How can we compare GoPro models and which one is the best for you?
GoPro has been revolutionizing the world of action cameras since the launch of its first model in 2004. With every new release, they have introduced advanced features and better performance, making it hard to decide which model to choose.
In this article, we’ll compare three of the latest GoPro models: Hero 12, Hero 11, Hero 10, Hero 9, and Hero 8. We’ll take a look at their features, specifications, and performance to help you decide which one suits your needs the best.
But without further ado, let’s get started!
GoPro Comparison Chart: Specifications
Here’s the spec-wise comparison of the latest GoPro models:
| Specifications | GoPro Hero 12 Black | GoPro Hero 11 Black |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 154G (CAMERA W/MOUNTING FINGERS + BATTERY) 121G (WITHOUT BATTERY) | 154G (CAMERA W/MOUNTING FINGERS + BATTERY) |
| Dimensions | 71.8 W X 50.8 H X 33.6 D (MM) | 71.8 W X 50.8 H X 33.6 D (MM) |
| Front Display | Color Display | Color Display |
| Processor | All-new GP2 processor | All-new GP2 processor |
| Image Sensor | 27.13MP | 27.13MP |
| Resolution | 5.3K (8:7) 30/25/24 FPS 5.3K (16:9) 60/50/30/25/24 FPS 4K (8:7) 60/50/30/25/24 FPS 4K (9:16) 60/50/30/25 4K (16:9) 120/100/60/50/30/25/24 FPS 2.7K (4:3) 120/100/60/50 FPS 2.7K (16:9) 240/200 FPS 1080 (9:16) 60/50/30/25 1080P (16:9) 240/200/120/100/60/50/30/25/24 FPS | 5.3K: 8:7 (5312X4648) 5.3K: 4:3 (5312X3984) 5.3K: 16:9 (5312X2988) |
| Battery | 1720mAh | 1720mAh |
| Image Stabilization | HyperSmooth 6.0 | HyperSmooth 5.0 |
| Specifications | GoPro Hero 10 Black | GoPro Hero 9 Black | GoPro Hero 8 Black |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 153 grams | 158 grams | 126 grams |
| Dimensions | 71.8 x 50.8 x 33.6 mm | 71 x 55 x 33.6 mm | 66.3 x 48.6 x 28.4 mm |
| Touchscreen Size | 2.27 inches | 2.27 inches | 1.95 inches |
| Front Display | Color Display | Color Display | Monochrome |
| Processor | All-new GP2 processor | GP1 processor | GP1 processor |
| Image Sensor | 23 MP | 20 MP | 12 MP |
| Resolution | 5.3K / 60fps 4K / 60fps 1080p / 240fps | 5K / 30fps 4K / 60fps 1080p / 240fps | 4K / 60fps 1080p / 240fps |
| Battery | 1720mAh | 1720mAh | 1220mAh |
| Image Stabilization | HyperSmooth 4.0 | HyperSmooth 3.0 | HyperSmooth 2.0 |
Overview
Let’s start with a general overview of the three cameras:
GoPro Hero 12 Black
The GoPro Hero 12 is a state-of-the-art action camera that represents a significant evolution in GoPro’s lineup, excelling in both versatility and performance. It’s characterized by its astonishing 5.3K resolution, offering 91% more detail than 4K and capturing every moment with cinematic clarity. The inclusion of High Dynamic Range (HDR) for videos and photos ensures vivid, true-to-life colors and enhanced detail in varied light conditions.
It employs the award-winning HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization technology, promising smooth, shake-free footage across all activities, making it especially valuable for action enthusiasts. Its rugged design and water-resistant properties make it the ideal companion for adventurers wanting to capture their exploits in any environment, whether it’s underwater, on a mountain, or in the mud.
To sum it up, the Hero 12 is a compact powerhouse, designed to elevate the way you capture your adventures, with superior image quality, advanced stabilization, and robust build, making it a top choice for anyone looking to document their experiences in the highest quality possible.
GoPro Hero 11 Black
The GoPro Hero 11 stands as a revolutionary piece in the world of action cameras, offering users an expansive field of view and unparalleled image quality. With the capability to record in 5.3K, it provides 91% more resolution than 4K, and a staggering 665% more than 1080p, ensuring that every detail is captured with cinematic brilliance.
It introduces an advanced image sensor that elevates photo resolution up to an impressive 27MP and allows users to extract stunning 24.7MP stills from the recorded videos. The Hero 11 also flaunts the Emmy Award-Winning HyperSmooth Stabilization technology, delivering exceptionally smooth footage across varied activities and ensuring every captured moment is clear and steady.
Whether it’s high-action sports or serene landscapes, the Hero 11’s water-repelling lens and robust build make it a versatile companion for documenting adventures in any environment. In essence, the GoPro Hero 11 is synonymous with high-quality, stabilized, and vibrant capture, positioning itself as a top choice for action photography enthusiasts.
GoPro Hero 10 Black
Launched on September 16, 2021, the newest gadget by the brand – the GoPro Hero 10 Black strives to eliminate two of the biggest annoyances of its predecessor – the GoPro Hero 9 Black. One, Hero 9 always felt a bit sluggish when it came to its speed. Two, its low light performance was not up to the mark. The GoPro 10 Black addresses both of these pain points in a superb way!
Thanks to the powerful GP-2 Processor, the overall performance of the action camera is significantly better than Hero 9. Upon testing it in low light, we felt that the camera performs noticeably better here too. 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. HyperSmooth – 4.0 is an upgraded EIS version that this camera has for steadier video. You can now apply stabilization to higher video resolutions (5.3K30, 4K60, and 2.7K120).
- Revolutionary Processor: Faster. Smoother. Better. The powerful new GP2 engine...
- High-Res Photos plus Videos, High Frame Rate: Step up to the sharpest-shooting GoPro...
- Unbelievable Image Quality: Shoot with fine detail, realistic textures and stunning...
GoPro Hero 9 Black
With the GoPro Hero 9 Black, the company revamped its camera design with a noticeably bigger touchscreen at the back and a color display at the front. The camera size is also slightly bigger than Hero 7 and 8. Image stabilization in the Hero 9 Black is further improved with HyperSmooth 3.0. Some of the most notable improvements with the latest GoPro camera include a bigger sensor (20MP), higher maximum video resolution (5K), and an increased battery capacity (1720mAh).
The Hero 9 Black also features a front-facing screen that is larger than that of its predecessors, making it easier to frame selfies or vlog-style shots. The camera also offers an improved time-lapse feature, with the ability to capture 0.5-second time-lapse intervals and Night Lapse mode. Another noteworthy feature is the camera’s ability to live stream in 1080p, making it a great option for content creators who want to share their adventures in real-time. Overall, the Hero 9 Black is a significant upgrade from its predecessors, with improved specs and features that cater to both professional and amateur users alike.
- 5K Video - Shoot stunning video with up to 5K resolution, perfect for maintaining...
- 20MP Photo with SuperPhoto - Capture crisp, pro-quality photos with 20MP clarity. And...
- Front Display plus Rear Touch Screen - A new, larger rear touch screen with touch...
GoPro Hero 8 Black
GoPro Hero Black 8 incorporates a slightly different design with the mounting system right on the case. It provides excellent image stabilization with HyperSmooth 2.0 and some amazing add-ons like the Media Mod functionality. It has various upgraded features, including TimeWarp 2.0, Night-lapse, and many more. The camera lens is made of a much stronger material than before. However, you can’t remove or replace the camera lens like the previous models.
It provides excellent image and video quality, capable of shooting 4K video at 60 frames per second. The battery life is also comparable to the Hero 7 Black, with a 1220mAh battery that can last up to 1.5 hours of continuous use.
One of the standout features of the Hero 8 Black is the introduction of customizable presets, allowing users to save and switch between frequently used settings quickly. Additionally, the camera features improved low-light performance and a new “LiveBurst” mode that captures 1.5 seconds of footage before and after taking a photo, allowing you to choose the best frame for your shot. The Hero 8 Black is an excellent camera that offers upgrades from its predecessor, but may not be a necessary upgrade for Hero 7 Black owners.
- GOPRO HERO8 BUNDLE: GoPro HERO8 Black Camera plus Battery plus Sleeve Lanyard...
- PRO-QUALITY 4K60 plus 1080p240 VIDEO: Stunning video resolution, impressive frame...
- RUGGED plus WATERPROOF plus ADVANCED WIND NOISE REDUCTION: Share experiences you...
Key Differences: Hero 11 vs Hero 10 vs Hero 9 vs Hero 8
Listed below are the key differences between the latest GoPro models:
Design Comparison:
The design evolution from GoPro Hero 8 to Hero 12 shows a focus on user-friendliness and adaptability. The Hero 8 presents a compact and streamlined form with built-in mounting, emphasizing convenience. The Hero 9 made substantial improvements, introducing a front-facing screen, making it an attractive option for vloggers and selfie enthusiasts and having a larger overall build. The Hero 10 retained most of the design elements from the Hero 9 but with subtle refinements in button layouts and ergonomic improvements. The Hero 11 and Hero 12 feature similar designs, with the latter having a more robust construction and a larger rear screen, enhancing navigation and accessibility.
Resolution Comparison:
When it comes to resolution, each newer model brings a significant enhancement. The Hero 8 offers decent 4K video and 12MP photos, suitable for most casual users. The Hero 9, however, steps up the game with 5K video recording and 20MP photos, offering better clarity and detail. Hero 10 further refines the visual experience with 5.3K60 video and 23MP photos. Both the Hero 11 and Hero 12 boast 5.3K video recording and 27MP photos, providing users with ultra-crisp and cinematic visuals, ideal for professional content creation.
Battery Life Comparison:
Battery life has seen consistent improvements across the models. The Hero 8 offers a standard battery life, suitable for moderate usage, whereas the Hero 9’s larger battery yields a 30% improvement, catering to more extensive shooting scenarios. The Hero 10 maintains a decent battery life, aligning with the needs of prolonged usage. The Hero 11 has an enhanced battery, providing increased longevity, and the Hero 12 stands out with its advanced Enduro battery, ensuring optimal performance even in cold conditions and offering extended recording times.
Connectivity Comparison:
Connectivity has evolved to offer users more seamless and reliable experiences across all models. The Hero 8 provides standard connectivity features, adequate for everyday use, with steady Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections. Each subsequent model, from the Hero 9 to Hero 12, has introduced enhancements and refinements in connectivity options, ensuring smoother operation, faster data transfers, and more reliable pairing, with the Hero 12 offering the most advanced and responsive connectivity features.
HyperSmooth Comparison:
HyperSmooth technology has seen revolutionary advancements from the Hero 8 to the Hero 12. Hero 8’s HyperSmooth 2.0 marked a significant improvement over its predecessors, offering smoother footage in diverse scenarios. The Hero 9 introduced HyperSmooth 3.0, ensuring enhanced stabilization across varied situations. The Hero 10 came with HyperSmooth 4.0, providing further refinements and improvements in stabilization. Hero 11’s HyperSmooth 5.0 elevated the stabilization experience with the introduction of the Horizon Lock feature, and the Hero 12’s HyperSmooth 6.0 sets a new benchmark, offering ultra-smooth stabilization under all conditions.
TimeWarp Comparison:
TimeWarp technology has consistently advanced, offering users more creative possibilities with each model. The Hero 8’s TimeWarp 2.0 enabled users to create smooth time-lapse videos with convenient speed adjustments. The Hero 9’s TimeWarp 3.0 brought more stabilization to time-lapse videos, allowing for dynamic shots. The Hero 10 further enhanced TimeWarp capabilities, offering refined control and customization. Both Hero 11 and Hero 12 have introduced improvements and refinements in TimeWarp features, allowing users to capture creative and dynamic shots with more control and stability, making them ideal for content creators seeking to add a creative flair to their work.
GoPro Hero 8 vs GoPro Hero 9
The GoPro Hero 8 and the Hero 9 are both exceptional cameras, but there are some significant differences between them. The Hero 9 has a larger 2.27-inch rear touch display compared to the Hero 8’s 2-inch display. Additionally, the Hero 9 has a front display, which can be used for vlogging or selfies.
Learn more on vlogging with GoPro: GoPro Vlog Setup: 5 Best Vlogging Kits + Vlog Tips.
The front display shows basic information like battery life, recording mode, and a countdown timer. On the other hand, the Hero 8’s design incorporates the mounting system right on the case, making it easier to swap mounts quickly.
When it comes to image stabilization, both cameras have excellent HyperSmooth capabilities. The Hero 8 features HyperSmooth 2.0, which is already an outstanding feature. However, the Hero 9 has HyperSmooth 3.0, which takes image stabilization to a whole new level. The Hero 9’s HyperSmooth 3.0 has a higher level of stabilization compared to the Hero 8’s 2.0. Furthermore, the Hero 9 has an upgraded TimeWarp 3.0 feature that also utilizes HyperSmooth 3.0, making it the best time-lapse option available.
The Hero 9 is an upgrade in terms of specs, as it has a larger 20-megapixel sensor compared to the Hero 8’s 12-megapixel sensor. The Hero 9 has a higher maximum video resolution of 5K compared to the Hero 8’s maximum resolution of 4K. Another significant difference between the two cameras is battery life. The Hero 9 has an increased battery capacity of 1720mAh compared to the Hero 8’s 1220mAh. This allows the Hero 9 to record longer without requiring frequent charging.
Find more comparison between GoPro Hero 8 vs GoPro Hero 9 by clicking the link.
GoPro Hero 10 vs Hero 9
The GoPro Hero 10 Black was released in 2021, and offers some notable improvements over the Hero 9 Black. The Hero 10 features a new GP2 processor that offers improved performance, enabling the camera to capture higher resolution and frame rate videos. It can shoot 5.3K videos at 60fps and 4K videos at 120fps, which is an improvement over the Hero 9. Additionally, the Hero 10 has a larger battery capacity of 1720mAh, which is a 20% increase compared to the Hero 9.
While both the Hero 9 and Hero 10 offer excellent image stabilization with HyperSmooth 3.0, the Hero 10’s HyperSmooth 4.0 is even more advanced and can provide even smoother footage. The Hero 10 also has improved low-light performance, thanks to a larger image sensor and improved noise reduction algorithms.
One area where the Hero 9 still has an advantage over the Hero 10 is in its physical design. The Hero 9 features a front-facing color display, while the Hero 10 does not. Additionally, the Hero 9 has a removable lens cover, while the Hero 10 does not. However, overall, the Hero 10 offers significant improvements over the Hero 9 in terms of performance, battery life, and image quality.
To learn more differences between GoPro Hero 10 vs GoPro Hero 9 by clicking the link.
Bottom Line
All the cameras — GoPro Hero 12 Black, GoPro Hero 11 Black, GoPro Hero 10 Black, GoPro Hero 9 Black, GoPro Hero 8 Black — are GoPro flagship cameras of their time. While there’s no doubt that the latest Hero 10 Black has the most advanced features, but it comes with a higher price tag. So, if you’re low on budget, you can choose the Hero 9 Black or even Hero 8 Black (depending upon features and how much you’re willing to spend). Both of them provide great performance even by today’s standards.
Thanks for reading!
I hope this guide helped you learn how all the latest GoPro models compare. 🙂
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