PROS
- Given the resolution and fps capability of this camera, the price (even at $499 for the top-of-the-line black edition) is very fair.
- Frame is extremely tiny and weighs next to nothing.
- Comes with a protective and mountable case (which you'll be doing 99% of your filming with) that is waterproof down to almost 200 feet.
- Accessories and mounts are very proprietary in design, and combined with the lack of included equipment with the camera, you're looking at spending more cash to perform even the most basic action shots.
- Battery life is simply AWFUL. Purchasing spare batteries is a must for any day excursion where you'll be doing even a couple hours or more worth of shooting. Fortunately, batteries are the one accessory that there is a decent aftermarket for, and you can pick up 2 spare batteries and a car charger for $25 on amazon.
- From its initial release, the camera was plagued with performance/freezing issues, and GoPro released a firmware update in Dec '12. Even after the update, users still report freezing issues, and I have experienced this twice myself. To fix it, it requires one to remove the camera from the housing and pull out the battery.
OVERALL
Even considering the firmware issues and the endless mounts and accessories on which GoPro has cornered the market, the camera is very fun to use and excels at what it was designed for: Wide-view action shots from 1st person POV and mounted to moving objects. This camera has no zoom most tripod mounted shots turn out pretty boring. Bottom line: A fair deal for active folks who want to capture, edit, and share their passion in a breathtaking fashion.
