjust the following advanced camera settings: Camera Orientation Spot Meter Looping Video Protune White Balancece ▶See CAPTURE SETTINGS section for a complete list of capture options.
camera settings SET UP MENU The Set Up menu allows you to adjust the following camera settings: Default mode at Power Up One Button Mode NTSC/PAL On Screen Display Status Indicator Lights Sound Indicator Month/Day/Year/Time ▶See SET UP menu section for a complete list of set up options.
camera settings wireless controls The HERO3 camera’s built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect to the Wi-Fi Remote or smartphone/tablet via the GoPro App. When Wi-Fi is ON, your Wi-Fi Status Indicator Light will blink blue. To turn Wi-Fi ON/OFF: to turn Wi-Fi ON/OFF. The most recently used Wi-Fi mode will be Press active when Wi-Fi is ON. ▶See WIRELESS CONTROLS section for a complete list of wireless functions.
Camera SETTINGS delete Delete the last file or all files and format the memory card. During delete LAST or ALL, the Status Indicator Lights blink until operation is complete. cancel (Default) last all To delete LAST or ALL: icon on your 1. V erify the camera is in Settings mode. If the Settings camera’s LCD screen is not showing, press repeatedly until it appears. 2. Press 3. Use 4. Press 5. Use to enter Settings menu. to cycle through Settings to locate to cycle through options. 6.
camera settings EXIT From the PRO TIP: 30 screen, press to exit the Settings menu. If at any time you wish to exit from the SETTINGS menu, press and hold for two seconds.
Capture Settings CApture Settings To enter the Capture Settings menu: 1. Verify the camera is in Settings mode. If the Settings icon on your camera’s LCD screen is not showing, press repeatedly until it appears. 2. Press 3. Use 4. Press 5. Use 6. Press to enter . to cycle through Settings to locate to locate the desired option to change. to select the desired option. 7. S ome options have a sub-menu. Use 8. Press . to enter Capture Settings. to cycle through the sub-menus.
capture settings You can customize the way your HERO3 camera captures Video and Photos in the Capture Settings menus, such as Upside Down, Looping Video and White Balance. upside down Mounting your HERO3 Upside Down but wish the files to appear upright when viewing or editing? This setting eliminates the need to flip your Video or Photos after recording.
capture settings Looping Video Looping Video mode allows you to record a continuously looping video that button to stop it. Looping Video is overwrites itself until you press the not available if Protune mode is turned ON. Looping Video options inlcude: OFF (Default) Max video Camera records until memory card is full, then overwrites with a new video. 5 min video Camera records for 5 minutes, then begins a new video, progressively overwriting the previous 5 minute video.
capture settings PROTUNE The HERO3 camera can record video in Protune mode. Protune is a video mode that unlocks the camera’s full potential, yielding stunning image quality and cinema-caliber video for professional productions. Content creators now have far more flexibility and workflow efficiency than ever before. PROTUNE KEY BENEFITS INCLUDE: High-Quality Image Capture Protune’s high data rate captures images with less compression, giving content creators higher quality for professional productions.
capture settings PROTUNE RESOLUTIONS (continued): Protune is available in the following HERO3 Silver Edition resolutions: RESOLUTION FPS 1080p 30, 25, 24 960p 50, 48, 30, 25 720p 60, 50 COMPATIBILITY: Protune is compatible with professional color correction tools, editing programs and GoPro CineForm Studio.
capture settings White balance White Balance adjusts the overall color tone of videos recorded in Protune mode. White Balance will only be available if Protune is turned ON. The default White Balance setting is AUTO. When capturing in any White Balance setting other than AUTO, you may need to color correct your video with an editing program to achieve your desired color. Only use a non-AUTO White Balance setting if your are an advanced user.
capture settings EXIT From the EXIT screen press PRO TIP: to exit the Capture Settings menu. If at any time you wish to exit from the CAPTURE SETTINGS menu, press and hold for two seconds.
Set up Set up To enter the Set Up menu: 1. Verify the camera is in Settings mode. If the Settings icon on your camera’s LCD screen is not showing, press repeatedly until it appears. 2. Press 3. Use 4. Press 5. Use 6. Press to enter . to enter Set Up. to locate the desired option to change. to select the desired option. 7. To exit, hold down . press 38 .
set up default mode at power up You can set the camera’s Default mode of power up to any of the following modes: (factory default) 39
set up One Button With One Button mode selected, the camera automatically begins recording when powering the camera ON. One Button mode can be configured to start in Video or Time Lapse. OFF (Default) ON To turn One Button mode ON: icon on your 1. Verify the camera is in Settings mode. If the Settings camera’s LCD screen is not showing, press repeatedly until it appears. 2. Press 3. Use 4. Press 5. Use 6. Press 7. Use 8. Press to enter menu. to cycle through Settings to locate . to enter Set Up.
set up ONE BUTTON MODE (continued) To exit One Button mode: 1. Power camera ON. 2. Press and hold 3. Press 4. Use 5. Press shows in the LCD window. to highlight OFF. to select. 6. To exit, hold down press . PRO TIP: until to enter. for two seconds or cycle through to and To stop the capture process (VIDEO or TIME LAPSE) when in ONE BUTTON, press and hold for two seconds. You will return to the ONE BUTTON menu where you can turn ONE BUTTON mode OFF.
set up ntsc / pal The NTSC and PAL settings govern Video recording frame rate and playback when viewing Video on a TV/HDTV. Select NTSC when viewing a TV/HDTV in North America. Select PAL if viewing on a PAL TV/HDTV (most televisions outside of North America) or if viewing on a PAL TV/HDTV in any region.
set up Status Indicator Lights Keep all four Status Indicator Lights active, only two active (front and back) or turn OFF all lights. 4 (Default) 2 OFF Sound Indicator You can adjust volume or turn OFF the Sound Indicator. 100% (Default) 70% OFF Manual Power Off The HERO3 can be configured to automatically power OFF after a specific period of inactivity (when no Videos or Photos are being taken and no buttons have been pressed).
set up Month / DaY / YEAR / Time Set the HERO3 clock to ensure Video and Photo files are saved with the correct date and time. To change Month/Day/Year/Time: icon on your 1. Verify the camera is in Settings mode. If the Settings camera’s LCD screen is not showing, press repeatedly until it appears. 2. Press 3. Use 4. Press 5. Use to enter menu. to cycle through Settings to locate . to enter Set Up. to locate . 6. Press to enter Month/Day/Year/Time sub-menu; Month (MM) will be highlighted. 7.
set up EXIT From the EXIT screen, press PRO TIP: to exit the Set Up menu. If at any time you wish to exit from the SET UP menu, press and hold for two seconds.
wiRELESS CONTROLS wireless controls The built-in Wi-Fi allows your HERO3 camera to connect to the Wi-Fi Remote and smartphone/tablet via the GoPro App. To turn Wi-Fi ON/OFF via the Wi-Fi button: until blue lights flash. When turning Wi-Fi ON the Wi-Fi Press and hold mode will be set to the most recently used mode. USING HERO3 WITH THE WI-FI REMOTE (OPTIONAL ACCESSORY) Connect your HERO3 with the Wi-Fi Remote to control your camera remotely.
WIRELESS CONTROLS WIRELESS CONTROLS (Continued) On your Wi-Fi Remote: 1. Press to turn ON the GoPro Wi-Fi Remote. 2. While holding 3. O nce you see , press and release . , you can release . will appear once the Wi-Fi Remote and camera have 4. A check successfully paired. The Wi-Fi Remote’s LCD screen will now mirror the HERO3 LCD screen. USING THE HERO3 WITH THE GOPRO APP The GoPro App lets you control your camera remotely using a smartphone or tablet.
storage/microsd cards The HERO3 camera is compatible with 2GB, 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, 32GB and 64GB capacity microSD, microSDHC and microSDXC memory cards. While all speed class ratings are compatible, GoPro requires using an SD card with Speed Class Rating 10 or higher speed when recording in Protune mode, or when using the 0.5 Time Lapse setting. GoPro recommends using brand name memory cards for maximum reliability in high-vibration activities. To insert SD card: To remove SD card: 1.
system requirements The HERO3 camera is compatible with Microsoft® XP (Service Pack 2 or later) and Mac OS X 10.4.11 or later. Windows Mac Windows XP (Service Pack 2 or later) or Vista Mac OS® X 10.4.11 or later 3.2GHz Pentium 4 or faster 2.0GHz Intel Core Duo or faster DirectX 9.
Transferring files TO TRANSFER VIDEO AND PHOTO FILES TO A COMPUTER On a PC: 1. Connect the camera to the computer using included USB cable. 2. Press to turn ON the camera. 3. Double click “My Computer” and locate “Removable Disk”. 4. If “Removable Disk” is not showing, close “My Computer” folder and reopen it. The “Removable Disk” icon should appear. 5. Double click “Removable Disk” icon. 6. Double click “DCIM” folder icon. 7. Double click “100GOPRO” icon to view all Photo or Video files. 8.
playback To VIEW VIDEOS AND PHOTOS Videos and Photos can be viewed on a TV/HDTV or the LCD Touch BacPac (optional accessory). PLAYBACK ON TV/HDTV To browse Videos and Photos: 1. Plug the camera into a TV/HDTV with a Micro HDMI or a mini-USB to a Composite Cable (optional accessories). 2. Turn camera ON. 3. On your camera press to cycle to . Press . 4. H ERO3 displays thumbnail previews of all Videos and Photos on the SD card.
playback PLAYBACK ON LCD TOUCH BACPAC Playback using the LCD Touch BacPac follows a similar process/procedure as described with a few slight variations. ▶See the LCD Touch BacPac User Manual for more information.
Battery life CHARGING BATTERY The battery icon displayed in the camera’s LCD will blink when the battery drops below 10%. If recording is occurring when battery reaches 0%, the camera will save the file and power OFF. To charge the battery: 1. Connect the camera to a computer or USB power supply (such as the GoPro Wall Charger or GoPro Auto Charger). 2. The red Status Indicator Light remains ON while the battery is charging. 3.
battery life Using the Camera While Charging You can charge the camera’s battery while recording Video or taking Photos. Simply plug the camera into a GoPro-specific auto, wall or phone charger to charge the HERO3 camera while recording Video or Photos. It is best to use GoPro’s 1AMP (1000mAh) Wall or Auto Charger for maximum charging performance while the camera is in use. Performance of non-GoPro chargers cannot be guaranteed.
important warning messages MicroSD Card Messages NO SD No card present. The camera requires a microSD, microSDHC or microSDXC card to record Video or take Photos. SD FULL Card is full. Delete files or swap card. SD ERROR Camera unable to access card. File Repair Icon on the LCD If you see the File Repair icon on the LCD screen, your Video file was corrupted during recording. Press any button and the camera will repair the file.
camera assembly ASSEMBLING THE CAMERA The HERO3 camera housing is waterproof to 197’/60m and is constructed of polycarbonate and stainless steel for ultimate durability. The HERO3 has a new improved latch closure that offers one hand open-and-close functionality and locking. To place the HERO3 camera into the housing: 1. Place camera in housing. 2. Position the backdoor into place. 3. L ift the latch arm into upright position allowing the hinged arm to hang downward. 4.
camera assembly The HERO3 housing comes with two types of backdoors—Skeleton and Standard. Skeleton Backdoor The Skeleton Backdoor (non-waterproof) provides better sound quality by allowing more sound to reach the camera’s microphone. It also reduces wind noise at speeds up to 100mph when mounted on helmets, motorcycles, bikes and other fast-moving vehicles. Use this backdoor only when sand, excessive dirt/dust and water damage is not a risk. This backdoor is also recommended for use inside vehicles.
camera assembly Swapping housing doors Your HERO3 camera housing comes with two types of backdoors—Standard and Skeleton (non-waterproof). To change backdoor: 1. Open the backdoor of the housing so that it is hanging downwards. 2. Pull downwards on the backdoor until it snaps free from the hinge. 3. Line up replacement backdoor into the hinge opening. 4. Push upwards on the backdoor until it clicks into place.
camera assembly Preventing Water Damage to Your Camera The rubber seal that lines the camera housing forms a waterproof barrier that protects your HERO3 in wet and underwater conditions. Keep the camera housing’s rubber seal clean; a single hair or grain of sand can cause a leak. After every use in salt water you will need to rinse the outside of the housing with non-salt water and dry. Not doing this can eventually cause corrosion of the hinge pin and salt buildup in the seal, which can cause failure.
camera assembly Attaching your camera to Mounts To attach your HERO3 camera to a mount, you will need an attachment buckle, thumb screw or hardware depending on the mount you are using. For more information on mounts, visit gopro.com/support. Attachment Buckle Thumb Screw Waterhousing Complete Unit Using Curved or Flat Adhesive Mounts The curved and flat adhesive mounts make it easy to attach the camera to curved and flat surfaces of helmets, vehicles and gear.
camera assembly ATTACHING ADHESIVE MOUNTS Apply to clean surface only. Wax, oil, dirt or other debris will reduce adhesion, which can result in a weak bond and risk of losing camera should connection fail. PRO TIPS: Attach mount in room temperature conditions. Mount’s adhesive will not bond properly if applied in cold or damp environments to cold or damp surfaces, or if the surface is not room temperature.
customer support GoPro is dedicated to providing the best possible service. To reach the GoPro Customer Support Team, visit gopro.com/support.
