I just wanted to share a thought on the GoPro. I bought my Hero3 silver from an ebayer just over a year ago. Its bloody great and with the aerial footage and also some free diving we've used it heaps and couldn't be happier.
But..... there's always a 'but'.... I recently went to upgrade the software and the GoPro site requested the serial number located inside the battery case.... I couldn't find one...much looking later..... I find that factory seconds are being sold without serial numbers... yep, I got mine cheap(ish).
This means that technically I cant upgrade to new software, thats ok if yours is working ok, but not so if the software is your problem... bloody scammers.
After a bit of searching (this problem is not uncommon) I found a way of getting around it but, bloody hell.....
So when you receive your new GoPro, open the battery case and check that it has a serial number sticker, record that number somewhere safe (its only a sticker and can come off).
Bloody scammers.....
Mine works fine and has had some amazingly poor treatment (dropping with a quadcopter from 50m high and no damage with no case). I wonder how I would have gotten on had I needed a warranty claim?
? I got lucky.....
Moral of the story? I dunno...maybe pay the few bob extra and buy the thing locally, if its not right its then their problem.... so don't be a tight arse (like me) and get what you pay for?