Old V New Splashdrone Camera Comparison
G03H vs GC3-S: Why the SplashDrone 4+ Camera Upgrade Is About More Than Megapixels
When comparing drone cameras, the eye is naturally drawn to megapixels. The SplashDrone 4+ G03H camera boasts 48 megapixels compared to the older GC3-S’s 12 megapixels — but the real improvement is far deeper than a resolution bump.
Below is a practical breakdown designed for real-world SplashDrone users. Whether you're fishing, filming, running inspections, or supporting search and rescue work, this article shows exactly why the G03H is a generational leap.
If you want the full bundle, see the SplashDrone 4 with G03H package, or browse all waterproof platforms in our SwellPro drone collection.
Sensor Size: 1/2" vs 1/2.3" — A Meaningful Difference
The GC3-S uses a 1/2.3" Sony CMOS sensor, while the new G03H steps up to a 1/2" CMOS sensor. This might sound like a small jump, but it's a real difference in sensor area.
- Larger sensor surface → more light.
- Better low-light performance.
- More dynamic range.
- Cleaner detail in challenging conditions.
Aperture: f/2.2 vs f/4.53 — The Most Overlooked Upgrade
The GC3-S has an f/4.53 lens. The G03H has a brighter f/2.2 lens — capturing more than twice the light.
This dramatically improves:
- Dawn/dusk visibility
- Overcast and winter flying
- ISO noise levels
- Colour performance offshore
Resolution Upgrade: 12MP vs 48MP (But Megapixels Aren’t the Full Story)
The jump to 48MP means:
- More detail
- More cropping flexibility
- Better inspection clarity
- Cleaner digital zoom results
But without the brighter lens and larger sensor, 48MP would be wasted. The G03H’s optical foundation is what makes its resolution truly valuable.
Digital Zoom: High-Resolution Crop, Not Optical Zoom
The G03H offers up to 7× digital crop zoom. Because the base image is 48MP, the zoom remains clear and usable.
This is ideal for inspections, fishing, and SAR — letting you review detail without flying dangerously close.
Video Improvements: More Than Just Sharpness
The GC3-S tops out at 4K 30fps.
The G03H adds:
- 4K 60fps
- 5.7K modes
- EIS + 3-axis gimbal
- Lens Distortion Correction
The result is smoother, cleaner, more cinematic water footage from a waterproof drone.
Practical Advantages for Each Type of User
For Fishing
- Clearer water detail and improved contrast for reading the surface.
- Better ability to spot features, bait and structure.
- More usable footage for YouTube, social media or client work.
- Stronger low-light results at dawn and dusk sessions.
For Search & Rescue
- Cover wide sections of coastline or open water with confidence.
- Zoom in on points of interest quickly and safely.
- Sharper images for identifying missing persons, vessels or debris.
- Improved performance in poor light and challenging conditions.
For Marine Videographers & Creators
- Cinematic 4K 60fps footage for smooth slow motion.
- Straighter horizons thanks to distortion correction.
- More dynamic range and colour detail for grading.
- Consistent, professional-quality footage from a waterproof platform.
For Inspections
- More data per image thanks to the 48MP sensor.
- Stay further from structures for safer flying.
- Easier identification of corrosion, cracks or minor damage.
- Simpler reporting with sharper, clearer visual evidence.
Is the Upgrade Worth It?
Absolutely. The G03H isn’t “just higher megapixels” — it’s a genuinely more capable camera system thanks to:
- A larger, more light-sensitive sensor
- A brighter f/2.2 aperture
- Far superior low-light performance
- EIS + 3-axis stabilisation
- 4K 60fps and 5.7K recording
- High-resolution crop zoom
Explore the full bundle here:
SplashDrone 4 + G03H Package
Or browse all waterproof drones:
View All Drones
Need help choosing? Contact us here.
| Specification | G03H (SplashDrone 4+) | GC3-S (Older Payload) |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | 1/2" CMOS | 1/2.3" Sony CMOS |
| Photo Resolution | 48MP | 12MP |
| Aperture | f/2.2 | f/4.53 |
| Zoom | 7× digital crop zoom | No zoom |
| Max Video Resolution | 4K 60fps / 5.7K modes | 4K 30fps |
| Stabilisation | 3-axis gimbal + EIS + LDC | 3-axis gimbal |
| Low-Light Performance | Significantly improved | Limited by aperture |
