Are you looking for GoPro Hero 10 Review and wonder should you upgrade to it?
Launched on September 16, 2021, 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.
In this article, you’ll learn all about the GoPro Hero 10 Black – my full review of the action camera, what’s new in it, its detailed specs, and lastly, whether you should upgrade to it.
GoPro Hero 10 Black Specifications
First, let’s talk about the specifications of the action camera. Here are the key specs of the GoPro Hero 10 Black:
- Weight: 153 grams
- Processor: The All-New GP2 Processor
- Photo Resolution: 23 Megapixels
- Video Resolution: 5.3K/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
GoPro Hero 10 Black Full Review
As discussed in the intro, the GoPro Hero 10 Black promises to address all the weaknesses of its predecessor. 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.
Find the full comparison on Hero 10 and Hero 9: GoPro Hero 10 vs Hero 9: Difference, Specs, Worth Upgrading?
Before proceeding to how the GoPro Hero 10 fares on each of its several features, let’s first discuss what’s new in it.
What’s New on the GoPro Hero 10 Black
- A Brand-New GP-2 Processor: The Hero 10 doubles the performance of the previous Hero 9.
- Higher Quality Video and Photo: Here 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: HyperSmooth is upgraded for steadier video. You can now apply stabilization to higher video resolutions (5.3K30, 4K60, and 2.7K120).
- Wired transfer to phone: Hero 10 lets you offload files by way of a wired connection to an Android or iOS device.
You can download the whole manual by clicking: GoPro Hero 10 Black Manual | Preview & Download.
And find out how to set it up: GoPro HERO 10 Black Settings Cheat Sheet (FREE Download).
Here’s our detailed review on how the Hero 10 action camera performs when put into practical use:
Design
When it comes to the look and dimensions, the GoPro Hero 10 Black is almost identical to the previous year’s Hero 9.
There isn’t any radical change in the design of the camera. The only minor change is that the GoPro logo and the series name, which used to be grey on the previous model, are now in blue color. The weight of the camera is also a bit lower at 153 grams, versus 158 grams of Hero 9. Rest, everything – including buttons, front display, battery compartment, USB-C port, and micro-SD slot – remains the same.
Camera Specs
GoPro Hero 10 has the same camera sensor as the previous model. However, since it features a more powerful chip, the Hero 10 Black is capable of recording videos at up to 5.3K resolution at 60 frames per second. The Hero 9, in comparison, could only manage 5K at 30fps. The supported frame rates have doubled for other resolutions too. You can now shoot 4K videos at 120fps and 2.7K at 240fps. When it comes to still shots, the Hero 10 Black can capture pictures at 23-megapixel resolution.
Speed
This is where the GoPro Hero 10 Black is radically improved. Thanks to the GP-2 processor, the interface of the Hero 10 Black feels much smoother when used alongside Hero 9.
Using the camera and even general scrolling the menu is noticeably much quicker. The company claims that it’s twice as fast as the GoPro Hero 9 Black. However, upon usage, I felt that the camera is prone to get quite warm upon continuous usage.
Stabilization
With HyperSmooth 4.0, the image stabilization on the GoPro Hero 10 is superb! Even when you’re running, the footage will look super smooth with little to no jitter whatsoever. When you enable Boost, you get an even more stable image. However, it crops the frame. What’s more, Hypersmooth 4.0 on Hero 10 Black can be used even on higher resolutions, including 5.3K30, 4K60, and 2.7K120.
Low Light Performance
There’s definitely a noticeable improvement in low-light stills and videos on the GoPro Hero 10. In the Night Photo mode, the pictures have sharper details as compared to the Hero 9 Black. Videos shot in low-light have considerably less noise too. But, I felt that the difference isn’t too huge.
Battery Life
The GoPro Hero 10 Black sports the exact same 1,720mAh battery as the Hero 9 Black. It can be used interchangeably. Regarding battery life, you can expect around an hour and a half of video recording in 4K resolution. However, that would vary depending upon several factors, like frame rate, shooting mode, etc. So, if you’re planning to use the Hero 10 Black all day, it would be better to have an extra battery.
How Long Can GoPro Hero 10 Record Continuously?
The continuous recording time of the GoPro Hero 10 depends on several factors, including the video resolution, frame rate, and the capacity of the microSD card being used. Another factor to consider is battery life, which can vary depending on the settings and environmental conditions.
On a fully charged battery, the GoPro Hero 10 can typically record for around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the settings. Using lower resolutions and frame rates may extend the recording time. However, it is essential to keep in mind that recording continuously for extended periods may cause the camera to overheat, especially in warmer environments or when recording at higher resolutions like 4K or 5.3K.
If you need to record for longer periods, you can consider using an external power source or swapping batteries, but remember to let the camera cool down if it starts to overheat. Always use a high-capacity and fast microSD card to ensure the best performance and avoid running out of storage space during long recording sessions.
Does GoPro 10 Still Overheat?
How Long Will 128GB Last on GoPro 10?
The recording time on a 128GB microSD card for a GoPro Hero 10 depends on the video resolution and frame rate you choose. Higher resolutions and frame rates will consume more storage space and reduce the overall recording time.
Here’s a rough estimate of recording time for various resolutions and frame rates:
- 5.3K at 30/60 fps: approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes
- 4K at 30/60 fps: approximately 4 hours
- 2.7K at 30/60 fps: approximately 6 hours
- 1080p at 30/60 fps: approximately 8 hours
These estimates are approximate and can vary depending on the specific settings and content being recorded. Also, remember that other factors, such as battery life and potential overheating, may affect the actual recording time. Always use a high-quality and fast microSD card compatible with the GoPro Hero 10 to ensure optimal performance.
Is GoPro 10 Good for Photography?
The GoPro Hero 10 is primarily designed as an action camera for capturing high-quality videos in various settings. However, it is also a capable photography tool, especially for users looking to capture wide-angle shots, action scenes, or underwater photos.
The Hero 10 offers a 23MP sensor, which is a noticeable improvement over the previous models, resulting in higher resolution and more detailed photos. It also has features such as burst mode, time-lapse, and night-lapse, which allow for more creative photography options. Additionally, the camera supports RAW image capture, providing greater flexibility in post-processing for photographers who wish to edit their images more extensively.
While the GoPro Hero 10 may not replace a dedicated DSLR or mirrorless camera for all types of photography, it is a versatile and compact option for those seeking a rugged, waterproof, and portable camera for capturing unique perspectives and action shots.
Is GoPro Hero 10 Camera Better Than iPhone?
The GoPro HERO 10 camera and an iPhone are designed for different purposes and have their own unique strengths and weaknesses when it comes to capturing photos and videos.
The HERO 10 is primarily designed for action and adventure sports and is known for its rugged build, waterproofing, and advanced stabilization technology. It can capture high-quality footage in challenging environments and has a range of features, such as super-slow-motion, time-lapse, and night-lapse modes, that are specifically designed for action sports and outdoor adventures.
On the other hand, an iPhone is designed primarily for everyday use and general photography and videography. It may not have the same durability and waterproofing as a GoPro, but it has a range of features that make it a versatile and convenient device for capturing everyday moments, such as portrait mode, live photos, and slow-motion videos.
To know more about their differences and similarities read: GoPro vs iPhone: What Is the Best Camera for Travel & Vlog?
And the comparison of the newer GoPro and iPhone models is in the following article: GoPro Hero 11 vs iPhone 14 Pro: Camera Comparison.
Ultimately, the choice between a GoPro HERO 10 and an iPhone will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you are an action sports enthusiast or frequently engage in outdoor adventures, then the GoPro HERO 10 may be a better choice. However, if you want a versatile device that can capture everyday moments with high-quality photos and videos, then an iPhone may be more suitable.
Should You Upgrade To a GoPro 10?
The GoPro Hero 10 Black definitely offers a considerably more fluid user experience than any of its predecessors. It’s definitely one of the most advanced action cameras today. Therefore, it could be a great idea to upgrade to Hero 10 Black.
However, whether you should upgrade to it or not also depends upon which GoPro model you currently own. For example, if you have a GoPro Hero 9 Black, then there isn’t really a drastic change in the quality of shots other than the fact that you can now shoot 4K or 5.3K videos at higher frame rates. So, if you aren’t overly concerned about higher frame rates, then you can stay with your GoPro Hero 9 Black too.
For those who own GoPro models that came earlier than that (Hero 8 and previous models), upgrading to GoPro Hero 10 Black would definitely be a good improvement!
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