Best GoPro for snorkeling

[ConnorG]

I am going on a cruise in a few months with stops in Honduras, Cozumel, Grand Caymans and Belize. We plan on snorkeling at a lot of those locations and I wanted to not only document that, but the whole trip. I have been reading all day about the GoPro cameras and am very confused with the differences between the Hero 3 versions, and the white, black, and silver editions. From what I have been reading the Hero 4 black is the best overall camera but I don't exactly want to drop $500 on it. (High schoolers income) the Hero 3 White seems to have what I need but I am still unsure. What is the camera quality like under water? Does anyone have any experience with these?

Thanks in advance!

 

[G_Sanab922]

I have the Hero 3+ Silver. It's a pretty big difference than the Hero3 silver. 720 instead of 1080 and 30fps instead of 60fps. It will look a lot clearer if you get the + version.
If you have the money to get the hero 4 silver. Has some awesome features and great quality. If you don't want to drop $400 then go with the Hero3+ which is still great.
Keep in mind if you go with the white version they aren't as good for low light settings. You won't just use this camera for this trip you will use it for everything. It's a great camera for pictures as well. My fiancé got me the Hero3+ Silver and couldn't believe it, I love it!

edit: when using cameras under 10ft you will need a red filter or else the video will be blue. The deeper you go the more blue. So it depends if you like to dive down during snorkeling , you might want to get the red filter. Oh and I advise you to purchase accessories on eBay! Great prices and decent quality

 

[machonachos]

Any of the newer Gopros with flat lens will work great for snorkeling. Gopros 2 and below with dome lens will not focus underwater

 

[tkeracer619]

You won't need a red filter for snorkeling. Even at 10 feet I would still go without.

The best gopro for snorkling is the best you can buy. You will want high fps vs resolution so whatever you get don't set it to max res, you want at least 60fps.

It must have a flat lens.

This is snorkeling with a hd hero2 with a dive housing. 60fps 720p

No red lens
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM6LzsKr2_8

Red lens at about 35 ft
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bS4Iqlx2n4A

 

[ConnorG]

Ok thanks everyone for the help! I ended up going with the hero 3 white edition. Haven't gotten a chance to stick it underwater yet but hopefully will get a few underwater tank shots this weekend!

 

[G_Sanab922]

You won't need a red filter for snorkeling. Even at 10 feet I would still go without.

The best gopro for snorkling is the best you can buy. You will want high fps vs resolution so whatever you get don't set it to max res, you want at least 60fps.

It must have a flat lens.

This is snorkeling with a hd hero2 with a dive housing. 60fps 720p

No red lens
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM6LzsKr2_8

Red lens at about 35 ft
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bS4Iqlx2n4A

Won't hurt to have a red filter just in case. They cost only $2... Nice vids btw

 

[tkeracer619]

Thanks

I like my urpro lens because it is easy to take on and off while im diving. Someone is bound to shine a flashlight at whatever it is you are trying to film.