This tough housing is a nice improvement over the factory plastic housing for two main reasons: 1) It keeps the GoPro cooler due to much more open venting, and 2) It allows you to mount the camera and still use plugged-in power & signal cables. This is the perfect solution when you need to mount a GoPro somewhere and use it over an extended shoot. You also get a shoe mount for accessories. It is compatible with both the Hero 3 and Hero 4 body style.