Best Tech of 2012

GoPro Hero 3

The GoPro Hero3 series cameras are the most exciting new video cameras of 2012. At the top of the heap is the Hero3 Black Edition, a tiny $399 camera that can mount to just about anything to capture high-quality video and photos.  The company's previous Hero cameras are good enough to regularly appear in documentaries and TV shows. The Hero3 Black Edition raises the bar to a point where its clips will likely be used much more regularly by professionals.

GoPro launched the Hero3 with the most impressive demo video we've seen from any gadget maker. You can watch the GoPro Hero3 demo video here.

The Hero 3 Black Edition can shoot video at up to 60 frames per second in 1080p mode and snap 12 MP stills at up to 30 frames per second. The camera has Wi-Fi built in so it can connect to a remote control or iPhone, negating the need for a wireless BacPac, as was the case on the Hero2 camera.

While the camera is pretty spectacular in itself, GoPro's magic sauce is its robust ecosystem of accessories, including waterproof housings and wearable mounts.