Looking at purchasing one of these for christmas or sometime after, any info on the pros and cons of using them in the water, purchasing mounts etc would be greatly appreciated.

Being a non camera person I've read all the specifics but it reminds me of chemistry back at school (doesn't make any sense)

Cheers

Read this www.gizmodo.com.au/2012/12/the-best-action-camera/

Watch this

More confused

GypsyDrifter said...
^^^ what this site said....Adapt
Quote
"BESTMODO: GoPro Hero 3 Black Edition

The Best Action CameraIt's always a relief when there's a clear winner, and this is it. Image quality is simply in its own league. It's just way, way sharper. Color reproduction is very good, and it handles motion well. Not only can it shoot 720p at 120fps like the Sony, but it's the only one that has the horsepower to shoot 1080p at 60fps, for full-frame slow motion. It can also shoot 1080p at a cinematic 24fps. It was the best in low light, and images had very little noise. Pros will appreciate the option to record raw video at a high bitrate, which allows serious post-production tweaking. Audio quality is very good."
bla bla bla

I understand GypsyDrifter that the GoPro Hero 3 Black is better, but I can not justify the price tag as i'm not a pro hence why I'm trying to decide between the Sony & Hero 3 Silver

I would lean towards the Sony as it's a better purchase for what you get in the kit.

The only downside is it runs hot so causes fogging in the housing.
Easy remedy by buying some antifog strips (GoPro accessory).
Also using RainX inside the housing lens can help.

GoPro also have the fogging issue but the Hero3 has been designed to reduce it (a little) by adding a seal to the lens and 'separating' it inside the housing from the body.

GoPro have a difficult menu to navigate but it can be accessed underwater while Sony can't in the housing.

Option #3; DriftHD or DriftHD720 either with additional housing - HD720+housing is cheaper than Sony. Excellent usability (all functions work in housing), wireless remote, rotating lens, lcd screen and antifog built-in.