GoPro HERO - The Smallest 4k Action Camera Ever

GoPro has introduced a new compact Hero camera alongside the next-generation Hero 13 Black.

According to GoPro, this is the smallest 4K action camera with a screen they’ve ever made.

It’s also the lightest, most user-friendly, and most affordable model yet.

But does this make it the ideal choice for beginners, or are there some drawbacks?

You’ll find the answer in this article.

QUICK TAKE

The smallest and lightest GoPro action camera
4K video
Rear screen
Built-in 1255mAh Enduro battery
Waterproof up to 16ft (5m)
Max photo resolution: 12MP
Priced at $199

Key Features

Let’s take a closer look at the key features of the tiny GoPro HERO:

Price

The first thing to note about this entry-level GoPro Hero is its affordability, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

GoPro Hero - Compact Waterproof Action Camera with 4K Ultra HD Video, 12MP Photo, Touch Screen

Tiny by design and easy to use, our smallest 4K camera features a rugged super-light...

The GoPro Hero is priced at $199.99 and is available for preorder now, with in-store availability beginning on September 22.

Dimesnsions

This new Hero is, in fact, the smallest camera with a screen that GoPro has ever produced. Weighing just 86g (including mounting fingers and the built-in battery), it is 35% smaller and 46% lighter than the GoPro Hero 13 Black. Its compact dimensions are 56.6mm wide, 47.7mm high, and 29.4mm deep, making it incredibly portable and easy to use.

Photo & Video Quality

The Hero simplifies video recording to two core options: 4K at 30fps or HD 1080p.

For slow-motion enthusiasts, it offers x2 slow-mo in 2.7K at 60fps or 1080p at 60fps. Recording is available in three aspect ratios: 16:9, 9:16, and 4:3.

With stunning image quality, you can capture Ultra HD 4K or HD 1080p video, snap 12MP photos, or slow down your footage in 2.7K at 60fps.

The Quik app also allows you to grab 8MP stills from your 4K videos. The 16:9 aspect ratio is perfect for creating horizontal, YouTube-friendly content.

Stabilization

While the Hero itself doesn’t have built-in HyperSmooth stabilization, you can apply it when transferring footage through the GoPro Quik app.

The GoPro Quik app leverages HyperSmooth stabilization to automatically smooth your footage, ensuring shake-free videos.

For even more advanced stabilization, a GoPro Premium+ subscription unlocks access to the enhanced HyperSmooth Pro feature, offering even greater stability.

Waterproof

Not only is it splashproof, but it’s also ready for snorkeling, allowing you to take it underwater without worry.

Rugged and waterproof up to 16ft (5m), the HERO is built with GoPro’s legendary durability, making it perfect for capturing all your adventures—whether you’re tearing through mud, snow, underwater, or braving heavy rain.

Battery

Despite its compact size, the battery offers impressive performance.

The Hero’s Enduro battery is designed to last, allowing up to 100 minutes of continuous recording at its highest 4K video setting or around 155 minutes at 1080p, all at a temperature of 77ºF (25ºC).

However, the trade-off for its small form factor is a built-in battery that cannot be swapped out during use, which could be limiting for extended shoots.

Thankfully, the camera charges via USB-C, meaning you can keep it powered with a USB-C power bank for longer recording sessions.

Compatibility

The Hero is not compatible with any of GoPro’s lens mods, such as the Max Lens Mod 2.0 or the new HB-Series lenses that are designed for the Hero 13 Black.

Due to its compact size, the Hero cannot support any media mods or protective cases from previous models, as they are physically larger than the camera itself.

It’s important to note that GoPro Hero 9-12 models share the same media mods and protective or underwater cases, whereas the new GoPro Hero is not compatible with these accessories.

On the other hand, it is compatible with standard GoPro mounts such as gimbals, selfie sticks, head mounts, and chest mounts, as they share the same attachment system.

Is The GoPro Hero Right For You?

With everything mentioned above, the new Hero is a fantastic entry-level camera designed for beginners. It’s compact, lightweight, and rugged.

While it doesn’t offer the highest video resolution or support the latest accessories from the Hero 13 Black, it’s perfect for those who don’t need extra features and want to save some money by getting a powerful, small action camera for just $199.

However, if you’re looking for more advanced features, check out the GoPro Hero 13 Black, which comes with new lenses and filters to enhance your creativity.

Thanks for reading! 🙏

I hope this post helped you understand what to expect from the GoPro HERO 🙂

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GoPro HERO – The Smallest 4k Action Camera Ever