The rugged GoPro action camera can be taken to places where many other cameras most certainly won’t survive! But, it means that there may be instances where you’d want to use it remotely, that is, without actually having your GoPro in your hand. The most obvious way of doing this is by using a remote controller like GoPro Remo or its newest versions like GoPro Smart Remote and GoPro The Remote.
In this article, we’ll discuss all about GoPro Remo and other official GoPro remote controls – its features, its pros and cons, how to use it and info about its alternatives.
By the end, you’ll certainly be able to make a decision on whether you should get one.
GoPro The Remote
Compatibility: HERO 12 Black, HERO 11 Black, HERO 10 Black, HERO9 Black, MAX, and HERO 8 Black
GoPro’s The Remote is a significant accessory, designed with advanced features to enhance the user experience. It uses Bluetooth Low Energy technology which notably extends the battery life of both The Remote and the camera it is connected to, while also ensuring smoother pairing compared to previous GoPro remotes.
The Remote is equipped with a large, high-resolution screen that facilitates easy checking of camera status. It also features large tactile buttons, allowing users easy control of camera functions, making it especially useful in dynamic or fast-paced environments.
In terms of durability and versatility, The Remote sports a rugged design that is wearable, mountable, and waterproof up to 16ft (5m), making it adaptable to various shooting conditions and environments. It boasts a range of up to 196ft (60m) in optimal conditions and can control up to five cameras simultaneously, providing extensive coverage and control.
It comes with a convenient wrist strap, allowing you to attach The Remote to grips, handlebars, and gear easily. It is compatible with various GoPro models including HERO 12 Black, HERO 11 Black, HERO 10 Black, HERO9 Black, MAX, and HERO 8 Black, making it a versatile accessory for GoPro users.
There is also an option to buy it with a charger and Media Mod
GoPro Smart Remote
Now, we’ll talk about another great remote controller from GoPro: GoPro Smart Remote. It has been well-received and highly rated by GoPro users. The range and waterproof capabilities provided by this option are way better than the GoPro Remo.
GoPro Smart Remote is an official GoPro accessory which is, in many ways, the most feature-rich of GoPro’s remote controls. It’s compatible with most of the GoPro models that have wireless capabilities.
Compatibility: HERO8 Black, MAX, HERO7 Black, HERO6 Black, HERO5 Black, HERO5 Session, and Fusion
What we like: This remote control with built-in LCD screen lets you control all camera functions, including shutter, on/off and settings. When used with Hero 6 Black, Hero 5, Hero 4 and Session cameras, you can also add HiLight Tags to mark the key moments while recording. The 600ft/180m range is also great, along with the fact that you can control up to 50 cameras at a time! What’s more? This rugged remote control is wearable, mountable and waterproof to 33ft / 10m.
What we don’t like: It doesn’t work with voice control. Also, it’s not compatible with one of the latest GoPro models: Max.
In addition to these two official accessories provided by GoPro, there are many more ways to control your action camera remotely. Have a look at this article for a detailed description about the different ways to let you control your GoPro remotely.
GoPro Remo
A GoPro official accessory, GoPro Remo is one of the oldest of GoPro remotes that works well with GoPro Hero 6 Black, GoPro Hero 5 Black & Session models.
Features
Here are the key features of GoPro Remo:
- Range: Remo lets you control your compatible GoPro models from up to 33ft (10m) away.
- 13 Voice Commands: It’s a voice activated remote that works with 13 easy-to-remember commands for several functions, which include: start/stop video recording, capture photos, switch between capture modes and more.
- One Button Shutter Design: It’s a simplistic one-button remote for your GoPro.
- Water sports: You can use Remo to enhance your GoPro experience during water sports like surfing, kayaking, kiteboarding and more.
- 10 Languages: Remo understands English (US, UK, AUS), French, Italian, German, Spanish (North America, EU), Japanese and Chinese (Mandarin).
- Waterproof: This is a waterproof remote control that works well down to 16ft (5m)
What We Like
Talking to your GoPro just got easier with Remo – a voice-activated remote that extends the voice control range of your compatible GoPro camera. Although it looks kind of plain, Remo is a highly useful GoPro remote control that understands all your voice commands promptly. It has a simplistic design with one large button in the middle for various functions and a second small button on the side for power/pairing. Remo has this great ability to hear you even in windy and noisy environments when your GoPro can’t, which makes it a highly desirable choice. And, it’s waterproof too (down to 16 ft / 5m)!
Pro Tip: Wear the Remo on your wrist with the included strap (ships in the box) for added convenience.
Have a look at this video to know all about GoPro Remo.
What We Don’t Like
Since it works via Bluetooth, it has a much shorter effective range (33ft/10m) than remote controllers that operate with WiFi. Also, a significantly large number of users have reported battery and charging issues with Remo and have, therefore, given it a negative rating on Amazon. They state that it won’t charge even after trying for several hours!
Controlling Your Camera Using GoPro Remo
To control your camera with your voice using GoPro Remo, use the following voice commands:
- GoPro turn ON
- GoPro start recording
- GoPro HiLight
- GoPro stop recording
- GoPro take a photo
- GoPro shoot burst
- GoPro start time lapse
- GoPro stop time lapse
- GoPro turn OFF
- GoPro Video mode
- GoPro Time Lapse mode
- GoPro Photo mode
- GoPro Burst mode
Or, when Remo and the camera are on, you can simply press the Shutter button on Remo to begin capturing in the camera’s current mode.
How to Charge GoPro Remo
When the battery status light on your GoPro Remo turns red, charge it using the provided USB-C cable by connecting it to a charger or your computer. The light turns green when charging is complete. It takes about 80 minutes for your Remo to fully charge.
Should You Buy GoPro Remo?
The range provided by GoPro Remo is much shorter than the Smart Remote. This is because the Remo connects only via Bluetooth, which has a much shorter effective range than WiFi. It’s also important to note that GoPro has discontinued the Remo. But, we’re not particularly surprised by this decision taken by the company, considering the amount of reliability issues reported by the users online.
So, I’d suggest that unless you really need the voice control, go for the GoPro Smart Remote over the Remo. It’s definitely an overall better choice!
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