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Moonshuttle Standard Frame for GoPro HERO3+

For times when the standard GoPro housing is more than you need, the Frame adds extra convenience with a minimalist profile.

Moonshuttle Standard Frame Mount(Wide Side Open) for Gopro 3 3+ + Tripod Mount + Lens Cap Bundle

By David Coleman | @havecamerawilltraveldc
Last updated about 3 months ago // Categories: Housings & Cases
Tags: GoPro HERO3+ Black

Save $220 on GoPro HERO9 Bundle

GoPro is running a deal on the new HERO9 Black, their newest and best camera. It's a bundle that includes the HERO9 Black, a 1-year subscription to GoPro, a free extra battery, and a 64GB SD card. It's all for $349.98.

The waterproof housing that comes standard with the GoPro HERO3+ is a very useful accessory. It does what it’s designed to do very well, providing a lot of protection for the camera against bumps, dust, and water. It also provides a way to attach the camera to other things like tripods, suction cups, helmets, or all sorts of other mounts. All without having a major negative effect on handling or image quality.

But there are times the all-around waterproof housing isn’t the ideal solution. If you’re using the HERO3+ in dry conditions or places you don’t need the protection offered by the standard housing, you might want to minimize the bulk. Or maybe you need to attach an external battery or charger, or power supply, so that you’re not restricted to the battery life of a single battery. Maybe you want the built-in microphones to catch sound with less obstruction. Or maybe you need to be able to change the memory card without unclipping the housing and taking the camera completely out. There are, in other words, all sorts of reasons that the standard waterproof housing might not be the best fit for what you’re trying to do.

For all of these, a GoPro Frame might be a better option. It creates a secure, minimalist cradle for the camera to attach to the usual range of GoPro mounts, but otherwise offers maximum accessibility to the camera’s controls and sockets.

GoPro offers one of these skeleton frame housings themselves. It’s called, oddly enough, The Frame. It works well. It supports the LCD Touch BacPac or Battery BacPac (which the Moonshuttle doesn’t), and it includes a glass lens protector.

So why wouldn’t you just go with the official GoPro one if you need a Frame? Price. At a recommended retail price of $39.99, it’s significantly more expensive than some of the third-party after-market options.

Moonshuttle Standard Frame Mount(Wide Side Open) for Gopro 3 3+ + Tripod...
Moonshuttle Standard Frame Mount(Wide Side Open) for Gopro 3 3+ + Tripod...
Check Price on Amazon
Among these less-expensive options is the Moonshuttle frame. It doesn’t have all the features of the official GoPro-branded Frame, but it might have all the features you need.

What You Get with the Moonshuttle Standard Frame

You get the frame itself (center), a flexible plastic lens cap (left), and a tripod mount.

Moonshuttle Standard Frame Mount(Wide Side Open) for Gopro 3 3+ + Tripod Mount + Lens Cap Bundle

The frame is made of semi-flexible plastic, which makes it easy to attach to the camera. Once you attach the screw and socket to the bottom it locks on tight and provides a very secure fit.

Moonshuttle Standard Frame Mount(Wide Side Open) for Gopro 3 3+ + Tripod Mount + Lens Cap Bundle

The Moonshuttle Standard Frame on the GoPro HERO3+

When installed, it fits the GoPro HERO3+ snugly and securely.

Moonshuttle Standard Frame Mount(Wide Side Open) for Gopro 3 3+ + Tripod Mount + Lens Cap Bundle

It provides convenient access to the memory card, so you don’t need to remove the camera from the housing to get at it.

Moonshuttle Standard Frame Mount(Wide Side Open) for Gopro 3 3+ + Tripod Mount + Lens Cap Bundle

It provides easy access to the mini-USB socket, but it blocks the HDMI socket (at right).

Moonshuttle Standard Frame Mount(Wide Side Open) for Gopro 3 3+ + Tripod Mount + Lens Cap Bundle

The GoPro HERO3+ has a microphone on the top and another on the side. For the top microphone, there’s a small ridge to help wind keep from blowing directly onto the microphone.

Moonshuttle Standard Frame Mount(Wide Side Open) for Gopro 3 3+ + Tripod Mount + Lens Cap Bundle

The wifi button is easily accessible.

Moonshuttle Standard Frame Mount(Wide Side Open) for Gopro 3 3+ + Tripod Mount + Lens Cap Bundle

As is the battery compartment, so you can change batteries without removing the camera from the frame.

Moonshuttle Standard Frame Mount(Wide Side Open) for Gopro 3 3+ + Tripod Mount + Lens Cap Bundle

With the lens cap attached.

Moonshuttle Standard Frame Mount(Wide Side Open) for Gopro 3 3+ + Tripod Mount + Lens Cap Bundle

On the GoPro HERO3

The Moonshuttle Standard Frame is billed as being compatible with the GoPro HERO3, but there’s an important qualification. The frame fits well over a GoPro HERO3 and provides easy access to the buttons, lights, USB socket, and memory card socket. But the mics on a GoPro HERO3 are in a different place than on a GoPro HERO3+, so with this frame, they’re covered over. So if you’re using the onboard microphones to capture sound, this isn’t going to be a good option.

Other than the mic issue, it works fine with a GoPro HERO3.

The frame fits snuggly around the HERO3 and gives a secure fit.

The frame fits snugly around the GoPro Hero 3.

Functionally, the only difference on a GoPro HERO3 is that because the mics are in different places, they’re covered by the frame.

On the GoPro Hero 3, both microphones are covered over.

Questions

Does it hold the camera securely?

Yes, it’s a snug, secure fit. There’s really no way for it to come loose out of the frame.

How much protection for the camera does it offer?

None, really, aside from providing a secure mount. But it’s not at all designed for protection. The front and the back of the camera are exposed. The frame itself is light and thin plastic. It does not offer any protection from water.

Is it easy to put on?

Yes, very. And quick.

Does it affect mic recording?

On the GoPro HERO3+ there doesn’t appear to be any negative impact. There’s even a nifty little shield for the top microphone designed to help with the wind coming from head-on (as it would when the camera itself is moving).

On the GoPro HERO3, the microphones are obscured, so yes it does affect the mic recording sound.

Does it fit both the GoPro HERO3+ and GoPro HERO3?

Yes, although both mics are obscured on a GoPro HERO3.

Does it work with standard GoPro attachments?

Yes. It comes with a tripod mount attachment, but it uses the usual GoPro attachment system.

Does it fit with the LCD Touch BacPac or Battery BacPac?

No. If you need that feature you’re better off paying a bit extra and going with the official GoPro frame, which has a swinging arm to accommodate those.

Does it provide easy access to the microSD card socket?

Yes, the microSD card is easily accessible without removing the camera from the frame.

Does it provide access to the USB socket?

Yes.

Does it provide easy access to the battery compartment?

Yes.

Does it provide easy access to the HDMI socket?

No, it’s partly blocked by the frame. If you need access to the HDMI socket, go with the official GoPro Frame.

Does it provide easy access to the shutter, power, and wifi buttons?

Yes.

Can you still see the recording and wifi lights?

Yes, there are small holes cut out so that you can still see them.

Is it compatible with other GoPro cameras?

No, just the GoPro HERO3+ and GoPro HERO3 (see above about mic issue on the GoPro Hero 3).

Where to Buy

You can find them at Amazon.

Moonshuttle Standard Frame Mount(Wide Side Open) for Gopro 3 3+ + Tripod...
Moonshuttle Standard Frame Mount(Wide Side Open) for Gopro 3 3+ + Tripod...
Check Price on Amazon

Images and product information from Amazon PA-API were last updated on 2020-11-13 at 20:08. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon Site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

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By David Coleman
Instagram: @havecamerawilltraveldc

Last updated on October 9, 2020

Categories: Housings & Cases
Tags: GoPro HERO3+ Black

I may earn a commission for purchases using links on this page. Learn more.

GoPro News & Deals

New Smart Remote GoPro will be announcing the new Smart Remote for the HERO9 Black on December 17, 2020. The HERO9 Black isn’t compatible with the previous version of the Smart Remote.

HERO8 Black firmware v2.0 now available. Enables webcam mode; enables Display Mod compatibility; expands HyperSmooth 2.0 High and Boost availability to more video settings; general bug fixes. Update through the mobile app or manually.

GoPro Launches New Live Streaming Service for GoPro PLUS. GoPro has launched their own live-streaming platform for PLUS subscribers. It’s a pretty bare-bones offering for now, with livestreams shared with a dedicated URL. This is alongside their efforts to make the HERO8 Black useful as a webcam when connected to a computer (via USB plug-in-play, not requiring the Media Mod accessory with HDMI out). New firmware adds that functionality for Mac users, and the Windows version is in Beta.

New GoPro Zeus Mini Video Light. GoPro has released released a new video LED light designed to complement their GoPro cameras. It’s tiny, waterproof, and has a built-in magnetic swiveling clip. It’s waterproof down to 33 feet (10 meters), has four levels of brightness, and includes a diffuser to cool the color temperature to 5000K. GoPro claims that the built-in battery lasts up to 6 hours (presumably at the lowest brightness setting, although they don’t specify). It’s available now and priced at $69.99.

DJI Osmo Action firmware update adds live streaming. DJI has released a firmware update for the Osmo Action (v. 01.08.00.10) that adds live streaming support, so you can upload directly to platforms like Facebook and YouTube (it goes through the DJI Mimo mobile app). They’ve also improved the in-camera video stabilization. You can find the new firmware here.

New Underwater Housing for GoPro HERO8 Black from Isotta. Isotta, an Italian brand specializing in underwater housings, has announced a new high-quality underwater housing for the HERO8 Black. It’s an aluminum housing depth-rated to 650 feet (200 meters), has a one-handed open/close switch, double o-rings, and can be used with filters. There’s also a dual-handled tray to go along with it. And like all their housings, it’s in their distinctive red. Priced at $450, it’s only for those who need a highly specialized piece of underwater kit. It’s available for preorder from underwater specialists Backscatter.

Light Mod Now Shipping The Light Mod, one of the three new GoPro accessories, is now shipping. It’s a standalone light that is waterproof, rechargeable and compatible with all GoPro mounts. It was originally announced along with the HERO8 Black, but it hasn’t been available until now. It’s priced at $49.99, and you can find them at GoPro.com.

GoPro MAX Now Shipping. The new 360° camera, the MAX, is now shipping.

GoPro HERO8 Black and Max Unveiled. The new GoPro cameras and accessories have been unveiled. I have a rundown of the highlights of the HERO8 Black here.

DJI Osmo Action vs GoPro HERO7 Black. I’ve posted my detailed hands-on comparison of the Osmo Action and the HERO7 Black. There’s a lot similar between the models, but once you start digging down into the details there are differences that can help in choosing between them. And each has strengths the other doesn’t have. You can find my review here.

GoPro HyperSmooth vs DJI RockSteady. The new DJI Osmo Action also has built-in electronic stabilization to smooth out video. They’re calling it RockSteady (GoPro has HyperSmooth). I’ve been out testing them side-by-side. You can see the results here.

GoPro Deals page. I’ve put together a dedicated page on GoPro deals. So if you’re looking for cheap GoPro deals, check it out.

DJI Osmo action 4K Camera. Best known for their camera drones, DJI has released a new 4K action cam that’s taking direct aim at the GoPro HERO7 Black. It shoots up to 4K60 video and 12MP stills, includes electronic stabilization, has high-dynamic range video at 4K30, voice commands, a touchscreen on the back and another smaller live view screen on the front, and is waterproof down to 36 feet (11 meters). It’s priced at $349, and they’re now available at B&H Photo.

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About Me

I’m a professional travel & location photographer based in Washington DC and traveling all over. Seven continents. Dozens of countries. Up mountains. Under water. And a bunch of places in between.

I’ve owned and used every GoPro since the HD HERO and particularly like finding new and different ways to use them to capture photos, video, and time-lapse.

You can find my main site at havecamerawilltravel.com.

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