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As the most expensive model in GoPro’s Hero3+ lineup, the Black Edition gets all the attention. However at only $229, the GoPro Hero3+ Silver Edition is the one most people will consider buying. It just one step down from the top and the biggest difference in price comes from the $80 Wi-Fi remote that is included in the Black Edition but doesn’t come as standard in this Silver Edition.

While the Black Edition is aimed at professional filmers, the Silver Edition is designed for the prosumers, people with a bit more filming experience and who want a more technical action camera. The Silver Edition doesn’t have a high-bit rate video mode, advanced colour setting and 24fps recording, but these are features many consumers don’t need or simply won’t even use. The main reason why the Silver Edition can’t do these things is because it has a different sensor and processor than the Black Edition.

During our tests we noticed that colour and exposure are still really good, the camera adjusts smoothly to changing light conditions. However when we compared it to recordings made by one of our friend’s Black Edition camera we found some loss in details. On smaller screens the videos clips look good, but when you’re viewing your recordings on a large screen artefacts become more noticeable. The videoclips that come straight from the camera also look better than the once after compressing.

Since the Silver Edition is the midrange camera, it’s not surprising that the video quality is not as good as that of the Black Edition. As mentioned before the Silver Edition camera also doesn’t include GoPro’s Wi-Fi remote. The camera does have Wi-Fi so you can buy the remote separately or connect the camera to your mobile device via the GoPro app. Although the remote can be useful for starting and stopping recordings and changing shootings modes, it can’t be used for changing settings. You will be better of using the mobile app. For editing your shots you can try out the Antix App.

Using Wi-Fi does affect the camera’s battery life, but GoPro claims they have improved the overall battery life on the Hero3+ plus series up to 3 hours. However that’s only when Wi-Fit is switched on and knowing these cameras capture high-res video at fast frame rates, we weren’t surprised our battery ran out in less than two hours. Luckily the camera’s battery is replaceable so we used extra batteries.

The battery can be accessed through the camera’s back panel and on the left side you will find the Micro-HDMI and Mini-USB ports and a microSD card slot that supports up to 64GB. Since the Silver Edition doesn’t have a 3.5mm audio-port and you do want to use an external microphone you will need to buy an USB-to-3.5mm-audio cable instead.

The Hero3+ camera feels well-constructed and survived a couple of minor tumbles during our tests on the mountain. The housing itself is smaller and lighter than older versions and makes the camera dust proof and water proof up to 40 meters. Although it can be difficult to open, especially on the fly when you’re wearing gloves, the housing does keep the camera securely inside.

Included in the package of the Silver Edition are: two adhesive mounts (one flat and one curved), quick release bucks (one horizontal and one vertical) and also a three-way pivot, which enables you to mount the camera on the top, front or side of a helmet. However a charger is not included so you will need to use the Mini-USB cable for charging via your computer. The microSD cards are also available separately.

Overall, if you’re looking for a solid HD action camera and easier access to wide selection of mounts and accessories, then the GoPro Hero3+ Silver Edition is the right choice. We consider it to be a great all-rounder with GoPro’s signature technology.