GoPro HERO3 White EDITION User guide

USER MANUAL

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Accessories 4

Mounts + Accessories 5

HERO3 Features 6

Camera LCD Status Screen 8

Camera Menu Flow Chart 9

Camera Soware Updates 10

Basics 10

Camera Modes 13

Camera Settings 20

Set Up 29

Wi-FI + Wi-Fi Remote 37

Connecting to GoPro App 38

Storage/microSD™ Cards 39

System Requirements 40

Transferring Files 41

Playback 42

Battery 44

Important Warning Messages 47

Camera Housing 48

Using the Mounts 52

Customer Support 54

Regulatory Information 54

WEAR IT. MOUNT IT. LOVE IT.

FEATURED ACCESSORIES

LCD Touch BacPac

Battery BacPac

4

™

™

Wi-Fi Remote

The Frame

HERO3+ ACCESSORIES

Wrist Housing

Standard Housing

Rechargeable Battery

Dive Housing Lens
Replacement Kit

Protective Lens + Covers

More HERO3+ accessories available at gopro.com

MOUNTS + ACCESSORIES

SEE MORE AT GOPRO.COM

Helmet Front Mount Chesty (Chest

Floaty Backdoor Head Strap

Roll Bar Mount Tripod Mounts Anti-Fog Inserts Jaws: Flex

Curved + Flat

Adhesive Mounts

Harness)

+ QuickClip

Side Mount Camera Tethers

Handlebar/Seatpost/

Pole Mount

Suction Cup Vented Helmet

Surfboard Mounts

Dual Battery

Strap

Clamp

Charger

5

HERO3 FEATURES

1. Camera Status Lights (Red)

2. Shutter/Select Button

3. LCD Status Screen

4. Wi-Fi Status Lights (Blue

5. Power/Mode Button

6

6. Micro HDMI Port

)

(Cable not included)

7. MicroSD Card Slot

(SD card not included)

8. Mini-USB Port

(Supports Composite A/C
cable/3.5mm stereo mic
adapter, not included)

9. HERO Port

10. Battery Door

11. Wi-Fi On/Off Button

12. Audio Alert

13. Microphone

HERO3 FEATURES

7

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: The icons displayed above will vary depending on what mode your camera is in.

8

CAMERA MENU FLOW CHART

WI-FI

MODES

CAMERA SETTINGS

SET UP

* Playback only appears in LCD Status Screen if camera is connected

to a TV or LCD Touch BacPac™ (optional accessory, sold separately).

9

Slim housing remove camera

Slim housing insert camera

Slim housing closed Swapping housing doors

Quick Release Buckle + Thumb Screw + Slim housing = Complete Unit

SOFTWARE UPDATES

To get the latest features and best performance from your HERO3

camera, make sure you’re using the most current camera soware.
To check if soware updates are available, visit: gopro.com/update.

USING YOUR HERO3: BASICS

GETTING STARTED

1. Remove camera from housing

2. Remove camera side door and insert a microSD,
microSDHC™ or microSDXC™ card into the
card slot. A microSD card with a Class 4 or higher

speed rating is recommended.

3. Open camera back door, insert battery, close camera back door.

10

USING YOUR HERO3: BASICS

3. Charge battery. The included lithium-ion battery comes partially

charged. To charge, connect the included USB cable to camera and
connect the other end of the cable to a power source such as a computer,
GoPro Wall Charger or GoPro Auto Charger. No damage will occur to the

camera or battery if used prior to a full charge.

When camera is OFF and charging:

• Red Status Indicator Light will turn ON when camera

PRO

is charging.

TIP:

• Red Status Indicator Light will turn OFF when charging

is complete

▶See BATTERY LIFE for more information.

CAMERA DEFAULT SETTINGS

The HERO3 White Edition camera powers up with the following default settings:

Video Resolution 960p30 fps (frames per second)

Photo Resolution 5MP (megapixels)

Burst Photo 3 photos in 1 second

Time Lapse 0.5 seconds

Wi-Fi OFF

Want to change your VIDEO and PHOTO settings?

PRO

▶See SETTINGS MENU to make changes.

TIP:

11

USING YOUR HERO3: BASICS

POWERING ON AND OFF

To power ON:

Press the Power/Mode Button
three times and the Sound Indicator emits three beeps.

To power OFF:
Press and hold the Power/Mode Button
flash several times and the Sound Indicator emits seven beeps.

Want to t urn your HE RO3 into a “on e-butto n” camer a
that a utomati cally st arts re cording Photos o r Videos

PRO

once i t turns ON? Se t the camera to ONE BUTTON mode.

TIP:

▶See ONE BUTTON mode for more information.

12

. The red Camera Status Lights flash

. The red Camera Status Lights

USING YOUR HERO3: CAMERA MODES

OVERVIEW

The HERO3 features several camera modes. To cycle through the modes, press

Power/Mode Button

. The modes will appear in the following order:

VIDEO

PHOTO

Record Video

Capt ure a singl e Photo

the

BURST PHOTO

TIME LAPSE

SETTINGS

PL AYBAC K

PRO

Use BURST PHOTO to capture fast-moving subjects.

TIP:

Capt ure up to 3 Photos in on e second

Capt ure a seri es of

Adjus t camer a Settings

Play back Video an d Photos. Appear s only if ca mera
is con nected t o a TV or LCD Touc h BacPac™
(optional accessory, sold separately).

▶See PLAYBACK for more information.

Photos

at timed intervals

13

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
repeatedly until it appears.

To start recording:
Press the Shutter/Select Button
red Camera Status Lights will flash while recording.

To stop recording:
Press the Shutter/Select Button
three times and the camera emits three beeps to indicate recording has stopped.

The HERO3 automatically stops recording when the memory card is full or the
battery is out of power. Your video will be saved before the camera powers OFF.

▶See VIDEO mode for instructions on how to change resolution settings.

14

is not showing, press the Power/Mode Button

. The camera will emit one beep and the

. The red Camera Status Lights flash

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 the Power/Mode Button
repeatedly until it appears.

To take a photo:
Press and release the Shutter/Select Button
and the red Camera Status Lights flash.

▶ See PHOTO modes for instructions on how to change resolution settings

and other PHOTO features.

. The camera beeps two times

15

USING YOUR HERO3: CAMERA MODES

BURST PHOTO

In Burst Photo mode, your camera takes multiple photos in short time intervals—
3 photos /1 second.

To capture a Burst Photo series, verify the camera is in Burst Photo mode.
If the Burst Photo icon on your camera’s LCD screen is not showing,
press the Power/Mode Button repeatedly until it appears.

To take a

Burst Photo

Press the Shutter/Select Button
and the camera beeps multiple times.

▶See BURST PHOTO for instructions on how to change the interval settings.

16

series:

. The red Camera Status Lights flash

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.

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 the Power/Mode Button repeatedly until it appears.

To take Time Lapse:
Press the Shutter/Select Button . The camera initiates countdown and the red

Camera Status Lights

To stop Time Lapse:

Press the Shutter/Select Button . The red
times and the camera emits three beeps to indicate that Time Lapse has stopped.

▶See TIME LAPSE for instructions on how to change the interval settings.

flash each time a Photo is taken.

Camera Status Lights

flash three

17

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

Burst Photo

• and more

▶ See SETTINGS MENU to make changes, learn how to navigate menu options

and read more details on each setting.

18

USING YOUR HERO3: CAMERA MODES

PL AYBA CK

Playback Video and Photos by connecting your HERO3 to a TV
(requires Micro HDMI, Composite or Combo Cable, sold separately).
You can also playback Video and Photos on the LCD Touch BacPac™
(optional accessory, sold separately). Playback appears only if camera
is connected to a TV or LCD Touch BacPac.

▶See PLAYBACK for more information on viewing your VIDEOS and PHOTOS.

19

CAMERA SETTINGS

SETTINGS

To enter the Settings menu:

1. Verify the camera is in the Settings mode. If the Settings icon

camera’s LCD screen is not showing, press the Power/Mode Button
repeatedly until it appears.

2. Press the Shutter/Select Button

3. Use the Power/Mode Button

options.

4. Press the Shutter/Select Button

5. To exit, hold down the Shutter/Select Button

20

through to

PRO
TIP:

and press the Shutter/Select Button .

If at any time you wish to exit from the Settings menu,
press and hold the Shutter/Select Button

to enter Settings menu .

to cycle through the various Settings

to select desired option.

for two seconds or cycle

on your

for two seconds.

CAMERA SETTINGS

VIDEO RESOLUTION/ FPS/FOV MODES

You can change Resolution, fps (frames per second) and FOV (field of view)
in the Video mode menu. You can also turn Auto Low Light mode ON/OFF.

Once in the Settings menu:

1. Press the Shutter/Select Button

2. Use the Power/Mode Button

3. Press the Shutter/Select Button

4. Use the Power/Mode Button
and the Shutter/Select Button

5. To change additional options, repeat step 4.

6. To exit, hold down the Shutter/Select Button
cycle through to
select it.

and press the Shutter/Select Button to

to enter .

to cycle through options.

to enter desired menu.

to cycle through each sub-menu option

to select it.

for two seconds or

21

CAMERA SETTINGS

The HERO3 White Edition offers the following Video Capture modes:

NTSC

PAL

Video
Resolution

fps

1080p 30 25 Medium 1920x1080

960p 30 25 Ultra Wide 1280x960

720p 60 50 Ultra Wide 1280x720

720p 30 25 Ultra Wide 1280x720

WVGA 60 N / A Ultra Wide 848x480

fps

Field of
View (FOV)

22

Screen
Resolution

16:9

4:3

16:9

16:9

Best Use

Use this mode when
camera is mounted on a
vehicle, tripod or other
stable object.

High-quality 4:3 video.
Good when shooting in
low-light conditions. Use
for body-mounted shots.

Best resolution frame rate
for handheld shots and
when slow motion
is desired.

Best resolution for
handheld shots and low­light conditions. Choose
this mode when camera is
mounted on vehicle, tripod
or other stable object.

Good when standard
definition is acceptable.

CAMERA SETTINGS

TIME LAPSE

Several time interval options are available for Time Lapse mode, including

0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 30 and 60 seconds.

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
aer recording.

Camera right side up (Default)

Camera upside down

SPOT METER

Turn on Spot Meter when filming from within a dark space pointing the
camera into a brighter setting, such as filming the outdoors from within a car.
When Spot Meter is set to ON,

OFF (Default)

ON

appears in the LCD window.

23

CAMERA SETTINGS

LOOPING VIDEO

Looping Video mode allows you to record a continuously looping video that
overwrites itself until you press

Looping Video options inlcude:

OFF (Default)

Max video

5 min video

20 min video

60 min video

120 min video

PRO
TIP:

24

Camera records until memory card is full, then overwrites
with a new video.

Camera records for 5 minutes, then begins a new video,
progressively overwriting the previous 5 minute video.

Camera records for 20 minutes, then begins a new video,
progressively overwriting the previous 20 minute video.

Camera records for 60 minutes, then begins a new video,
progressively overwriting the previous 60 minute video.

Camera records for 120 minutes, then begins a new video,
progressively overwriting the previous 120 minute video.

Multiple chapter files are written to your memory card.
This allows for small segments of content to be overwritten
during loop recording. When viewing on a computer screen,
you will see separate files for each time segment. Use video
editing soware if you wish to combine files into a longer video.

the

Shutter/Select Button to stop it.

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.

25

CAMERA SETTINGS

WIRELESS CONTROLS

The 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, a Wi-Fi status icon
will appear on the camera’s LCD Status Screen and the blue Wi-Fi Status
Indicator Lights will blink intermittently. When you turn OFF the Wi-Fi,
the Wi-Fi Status Indicator Lights flash seven times.

To turn Wi-Fi ON/OFF:

to turn Wi-Fi ON/OFF. The most recently used Wi-Fi mode will

Press
be active when Wi-Fi is ON.

▶See WIRELESS CONTROLS section for a complete list of wireless functions

NOTE: Your camera cannot connect to the Wi-Fi Remote and GoPro App

at the same time.

26

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 (Formats SD card)

To delete LAST or ALL:

1. Verify the camera is in Settings mode. If the Settings icon

camera’s LCD screen
repeatedly until it appears.

2. Press the Shutter/Select Button

3. Use the Power/Mode Button
the Trash

4. Press the Shutter/Select Button

5. Use the Power/Mode Button

6. Select highlighted option by pressing the Shutter/Select Button

7. To exit, hold down th e Shutter/Select Button
through to

PRO

TIP:

is not showing, press the Power/Mode Button

to enter Settings menu .

.

and press the Shutter/Select Button .

Use caution—by selecting ALL, the memory card will be
formatted, deleting every file on your SD card.

to cycle through Settings to locate

to enter Delete.

to cycle through options.

on your

for two seconds or cycle

.

27

CAMERA SETTINGS

EXIT

From the

Settings menu.

28

screen, press the Shutter/Select Button to exit the

PRO

If at any time you wish to exit from the Settings menu,

TIP:

press and hold the Shutter/Select Button

for two seconds.

SET UP

To enter the Set Up menu:

1. Verify the camera is in Settings mode. If the Settings icon
camera’s LCD screen
repeatedly until it appears.

2. Press the Shutter/Select Button

3. Use the Power/Mode Button
Set Up menu

4. Press Shutter/Select Button

5. Use the Power/Mode Button

6. Press Shutter/Select Button

7. To exit, hold down Shutter/Select Button
through to

is not showing, press the Power/Mode Button

to enter the Settings menu .

to cycle through Settings to locate the

.

to enter Set Up.

to locate the desired option to change.

to select the desired option.

and press Shutter/Select Button to select it.

SET UP

on your

for two seconds or cycle

29

SET UP

DEFAULT MODE AT POWER UP

You can set the camera’s Default mode at power up to any of the following modes:

VIDEO (default)

PHOTO

BURST PHOTO

TIME LAPSE

30

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:

1. Verify the camera is in Settings mode. If the Settings icon
camera’s LCD screen
repeatedly until it appears.

2. Press the Shutter/Select Button

3. Use the Power/Mode Button
the Set Up menu

4. Press the Shutter/Select Button

5. Use the Power/Mode Button
One Button mode

6. Press the Shutter/Select Button

7. Use the Power/Mode Button

8. Press the Shutter/Select Button

9. To exit, hold down the Shutter/Select Button
through to

The next time you power your camera ON, it will begin recording in its Default
Power Up Mode. To stop recording, push and hold

is not showing, press Power/Mode Button

to enter the Settings menu .

to cycle through Settings to locate

.

to enter Set Up.

to cycle through to locate

.

to enter One Button menu.

to cycle through options.

to select a highlighted option.

and press the Shutter/Select Button to select it.

on your

for two seconds or cycle

for two seconds.

31

SET UP

ONE BUTTON MODE (continued)

To exit One Button mode:

1. Power camera ON.

2. Press and hold the Shutter/Select Button

in the LCD window.

3. Press the Shutter/Select Button

4. Use the Power/Mode Button

5. Press the Shutter/Select Button

6. To exit, hold down the Shutter/Select Button

through to

PRO
TIP:

NOTE: One Button mode is disabled when connected to Wi-Fi Remote

(optional accessory, sold separately) or GoPro App.

32

and press the Shutter/Select Button .

To stop the capture process (VIDEO or TIME LAPSE)
when in ONE BUTTON, press and hold the Shutter/Select

Button

for two seconds. You will return to the ONE

BUTTON menu where you can turn ONE BUTTON mode OFF.

to highlight OFF.

until shows

to enter.

to select it.

for two seconds or cycle

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.

NTSC

(Default) PAL

1080p/30 fps 1080p/25 fps

960p/30 fps 960p/25 fps

720p/60 fps 720p/50 fps

720p/30 fps 720p/25 fps

WVGA/60 fps WVGA/50 fps

ONSCREEN DISPLAY

To display or hide the recording icons and file information on video or the
viewing screen during playback, turn Onscreen Display (OSD) OFF or ON.

OFF

ON (Default)

33

SET UP

CAMERA STATUS LIGHTS

Keep all four Camera Status 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 aer a specific
period of inactivity (when no Videos or Photos are being taken and no
buttons have been pressed).

MANUAL

(Default)

60sec

120sec

300sec

34

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 chang e Month/Day/Year/Time:

1. Verify the camera is in Settings mode. If the Settings icon
is not showing, press the Power/Mode Button repeatedly until

LCD screen
it appears.

2. Press the Shutter/Select Button

3. Use the Power/Mode Button

the Set Up menu

4. Press the Shutter/Select Button

5. Use the Power/Mode Button

6. Press the Shutter/Select Button

Month (MM) will be highlighted.

7. Press the Shutter/Select Button

8. Use the Power/Mode Button

is highlighted.

9. Press the Shutter/Select Button

10. To advance to the next option, press the Shutter/Select Button

11. Repeat steps 7, 8 and 9 to make selections for day (DD), year (YY),

hour (HH) and minutes (MM).

12. To exit, hold down the Shutter/Select Button

through to

NOTE: If the battery is removed from the camera for an extended period of time

Month/Day/Year/Time will need to be set again.

.

and press the Shutter/Select Button .

to enter the Settings menu .

to cycle through Settings to locate

to enter the Set Up menu.

to locate the Month/Day/Year/Time menu .

to enter Month/Day/Year/Time menu;

to access the list of months (1 to 12).

to cycle through list until desired selection

to select it.

on your camera’s

.

for two seconds or cycle

35

SET UP

EXIT

From the EXIT screen, press the Shutter/Select Button
Set Up menu.

If at any time you wish to exit from the SET UP menu,

PRO

press and hold the Shutter/Select Button

TIP:

two seconds.

36

to exit the

for

WIFI + WIFI REMOTE

WIRELESS CONTROLS

The built-in Wi-Fi allows your HERO3 camera to connect to the Wi-Fi Remote or
to the GoPro App using a smartphone or tablet.

To turn Wi-Fi ON/OFF via the Wi-Fi On/Off Button :

Press the Wi-Fi On/Off Button

ON, the Wi-Fi mode will be set to the most recently used mode.

WI-FI REMOTE (SOLD SEPARATELY)

Use the Wi-Fi Remote (sold separately) to control up to 50* cameras remotely
from distances of up to 600’/180m. The Wi-Fi Remote is wearable and waterproof
to 10’/3m. For instructions on pairing and connecting the Wi-Fi Remote to the
camera, please see the Wi-Fi Remote User Manual included with the remote.

*Actual results may vary depending on presence of wireless interference.

to turn Wi-Fi ON/OFF. When turning Wi-Fi

37

CONNECTING TO GOPRO APP

USING YOUR HERO3 WITH THE GOPRO APP (FREE)

The GoPro App lets you control your camera remotely using a smartphone or
tablet. Features include full camera control, live preview, playback and sharing
of select content and more.*

Follow these steps to connect your HERO3 to the GoPro App.

1. Download the GoPro App to your smartphone or tablet at the
Apple App Store, Google Play or Windows Phone marketplace.

2. Press the Power/Mode Button

3. Press the Wi-Fi On/Off Button
Shutter/Select Button

4. Use the Power/Mode Button
press the Shutter/Select Button

5. In your smartphone’s or tablet’s Wi-Fi network settings, connect to the
camera’s Wi-Fi network. The network name will begin with “GOPRO-BP-”,
followed by a series of letters/numbers.

6. Enter the password “goprohero”. (This is the camera’s default password.
You can customize the password at gopro.com/update. If you’ve already
customized the password, enter that password instead of “goprohero”.)

7. Open the GoPro App on your smartphone or tablet. You will now be able
to control the camera with your smartphone or tablet plus view, playback
and share select content.*

PRO

See what your HERO3 sees by viewing it on your smartphone
or tablet’s screen.

TIP:

*For device compatibility, please see gopro.com.

38

to power camera ON.

twice, then press the

to enter Wi-Fi menu .

to cycle through options,

to select GoPro App.

STORAGE/MICROSD CARDS

The HERO3 camera is compatible with 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, 32GB and 64GB capacity
microSD, microSDHC and microSDXC memory cards. A microSD card with a Class

4 or higher speed rating is recommended. GoPro recommends using brand name
memory cards for maximum reliability in high-vibration activities.

To insert microSD card: To remove microSD card:

1. Slide memory card into card slot
with label facing front of camera.

2. The card will click into place when
fully inserted.

Use care when handling memory cards. Avoid liquids, dust and
debris. As a precaution, turn off the camera before inserting or

PRO

removing the card. Check manufacturer guidelines regarding

TIP:

use in acceptable temperature ranges.

1. Place fingernail against edge of
memory card and lightly press

further into camera.

2. Card will spring out far enough
to be removed.

39

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

The HERO3 camera is compatible with Microso® 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

3.2GHz Pentium 4 or faster 2.0GHz Intel Core Duo or faster

DirectX 9.0c or later

Minimum 1GB of system RAM Minimum 1GB of system RAM

Video card with minimum 256MB
of RAM

Want to see your Video and Photos on the big screen?
Connect your HERO3 directly to your TV/HDTV using a

PRO

Micro HDMI Cable, Composite Cable or Combo Cable

TIP:

(optional accessories, sold separately).

40

Mac OS® X 10.4.11 or later

Video card with minimum 128MB
of RAM

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 the Power/Mode Button

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 and Video files.

8. Copy files to the computer or external hard drive.

ON A MAC :

1. Connect the camera to Mac using included USB cable.

2. Press the Power/Mode Button

3. Icon will appear on desktop. Double click the icon to access files.

4. Copy files to computer or external hard drive.

to turn ON the camera.

to turn ON the camera.

41

PL AYBACK

TO VIEW VIDEOS AND PHOTOS

Videos and Photos can be viewed on a TV/HDTV or the LCD Touch BacPac

(optional accessory, sold separately).

PLAYBACK ON TV/HDTV

To browse Videos and Photos:

1. Plug the camera into a TV/HDTV with a Micro HDMI Cable,
Composite Cable or Combo Cable (optional accessories).

2. Turn camera ON.

3. On your camera, press the Power/Mode Button
Playback

4. HERO3 displays thumbnail previews of all Videos and Photos on
the SD card. Photo sets taken in Continuous Photo, Photo Burst
and Time Lapse display the first Photo in a series.

5. While in thumbnail preview, use the Power/Mode Button

through thumbnails. Press the Shutter/Select Button

6. Use
media files on your memory card.

7. Depending on whether you are viewing Videos or Photos, different
control options will appear. Use the Power/Mode Button
the Shutter/Select Button

NOTE: Burst Photo and Time Lapse files will display the first Photo in the series.

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. Press the Shutter/Select Button .

and to navigate backward and forward to see more

to navigate.

To view all Photos in a series, use the Power/Mode Button
View and press the Shutter/Select Button

to cycle to

to cycle

to view.

and

to select

.

PL AYBACK

PLAYBACK ON LCD TOUCH BACPAC (SOLD SEPARATELY)

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.

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BAT TERY

MAXIMIZING BATTERY LIFE

To maximize battery life, turn Wi-Fi OFF. To maximize battery life when
shooting longer-duration activities, turn OFF or detach the LCD Touch BacPac™
(optional accessory, sold separately). Extreme cold temperatures may decrease
battery life. To maximize battery life in cold conditions, keep camera in a warm
place prior to use. Shooting with Protune mode turned ON will increase power
consumption.

*Based on GoPro engineering testing. Actual performance may vary based on
settings, environmental conditions, wireless connectivity and other factors.
Maximum battery capacity will normally decrease with time and use.

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BAT TERY

CHARGING THE 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 Wall Charger or Auto
Charger).

2. The red Status Indicator Light
remains ON while the battery
is charging.

3. The red Status Indicator Light
will turn OFF when the battery is
fully charged.

You can also charge the battery outside the camera using the Dual Battery Charger
(optional accessory, sold separately).

No damage will occur to the camera or the battery if used prior to full charge.
Spare batteries and additional charging accessories are available at: gopro.com.

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BAT TERY

USING THE CAMERA WHILE CHARGING

You can capture Video and Photos while charging the camera’s battery.
Simply plug the camera into a computer or any USB charging devide using the
included USB cable.

REMOVING THE BATTERY FROM THE CAMERA

The

HERO3

battery is designed to have a tight fit to maximize reliability

in high-vibration activities.

To remove the battery:

1. Remove the battery door by placing your thumb in the indentation in the
battery door (on the back of the camera) and sliding it to the le.

2. Allow the door to pop out. Grasp the battery pull-tab and remove from the camera.

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IMPORTANT WARNING MESSAGES

MICROSD CARD MESSAGES

NO SD

SD FULL Card is full. Delete files or swap card.

SD ERROR Camera unable to access card.

No card present. The camera requires a microSD, microSDHC
or microSDXC card to record Video or take Photos.

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.

TEMPERATURE WARNING ICON ON THE LCD

The Temperature Warning icon will appear on the LCD when the
camera has become too hot and needs to cool down. Simply let it sit
and cool before attempting to use it again. Your camera will not allow
itself to overheat —do not worry, no damage has occurred.

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CAMERA HOUSING

Slim housing remove camera

Slim housing insert camera

Slim housing closed Swapping housing doors

Quick Release Buckle + Thumb Screw + Slim housing = Complete Unit

Slim housing insert camera

ASSEMBLING THE CAMERA HOUSING

To remove camera from housing:

1. Li front of latch up to disengage from camera housing.

2. Pivot latch backward and pull up to release backdoor.

3. Pull open housing backdoor and remove camera.

To secure camera in housing:

1. Open housing and drop camera into position.

2. Close housing backdoor.

3. Pivot hinged arm backwards and hook lip of latch into grooved top
of housing backdoor.

4. Push latch down to snap into place.

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CAMERA HOUSING

Your HERO3 camera housing comes with two types of backdoors—
Skeleton (non-waterproof) and Standard (waterproof).

Skeleton Backdoor Standard 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.

Apply Rain-X or a similar anti-beading solution to the camera
housing lens to prevent water spots from forming when using your

PRO

camera in rain or water. When Rain-X is not available, periodically

TIP:

licking your lens is a good backup solution. Trust us, it works.

The Standard Backdoor makes the
housing waterproof to 131’/40m.
Use this door when you need to
protect the camera from water and
other environmental hazards.

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CAMERA HOUSING

SWAPPING HOUSING DOORS

You can switch the Backdoor of your HERO3 camera to suit your activity
and shooting conditions.

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.

50

CAMERA HOUSING

PREVENTING WATER DAMAGE TO YOUR CAMERA

The rubber seal that lines the camera housing forms a waterproof barrier
that protects your

Keep the camera housing’s rubber seal clean. A single hair or grain of sand
can cause a leak and damage your camera.

Aer every use in salt water, rinse the outside of the camera 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.

To clean the seal, rinse in fresh water and shake dry (drying with a cloth may
cause lint to compromise the seal). Re-install the seal into the grooves in the
backdoor of the camera housing.

WARNING: Failure to follow these steps each time you use your
in leaks that may damage or destroy your camera. Your warranty does not
cover water damage resulting from user error.

HERO3

in wet and underwater conditions.

HERO3

can result

51

USING THE MOUNTS

ATTACHING YOUR CAMERA TO MOUNTS

To attach your
Buckle, thumb screw or hardware depending on the mount you are using.
For more information on mounts, visit: gopro.com/support.

HERO3+

camera to a mount, you will need a Quick Release

Quick Release

Buckle

Thumb Screw Housing Complete Unit

USING CURVED + FLAT ADHESIVE MOUNTS

The Curved + Flat Adhesive Mounts make it easy to attach the camera to curved
and flat surfaces of helmets, vehicles and gear. Using the Quick Release Buckle,
the assembled camera housing can be clicked on and off the secured Curved or
Flat Adhesive Mounts.

Flat Adhesive Mount Curved Adhesive Mount

52

USING THE MOUNTS

ATTACHING ADHESIVE MOUNTS

Apply to clean surface only. Wax, oil, dirt or other debris will

PRO

reduce adhesion, which can result in a weak bond and risk of

TIPS:

losing camera should connection fail.

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.

Adhesive mounts should only be mounted to smooth surfaces;
porous or textured surfaces will not enable a proper bond.
When applying mount, firmly press into place and ensure full
contact over entire surface.

For best results, attach the mount 24 hours prior to use.

▶See: gopro.com/support for more information on mounts.

Locking Plug

Using the HERO3 in high impact sports such as surfing or skiing
where significant impact may occur? Use the special locking plug
which securely locks the attachment buckle fingers into place,
helping prevent accidental housing release from the mount.
The circular ring fits over the thumbscrew and acts as a leash
to prevent dropping or losing the locking plug.

53

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

GoPro is dedicated to providing the best possible service.

To reach GoPro Customer Support, visit gopro.com/support.

REGULATORY INFORMATION

To see the complete list of country certifications, refer to the WARRANTY +
DISCLAIMERS document included with this product.

54