Gear News
GoPro HERO3 Black Edition

Scubaverse Underwater Videography Editor Jeff Goodman on GoPro:
Over the past few years I have watched with interest the growth of GoPro in both the professional and domestic market and been so impressed at how many people now own one. As well as seeing a GoPro in every professional kit bag, I see them everywhere I go in the consumer marketplace. The GoPro has brought video technology to the awareness of the general public far more that any other camera before it. It is extraordinary that the first GoPro only came out in 2004. Since then technology of this little camera has come on a long way, the latest being the HERO3 Black Edition. Having used the GoPro for both TV and my own personal projects, I have decided to add special GoPro video courses along with the general courses already set up.
Here’s what GoPRo have to say themselves about the product:
The Wi-Fi enabled HERO3: Black Edition is the latest and most advanced GoPro. 30% smaller, 25% lighter and 2x more powerful than previous models. Wearable and gear mountable, waterproof to 197′ (60m), capable of capturing ultra-wide 1440p 48fps, 1080p 60 fps and 720p 120 fps video and 12MP photos at a rate of 30 photos per second.
The HERO3: Black Edition captures professional, cinema-quality video at 2X the resolution and 2X the frame-rate of previous models while delivering 2X better low light performance. Slow-motion aficionados and industry professionals will love the HERO3: Black Edition’s 1080p-60, 720p-120, WVGA-240, 960p-100 and 1440p-48 video modes while those desiring a cinematic look will appreciate the ultra-high resolution 2.7KP-30 fps and 4KP-15 fps (Protune only) video modes.
3X Faster Photo Performance
The HERO3: Black Edition’s photo performance is 3X improved, now boasting 12MP burst capture at a staggering 30 frames per second with 2X better low light performance compared to previous models. Still Photo and Time-lapse Photo modes remain the same but are now joined by a new Continuous Photo mode that captures continuous 12MP stills at a steady 3, 5, or 10 photo-per-second rate, up to 30 photos at a time.
Improved Sharpness, Less Distortion
The HERO3’s reduced-distortion, 6-element aspherical lens combines with user-selectable Ultra-wide, Medium and Narrow field-of-views to deliver more perspective-capture options than ever before. Add the totally updated flat-lens waterproof housing that delivers stunning image sharpness both above and below water and you’ve got one of the most powerful and durable image capture solutions on the planet.
Redesigned Audio System
Understanding that sound quality is as important as image quality, GoPro engineers completely redesigned the HERO3 to be as adept at capturing the subtle, natural sounds of voice and music as it is at capturing the immersive sounds of sport. Also improved is GoPro’s already famous wind-noise reduction, ensuring that you’ll hear more of your passion, be it your engine or expletives, and less of the wind during high speed activities.
The basic camera with housing and wifi retails at around £360 with the optional rear monitor costing an extra £75.
Gear News
New from Fourth Element: the RF2 free diving wetsuit

The team at fourth element have introduced their latest freediving wetsuit, the RF2. Streamlined and high-performance, this two piece 6/5/4/mm suit has been developed for freedivers who want to enjoy maximum freedom and ultimate warmth.
Lined outer panels around the core, arms and legs provide durability, a Glideskin across the shoulders and the hood maximises hydrodynamics. This hybrid freediving wetsuit offers cool and cold water freedivers the freedom to explore their limits in comfort.
Director of fourth element, Paul Strike said, “We’ve designed this suit with the consultation of professional freedivers, instructors and with the knowledge of freedive suit specialists. The RF2 brings together fourth element’s knowledge of thermal protection with freediving expertise at the top of the sport to create a high performance recreational suit.”
The suit is both comfortable and practical, being more durable than traditional smoothskin suits whilst retaining excellent stretch and form fitting design. The inner of the suit has a smooth cell Metalite coating; this provides extra warmth retention and is more robust than traditional open cell.
Daan Verhoeven, Freediving Cameraman said, “The RF2 is possibly the best off-the peg suit I’ve ever tried. As soon as I got in the water, I instantly forgot the suit. I was just comfortable and could move without anything pinching or water coming in.”
Features
- Streamline cut optimising glide
- 5mm comfort, flexibility and warmth
- Open cell interior, lined exterior
- Smoothskin outer hood and shoulders for extra hydrodynamics
- Beavertail closure
- Supratex seat panel for extra durability
RF2 Hooded Jacket and Leggings are available in sizes S – XL.
RF2 Hooded Jacket 6/5/4mm RRP: £229.95 GBP / €275.00 EUR
RF2 Leggings 5/4mm RRP: £149.95 / €179.00 EUR
Find out more at www.fourthelement.com
Gear News
Fourth Element announce Tech Fins inspired by whale tail

A classic vented dive fin, engineered by nature and redesigned to maximise performance.
Fourth Element’s new Tech Fins have taken inspiration from nature and evolution to optimise efficiency. The turbulence disruptors on the top of the blade work in the same way as the nodules of the leading edge of a humpback whale fin, which disrupt the water as they move through it. The resulting turbulence enables the whale to swim with more efficiency. Fourth Element has adopted this evolutionary concept to improve the performance of this classic fin.
Utilising natural rubber in a unique density gradient, the dive fin delivers an ultra- comfortable foot pocket combined with optimised stiffness for finning performance.
The vented design allows water to flow along the blade reducing drag and fatigue, whilst the stiffening rails and ribs ensure that the blade of the fin is driven through the water to maximise the return on effort.
The Tech Fins, with a slightly negative buoyancy characteristic, were developed with technical divers in mind but are suitable for all levels of diver looking for a high-performance rubber fin. The wider blade gives manoeuvrability without compromising the power, while the shorter length improves agility and makes stowing the fins for transport more convenient. Spring straps with comfortable heel pads keep the feet securely held in place. These straps can be removed and changed easily with everyday tools if required.
The Tech Fins are supplied with a hanging/carrying strap and a marine quality bolt snap which may be used to attach them to a bcd or harness for carrying, leaving both hands free for climbing ladders or carrying other gear.
The natural rubber material of this fin is extremely durable, and all components are recyclable at end of life.
The Tech Fins are available in M, L, XL and XXL. These fins will fit sizes 4 (US5) to 14 (US15) and come in Black, Grey or Aqua.
Features
- Natural rubber heel strap
- Stainless steel spring strap
- Soft foot pocket
- Hydro-flow vents
- Turbulence disruptors
- Strengthening ribs
- Stiffening lateral rails
Find out more here.
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