GoPro HD3 October ???

[Lee Mullen]

If it records 4K, then does it have a 4K sensor inside it or not or how does that work?

[Lynne Whelden]

This may already have been discussed but I found out GoPro's not currently offering a skeleton housing for the Hero 3. (They suggest I use the "Frame.") Meanwhile, a reseller is trying to create customized skeletal housing by drilling in the waterproof housing. Unfortunately they're discovering that ribbing inside the case that's positioned about where the mic holes are, when drilled through, allows the camera to shake when put inside the modified case.
Odd that GP wouldn't offer the correct case, especially now that they've improved the audio and created two separate mic pick-up ports.

[Bill Ward]

That's unfortunate. The skeleton is my default housing, both for audio and anti fog.

[Pete Bauer]

Originally Posted by Lynne Whelden

...GoPro's not currently offering a skeleton housing for the Hero 3. (They suggest I use the "Frame.")...

I just picked up a couple Blacks and they do come with the skeleton back, just as the user manual indicates. It isn't a whole separate housing, but a replaceable hinge-back, functionally similar to the previous version of the GoPro housing for the HeroHD and the HD2.

The only advantages I can think of at this time to drop an extra $40 for "The Frame" are that it gives you access to the USB port (and external mic use if you have a USB-to-3.5mm mic adaptor, $20 through GoPro) and if you want that last smidgeon of image quality by not having the housing lens in front of your camera's glass lens. They've also got USB to composite adaptor cables for another $40.

I don't know where the internal mic of the GoPro is located, so no idea yet if The Frame allows for better sound than the housing with skeleton back. Probably not money well spent on my part, but I did pick up The Frame when I bought my Blacks. Haven't tried any of it out yet on a real shoot, so that report will have to come later.