GoPro Hero 3 white or Hero 2?
There is a huge difference in photo/video quality between Hero2 and Hero3 White... I bought the Hero3 White Edition and ended up returning it the next day and buying the Hero2 instead.They don't use the same imaging sensor. 5mp vs 11 mp. Hero2 has better color, dynamic range and sharpness...Hero3 White Edition has exactly the same image/video quality as the original GoPro Hero (which is not that great). You get wifi and smaller body but the same image / video quality as Hero 1. In my opinion Hero2 is a vastly superior camera compared to Hero3 White Edition. You would have to buy the dive housing for Hero2 if you plan on using it underwater. It will not focus properly without it. EDIT @Snorlax Maybe you should take your own advice and do some research before posting answers online...What you are saying is that with the right firmware upgrade the Hero3 White and Silver are identical. That's a bunch of bs... If you research further you'll eventually find out that even model numbers for hero2 sensor and hero3 white sensor differ. They have different sizes too: 1/2.3in for H2 vs 1/2.5in for H3White. So H2 has a larger sensor (and you as a pro photographer should know that size matters when it comes to image sensor ). I didn't say that just because one has 5mp and the other 11mp that means the sensors are different. That was just one of the differences. You say "It is not difficult for a camera manufacturer to make a larger sensor produce smaller files or vice versa." and that's bs too... It's always easier to reduce the camera megapixel output. The vice versa doesn't work. You can't push a sensor beyond its capabilities. The number and size of the photons on that sensor is always the same. Dynamic range is also different between H2 and H3White.If you watch GoPro promotional videos for each of the H3 cameras you'll also find out that H3White produces images similar to H1 and H3Silver images are similar to H2. I've been shooting dslrs for a long time now... Switched from Canon to Pentax and I know how smaller raw files work. Ohh... By the way... I tested both cameras myself and I own the Hero2. I bet you never actually touched any of them... Before calling others responses anecdotal you should go on some technical websites and make sure you know the specs for the products you are reviewing.
Photo quality of Gopro 3 white edition? 5mp?
5 Megapixels don't say anything about the quality. The number of pixels simply determine the SIZE, not quality. The much bigger problem is the tiny sensor, the tiny lens and the fixed focus (plus the total lack of any control over settings). GoPros are a lot of fun, but you can't take them seriously for photography. If you want GOOD photos, you need a GOOD camera.
Which is the best GoPro Camera to buy?
The GoPro Hero 4 Silver is the most popular. It has WiFi and an LCD screen. And yes, it takes still photos too at a decent resolution. However .... the GoPro is NOT a good general purpose video or still camera. It was designed to be a great small action sports camera that can be mounted almost anywhere. But it has a fixed-focus wide-angle non-zoom lens and few manual controls. It also has very poor sound. If a sports action camera is not what you want, you should be looking at good point-and-shoot cameras such as the Canon Powershot series or Sony Cybershot series. They are available in a number of different models with different features and prices.
What’s a good action camera I can buy for sports?
I suggest Garmin VIRB XEThe VIRB XE records high-contrast, undistorted high-definition video at up to 1440p30 resolution, and it allows you to easily adjust resolution and frame rate right from the viewfinder. It even captures crisp, dramatic slow-motion video, while offering a variety of professional-level image-quality controls and VIRB XE is a high-powered digital photo camera, too; shoot 12 megapixel images at speeds up to 30 frames per second – and capture photos even while recording video. VIRB XE can also be set to automatically capture photos over long periods of time at intervals of up to 120 seconds apart.G-whiz SensorsCapture more than just video of the moment with Garmin G-Metrix. VIRB XE contains built-in Garmin GPS, G-force, orientation sensors and the ability to wirelessly connect to external sensors and Garmin devices to capture even more performance data. Since it’s Connext capable, it can receive superior aviation-specific data from yourG3X Touch flight display and Flight Stream 110/210. A lithium-ion battery provides up to 2 hours of recording at 1080p, and with multiple charging options (sold separately) you’ll have plenty of juice. Extend your filming time by carrying an extra battery (sold separately) in your flight bag.Source: Best Action Cameras 2017
Which camera is best for me; Canon Powershot G7 X or GoPro Hero 4 Black?
The Gopro is a dedicated POV action cam, it does not have a zoom lens or ability to change lenses. So you are stuck with ultra wide, very wide or wide fields of view. It is a great waterproof, rugged, high quality camera designed to be put in harms way.The Canon has a fast zoom lens (equivalent 24-100mm) with optical stabilization this combo alone will give you a lot more shooting options than a wide fixed lens can. It doesnt have an external mic jack so if you were trying to shoot a movie for good audio you would need to record on a separate audio recorder. For your purposes (unless you are a pro athelete) the Canon will give you way more versatility. As to the question of whether it is good enough to shoot a movie? There is an infinite range of equipment that can be used to shoot a short or movie. In the right hands a phone can be used (look up the movie Tangerine) The Canon you mentioned is definately at the bottom end of potential cameras for narrative work. Ideally a camera should be able to shoot at the standard film rate of 24fps. The Canon only does 30 or 60fps.I can't give you any other camera recomendations because each additional US$1,000 you spend on your camera package (body, lenses, batteries, media, tripod) and lighting buys more capability and fewer compromises. I guarantee you will run out of money way before you run out of compromises to get rid of. Most people keep upgrading gear capability in their minds until the price becomes so very expensive that they just drop the idea of making content at all. Many great ideas are killed this way. Don't sweat the gear choice. Get something that might work, use it, learn it, make stuff with it. Once you know what you like and dont like with the equipment then you will be in a good position to upgrade.As long as you have a few basic technical capabilities your content will be what people will want to see not the clarity of the picture.