The GoPro Hero cameras are the most popular devices for when you want to capture video from the tip of your surfboard, the handlebars of your mountain bike, or your helmet as you skydive. But such cameras can never be light enough or last long enough — so the new Hero3+ series makes improvements any GoPro owner will appreciate.
The top-of-the-line Black edition camera ($399.99) gets 30 percent more battery life, which should alleviate complaints among users that the devices tend to eat up power surprisingly quickly. And an improved waterproof housing makes it 20 percent lighter, as well — anyone using this as a helmet cam will appreciate that.
The camera's lens has also been improved, and the Wi-Fi chip updated to support faster transfer and playback of media on the companion smartphone app.
The more modest Silver edition ($299.99) also gets a bump: A better image processor means new high-speed video modes, catching it up somewhat with the Black edition. It too loses weight with its new enclosure, and gets faster Wi-Fi.
Fans of the devices may also want to check out the new mounts and updates to the company's GoPro Studio editing software. You can check out more specs and sample pictures at the GoPro site.
Devin Coldewey is a contributing writer for NBC News Digital. His personal website is coldewey.cc.