If you’re new to action cameras, choosing between the GoPro Hero 11 vs GoPro Hero 9 can be challenging.
Don’t worry if you’re not familiar with technical terms; I’ll simplify everything for you.
In this post, I’ll break down key features such as resolution, frame rate, and stabilization, and explain how they affect your footage quality.
By the end, you’ll understand the differences between the GoPro Hero 11 and Hero 9, helping you make the right choice for your needs.
GoPro Hero 11 vs GoPro Hero 9: Quick Specs Comparison
Here’s the full specs comparison of the GoPro Hero 11 Black and the GoPro Hero 9 Black:
Specs | GoPro Hero 11 Black | GoPro Hero 9 Black |
---|---|---|
Weight | 153 grams | 158 Grams |
Dimensions | 2.64 x 1.34 x 1.85 inches | 2.8 x 2.2 x 1.3 inches |
Processor | GP2 Processor | GP1 Processor |
Image Sensor | 27MP | 20MP |
Video Resolution | 5.3K/60FPS 4K/120FPS 2.7K/240FPS | 5K/30FPS 4K/60FPS 1080p/240FPS |
Stabilization | HyperSmooth 5.0 | HyperSmooth 3.0 |
Battery | 1720mAh | 1720 mAh |
Waterproof | Yes, Up to 33ft. | Yes, Up to 33ft. |
Front Display | Color Display | Color Display |
Live Streaming | 1080p | 1080p |
Voice Control | Yes | Yes |
GPS | Yes | Yes |
Do you wonder what’s the difference between these to cameras and Hero 10? Find it out in: GoPro Hero 11 vs 10 vs 9: How do they compare?
GoPro Hero 11 Black Review
- Revolutionary New Image Sensor: expansive field of view ever on a HERO camera out of...
- Unbelievable Image Quality: With 5.3K video that gives you 91% more resolution than...
- High-Res Photos + Videos, High Frame Rate: HERO11 Black’s new image sensor boosts...
The GoPro Hero 11 Black offers advanced features and capabilities for capturing high-quality video and photos. It boasts a 27-megapixel sensor, capable of shooting 5.3K video at 60 frames per second and taking 27MP still photos.
One of the standout features of the Hero 11 is its improved HyperSmooth 5.0 video stabilization technology, which provides even smoother and more stable footage compared to previous models.
The camera also offers features like improved TimeWarp, which can create smooth time-lapse videos, and LiveBurst, which captures 1.5 seconds of video before and after a photo is taken, allowing for the selection of the perfect still image.
The Hero 11 also includes a larger front-facing display, allowing for easier framing of shots, as well as a larger rear touch screen for reviewing footage and adjusting settings. It is also water-resistant up to 33 feet (10 meters) without the need for external housing.
Other features of the Hero 11 include voice control, compatibility with GoPro’s Max Lens Mod for even wider and more immersive shots, and a range of accessories and mounts for versatile shooting options.
GoPro Hero 9 Black Review
- 5K Video
- 20MP Photo
- Front Display plus Rear Touch Screen
The GoPro Hero 9 Black is a high-quality action camera that offers a range of advanced features and capabilities. With a 23.6-megapixel sensor, it is capable of capturing high-quality video and photos, even in challenging lighting conditions.
One of the standout features of the Hero 9 is its HyperSmooth 3.0 video stabilization technology, which helps to minimize shakiness and improve the overall smoothness of footage. The camera also offers a range of video modes, including 5K30, 4K60, and 1080p240, as well as options for time-lapse, slo-mo, and live streaming.
Other notable features of the Hero 9 include voice control, water resistance up to 33 feet (10 meters), and compatibility with a range of GoPro accessories and mounts.
Key Differences
Here are the main differences between the two cameras:
Design
In terms of design, the GoPro Hero 11 and GoPro Hero 9 are quite similar. Both cameras have a compact, rectangular shape with a lens on the front and a touchscreen on the back. Both feature a full-color screen on the front that can be used for framing shots, previewing footage, and adjusting settings.
The only visible difference is the logo on the side, whose color has been changed from gray in Hero 9 to blue in Hero 11. Overall, the GoPro Hero 11 and GoPro Hero 9 share a quite similar design.
Max Video Resolution
The GoPro Hero 11 has a higher maximum video resolution than the GoPro Hero 9, which means it is capable of capturing more detailed footage. It can shoot video at a maximum resolution of 5.3K at 60 frames per second (fps), while the GoPro Hero 9 can shoot video at a maximum resolution of 5K at 30fps. This means that the Hero 11 can capture footage with a higher level of detail, which is especially noticeable when viewed on larger screens or when zooming in on footage during post-production.
It’s worth noting that shooting at a higher resolution also requires more processing power, so you may need a more powerful computer to edit and export footage shot at 5.3K. Additionally, shooting at 60fps can result in smoother motion and may be preferable for action shots or other situations where motion is a key factor.
Therefore, if you’re looking for the highest possible video quality and detail, the GoPro Hero 11’s higher maximum video resolution may be worth considering. However, keep in mind that shooting at this resolution can also result in larger file sizes and may require more processing power to edit and export.
Max Photo Resolution
The GoPro Hero 11 can shoot photos at a maximum resolution of 27 megapixels, while the GoPro Hero 9 can shoot photos at a maximum resolution of 20 megapixels. This means that the Hero 11 can capture photos with more detail and better quality, resulting in sharper and more vibrant images.
In addition to the higher maximum photo resolution, the Hero 11 also has improved HDR (High Dynamic Range) capabilities. HDR allows the camera to capture photos with a wider range of light and dark tones, resulting in images with more detail in both bright and dark areas. The GoPro Hero 11’s HDR photo mode also allows you to capture images with less motion blur, which can be useful when shooting in low light or other challenging lighting conditions.
It is worth noting, that both cameras have digital zoom in/out. To learn more about it read: How to Zoom In/Out on ANY GoPro
Video Stabilization
Both cameras have advanced video stabilization capabilities, but the Hero 11 has some notable improvements over the Hero 9. The GoPro Hero 11 features a new HyperSmooth 5.0 video stabilization technology, which uses advanced algorithms and motion sensors to smooth out camera shake and vibrations in your footage. This results in smoother and more stable footage, even in challenging shooting conditions.
The Hero 9, on the other hand, features HyperSmooth 3.0 stabilization, which is still very effective but not quite as advanced as the Hero 11’s stabilization technology. However, the Hero 9 does have a Boost mode that provides even more stabilization for extreme conditions, such as when filming while skiing, mountain biking, or other high-intensity activities.
Although, it’s always better to use GoPro Gimbal for a battery smooth videos.
Battery Life
When it comes to battery capacity, both GoPro Hero 9 and 11 come with a 1720mAh battery. But, the GoPro Hero 11 Black features an Enduro battery that improves performance in cold and moderate temperatures. The recording time can be extended by a great deal with this added battery life as compared to that in Hero 9.
Read more on Hero 9 Battery life: GoPro Hero 9 Battery Life
According to GoPro’s specifications, the Hero 11 can shoot up to 100 minutes of continuous 4K video on a single charge, while the Hero 9 can shoot up to 80 minutes of continuous 4K video on a single charge.
Note that battery life can vary depending on several factors, including the camera settings, shooting conditions, and the use of wireless connectivity features. For example, using the camera’s Wi-Fi or Bluetooth functionality can drain the battery faster, and shooting in cold temperatures can also impact battery life.
Do you want to learn how to extend your battery life? Read this article until the end!
Both cameras have the ability to swap out batteries, so it may be useful to carry spare batteries if you plan on shooting for extended periods of time or in remote locations.
Max Bitrate
Bitrate refers to the amount of data that is processed by the camera per second when recording video. Higher bitrates generally result in higher-quality video with more detail and fewer compression artifacts.
The GoPro Hero 11 has a maximum bitrate of 120 Mbps, which is higher than the Hero 9’s maximum bitrate of 100 Mbps. This means that the Hero 11 is capable of capturing more detailed video with fewer compression artifacts compared to the Hero 9.
It’s worth noting that higher bitrates also result in larger file sizes, which can impact storage and processing requirements. Additionally, not all shooting scenarios may require the use of high bitrates, and lower bitrates may still result in high-quality footage. Both cameras support a range of video resolutions and frame rates, and the maximum bitrate is determined by the specific combination of resolution and frame rate being used. For example, shooting at a higher resolution and frame rate may result in a lower maximum bitrate, as the camera is processing more data per second.
Time Warp
Both GoPro Hero 9 and Hero 11 have the Time Warp feature that allows users to capture amazing videos of their activities. Time Warp combines time-lapse and hyper-lapse techniques to create a sped-up version of your footage, while also stabilizing it for a smooth viewing experience. With Time Warp, you can compress longer activities into shorter, more shareable moments, making it a great tool for capturing everything from scenic drives to adventurous hikes.
The Time Warp feature on the GoPro Hero 9 and Hero 11 has several settings that you can customize for different activities. For example, you can adjust the speed of your Time Warp video by up to 30x, with the option to set the speed manually or use the default Auto mode. You can also choose the Field of View (FOV) to determine the width of your shot, with the Wide FOV recommended for capturing more of your surroundings and the Linear FOV ideal for minimizing distortion.
Furthermore, both Hero 9 and Hero 11 offer the Speed Ramp feature, which lets you slow down your Time Warp video to Real Speed or Half-Speed. This can be particularly useful when you want to highlight a specific moment in your footage or create a dramatic effect. With these customizable settings, you can create stunning Time Warp videos with your GoPro Hero 9 or Hero 11 that capture your adventures in a unique and shareable way.
Read more: GoPro TimeWarp
Slow Motion
Both the GoPro Hero 11 and Hero 9 cameras offer the ability to shoot in slow motion. Slow motion is a useful tool for capturing fast-paced action and emphasizing the details of the scene.
The Hero 11 offers several options for shooting in slow motion, including the ability to shoot 240 frames per second (fps) at 1080p resolution and 120 fps at 4K resolution. The camera also features HyperSmooth 4.0 stabilization technology, which can help to smooth out any shakes or bumps in the footage. Additionally, users can adjust the playback speed in the GoPro app to further customize the slow motion effect.
Learn more on Slow motion for Hero 11: GoPro Hero 11 Slow Motion
The Hero 9 also has the ability to shoot in slow motion with options to shoot up to 240 fps at 1080p resolution and 120 fps at 4K resolution. The camera features HyperSmooth 3.0 stabilization technology, which can help to stabilize the footage even when shooting in slow motion. The camera also has the ability to adjust the playback speed in the GoPro app to create the desired slow motion effect.
Read more on Slow motion for Hero 9: GoPro Hero 9 Slow Motion
Price
Price is an important factor to consider when deciding between the GoPro Hero 11 and Hero 9. The Hero 11 is penultimate model model and generally has a higher price point compared to the Hero 9, which has been on the market for a longer time.
Here’s the current price of the GoPro Hero 11 Black on Amazon:
- Revolutionary New Image Sensor: expansive field of view ever on a HERO camera out of...
- Unbelievable Image Quality: With 5.3K video that gives you 91% more resolution than...
- High-Res Photos + Videos, High Frame Rate: HERO11 Black’s new image sensor boosts...
Here’s the current price of the GoPro Hero 9 Black on Amazon:
- 5K Video
- 20MP Photo
- Front Display plus Rear Touch Screen
Last Words
For beginners, the GoPro Hero 9 may be the better choice due to its lower price point and great battery life, while still offering impressive features like 5K video and HyperSmooth 3.0 video stabilization.
However, if you’re willing to invest in the greatest technology, the GoPro Hero 11 offers some truly impressive upgrades like improved video stabilization with HyperSmooth 5.0 and an increased max bitrate, which can provide even smoother and more detailed footage.
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I hope this guide helped you learn everything about Hero 9 vs Hero 11 specs 🙂
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