GoPro is known for its supreme quality action cameras. The Hero 7 series have three variations – Black, Silver and White. Black being the most versatile and expensive out of the three, grabs a lot of attention. White is the cheapest of all. Silver falls in between. Hero 7 Black is basically everything that is present in Hero 7 Silver and more.
By the end of this article, you will get a clear picture as to what more does a GoPro Hero 7 Black offer…
GoPro Hero 7 (Black) vs Hero 7 (Silver)
GoPro Hero 7 is an amazing range with action cams that are not only stylish in their looks but also allow you to capture some stunning footage. Read on to know more about the models Hero 7 Black and Hero 7 Silver.
GoPro Hero 7 Silver
What we like: It is a tough, waterproof action camera which lets you shoot stunning 4K video (max 30fps). The amazing feature time-lapse when enabled, ensures recording of stabilized time-lapse videos. This action camera allows you to shoot beautiful 10MP photos with WDR and with burst mode, you can get 15 photos in one second. It has 1220 mAh built-in battery and for connectivity a USB-C port is available. Other features like WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, Voice Control Commands are available for enriching your shooting experience.
What we don’t like: Due to the fact that the battery is in-built, you cannot remove the battery. Also, a memory card isn’t included with the camera. It is not Karma compatible, nor supports underwater GoPro case SuperSuit. Hero 7 Silver lacks the HyperSmooth stabilization, live-streaming and instead of high dynamic range (HDR) images, it only captures wide dynamic range (WDR) images.
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GoPro Hero 7 Black
What we like: With the best of Hero 7 series, the black is versatile and has loads more to offer. You can enjoy recording your fun moments using new features like HyperSmooth ensuring ultra stable, shake-free videos, TimeWarp, SuperPhoto etc. It can record videos in Full HD at 240 fps, that you can slow down up to 8 times to create slow-motion recordings. With 12MP photo resolution and up to 4K 60fps image stabilization, it captures high dynamic range (HDR) images. The Black has the option to shoot in RAW. It automatically saves a JPG version at the same time.
What we don’t like: It does not support a mic-jack. Hero 7 models have an f/2.8 aperture which means they are capable of shooting in low light, but the footage quality is not that great. Also, a memory card isn’t included with the camera.
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Now, let’s compare the two models based on specifications. Below table highlights the difference between GoPro Hero 7 Black and Hero 7 Silver.
Specifications | GoPro Hero 7 Black | GoPro Hero 7 Silver |
---|---|---|
Photo Resolution | 12 MP | 10 MP |
4K Resolution | max. 60fps | max. 30fps |
Bitrate in 4K | 78 Mbps | 60 Mbps |
1080p Resolution | max. 240fps | max. 60fps |
720p Resolution | max. 240fps | no |
Battery (Capacity) | 1220 mAh removable | 1220 mAh built-in |
Image Stabilization | up to 4K 60fps | up to 1080p 60fps |
Connectivity (wireless) | WiFi, Bluetooth | WiFi, Bluetooth |
Connectivity | USB-C port, micrto HDMI | USB-C port |
Storage | microSD (up to 128GB) | microSD (up to 128GB) |
external Microphone | yes (via adapter) | no |
Voice Controller | yes | yes |
GPS recording | yes | yes |
Livestreaming | yes | no |
Waterproof | 10m without case 60m with case | 10m without case no case available! |
Silver vs Black: Most Notable Differences
#1. Design
Other than the obvious difference in colour, the look of both is almost the same on the outside. They both have the lens port on the top right corner and a touchscreen that covers most of the rear part of the camera. Also, both these models are waterproof up to 10m depth.
The notable difference is, if you need to take the cam a little deeper in water, the Black is compatible with GoPro’s SuperSuit cover. With the frame on, it can be taken up to 60m depth. Silver is not compatible with the same and thus, a separate protective housing is required built only for these cams. Also, another noticeable difference is that the Black has a small black-and-white LCD screen on the front of the camera, while the Silver doesn’t. The Silver has only one door as the battery is built-in while Black has two.
#2. Connectivity
Both the models Black and Silver support WiFi and Bluetooth. The battery life is almost the same as both use rechargeable batteries rated at 1220 mAh. The difference is that Black has a removable battery and can be swapped with batteries of previous models (Hero 5, 6 Black) but Silver has a built-in battery so the only way to charge it is connecting it directly to a power source. Both models have a USB-C port but only Black has a micro HDMI port as well.
#3. Resolution
Both the cams can shoot 4K videos but on one hand where Silver maxes out at 4K at 30fps, Blacks maxes out at 4K at 60fps giving better video quality. For slow-motion videos, the highest framerate available on the Silver is 60 frames per second at the 1440p resolution. On the Black, you can get up to 240 fps (in 1080p, 960p, and 720p). The bitrate on Black is 78Mbps which is much better than that on Silver as 60Mbps. Other than these, Black offers awesome stabilization with its new feature Hypersmooth which makes it less shaky and more smooth.
Black produces larger images (12MP vs 10MP) and has the option to shoot in RAW format as well as JPG. With HDR function over WDR and burst options available, it produces better quality images.
#4. Audio
There are only two onboard microphones on Silver as compared to Black which has three, hence producing better sound quality. Also, there is a provision to connect an external microphone via adapter in Black for enhancing the voice quality but the same is not available in Silver.
#5. Other Features
Other than the fact that Silver does not support additional features like Hypersmooth, Super Photo, Live streaming etc., it’s not compatible with Karma grip as well. Silver is somewhat limited in its functionality and compatibility. Black on the other hand is an upgraded version and offers all these features making photography more flexible and enjoyable.
What GoPro Should You Buy?
We know that both these models have rugged design and are capable of shooting good quality footage in 4K. It all comes down to your requirements and use – if you are looking for a low-budget, simple camera for traveling then GoPro Hero 7 Silver is not a bad option; but if you need fine quality action camera with incredible image stabilization, good sound quality, amazing time-lapse videos, and are fond of capturing high quality, dynamic images then then better option is definitely Hero 7 Black.
- Click on the link to know more about Best Accessories for your GoPro Hero 7 Black &Silver
- Click on the link to know more about 5 Best SD cards you can use with your Go Pro Hero 7 Black & Silver.
No matter which Hero 7 Black or Silver you prefer, you’ll need to buy yourself accessories in order to get the most out of it. Read 7 Must Have GoPro Hero 7 Accessories to choose the one that fit your needs.
Thanks for reading!
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