If you want to create a vlog to share some tips or to document your own personal experiences or travels, GoPro is the camera you must choose!
Many YouTubers prefer GoPros to create vlogs and other videos for their channels. So the question is: Is using a GoPro for vlogging a good idea?
In this article, you’ll find out why GoPros are good for vlogging and which model is the best for it.
Start by watching my explanation of why GoPro is a good idea for vlogging:
Why GoPros Can Be Great for Vlogging
With a wide-angle feature, the nearly endless number of GoPro accessories to enhance footage quality, and the possibility of underwater filming, GoPros provide a truly amazing vlogging experience.
Here are some of the major reasons why we recommend that you use a GoPro for vlogging:
Low Profile Camera
Since a GoPro camera is quite compact, you can use it in public for vlogging without drawing a whole lot of attention to you. Otherwise, attracting unwanted attention is inevitable if you carry a big DSLR camera for shooting your vlogs.
Great Video Quality (4K/5K Capability)
Despite being so compact, portable, and relatively inexpensive, a GoPro supports superb up to 4K/5K/5,3K resolution videos (5K in the latest GoPro Hero 12 and 11 Black). This is, in fact, one of the most impressive aspects of these action cams… as well as their impressive electronic stabilization feature, which will help you always get stable footage even when walking or moving very fast.
Start Filming with a Single Press
With QuikCapture, it’s extremely convenient to start shooting your vlog even if your camera is off. You just need a single press of the rec button to turn the camera on and immediately begin capturing your video. By pressing the button again, the camera will stop recording and power the camera off.
Plenty of GoPro Mounts for Vloggers
GoPro Mounts and accessories are your best friend as a vlogger because they can help stabilize the camera and ensure that your video looks appealing to the audience. For example, you can create awesome travel or extreme sports vlogs with your GoPro mounted to your helmet, mountain bike, or even your surfboard.
Drawbacks of Using GoPro For Vlogging
Although GoPros are great vlogging cams, they do have a few disadvantages that I experienced and I’d like to share. However, some of these drawbacks can be eliminated by using extra accessories (as mentioned below).
Mediocre Audio Quality
GoPro’s internal mics aren’t ideal for recording your voice if you want to record interviews with clean audio or share something important. If you plan to vlog with your GoPro, you might not get the quality you need from these internal mics. So, you should consider an external GoPro microphone, as this would make a huge difference in the audio quality of your vlogs.
Here are the two GoPro external mics that I recommend:
- The VideoMic GO II is a compact, lightweight, easy-to-use shotgun microphone for...
- 3.5mm TRS output for use with cameras and a digital USB output for use with...
- Instantly improve the audio quality of your device
In order to use an external microphone with the GoPro, you will need to purchase a separate 3.5mm external microphone adapter. This adapter plugs into the HERO’s USB-C port (for GoPro hero 11, 10 and9) and allows you to connect an external microphone to improve the audio quality of your videos.
GoPro Mic Adapter (For HERO 12, 11,10,9,8,7,6,5 Black)
GoPro offers an official 3.5mm microphone adapter that is compatible with GoPros, either you can use a GoPro Media Mod.
GoPro Media Mod (For HERO 12, 11, 10 and 9 Black)
- Built-in directional mic highlights voice audio and reduces ambient noise
- Tough, weather-resistant construction withstands the elements
- 2 cold-shoe mounts to attach your favorite lights, mics or LCD screens
GoPro Media Mod (For HERO 8 Black)
- Built-in directional mic delivers crystal-clear audio and reduces wind and ambient...
- 2 cold-shoe mounts to attach your favorite lights, mics or LCD screens
- 3.5mm mic port lets you add an external mic for enhanced audio
External microphone will help you to capture better quality audio, especially in noisy or windy environments where the camera’s built-in microphone may struggle to pick up clear audio.
Find more info on Hero 10 Media mod and mic adapter in the following article: GoPro Hero 10 Mic Adapter: Do You Need it? [GUIDE].
Battery Life (Can Be Improved)
You don’t want to be left high and dry if the battery of your camera goes out while you’re in the midst of your vlog. Since a GoPro’s battery life isn’t all that amazing, there is a possibility of such a thing happening. But there IS a solution, thankfully! By simply adjusting your camera settings and keeping the batteries warm, you can extend the recording time by up to an hour.
Have a look at this article for a detailed description regarding how to do it.
No Dual Screen in Older Models
For vlogging, most people look for a camera with dual-screen or a flip screen, because it makes controlling your image much easier. It lets you be aware of how you look or whether you’re in frame or not.
However, before the launch of GoPro Hero 8 Black – the first GoPro camera built with the vlogging aspect in mind – no GoPro model had a dual-screen. Even on the GoPro Hero 8 Black, there’s no dual screen, but you get the option of using a flip screen by attaching the media mod to it. All the later GoPro models – including the GoPro Hero 9 & 10 sport dual-screens.
But, there is a solution if the GoPro that you own doesn’t have such a provision. You can “fake” a flip screen on HERO 4/5/6/7 with this accessory (it’s a mirror, basically):
What’s the Best GoPro for Vlogging?
All GoPros are good for vlogging if you know how to overcome the shortcomings of your model. I have given a few solutions above. But, if you ask me which one is the BEST GoPro for vlogging, then I would say HERO 12, 11, 10 and 9 Black. Why? Here are the reasons:
GoPro HERO 12 Black
The GoPro HERO 12 Black emerges as a quintessential choice for vlogging, blending advanced technology with unparalleled resilience to offer remarkable image and video quality. Its proficiency in capturing High Dynamic Range (HDR) videos and photos in 5.3K and 4K resolutions ensures that it excels in varied lighting conditions, showcasing intricate details that might usually be lost in shadows or overly bright areas.
This guarantees that every piece of content is rich in color, exhibiting true-to-life hues and precision, which is vital for vloggers aiming to produce professional and appealing content. With 91% more resolution than 4K and 665% more than 1080p, the HERO 12 Black promises crisp, cinematic imagery, allowing users to snap impressive photos up to 24.7MP directly from their videos via the GoPro Quik app.
Moreover, the Emmy Award-Winning HyperSmooth 6.0 Stabilization ensures that every moment captured is smooth, regardless of the conditions, making it ideal for vloggers who are always on the move. Whether biking, skiing, or simply exploring, the GoPro HERO 12 Black converts even the most unstable footage into silky smooth visuals, elevating the overall viewing experience.
Its rugged and waterproof design further adds to its allure, allowing vloggers to traverse through mud, snow, or water without any worry, while its water-repelling lens cover works meticulously to eliminate lens flare and other distortions. These features, coupled with its included accessories like the Enduro Rechargeable Battery and various mounting options, solidify the GoPro HERO 12 Black as the optimal choice for vloggers aspiring to elevate their content creation endeavors.
GoPro HERO 11 Black
Taking into account the various features and improvements of the GoPro Hero 11 Black, it’s evident that this model stands out as the ideal choice for vloggers. With its larger image sensor, increased pixel count, and 10-bit color, capturing stunning visuals is easier than ever before. The expanded video capabilities, including the addition of SuperView at higher resolutions and the new HyperView mode, make it perfect for capturing immersive first-person footage during various activities.
Stabilization in the Hero 11 Black has reached new heights with HyperSmooth 5.0 and the 360-degree Horizon Lock, ensuring your footage remains steady even in the most challenging situations. The powerful GP2 processor and the Easy Mode user interface make it both fast and accessible for beginners and experienced users alike.
GoPro HERO 10 Black
- 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...
The GoPro HERO10 is the one of the most advanced action cameras so far. Its most amazing feature is the ability to record 5.3K at 60fps, which lets you shoot some beautiful vlogs. Thanks to its ability to record 2.7k at 240fps, you can record slow-motion videos with a speed reduction of up to 8x! This camera features a new processor that makes the camera respond significantly quicker and speeds up the camera boot time.
Another important feature on the Hero 10 Black that improves your vlog shooting experience is an improved stabilization system with the HyperSmooth 4.0. In this camera, HyperSmooth works even when capturing video at 5.3k 30fps and below!
GoPro HERO 9 Black
- 5K Video
- 20MP Photo
- Front Display plus Rear Touch Screen
The GoPro HERO 9 Black is very similar to the HERO Black but comes cheaper. Of course, the HERO 10 is an overall better camera, but there are very few minor differences when you compare the two. First, it can only record 5.3k video at 30fps instead of 60fps and the slow-motion is only 4x with 2.7k at 120fps. Then, the HyperSmooth 3.0 is also the older version that’s not as good at stabilizing the camera as the 4.0 version present in the HERO10 Black. But, it still does a great job and is better than most action cameras around. Lastly, the processor on HERO 9 isn’t as fast as the HERO10 Black.
However, all these differences are very minor. The GoPro HERO 9 is still a vlogging powerhouse! So, before going for HERO 10 for vlogging, consider whether you really want to spend that much more?
If you’re a beginner looking for the best GoPro camera to start with, we recommend checking out our article on What GoPro is the Best for Beginners.
Find the comparison of the newest GoPro models: GoPro Hero 11 vs 10 vs 9: How do they compare?
4 GoPro Accessories for Better Vlogging
No matter which GoPro you use, here are the four GoPro accessories that will ensure a better vlogging experience:
GoPro Vlogging Kit
Vlogging setups can be used with the latest GoPro Hero 11,10, 9 & 8 Black cameras and previous models. Here are the accessories for these cameras to create a full vlogging kit of your own:
GoPro Media Mod (For HERO 12, 11, 10, 9 Black)
- Built-in directional mic highlights voice audio and reduces ambient noise
- Tough, weather-resistant construction withstands the elements
- 2 cold-shoe mounts to attach your favorite lights, mics or LCD screens
GoPro Media Mod (For HERO 8 Black)
- Built-in directional mic delivers crystal-clear audio and reduces wind and ambient...
- 2 cold-shoe mounts to attach your favorite lights, mics or LCD screens
- 3.5mm mic port lets you add an external mic for enhanced audio
GoPro Light Mod
- 4 levels of brightness—up to 200 lumens—for crisp detail
- Built tough and waterproof to 33ft (10m)
- Built-in rechargeable battery with up to 6 hours of runtime
You can consider buying a portable flashlight that can be alternative to Light Mod.
GoPro Display Mod
- 2-inch flip-up screen makes vlogging easy
- Built-in rechargeable battery and micro-HDMI connector
- Folding design for easy storage and transport
If you’re interested in setting up your GoPro for vlogging, we recommend checking out our article on GoPro Vlog Setup: 5 Best Vlogging Kits + Vlog Tips.
Microphone
An external microphone is a great addition to ensure a better audio quality of your vlog. To have detailed info regarding different types of microphones for your GoPro, visit this article.
Here are some great microphones in the market that we recommend:
Lavalier (attach it on shirt):
Directional (attach it on GoPro):
GoPro Mic Adapter:
Gorillapod / Selfie Stick
Selfie sticks and Gorillapods are great if you want to capture your own footage for the vlog. Have a look at this article for in-depth information regarding some of the best selfie sticks in the market for your GoPro.
Here’s the Gorillapod for your GoPro that we recommend:
Flashlight
If you own a HERO 8, this GoPro official accessory: GoPro Light Mod is a must-have if you frequently vlog in low light situations.
What we like: This compact LED flashlight is tough and waterproof (down to 33ft/10m). You get four levels of brightness (up to 200 lumens) for crisp details in different lights. The built-in rechargeable battery provides an impressive 6 hours of runtime.
What we don’t like: There aren’t any significant drawbacks of this highly useful product if you want to shoot your vlog using your HERO 8 cam.
Thanks for reading!
I hope this post helped you understand why GoPro is good for vlogging. 🙂
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