Wondering what’s the difference between GoPro’s mini cameras – GoPro Hero 11 mini vs GoPro Bones? You’re at the right spot.
Launched in 2021, the GoPro Bones a stripped-down version of the GoPro flagship Hero 10 Black camera that has been built specifically for FPV drones.
The GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini, on the other hand, is a smaller version of the Hero 11 Black flagship GoPro camera, albeit almost equally as powerful when it comes to specs.
In this article, you’ll learn how these cameras fare for FPV flying and which one is better suited for it.
GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini
The Hero 11 Black Mini is the first of its kind ‘Mini‘ camera by GoPro. Even though it’s super compact, it’s a highly versatile camera that comes with a new, larger image sensor. It is almost as powerful as the standard Hero 11 Black, with some amazing features and improvements including HyperSmooth 5.0, new night effects, and 10-bit color.
However, the camera doesn’t feature any display whatsoever. It has a one-button design. All you need to do is point & shoot to record a 5.3K video. Also, there’s no Mode button on the Hero 11 Mini.
Here are the key specs of the GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini:
- Weight: 133 grams
- Dimensions: 52.4 W x 51.2 H x 38 D (mm)
- System Processor: GP2
- Image Sensor: 1/1.9″ CMOS
- Photo Resolution: Captures Video only
- 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.
- Battery: Embedded 1500mAh w/Enduro Battery Technology
- Live Streaming: Yes, in 1080p resolution.
- Highlights: Automatic Highlight Videos, One Button Simplicity, 5.3K60 + 4K120 Resolution Video, HyperSmooth 5.0 Stabilization, Dual built-in mounting fingers
- In the Box: HERO 11 Black Mini Camera, Curved Adhesive Mount, Mounting Buckle, USB-C Cable, Thumb Screw, Camera Case
You can learn more about Enduro Battery Technology here: GoPro Hero 11 mini Battery Life (How long can you record for?).
GoPro Hero 10 Black Bones
The GoPro Hero 10 Black Bones camera is the company’s lightest-ever camera. It has been built specifically for FPV drones. When used with the FPV drones, Bones lets you create some spectacular aerial videos. GoPro Bones features the same image sensor as the Hero 10 Black and the GP2 processor for lightning-fast performance. It also has HyperSmooth 4.0 Image Stabilization technology.
However, since this camera has been purpose-built to be a great first-person-view (FPV) drone camera, GoPro removed the screen, speakers, waterproofing, and even the battery from it to achieve a super-light 54-gram weight.
Here are the key specs of the GoPro Hero 10 Black Bones:
- Dimensions: 50mm (H) x 68mm (W) x 29mm (D)
- Weight: 54 grams
- Image Sensor: 1/2.3” image sensor
- Video Resolution: 5.3K/60FPS, 4K/120FPS, 2.7K/240FPS
- Photo Resolution: 19.6MP
- Stabilization: HyperSmooth 4.0 with ReelSteady
- Waterproof: No
- System Processor: GP2
- Battery Requirements: 5-27V (2S-6S Li-Po)
- Wireless: 2.4GHZ; 5GHz BLE 4.2
- Best For: FPV Drones
GoPro Hero 11 Mini vs GoPro Bones: Comparison Table
Have a look at the following comparison table of GoPro Hero 11 Mini vs GoPro Bones:
Specifications | GoPro Hero 11 Mini | GoPro Hero 10 Bones |
---|---|---|
Dimensions | 51.2mm (H) x 52.4mm (W) x 38mm (D) | 50mm (H) x 68mm (W) x 29mm (D) |
Weight | 133 grams | 54 grams |
Video Resolution | 5.3K/60FPS, 4K/120FPS, 2.7K/240FPS | 5.3K/60FPS, 4K/120FPS, 2.7K/240FPS |
Photo Resolution | 24.7 MP stills from Videos | 19.6 MP stills from Videos |
Waterproof | Yes, down to 33ft | No |
Connectivity | USB, WiFi, Bluetooth | USB, WiFi, Bluetooth |
Image Stabilization | HyperSmooth 5.0 with AutoBoost | HyperSmooth 4.0 |
Voice Control | Yes | Yes |
LCD Screen | No | No |
Main Specs Differences
Here is the detailed, feature-wise comparison between GoPro Hero 11 Mini vs GoPro Hero 10 Bones:
Design
The Hero 11 Black Mini is a tiny GoPro that’s just 52.4 x 38 x 51.2mm in dimensions. When it comes to weight, the Hero 11 Black Mini weighs 133 grams. The camera doesn’t feature any display whatsoever. It features a one-button design.
The GoPro Bones, on the other hand, weighs a barely noticeable 54 grams and is almost as compact with 50mm x 68mm x 29mm dimensions. Like Mini, there’s no display on Bones as well. There’s no battery, speaker, GPS, or metal enclosure too. The camera is constructed from lightweight plastic that does offer some protection in the event of inevitable FPV crashes.
Image/Video Resolution
Both cameras – the GoPro Hero 11 Black and the GoPro Hero 10 Bones offer 5K/60FPS, 4K/120FPS, 2.7K/240FPS video resolutions. However, only the Hero 11 Black Mini features the new 8×7 sensor.
Also, with Mini, SuperView is available right up to 5K60/4K120. In comparison, the Hero 10 Bones maxes out at 4K/60 for the SuperView FOV.
Stabilization
The GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini features HyperSmooth 5.0 stabilization technology with an in-camera 360-degree Horizon Lock. It keeps your footage steady even if your camera rotates a full 360 degrees during capture.
When it comes to the Hero 10 Bones, the camera features GoPro’s HyperSmooth 4.0 stabilization technology, which is only one level down, and almost as good when put into practical use. In addition, it also features ReelSteady, which is a great way to stabilize your FPV drone videos in post-production. With Bones, you get a license for ReelSteady combined with the desktop GoPro Player app included in the price of the camera.
Performance
The Hero 11 Mini and the Hero 10 Bones both feature GoPro’s amazing GP2 processor. This processor ensures that the camera always gives a butter-smooth performance. You’ll feel almost no lag whatsoever with both cameras.
Price
The GoPro Bones camera today costs $349 (in the US only) if you sign up for a one-year GoPro Subscription. The GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini is priced lesser than the standard GoPro Hero 10 Bones. It costs $299 with a 1-year GoPro subscription.
Are you into FPV drones? Here you can find 5 FPV Racing Drone Kits You Can Buy.
What’s Better for FPV?
The GoPro Bones is a niche camera that’s been built specifically for FPV drone fans. You can attach it to most tiny FPV or Cinewhoop drones owing to its super-light 54 grams weight.
The Hero 11 Black Mini, on the other hand, is just a toned-down version of the Hero 11 Black and is not specifically built for FPV. That’s probably why it’s heavier.
So, if you specifically want a drone for FPV flying, then the GoPro Bones is definitely a better option for you.
It offers a combination of the best available FPV camera and ReelSteady stabilization. Even though it costs a bit more than the Hero 11 Black Mini, FPV enthusiasts may still be willing to pay the premium for it.
Thanks for reading!
I hope this guide helped you know about all the differences between GoPro Hero 11 mini and GoPro Bones 🙂
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