Looking to capture those epic, buttery-smooth slow-motion shots with your trusty GoPro Hero 3 Silver? You’re in the right place! While the Hero 3 Silver might not be the newest kid on the block, it’s still a fantastic action camera capable of delivering impressive slow-motion footage when paired with the right knowledge and a few key accessories or even considering an upgrade. Getting the best for GoPro Hero 3 Silver slow motion involves understanding its capabilities and what can truly elevate your content.
Whether you’re looking to protect your camera during high-action stunts, extend its battery life for longer shoots, or simply wondering if an upgrade is worth it for even more dramatic slow-mo, we’ve got you covered. We’ve rounded up some top products that can help you squeeze every drop of slow-motion potential out of your Hero 3 Silver, or show you what’s next if you’re ready for an upgrade. Let’s dive in!
YALLSAME Frame Mount Case for GoPro Hero 4 3 3+
When you’re trying to achieve perfect slow-motion shots, the last thing you want is a bulky case muffling your audio or blocking access to ports. This YALLSAME Frame Mount is a lightweight and minimalist solution that provides just enough protection without getting in the way. It’s perfect for letting your GoPro Hero 3 Silver breathe, ensuring optimal audio capture (even during those low-speed, intense slow-motion moments where sound can add so much) and giving you full-time access to your Micro SD, Micro HDMI, and USB-C ports. This means you can easily transfer footage or keep your camera powered up during extended slow-motion sequences.
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Key Features:
- Compatible with GoPro Hero4 Black / Hero4 Silver / Hero3+ / Hero3 (check specific BacPac compatibility).
- Lightest and easiest way to provide protection while mounted.
- Detachable side door for full access to ports (Micro SD, Micro HDMI, USB-C).
- Exposed recording holes for optimal audio capture.
- Made of resilient and durable polymer plastics.
- Includes soft silicone lens cap.
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Pros:
- Excellent for vlog/live-feed video with clear audio.
- Provides protection without bulk.
- Easy access to all ports for charging or data transfer.
- Durable construction ensures longevity.
- Comes with essential accessories like a lens cap.
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Cons:
- Not suitable for underwater use; not waterproof.
- May not fit if using a BacPac extension without a specific extended version.
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User Impressions: Users love this frame for its minimalist design and how it improves audio quality significantly compared to a full waterproof housing. Many appreciate the direct access to ports, making it convenient for field use and ensuring they don’t miss any action, especially when setting up for complex slow-motion shots.
GoPro Hero4 Silver
While this isn’t an accessory for your Hero 3 Silver, if you’re serious about capturing the absolute best for GoPro Hero 3 Silver slow motion and find your current camera’s capabilities limiting, the GoPro Hero4 Silver is a serious contender for an upgrade. It truly elevates your slow-motion game with its ability to record professional 720p at 120 frames per second, double the frame rate of the original Hero 3 Silver at that resolution. Plus, its built-in touch display makes framing shots and reviewing your stunning slow-motion clips incredibly intuitive, streamlining your workflow both during and after filming.
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Key Features:
- Built-in touch display for easy control, shot framing, and playback.
- Professional 1080p60 and 720p120 video capture.
- 12MP photos at up to 30 frames per second burst.
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for GoPro app and Smart Remote compatibility.
- Improved camera control and built-in video trimming.
- Protune with SuperView for cinema-quality capture and immersive wide-angle.
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Pros:
- Significantly improved slow-motion capabilities over Hero 3 Silver.
- Integrated touch screen is a massive convenience upgrade.
- Better low-light performance and image quality.
- Advanced Protune settings for professional-grade adjustments.
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Cons:
- It’s a completely new camera purchase, not an accessory.
- May be overkill if your Hero 3 Silver currently meets all your needs.
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User Impressions: Reviewers consistently praise the Hero4 Silver for its fantastic video quality, especially the smooth slow-motion. The touch screen is a game-changer for many, simplifying camera operation and playback. Users also appreciate the reliable Wi-Fi connectivity for quick sharing.
GoPro HERO3+ Silver Edition (Renewed)
Another excellent upgrade path for those seeking improved slow-motion capabilities beyond the original Hero 3 Silver is the GoPro HERO3+ Silver Edition. This renewed model offers a significant leap in performance, particularly for capturing fluid slow-motion, boasting 720p recording at 120 frames per second – again, a noticeable improvement over the original Hero 3 Silver’s 720p60. It also brings enhanced low-light performance and a 30% longer battery life, which are crucial for extended filming sessions, ensuring you don’t miss that perfect slow-motion moment due to dim light or a dead battery. Being a renewed product, it often offers a great balance of performance and value.
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Key Features:
- Full HD 1920 x 1080p recording at 60 fps.
- HD 1280 x 720p recording at 120 fps.
- Capture up to 10MP photos at 10 fps.
- Ultra Wide Angle Glass Lens.
- Built-in Wi-Fi & GoPro App Ready.
- Enhanced Low-Light Performance.
- 15% smaller than HERO3.
- Battery lasts 30% longer than HERO3.
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Pros:
- Improved slow-motion frame rates (720p120) over original Hero 3 Silver.
- Better battery life for longer shoots.
- Enhanced low-light capabilities mean more versatile filming.
- Compact design makes it easy to mount and carry.
- Renewed models offer good value.
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Cons:
- Still not as advanced as Hero4 or newer models.
- Being a renewed product, condition might vary slightly.
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User Impressions: Many users find the Hero3+ Silver a fantastic step up from the original Hero3, particularly appreciating the better battery life and improved video quality. The 720p120 slow motion is a frequently highlighted feature, enabling clearer and smoother playback of action shots.
SOONSUN Extended Frame Mount Housing Case for GoPro Hero…
If you’re using your GoPro Hero 3 Silver with a BacPac – whether it’s an LCD screen for framing your slow-motion shots or an extended battery for prolonged filming – then the SOONSUN Extended Frame Mount is a game-changer. This specific frame is designed to perfectly accommodate your Hero 3/3+/4 with an LCD or Battery BacPac attached, providing a secure fit while keeping all vital ports (USB, HDMI, mic) fully accessible. This is incredibly useful for long slow-motion sequences where you might need to charge your camera or monitor your footage without taking it out of its protective (yet open) frame.
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Key Features:
- Compatible with GoPro Hero 4/3+/3 when used with LCD BacPac or Battery Extension.
- Precise cutouts for full access to camera button, USB, HDMI, and mic ports.
- Allows optimal audio capture during low-speed activities.
- Secure and stable fit for camera with extended accessories.
- Lightweight and travel-friendly durable plastic construction.
- Package includes mount, buckle, and thumb screw.
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Pros:
- Essential for users with BacPac extensions.
- Maintains full port access for convenience.
- Enhances audio quality compared to closed housings.
- Lightweight and easy to transport for on-the-go filming.
- Protects both camera and BacPac securely.
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Cons:
- Not waterproof; unsuitable for water activities.
- Does not fit the camera alone without a BacPac.
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User Impressions: Users who rely on BacPacs praise this frame for its perfect fit and the unrestricted access it provides to all ports. They frequently mention how convenient it is for charging or connecting external mics without disassembling their setup, making it ideal for longer shoots like capturing multi-minute slow-motion sequences.
GoPro HERO3: Silver Edition
Finally, let’s talk about the star of the show itself: the GoPro HERO3: Silver Edition. While we’ve discussed upgrades, understanding the native capabilities of your Hero 3 Silver is key to getting the absolute best for GoPro Hero 3 Silver slow motion. This camera offers a respectable 720p at 60 frames per second, which is great for standard slow-motion. However, its standout feature for truly dramatic super slow-motion is its WVGA (848×480) resolution at an impressive 240 frames per second! This allows for incredibly detailed and drawn-out slow-motion effects, perfect for capturing quick movements or subtle details that would be missed at normal speeds. Its built-in Wi-Fi also allows for easy control via the GoPro app, making it simple to adjust settings for that perfect slow-motion shot.
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Key Features:
- Professional 1080p 30 fps, 960p 48 fps, and 720p 60 fps video capture.
- WVGA 240 fps video capture (ideal for super slow motion).
- 11MP photo capture with 10 frames per second burst.
- Wi-Fi built-in, compatible with Wi-Fi remote and GoPro App.
- 197 feet / 60-meter waterproof housing included.
- Basic mounts and hardware included.
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Pros:
- Excellent native slow-motion capabilities, especially WVGA 240fps.
- Comes with a robust waterproof housing for versatile use.
- Built-in Wi-Fi for remote control via smartphone.
- Durable and reliable for action sports.
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Cons:
- 720p at 60fps might not be enough for extremely smooth slow-motion compared to newer models.
- WVGA resolution is lower for the highest frame rate.
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User Impressions: Users consistently praise the Hero 3 Silver for its durability and reliable performance. The 240fps WVGA mode is a fan favorite for creating striking slow-motion effects, despite the lower resolution. Many find it a fantastic entry-level action camera that continues to deliver solid footage for its age.
FAQs About GoPro Hero 3 Silver Slow Motion
Q1: What frame rates does the GoPro Hero 3 Silver offer for slow motion?
A1: The GoPro Hero 3 Silver can record 720p video at 60 frames per second (fps) for standard slow motion, and for super slow motion, it offers WVGA (848×480 resolution) at an impressive 240 frames per second (fps).
Q2: How do I achieve the best slow-motion quality with my Hero 3 Silver?
A2: For the best slow-motion quality, use the highest possible frame rate (240fps at WVGA or 60fps at 720p) in good lighting conditions. Ensure your camera settings are optimized (Protune, if available and understood, can help). Post-production using video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve is crucial to properly slow down and smooth out your footage.
Q3: Is the GoPro Hero 3 Silver waterproof?
A3: Yes, the GoPro Hero 3 Silver comes with a standard waterproof housing that allows it to be submerged up to 197 feet (60 meters). However, frame mounts discussed in this article are not waterproof and should not be used for water activities.
Q4: Can I use external microphones with the GoPro Hero 3 Silver for better audio in slow motion clips?
A4: Yes, you can use an external microphone with your GoPro Hero 3 Silver. You’ll need a GoPro 3.5mm Mic Adapter, which plugs into the mini-USB port on the side of the camera. Using a frame mount (like the YALLSAME or SOONSUN ones reviewed) allows easy access to this port.
Q5: What’s the difference in slow motion between the Hero 3 Silver and Hero 3+ Silver or Hero 4 Silver?
A5: The original Hero 3 Silver offers 720p at 60fps and WVGA at 240fps. The Hero 3+ Silver and Hero 4 Silver both improve on this by offering 720p at 120fps, providing smoother high-definition slow motion than the Hero 3 Silver. The Hero 4 also adds 1080p at 120fps (Hero4 Black) or 720p at 120fps (Hero4 Silver) for even better quality.
Q6: Why would I use a frame mount instead of the standard waterproof housing for slow motion?
A6: Frame mounts are lighter and more compact, allowing for better audio recording as the microphone is not encased. They also provide direct access to ports (USB, HDMI, SD card) for charging, data transfer, or connecting accessories like an external mic, which is very convenient when you’re frequently adjusting settings or needing to power the camera during long filming sessions for slow motion.
Q7: How important is lighting for good slow-motion footage?
A7: Lighting is extremely important for slow-motion footage, especially with older cameras like the Hero 3 Silver. High frame rates require a lot of light because the camera’s shutter speed needs to be very fast to capture each individual frame. Good, bright, and consistent lighting will result in clearer, sharper, and less noisy slow-motion video.
Q8: Can I edit slow-motion footage directly on the GoPro Hero 3 Silver?
A8: No, the GoPro Hero 3 Silver (and most older GoPro models) does not have built-in video editing capabilities to slow down footage. You’ll need to transfer your footage to a computer or mobile device and use video editing software (like GoPro Quik, Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or iMovie) to apply the slow-motion effect in post-production.
Conclusion
Getting the best for GoPro Hero 3 Silver slow motion doesn’t always mean buying the newest camera on the market. Often, it’s about understanding and maximizing the capabilities of your existing gear, or making strategic upgrades if your needs evolve. Whether you opt for a sleek frame mount to improve usability and audio, or consider a renewed Hero3+ Silver or Hero4 Silver to unlock even higher frame rates, these options can significantly elevate your slow-motion videography. Experiment with your Hero 3 Silver’s native 240fps mode in WVGA, explore the accessories, and you’ll be amazed at the dramatic and compelling footage you can create. Happy filming!
