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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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Edelkrone has finally released more information about their PocketShot folding stabilizer. A prototype of this product was on display earlier at NAB2013. The PocketShot can be transformed to work in any number of ways from a mini tripod to a shoulder stock and can mount small accessories such as a light, microphone, or audio recorder.

The new PocketShot retails for $199. The idea is very innovative, and I can certainly see many BlackMagic Pocket Cinema cameras using something like this, but let's hear some other comments. What do you guys think about the new PocketShot?

For more information about the new PocketShot check out Edelkrone.com
PocketShot_05

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Good times! The brand new lightweight and portable Cinevate Duzi Video Slider just dropped in yesterday. It is an impressive little product, and Cinevate's most affordable slider to date. Obviously i'll have my own reasons about working with such a slider, but while I have her around, are there any questions some of you might have? Let me know in the comments.

Cinevate Duzi Slider Cheesycam 2

For technical specs, you can check out the Duzi Product Page (found here).

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Peter writes in and shares this recently listed Telescoping Mini Jib on sale for just $159 [Thanks Peter].

Just for reference here's a video example (below) of a different Telescoping Video Jib. Keep in mind, this is not the exact same jib in the video, but hopefully you get an idea of how these systems telescope into full length Video Cranes.


Thanks to talent Joey Guila & Keiko Alingas of GearAddix

This new Telescoping Mini Jib includes a fluid panning base, which means you don't need to invest in a a strong fluid video head. The base can mount directly to the 3/8" stud of your favorite tripod, or can sit inside a 75mm bowl mount tripod (for easier leveling). For those who hate traveling with standard weights, just fill up the included sand bag once you get to your destination.

travel jib bowl panning base telescopingTelescoping lightweight jibTelescoping Mini Jib Lightweight DSLR

The stage area offers a quick release plate to get your camera on and off easily, and comes with a travel bag. Not a bad deal. Find out more info on this Portable Mini Video Jib following the link (click here).

Portable Telescoping Mini Jib
find-price-button Portable Telescoping Video Mini Jib Crane

If you're looking to really save on weight and willing to shell out a few extra bucks, the Carbon Fiber version of this same Portable Mini Jib is also available (found here).

Carbon Fiber Portable Mini Video Jib Crane Telescoping Kit
find-price-button Carbon Fiber Portable Telescoping Video Mini Jib Crane

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About a week ago, I was in LA and decided to stop by the 2013 DVExpo show. I only hung out for a few hours and had just enough time to chat with a handful of vendors, and here's a couple of videos from the show.

Dracast LED Lighting
First up is Rodney from Dracast showcasing a few products from the Pro Series and Studio Series line of LED Video lights.

Product info: https://Dracast.com

Dracast - 95 CRI Rated LED Lighting

Alzo Digital
Alzo Digital displayed quite a few products, but we only had enough time for Drew to show us the Alzo Bod-A-Boom (found here), an adjustable wearable camera support system.

Product info: https://AlzoDigital.com
Alzo
ALZO Video: Innovative & Affordable DSLR Gear

BeachTek Audio
Harry over at the BeachTek booth shared a a few interesting multi-functional audio products including the new DXA-SLR Ultra which is a preamp that attached directly under a camera and can attach 15mm Rails.

Product info: https://www.beachtek.com

Redrock Micro
Brian with RedRock Micro showed off a few products that can expand the use of their Cobalt Cage for the GoPro Hero cameras. A small adapter can be added to support threaded filters, and an external battery case supports (4) AA batteries to allow for longer run times.

Product info: https://redrockmicro.com

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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.

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The new GoPro Hero3+ Cameras Are Shipping Now.

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A short while back, I showed an example of how to use RGB Color Changing LED lights to add a splash of color to your backdrop (found here). It's a bit of a DIY, but supposedly you can choose 16 million colors as a backsplash controlled wirelessly by your iPhone.

If you're looking for something much easier, YouTube member TaylordFilms shares another option by use of this Waterproof outdoor RGB LED Flood Light. [Thanks Steve]

These durable outdoor flood lights are available in various sizes. The one shown in the video is a smaller 20 watt model found for under $40 dollars, but if you need more light output, you can also find a 50 watt version via Amazon (click here).

LED Outdoor Flood Light Color Change RGB LEDRGB LED Color LightColor Changing Outdoor Flood LED
find-price-button RGB Outdoor Color Changing LED Light

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If you know a thing or two about stabilizers, the new 2013 XCAM Sabre brings a few new much welcome features that are typically only found on much larger systems. The design is still based on the original compact mini XCAM with quick folding legs, but now has a vertically adjustable Gimbal along a Carbon Fiber post. This adds another fine tuning option that should make balancing lightweight cameras much easier.

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XCAM Sabre Adjustable Gimbal Carbon Fiber Post

Unlike the original XCAM that is limited to small cameras, the 2013 XCAM Sabre now includes a telescoping post that drops the sled lower to support even heavier systems. This essentially makes the system more bottom heavy without actually adding additional weights.

ebay-sabre-k-3ebay-sabre-k-7
Telescoping Sled Supports Heavier Camera Systems

Now if you happen to have a camera that is just too lightweight like the Sony NEX, you'll need to make your camera heavier, so the listing also throws in a few top camera weights. You can find more information about the XCAM via eBay (click here).

ebay-sabre-k-8
find-price-button 2013 Version XCAM Sabre Mini Telescoping Stabilizer