When it was launched (back in 2018), the GoPro Hero 7 Black was the best action camera of its time with some amazing features like HyperSmooth image stabilization, rugged design, and improved image & sound quality.
GoPro has launched several new models each successive year with several improvements. These models include – GoPro Hero 12, GoPro Hero 11 Black, GoPro Mini, GoPro Hero 10 Black and more.
If you are wondering whether GoPro Hero 7 Black is still the right choice for you after all these years, I have full information for you in this regard.
GoPro Hero 7 Black Review & Specifications
The GoPro Hero 7 Black comes with the same external design as the previous models like Hero 5 & 6 Black. So, if you own one of these models, you can also re-use the same battery, same sensor, and lens as before without having to worry about throwing the old accessories. In addition, Hero 7 has some added features too, like HyperSmooth, TimeWarp, and SuperPhoto. It is waterproof and you may take it underwater. But, if you plan on taking it past 10 meters, be sure to put on the SuperSuit housing to avoid water leaking into the camera.
- HyperSmooth: Get gimbal‑like stabilization—without the gimbal. HERO7 Black...
- TimeWarp: Capture super stabilized time lapse videos while you move about a scene....
- Live streaming in 720p: Share while you’re there. Live stream in 720p on social,...
Keep in mind that if you’ve just started your filmmaking path, there are also other fine models available from GoPro, and we discuss these options in our article on What GoPro is the Best for Beginners.
The table below highlights the specifications of the GoPro Hero 7 Black.
| Specs | GoPro Hero 7 Black |
|---|---|
| Max video resolution | 4K/60fps |
| Still photos | 12-megapixel (HDR) |
| Slo-mo speed | 8x |
| Waterproofing | 10-metres |
| Voice control | Yes |
| Removable battery | Yes |
| GP1 processor | Yes |
| Special features | Hypersmooth, TimeWarp, Livestreaming, GPS, QuikStories |
GoPro Hero 7: Comparison with the Latest GoPros
In order to make the right decision whether you should buy a GoPro Hero 7 Black, you need to know how it really compares with the GoPro models that came after it. Therefore, in this section, we’ll compare the Hero 7 Black with GoPro Hero 8 Black, GoPro Hero 9 Black & GoPro Hero 10 Black on several parameters.
Design
As mentioned before, Hero 7 comes with the same external design as the previous models like Hero 5 & 6. With Hero 8, GoPro improved the design a bit, with the inclusion of built-in mounting. But, Hero 8 has the same monochrome front display as its predecessor. This changed after the launch of Hero 9, which is GoPro’s first model to feature a front color display. Hero 10, too, features the same front color display.
Resolution
The highest resolution supported by both Hero 7 and Hero 8 is the same – 4K/60FPS. But, when you really look into it in detail, the maximum video bitrate supported by Hero 7 is 78 Mbps, while it is 100 Mbps for Hero 8. With the launch of Hero 9, GoPro upped the resolution significantly at 5K/30FPS. Hero 10 further improves it to 5.3K/60FPS.
Battery
While GoPro Hero 7 & 8 have the same battery capacity (1220mAh), GoPro bumped it up to 1720mAh on the Hero 9 & 10 Black. This boosts the stamina of Hero 9 & 10 by roughly 30%. Therefore, you get significantly better performance with Hero 9 & 10.
It’s always a good idea to bring some extra batteries no matter what GoPro you owe.
Connectivity
All the recent GoPro cameras – (Hero 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10) support connectivity through WiFi and Bluetooth. Therefore, you can connect them to a smart device with the GoPro Quik App. These cameras also support Livestream. But, after the launch of Hero 8, GoPro has built all cameras keeping in mind the vlogging aspect. The GoPro Hero 8, 9 & 10 Black are highly vlogging-friendly, with their own Media Mods (sold separately), which add a directional microphone ideal for vlogging. You also get other useful vlogging accessories compatible with these cameras like Light Mod.
More on vlogging with GoPro is in this article: GoPro Vlog Setup: 5 Best Vlogging Kits + Vlog Tips.
The GoPro Hero 7 is equipped with an HDMI port, which allows you to connect your camera directly to a TV, computer monitor, or other display device. Read more by clicking this link.
HyperSmooth (Electronic Image Stabilization)
GoPro Hero 7 is the first GoPro to feature its highly popular HyperSmooth EIS. The company improved this feature with each successive model – HyperSmooth 2.0 on Hero 8, HyperSmooth 3.0 on Hero 9 & HyperSmooth 4.0 on Hero 10. The footage clarity and performance with each successive HyperSmooth upgrade is up a notch as compared to its previous version. The latest HyperSmooth 4.0 is like a whole new chapter in the game of image stabilization, and we’re yet to see better performance in any action camera.
Although I should admit not every time Hypersmooth, for extra stabilization opt for GoPro Gimbal.
Swappable Lens Cover
The GoPro Hero 7 features a swappable lens cover. But, on Hero 8, the lens port is fused to the body and is made non-removable. With the launch of Hero 9 Black, GoPro reverted back to the swappable lens. Both Hero 9 & 10 feature it. Plus, you also have an interchangeable lens mod called the Max Lens Mod.
Price
This one is the most important factor when figuring out whether you should buy Hero 7 or not. Here are the current prices of the Hero 7 Black and the other cameras that we are comparing it with:
Hero 7 Black
- HyperSmooth: Get gimbal‑like stabilization—without the gimbal. HERO7 Black...
- TimeWarp: Capture super stabilized time lapse videos while you move about a scene....
- Live streaming in 720p: Share while you’re there. Live stream in 720p on social,...
Hero 8 Black
- HyperSmooth 2.0: HERO8 Black has three levels of stabilization: On, High and Boost....
- Streamlined Design: The re-imagined shape is more pocketable, and folding fingers at...
- Expandable Mods: Vloggers, pro filmmakers and aspiring creators can do more than ever...
Hero 9 Black
- 5K VIDEO: Shoot stunning video with up to 5K resolution, perfect for maintaining...
- 20 MP PHOTO WITH SUPERPHOTO: Capture crisp, pro-quality photos with 20MP clarity. And...
- FRONT DISPLAY + REAR TOUCH SCREEN: A new, larger rear touch screen with touch zoom on...
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...
For the FULL comparison of Hero 7 and 9 read the following article: GoPro Hero 9 vs GoPro Hero 7 (My Opinion for Beginners)
Should You Still Buy Hero 7?
It’s a big NO!
As of today, the GoPro Hero 7 is priced at $320 on Amazon, while the GoPro Hero 8 Black costs $290. So, considering that Hero 8 is a more recent model that has improved specs and is more vlogging-friendly, it would be irrational to pay a higher amount for the older model that Hero 7 is.
To add to it, even the highly advanced GoPro Hero 9 with front color display and 5K capability is available for as low as $340! Therefore, buying a new GoPro Hero Hero 7 Black might not be a good idea.
By the way, the new GoPro Hero 12 has been released!
Find the comparison of these two cameras: GoPro Hero 12 vs GoPro Hero 7: Should you Upgrade?
Thanks for reading!
I hope this post answered your question – Should I Buy GoPro Hero 7?
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