Are you looking for a new GoPro camera, but are unsure which one is the best for your needs? This handy guide is here to help you.
There are plenty of different GoPro models around. But choosing the right one for you can get quite overwhelming. It’s because GoPro (like many other camera makers) introduces new models from time to time, but keeps its older models on sale too (the most recent ones), at a steadily declining price. So, while the latest models like GoPro Hero 12 and 11 have all the newest features, the previous ones like Hero 10 and 9 Black provide a fantastic bargain.
Review of the best GoPros
Here’s a detailed review of the five best GoPro models.
GoPro Hero 12
Here are the key specs of the GoPro Hero 12 Black:
- Weight: Approx. 158g
- Processor: GP2 Processor
- Photo Resolution: 27 MP
- Video Resolution: 5.3K at 60fps
- Stabilization: HyperSmooth 6.0
- Waterproof: Yes, up to 33ft (10m) without a housing
- Live stream: Yes, in 1080p
- Special Features: High Dynamic Range (HDR) for videos and photos, 8x Slo-Mo, TimeWarp 3.0, Webcam mode, SuperPhoto + Improved HDR, RAW photo capture in all modes
- High Dynamic Range Video + Photo: HERO12 Black takes its best-in-class image quality...
- Unbelieveable Image Quality: With 5.3K video that gives you 91% more resolution than...
- Emmy Award- Winning HyperSmooth 6.0 Stabilization: HyperSmooth continues to set the...
The GoPro Hero 12 elevates the action camera game with its impressive advancements. Boasting a stunning 5.3K video resolution, it captures scenes with an unparalleled clarity that outpaces most in its class.
Its robust design makes it ideal for adventurers, while the Enduro battery ensures longevity even in challenging conditions. Enhanced connectivity ensures smooth operation, while the HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization guarantees silky-smooth footage across varied terrains and activities.
Combined with the refined TimeWarp feature, the Hero 12 stands out as an exceptional tool for content creators and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
GoPro Hero 11
Here are the key specs of the GoPro Hero 11 Black:
- Weight: 153 grams
- Dimensions: 2.64 x 1.34 x 1.85 inches
- Photo Resolution: 27MP, 8:7 aspect ratio
- Video Resolution: 5.3K60, 4K120 + 2.7K240 Wide FOV 16:9, 4:3, 8:7 aspect ratios
- Stabilization: HyperSmooth 5.0 with AutoBoost
- Waterproof: Yes, Up to 33ft.
- Live Streaming: Yes, in 1080p resolution. Do you wonder how to live stream directly from your GoPro Hero 11? Check out this article: GoPro Live Stream EASY Guide (Youtube, Facebook, Twitch).
- Highlights: Automatic Highlight Videos, Larger new image Sensor, 5.3K60 + 4K120 Resolution Video, HyperSmooth 5.0 Stabilization
The GoPro Hero 11 weighs 153 grams and has dimensions of 2.64 x 1.34 x 1.85 inches. It can capture high-resolution photos at 27MP and has versatile video capturing capabilities, allowing for resolutions up to 5.3K60 and 4K120.
Multiple aspect ratios are supported, including 16:9, 4:3, and 8:7, enabling a wider view of scenes. The HyperSmooth 5.0 stabilization with AutoBoost ensures smooth footage even in high-action situations. The device is also waterproof up to 33ft, allowing for underwater shooting. For those interested in sharing content in real-time, live streaming is available in 1080p resolution.
The Hero 11 comes equipped with automatic highlight videos, a large new image sensor, and enhanced resolution video capabilities, adding convenience and quality to your shooting experience. The package includes the Hero 11 Black Camera, a rechargeable Enduro battery, a curved adhesive mount, mounting buckle, USB-C cable, thumb screw, and a camera case, providing everything needed to start capturing your adventures immediately.
GoPro Hero 10
Here are the key specs of the GoPro Hero 10 Black:
- Weight: 153 grams
- Processor: GP2 Processor
- Photo Resolution: 23 Megapixels
- Video Resolution:3K/60FPS, 4K/120FPS, 2.7K/240FPS
- Stabilization: HyperSmooth 4.0
- Waterproof: Yes, Up to 33ft.
- Live stream: Yes, Up to 1080p resolution (with HyperSmooth 4.0 ON)
- Special Features: TimeWarp 3.0, Night Lapse, 8x Slo-Mo, Front LCD
- Price: Check Current Price
What we like: The GoPro Hero 10 promises to address all the weaknesses of its predecessors. Thanks to the powerful GP-2 Processor, the overall performance of the action camera is significantly better than the earlier GoPro cameras. It’s twice as fast as the Hero 9 Black. Hero 10 bumps up photo resolution up to 23 megapixels, and can shoot up to 5.3K videos at 60 frames per second (FPS); 4K up to 120 FPS; and 2.7K at 240 FPS, which we feel is pretty great! There’s also a noticeable improvement in low-light stills and videos on the GoPro Hero 10. In the Night Photo mode, the pictures have sharper details.
With HyperSmooth 4.0, you get a significantly steadier video on Hero 10. Plus, you can now apply stabilization to higher video resolutions (5.3K30, 4K60, and 2.7K120). What’s more, Hero 10 lets you offload files by way of a wired connection to an Android or iOS device. So, overall the GoPro Hero 10 Black definitely offers a considerably more fluid user experience than any of its predecessors. It’s definitely the most advanced action camera today.
What we don’t like: The GoPro Hero 10 Black sports the exact same 1,720mAh battery as the Hero 9 Black. So, there’s not much improvement on that aspect. But, it’s still pretty good, and you get more runtime on Hero 10 than any other GoPro camera even when shooting in high resolutions.
Other than that, the price of Hero 10 may be a limitation for those who don’t want to spend that much for an action camera.
For a much more detailed review of GoPro Hero 10, have a look at this article.
GoPro Hero 8 – Best for Price/Specs
| Specs | GoPro Hero 8 |
|---|---|
| Sensor | CMOS Sensor |
| Zoom | 4K Video |
| Resolution | 12 MP |
| Connectivity | WiFi, HDMI |
| Waterprooofing | 10-metres |
| Removable Battery | Yes |
| Voice Control | Yes |
| Special Features | HyperSmooth 2.0, Liveburst, Integrated Mounting Fingers, Media Mod |
What we like: GoPro Hero 8 features some great design changes (when compared to the earlier GoPro models). Its improved design has integrated mounting fingers. So, you don’t need to attach an extra piece to be able to use the accessories. It also means carrying less equipment! The exterior is tough with the sensor and secondary display on the front, and a big touchscreen on the back. The lens is now made of Gorilla Glass which makes it twice as tougher than the previous models. The battery door has now been moved from bottom to side, which means the convenience of accessing the memory card and battery without having to first remove a frame or detach the cam from the mount. The video quality is also considerably improved as compared to Hero 7. GoPro has upped the bitrate of 4K footage from 78 mbps to 100 mbps in both 4K and 2.7K on this model.
The Media Mod functionality makes the Hero 8 more flexible and versatile. The mod accessories are the latest and super attractive. Media Mod attaches directly to the camera. It has two cold-shoe mounts and an HDMI port. They can transform your camera into a vlogging and story-telling tool. The Hero 8 also guarantees ultimate image/video quality with upgraded features like Hypersmooth 2.0 which captures smooth, absolutely shake-free videos while in movement. You can stabilize the video even more by enabling the Boost mode. Another great feature: Timewarp 2.0 adds a couple of cool hacks. It allows you to capture dramatic scenes by one calculating the time-lapse speed based on the amount of camera motion. Two, you can slow down to real-time with the tap of an on-screen button, and then speed back up into hyperlapse with a second tap.
What we don’t like: Although now the camera lens is made of a much stronger material (as described above), the fact that it cannot be removed or replaced unlike the previous models is a sure con. The battery life too remains to be a problem, as with other GoPro models. You get only about 1.5-2 hours of playtime.
The Hero 8 has a limited field of view to work with (only horizontal-axis), so extreme horizon leveling will result in a noticeable crop to the footage. Horizon Leveling only works on videos recorded with 200 frames per second or less.
For a much more detailed review of GoPro Hero 8, have a look at this article.
GoPro Max – Best for 360 degree videos
| Specs | GoPro Max |
|---|---|
| Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Battery | 1600 mAh, removable |
| Mounting | Built-in |
| Waterproofing | Up to 16ft/5m |
| Voice Control | Yes |
| Resolution | Videos: 6K / stitched to 5K Photos: 18MP / stitched to 16.6 MP |
| Special Features | Max Hypersmooth, Max Timewarp, 4 Digital Lens sizes, 360 Audio |
- Three Cameras in One: Maximize your creative freedom. With MAX you can shoot...
- Max HyperSmooth: MAX gives you unbreakable stabilization by using 180-degree capture...
- Live Streaming in 1080p: Shoot in HERO mode and share while you’re there. Live...
What we like: It is clear that a lot of thought has been put into the design of Max, both in terms of software as well as hardware. Being lightweight, it is much more suitable for extreme sporting scenarios than Fusion. The easy touch-screen interface and two physical buttons make this camera extremely user-friendly. It offers wonderful image stabilization (Max Hypersmooth) even in 360-degree mode, with its great horizon leveling feature. The audio quality of the footage shot by Max is also top-notch!
GoPro Max has a single MicroSD card for the twin opposite-side lenses. Therefore, stitching can be done in-camera instead of in-post. Once stitched together, the 360-video file comes in an awesome 5.6K resolution! And with the GoPro app for Android and iPhone, it takes very little effort to transfer the shots and videos to your phone and edit the footage, change view or angle, add transitions, etc.
What we don’t like: If you compare Max with Hero 8 Black, it is noticeably larger and heavier; therefore making it a less desired choice for many rapid adventure sports. While we agree that stitching is a great feature, it has been offered in much cheaper 360 cams like Rylo and Insta360 for years! We also felt that in-camera stitching on Max is not very accurate and has some flaws. Doing it on a desktop gives much better results.
The fact that GoPro Max doesn’t have a subject tracking feature is also a major disappointment. Lastly, I’d say that while Max Timewarp is amazing, but it is also a battery-killer! In fact, I noticed that the battery drains quite significantly while shooting a timewarp.
For a much more detailed review of GoPro Max, have a look at this article.
Which is the best GoPro?
Well, the best GoPro camera for you depends on various factors, like- what your budget is, or whether you really need the latest model or 360-degree imaging ability!
We believe that the Hero 12 Black is currently the best GoPro around, with its sophisticated HyperSmooth 6.0 image stabilization system, an improved design, and many other wonderful features.
However, Hero 10 is also still available and can be picked up for a great price. It costs way less than Hero 12 but still offers many great features like voice control, 4K video quality, and more. It’s a good choice for anyone looking to capture sports & adventures like surf, ski, bike, etc. So, if you’re willing to compromise on certain features for a great action camera that suits your budget, Hero 10 Black is actually a great deal!
Other than these two, the GoPro Max is a great 360-degree camera by GoPro. It’s a huge step forward by GoPro from the previous 360-degree camera – Fusion. So, if you need a camera with 360-degree photo and video ability, GoPro Max is what you must go for! It’s great both in terms of ease of use and the results you get.
Thanks for reading!
I hope this guide helped you learn all you need about the three best GoPro cameras today. 🙂
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