Got a classic GoPro Hero 3 but find your footage looking a bit grainy or dim when the sun starts to set, or you venture indoors or even underwater? You’re not alone! While the Hero 3 was a fantastic action camera in its day, its performance in low-light conditions can definitely be a weak spot. That’s where a good external light comes in, transforming your murky shots into vibrant, clear memories.
Finding the best lights for GoPro Hero 3 low light can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, especially with so many newer models out there. But don’t worry, we’ve done the digging for you! Adding an external light is the most effective way to combat that poor low-light performance, boosting your video quality and making your adventures truly shine. From versatile everyday options to dedicated underwater powerhouses, we’ve rounded up the top contenders to help you get the most out of your trusty Hero 3.
Why Your GoPro Hero 3 Needs a Light in Low Light
GoPro cameras, especially older models like the Hero 3, have relatively small image sensors. This design choice keeps them compact and robust, perfect for action sports. However, a smaller sensor struggles to gather enough light when conditions aren’t ideal, leading to noisy, underexposed, or blurry footage. An external video light acts like a personal sun, flooding the scene with extra illumination. This allows your Hero 3’s sensor to capture more detail, reduce digital noise, and produce clearer, more vibrant videos and photos, whether you’re exploring a dimly lit cave or capturing a sunset surf session.
Here are our picks for the best for GoPro Hero 3 low light scenarios:
1. Suptig LED Video Light, Portable Photography Compatible for…
The Suptig LED Video Light is your go-to versatile companion for brightening up almost any scene. What makes this light stand out is its incredibly compact size paired with adjustable light modes, making it perfect for both on-the-go shooting and more controlled environments. Whether you’re trying to capture crisp vlogs, illuminate a dark corner, or just add a little fill light to your shots, this portable LED won’t let you down.
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Key Features:
- Perfect compatibility with GoPro Hero 3 and many other action cameras, DSLRs, and smartphones.
- Adjustable 3 light modes: 2500K (White), 5250K (Natural), 8000K (Warm).
- Long-press button for Hi-light and Low-light brightness adjustment.
- Built-in 1200mAh Lithium Battery for up to 120 minutes runtime.
- Can run indefinitely off external USB power.
- Compact size (2.55″ x 2.12″ x 0.59″) for easy portability.
- Attached mounting bracket doubles as a GoPro grip.
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Pros:
- Extremely versatile with broad compatibility.
- Multiple color temperatures and adjustable brightness for different shooting needs.
- Can be powered externally for extended use.
- Very portable and easy to mount.
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Cons:
- Might not be powerful enough for very dark, large areas or deep underwater use.
- Battery life, while decent, isn’t the longest on maximum brightness.
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User Impressions: Users love its compact size and the flexibility of light modes. Many highlight its usefulness as an everyday light source for various cameras, not just GoPros. It’s often praised for being an affordable yet effective solution for basic low-light improvement.
2. Suptig Diving Light – Waterproof Underwater Light for Gopro…
Ready to take your Hero 3 on a deep dive? The Suptig Diving Light is specifically engineered for underwater adventures, ensuring your aquatic footage is as stunning as your land-based ones. This light is built to withstand significant depths and provides ample illumination for snorkeling, scuba diving, or simply exploring tide pools. Its robust waterproof design is a game-changer for anyone serious about capturing vibrant underwater visuals.
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Key Features:
- Rated waterproof up to 147ft (45M), tested from the factory.
- Three modes of light: Normal (HI), Power saving (LOW), Flash (SOS).
- Rechargeable 1050mAh battery, compatible with GoPro Hero 3/3+ batteries.
- Runtime: High light (1.5 hours), Low light (4 hours), SOS (6 hours).
- Compact size: 2.95″ x 1.65″ x 2.75″.
- Wide compatibility with various GoPro models and other action cameras.
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Pros:
- Excellent waterproof rating for serious underwater use.
- Good battery life for extended diving sessions.
- Removable and replaceable battery (compatible with Hero 3 batteries).
- Versatile light modes, including an SOS function.
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Cons:
- Mainly designed for underwater use, less versatile for everyday land shooting.
- Brightness might be limited for extremely dark deep-sea environments.
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User Impressions: Divers and snorkelers rave about the clarity and color restoration this light brings to their underwater footage. Its reliability and ease of use in aquatic environments are frequently highlighted. Users appreciate its compatibility with their existing Hero 3 batteries.
3. GoPro Light Mod – Official GoPro Accessory
For those who prefer sticking with official GoPro accessories, the GoPro Light Mod offers a seamless integration into your existing GoPro ecosystem. While primarily designed for newer Hero models via the Media Mod, its compact, robust, and waterproof nature makes it a great standalone option for basic low-light enhancement, even with your Hero 3 if you can rig up a compatible mount. Its simplicity and durability are hallmarks of GoPro’s design philosophy.
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Key Features:
- 4 levels of brightness, up to 200 lumens.
- Built tough and waterproof to 33ft (10m).
- Built-in rechargeable battery with up to 6 hours of runtime.
- Compact design, usable by itself or with GoPro mounts/accessories.
- Color temperature: 5000K.
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Pros:
- GoPro quality and durability, including waterproofing.
- Good brightness levels for its size.
- Excellent battery life for its output.
- Very portable and easy to carry.
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Cons:
- Requires a separate mount (like a cold shoe adapter) for direct Hero 3 compatibility.
- More expensive than third-party alternatives for similar brightness.
- Not suitable for deep diving.
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User Impressions: Users appreciate the build quality and the simple, effective illumination. While many use it with newer GoPros and Media Mods, those who adapt it for other cameras find its compact power very useful for close-up shots and everyday lighting.
4. SmallRig Hero 13 / Hero12 / Hero11 / Hero 10… (Cage, not a light itself)
While not a light source itself, the SmallRig Cage is an essential accessory for anyone looking to seriously upgrade their GoPro Hero 3’s capabilities, especially when adding external lighting. This cage provides multiple mounting points, turning your compact action camera into a full-fledged vlogging or filming rig. If you’re planning to attach a light (or two!) along with a microphone, this cage is a must-have to securely accommodate all your accessories. Note: This specific cage is designed for Hero 9/10/11/12/13, but SmallRig offers universal cages or cold shoe adapters that can be mounted to a Hero 3 frame/case to achieve similar functionality for attaching lights.
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Key Features:
- All-in-one full cage design for robust protection and accessory mounting.
- Dual cold shoe mounts for lights, microphones, etc.
- Moulded design that doesn’t block screen, buttons, or USB-C port (for compatible GoPros).
- Compatible with audio adapters (for compatible GoPros).
- Quick installation and removal.
- Dedicated GoPro interface at the bottom for easy mounting.
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Pros:
- Transforms your GoPro into a versatile filming setup.
- Provides secure mounting for multiple accessories simultaneously.
- Protects your camera while adding functionality.
- High-quality build typical of SmallRig products.
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Cons:
- This specific model isn’t directly compatible with Hero 3; you’d need a universal cage or mount adapter.
- Adds bulk and weight to the GoPro setup.
- It’s an additional cost on top of the light itself.
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User Impressions: Filmmakers and vloggers consistently praise SmallRig cages for their build quality, thoughtful design, and ability to expand the functionality of their cameras. Users note the secure fit and the convenience of having multiple accessory mounting points.
5. Suptig Waterproof High Power Dimmable Dual Battery Fill…
For serious underwater videographers using a GoPro Hero 3, the Suptig Waterproof High Power Dimmable Dual Battery Fill Light is a true powerhouse. This light significantly ups the ante on brightness and battery life compared to single-battery options, ensuring your deep-sea explorations are perfectly illuminated for extended periods. The dual battery setup provides impressive runtime, making it ideal for longer dives or multiple sessions without constant recharging.
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Key Features:
- Rated waterproof up to 147ft (45M), factory tested.
- Three modes of light: Normal (HI), Power saving (LOW), Flash (SOS).
- RECHARGEABLE BATTERY: 2x 1160mAh, compatible with GOPRO HERO 4 camera battery.
- Impressive runtime: High light (3 hours), Low light (8 hours), SOS (12 hours).
- Compact size: 2.9″ x 2.2″ x 2.5″.
- Wide compatibility with GoPro Hero models and other action cameras.
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Pros:
- Significantly extended battery life due to dual batteries.
- High power output for excellent underwater illumination.
- Deep waterproof rating suitable for serious diving.
- Compatible with readily available GoPro Hero 4 batteries.
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Cons:
- Bulkier than single-battery lights.
- Primarily for underwater use, less adaptable for land.
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User Impressions: This light receives high praise from avid divers for its longevity and consistent bright output. Users appreciate not having to worry about the light dying mid-dive. The robust build and reliable waterproofing are consistently highlighted as major advantages.
6. Suptig Diving Light High Power Dimmable Waterproof LED…
Another fantastic option from Suptig for underwater enthusiasts, this High Power Dimmable Waterproof LED light strikes a great balance between brightness, portability, and versatility. With its wide-angle 500 Lumen output, it’s designed to cast an even glow, preventing hotspots and ensuring your underwater scenes are evenly lit. It’s truly one of the best for GoPro Hero 3 low light when you’re exploring the aquatic world.
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Key Features:
- Widely compatible with GoPro Hero models (including Hero 3) and other action cameras.
- 147ft (45M) waterproof test from the factory.
- Wide-angle 500 Lumen Max (5500K-6000K) from 36 LEDs.
- Three modes of light: Normal (HI), Power saving (LOW), Flash (SOS).
- Rechargeable 1050mAh battery, compatible with GoPro Hero 3/3+ batteries.
- Runtime: High light (1.5 hours), Low light (4 hours), SOS (6 hours).
- Compact size: 2.95″ x 1.65″ x 2.75″.
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Pros:
- Excellent wide-angle illumination for even lighting underwater.
- Deep waterproof rating.
- Removable and replaceable battery, compatible with Hero 3/3+ batteries.
- Good balance of power and portability for underwater adventures.
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Cons:
- Primarily for underwater use, may be overly bright or cumbersome for some land applications.
- Battery life is standard for single-battery units.
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User Impressions: Reviewers are consistently impressed by the bright, even light this unit provides for underwater shooting. Many note the improvement in color and clarity of their videos. The compatibility with existing GoPro batteries is a significant plus.
7. SOONSUN Rechargeable Diving Light – 450 Lumens High Power…
The SOONSUN Rechargeable Diving Light is a highly adaptable and powerful option for both underwater and general low-light scenarios. Its standout feature is the incredible versatility with 3 dimmable modes and 6 brightness levels, allowing you to fine-tune the illumination precisely to your needs. Coupled with dual rechargeable batteries and a convenient USB-C charging port, this light offers extended runtime and hassle-free power management, making it incredibly travel-friendly.
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Key Features:
- 450 Lumens High Power & 3 Dimmable Modes (Spotlight, Fill Light, Mixed Light) with 6 brightness levels (120-450 lumens).
- Dual Rechargeable Batteries (2x AABAT-001 included) offer up to 9 hours runtime at 120 lumens.
- Batteries compatible with GoPro HERO 5/6/7 Black and Hero 2018 cameras.
- Waterproof up to 164ft (50M) with durable aluminum alloy shell.
- USB-C Charging Port for direct, hassle-free charging.
- Wide compatibility with GoPro Hero models (including Hero 3) and other action cameras.
- Includes a cold shoe adapter for DSLR/SLR cameras.
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Pros:
- Highly customizable lighting with multiple modes and brightness levels.
- Exceptional battery life due to dual batteries.
- Deep waterproof rating for serious diving.
- Convenient USB-C direct charging.
- Versatile for both underwater and land use with included cold shoe adapter.
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Cons:
- Might be slightly larger due to dual batteries.
- The highest brightness isn’t as high as some dedicated single-mode lights, but the adjustability makes up for it.
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User Impressions: Users love the flexibility and control over lighting, praising the ability to switch between different light types and adjust brightness. The long battery life and convenient USB-C charging are frequently highlighted as major advantages for travel and extended shooting sessions.
Choosing the Right Light for Your GoPro Hero 3
When picking the best for GoPro Hero 3 low light, consider these factors:
- Purpose: Are you mainly shooting underwater, or do you need a versatile light for general use? Underwater lights typically have higher waterproof ratings.
- Brightness (Lumens): More lumens generally mean more light. For truly dark conditions, aim for higher lumens.
- Battery Life: How long do you need the light to last? Check the advertised runtimes at different brightness levels. Removable batteries (especially if compatible with GoPro batteries) offer more flexibility.
- Mounting Options: Ensure the light comes with, or is compatible with, mounts that work with your Hero 3’s frame or housing. Cold shoe mounts are versatile.
- Durability & Waterproofing: If you’re using it in harsh environments or near water, a robust, waterproof design is crucial.
FAQs
Q1: Why does my GoPro Hero 3 perform poorly in low light?
A1: The GoPro Hero 3, like many action cameras, has a small image sensor. Smaller sensors struggle to gather enough light in dim conditions, leading to grainy, noisy, or underexposed footage. External lights provide the necessary illumination to overcome this limitation.
Q2: Can I use these lights with my old GoPro Hero 3?
A2: Yes, absolutely! Most of these lights come with universal mounting options (like GoPro-style mounts or cold shoe adapters) that are compatible with the GoPro Hero 3’s existing frame or housing. Always double-check the product’s compatibility list, but generally, they’re designed to work across a range of action cameras.
Q3: What’s the difference between a video light and a diving light?
A3: A video light is a general term for an external light source used for filming, often versatile for land use. A diving light, or underwater light, is specifically designed to be waterproof to significant depths and is often brighter to compensate for light absorption in water. Many diving lights can also be used on land.
Q4: How important is battery life for an external light?
A4: Battery life is crucial, especially for extended shooting sessions or remote locations where recharging isn’t possible. Lights with longer runtimes or those with removable, replaceable batteries (especially if compatible with your GoPro’s batteries) offer more convenience and continuous use.
Q5: Will adding a light make my GoPro setup too bulky?
A5: While adding an external light will increase the overall size and weight of your GoPro setup, most of the lights reviewed are designed to be compact. The trade-off for significantly improved video quality in low light is usually well worth the minor increase in bulk.
Q6: What are “lumens,” and how many do I need?
A6: Lumens are a measure of the total amount of visible light from a source. More lumens mean a brighter light. For general low-light conditions, 200-500 lumens can be sufficient. For deep underwater use or very dark environments, higher lumen counts (500+ lumens) are beneficial.
Q7: Can I use these lights for other cameras or just my GoPro?
A7: Many of the lights featured are highly versatile and come with mounting options (like cold shoe adapters) that allow them to be used with other cameras such as DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, or even smartphones. This makes them a great investment beyond just your GoPro Hero 3.
Conclusion
Don’t let poor lighting hold your GoPro Hero 3 back! Investing in the right external light is the single best upgrade you can make to improve your low-light footage. Whether you’re capturing mesmerizing underwater worlds, vlogging in dimly lit spaces, or simply wanting clearer night shots, there’s a perfect light out there for you. From versatile everyday options to specialized diving powerhouses, our list of the best for GoPro Hero 3 low light offers solutions to illuminate all your adventures. Pick the one that suits your needs, and get ready to see your content in a whole new light!
