HyperSmooth 2.0 provides you with 3 stabilization settings to fit different scenes. The in-app horizon leveling will prove indispensable when shooting first-person footage. TimeWarp 2.0 will be automatically adjusting the speed taking the lighting, scene detection, and motion into account.
There's no Micro-HDMI port.
GoPro HERO8 Black builds upon its predecessors' legacy and packs enough high-end features to justify the company's steep price rates. The footage will come out smoother than ever before, the Black Mods will let you experiment with the camera, and the streamlined profile will make the device more than pocketable.
4K@60 fps
MP4 (H.264/AVC), MP4 (H.265/HEVC)
12 MP
Removable battery (1220 mAh lithium-ion)
Waterproof to 33ft (10m) without a waterproof case
USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, Slot for microSD card
Rechargeable Battery, Curved Adhesive Mount, Mounting Buckle, USB-C Cable, Thumb Screw
1 year
The FusionGrip™ stick that comes with the device will let you easily capture VR footage at the right angle and distance. Equipped with an extension pole and tripod, the stick will allow you to set up brilliant shots and change them on the fly.
The device requires two microSD cards.
GoPro Fusion will let you capture stunning 360-degree footage and bring the people viewing that footage into the moment with you. The over-capture feature will let you turn spherical videos into standard 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) footage, combining both approaches to create the most remarkable videos.
5.2K@30 fps
MP4 (H.264/AVC)
18 MP
Removable battery (2620 mAh lithium-ion)
Waterproof to 16 ft (5m) without a waterproof case
USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, 2 slots for microSD cards
FusionCase, Rechargeable Battery, FusionGrip™, Adhesive Mounts, USB-C Cable
1 year
The device supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth interfaces, which allow for using it as a live stream camera. The camera can effectively apply various effects to the final pictures, including HDR, local tone mapping, and noise reduction.
The battery does not last especially long.
Despite some complicated instructions, the Hero7 is one of the best action camera models in the medium class right now. Reliable, rugged, and extremely easy to use, the camera has brought a new definition of high-quality videos to the market of action cameras and remains there with the best models today.
4K@60 fps
MP4 (H.264/AVC), MP4 (H.265/HEVC)
12 MP
Removable battery (1220 mAh lithium-ion)
Waterproof to 33ft (10m) without a waterproof case
USB-C, Micro-HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, Slot for microSD card
Rechargeable Battery, Mounting Frame, Adhesive Mounts, Mounting Buckle, USB-C Cable, Thumb Screw
1 year
The PowerPano feature will streamline taking brilliant 270-degree distortion-free panoramic photos without forcing you to scan the horizon. The six microphones' advanced wind-noise reduction tech will be keeping the footage practically noise-free even when going 100 miles per hour down the piste.
The lenses scratch easily.
GoPro MAX basically crams three cameras into one device, letting you capture 360-degree footage, vlog with ease and confidence, and film the most daring adventures with the HERO mode. You'll be able to tap through four digital lenses to nail any shot.
6K@30 fps
MP4 (H.264/AVC), MP4 (H.265/HEVC)
18 MP
Removable battery (1600 mAh lithium-ion)
Waterproof to 16 ft (5m) without a waterproof case
USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, Slot for microSD card
Rechargeable Battery, Curved Adhesive Mount, 2 Protective Lenses, 2 Lens Caps, Microfiber Bag, Mounting Buckle, USB-C Cable, Thumb Screw
1 year
You can control the device via voice commands. The LCD screen will be displaying shooting settings, battery status, and how much available space is left on the MicroSD card (in minutes and hours). The GPS interface will let you tag the location of the footage.
The housing might heat up when you record videos at the highest resolution for a long time.
HERo6 is not as new and impressive as the camera used to be but is now considered the company's staple product, letting you capture 4K footage at 60 frames per second without paying the 4K price. The GoPro app will allow you to play with the footage.
4K@60 fps
MP4 (H.264/AVC), MP4 (H.265/HEVC)
12 MP
Removable battery (1220 mAh lithium-ion)
Waterproof to 33ft (10m) without a waterproof case
USB-C, Micro-HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, Slot for microSD card
Rechargeable Battery, Curved Adhesive Mount, Flat Adhesive Mount, Mounting Buckle, USB-C Cable, Thumb Screw
2 years
Even More Streamlined
The experts at GoPro are always trying to make the company's action cameras better than before, even though it is hard to see sometimes where you can even improve them already. Time after time though, occasionally with small improvements but usually with game-changing moves, these experts manage to improve upon the formula and make the new GoPro iteration even more ridiculous than its predecessor. On that note, let's address the GoPro HERO8 Black.
What's changed here? Well, for one, the design has become even more streamlined, sporting this reimagined sleek shape that makes the unit even more pocketable and, with folding fingers at the base, lets you swap the mounts with effortless ease.
The Black Mods are new too. These accessories are optional, but we would recommend looking into them, at the least. The Media Mod gives you that premium shotgun-mic performance, 3.5mm jack, HDMI-out ports, and two cold-shoe mounts, adding everything that's been removed from GoPro cameras to make them more compact and less bloated. The Display Mod offers a nice little flip-up screen that lets you frame the shots and vlog like you mean it. The Light Mod will provide you with solid LED lights to let you shoot high-quality footage and shots even when the lighting is underwhelming.
HyperSmooth 2.0 and TimeWarp 2.0
Action cameras are abundant these days. What usually separates GoPros from cheap knock-offs is the tech. With HyperSmooth 2.0, the HERO8 Black model puts its already smooth predecessors to shame. You'll be able to choose between three stabilization levels (On, High, and Boost), picking the one that fits the scene. Switching between these modes, you'll be choosing the widest views possible or making the footage as fluid as the device allows. Furthermore, HyperSmooth 2.0 is able to work with all resolutions and frame rates, including its in-app horizon leveling.
The TimeWarp 2.0 is no joke too, capturing extra-stabilized time-lapse videos while you move through any activity. The new-and-improved version is able to automatically adjust the speed based on motion, scene detection, and lighting. You'll even be able to slow down the effect to the real-time pace, savoring the most exciting moments and then tapping the screen to speed the footage back up.
Last but not least is the LiveBurst feature that records the moments 1.5 seconds before and after the shot, letting you choose the best single frame.
Bottom line, the GoPro HERO8 Black packs enough features to justify an upgrade, even without mentioning the tech and specs that its HERO7 predecessor left for the model, including the ability to shoot Ultra HD (4K) footage at 60 fps.
Additional Info
Last updated price | $299.00 |
Stock | In stock |
ASIN | B07WSRXMS8 |
What customers say about this product
Size & Weight(4.8)
Video(4.8)
Display(4.4)
Features(4.3)
The Over-Capture Approach
GoPro Fusion is different from the company's signature HERO line. Before anything else, this is a 360-degree camera. That being said, one could argue that the model's headline feature doesn't have much to do with the 360-degree format.
360-degree cameras are almost as abundant nowadays as standard action cameras but the model's over-capture feature is unique in its own right. The software lets you capture the entire surrounding scene, not unlike any 360-degree cameras' tech. The difference here is that you can post-frame the footage as an ordinary Full HD widescreen video. You could film an entire freestyle park and quickly edit the footage to make the video all about one person performing different tricks and jumps. The feature also lets you shoot widescreen videos that follow the bike/board first-person but also peel off to display the surroundings. In other words, you'll be able to frame and punch out perfect shots from any angle, creating awesome traditional videos with new twists, making the camera especially attractive to daredevil teenagers.
Of course, no one is forcing you to do that. 360-degree cameras let you capture everything around you, shooting in every direction at once and bringing everyone viewing the footage into the moment with you. GoPro Fusion can do that too, no worse than any 360-degree travel cam.
Tough and Outdoorsy
There are not too many 360-degree cams that are as tough and outdoorsy as GoPro Fusion. For one, the device is waterproof up to five meters (16 feet), meaning you can take the unit into the water without any worries about the circuitries' state. Incorporating the toughest rubberized outer shell, rounded corners, and side panels with grip strips, the camera will be able to shrug off serious abuse. Sure, the square shape makes this device not quite as mobile and somewhat inconvenient to slip into most pockets but that was necessary to make the camera as tough as it is.
The engineers at GoPro have always prided themselves on the stabilization tech and this model is no exception, offering gimbal-like stabilization and keeping the footage flowing smooth. Something they haven't always been good at (probably because they were not working on that to begin with but that's beside the point) is seamless video stitching yet the device does just that, enveloping you in the VR action without stitched lines ruining the immersion.
Before summing this up, the Fusion Studio software makes the camera's settings readily accessible and the footage easy to edit. You'll be able to re-frame and crop shots without any assistance from heavy full-featured third-party editing software. Take that as well as the affordable price into account and you can see why GoPro Fusion might seem more appealing than most 360-degree cameras.
Additional Info
Last updated price | $232.00 |
Stock | In stock |
ASIN | B0792MJLNM |
What customers say about this product
Key Specs(4)
Connectivity(3.6)
Imaging(4)
Features(4)
Mount Anywhere, Film Everything
The GoPro Hero7 action camera provides the user with a top-notch video quality with a resolution of up to 4K with relative ease and zero stutterings. But what features make this particular model so popular? To figure this out, we took the most important aspects of the camera and compared it to similar products in the same price range.
To start off, the device supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth interfaces, which allow for using it as a live stream camera. Thanks to the additional frame and adhesive mounts, as well as the mounting buckle you can fix the camera in place or mount it on any equipment including bags, helmets, and other gear.
As for the quality of photos taken with Hero7, the device can effectively apply various effects to the final pictures. This includes HDR, local tone mapping, and noise reduction to improve the overall quality of the pictures taken with the camera.
The support of multiple high resolutions will help bring the quality of your videos to a whole new level. What is more, the camera is also capable of capturing video in true 60 FPS while recording in 4K, 120 FPS in 2.7K, and in 240 FPS in 1080p, 960p, 720p.
A New Word on The Action Camera Market
Unlike previous models in the GoPro camera line, the Hero7 features a high-quality touch screen that will make navigating the menus a tad bit easier. That said, the real issue with the camera hides in its convoluted design of the onboard menus and that the user’s manual doesn’t explain how to navigate through properly. Fortunately, you can always use the voice commands in order to start recording a new video or to take a picture.
On the bright side, however, when it comes to the autonomous capabilities of the camera, the Hero7 can operate for up to 120 minutes from a single battery charge. The lithium polymer battery included in the kit takes around 1.5 hours to charge so in case you plan on taking the action camera with you on your trips we also recommend getting a capacious power bank as well.
Furthermore, the additional features include a waterproof housing that allows using the camera underwater on depths of up to 33 feet. But if that’s not quite enough, you can always opt for an additional casing that will allow recording in even deeper waters.
In the end, despite some complicated instructions, the Hero7 is one of the best action camera models in the medium class today. Reliable, rugged, and extremely easy to use it brings a new definition of high-quality videos to the market of action cameras.
Additional Info
Last updated price | $335.99 |
Stock | In stock |
ASIN | B07GDGZCCH |
What customers say about this product
Size & Weight(4.6)
Display(4.6)
Video(4.4)
Features(4.3)
Three Cameras in One Device
GoPro MAX is all about sacrificing as little as possible, even when that price gets pretty bloated. The price makes sense though because what we have here is essentially three cameras stuffed into one device.
First, the model will let you capture 360-degree footage, not with the same ease that Fusion does so but enough to compete with most mid-range 360-degree models. Besides that, the shotgun microphone and the front-facing screen will let you vlog to your heart's extent without adding any accessories to the mix. Last but not least, you can use the device to shoot action scenes, not unlike you would use the company's HERO line products.
We have the same tech here that we have seen before inside separate products but all packed into one device here. To begin with, there's the company's trademark unbreakable and unshakeable stabilization that comes from the HyperSmooth tech but also from using the 360-degree capture approach as this ultimate buffer. When switched to the HERO mode, the device boasts awesome horizon leveling, giving you that silky smooth cinematic look when you're going sideways, flipping through the air, or simply chasing your kids in the backyard.
Distortion- and Noise-Free
We definitely cannot and will not overlook the PowerPano feature, giving you the pano without the pan. Using this feature, you'll be able to take awesome 270-degree distortion-free panoramic photos, all without scanning the horizon. The feature will also let you capture motion shots and take epic selfies.
Sometimes, we'll overlook the audio part but that's not going to be happening here. With Premium 360 and stereo audio, the device will be bumping the sound to the maximum, using six microphones to capture and deliver dynamic, true-to-life, and spacious 360-degree audio. Meanwhile, the shotgun mic that we've mentioned before will be able to prioritize the right sound and make sure there's very little audio noise and distortion.
Aside from everything we've addressed above, the HERO mode will also let you access four digital lenses so that you can switch between Linear, Narrow, Wide, and Max Super Wide and shoot the precise shot you want. These lenses scratch pretty easily though, so we would not recommend unnecessarily switching between them.
Add to all that the TimeWarp feature that enables the camera to automatically adjust the footage speed based on lighting, motion, and scene detection and you'll be hard-pressed to come up with arguments against the GoPro MAX.
Additional Info
Last updated price | $499.00 |
Stock | In stock |
ASIN | B07BPVPV14 |
What customers say about this product
Size & Weight(4.8)
Features(4.7)
Video(4.6)
Display(4.7)
New Functions in Familiar Design
Being the latest model on sale at the moment, the GoPro Hero6 Black has many outstanding features that differ it from the previous versions, while being almost the same in design. The first feature worth mentioning is the ability of the camera to record videos in HEVC format. This is one of the latest video compression technologies that is believed to become a serious rival to a popular H.264 MPEG4 format. The advantage of this video codec is that it delivers images of better quality but of smaller size. Thus, you can store more HEVC videos than you would store those recorded in MPEG4. Another feature standing the Hero6 Black model apart from the competition is the maximum still resolution of 12 MP which is the highest compared to the other models. One more useful feature is a GPS interface which allows tagging locations of the footage.
The GoPro Hero6 is compatible with a great number of accessories. Depending on the kind of sports you do, you can attach this camera to a curved adhesive mount, flat adhesive mount, or a mounting buckle. Users of this model say that this camera can also be attached to other GoPro mounts, so if you have an older version of GoPro with some accessories, you'll likely be able to use them with this one, too.
All in all, with innovative technologies and such great mounting compatibility, the GoPro Hero6 Black is better than any entry-level action cam and will definitely come to your liking if you strive to capture shots of your life in the best possible quality.
Camera That Exceeds Your Expectations
Although we’ve already listed the most outstanding features of the GoPro Hero6, its benefits do not end here. What else will surely please you about this cam is its functionality and incredible usability making it choice#1 among professional and amateur video makers. The camera provides five resolution options and supports slow-motion enabling you to make an awesome video footage. Also, it features advanced video stabilization allowing the use of the camera in all conditions including harsh and extreme. Thanks to the QuikStory program supported by the cam, all recorded photos and videos can be sent right to your smartphone or tablet where you can view them later on a bigger screen.
It won't be an exaggeration to say the GoPro Hero6 is a great equipment piece for beginners, especially those who wish to record high-quality footage. In addition to 12 MP still resolution, the camera features a time-lapse option allowing you to make a series of photos and then combine them in a video, as well as supports one of the newest formats - HDR - which prevents overexposure and underexposure of photos. It has all the features of the previous GoPro models and offers some really breakthrough, making it worth every sports enthusiast.
Additional Info
Last updated price | $409.99 |
Stock | In stock |
ASIN | B074X5WPC5 |
What customers say about this product
Video(4)
Features(4)
Display(3.8)
Size & Weight(4)
What Is an Action Camera GoPro?
Established a little bit more than a decade ago, the GoPro company has become one of the most popular companies in the industry of electronics. It's become a true breakthrough in video recording and very soon gained overwhelming recognition all over the world, all thanks to the company's professional approach to business. The thing is that people behind GoPro focus not only on manufacturing quality equipment and accessories but also on providing their users with the best means for capturing their most memorable moments of life and adventures. That's why GoPro cameras are not only about high-resolution and vivid images. They also stand for enhanced protection against water, dust, and shock, compatibility with most modern technologies, elaborate design, and many mounting options, making them suitable for everyone. Although GoPro cameras aren’t the cheapest cameras you can find on the market, that they are well worth the money you will see yourself pretty soon. Keep reading our review, compare the best GoPro cameras, and pick the one that meets your needs.
On returning home from one of your exciting trips to the mountains or sea, you may like an idea of displaying the best of your shots in a digital photo frame. Also, you may want to consider our selection of waterproof cases designed specifically for different models of smartphones.
What Features to Compare
Tech Specifications
Whatever digital camera you choose, and GoPro isn’t an exception, the first thing you want to pay attention to is its tech specifications that are resolution, frames per seconds, and video formats. Resolution determines the size of a video you shoot and its quality. The higher resolution your GoPro camera supports, the better image you’ll get. However, keep in mind that 2.7K and 4K videos weigh a lot and will take up much space on a flashcard or your gadget. Along with video resolution, you want to pay attention to FPS or frames per second. This specification tells you how smooth your video will be. Again, it should be high (120 FPS or 240 FPS) for smooth shooting and you should have the option to create a slow-motion effect (which will definitely come in handy for those who love to edit recorded videos). As for video formats, the majority of GoPro cameras shoot in H.264 MPEG4 while the newest model supports innovative HEVC codec. Also, note that with GoPro cameras, you can make photos in different photo formats and resolution. Yet, you’ll always get images of great quality. Moreover, a lot of models support a time-lapse option that adds to the functionality of GoPro cameras.
Interface
Interface is another important feature you want to consider when choosing an action camera. All GoPro gargets have a slot for a micro SD card. However, keep in mind that each model is compatible with micro SDs of different generations. The newest GoPro action cameras can also be connected to other gadgets via a USB-C cable while the oldest ones support mini or micro USB. Some models feature an HDMI interface to allow you to watch your photos and videos on a large TV or computer monitor. Wi-Fi option deserves your attention too since this interface can make the shooting process easier. Once you connect your camera to your smartphone or tablet via Wi-Fi, you’ll be able to control video-making process with better convenience. But don’t forget that in order to use this option, you’ll need to install a special GoPro app on your gadget. Finally, GPS option helps you tag a location where your videos/photos are made so that your memories become more precious.
Mounts and Accessories
Mounts and accessories that come together with your GoPro camera determine the ways you can use your new equipment. Curved and flat adhesive mounts allow you to attach your video recording gadget to your bike, ski, or motorcycle helmet effortlessly. The mounting buckle is one more accessory that can hold your camera on your helmet. 3-way pivot arm gives you a chance to place an action camera on your bike securely. Also, the manufacturer equips all of its cameras with USB cables saving you the trouble of looking for a suitable one separately.
Did you know?
GoPro Provides You With More Opportunities Than You Expect
If you think that GoPro company manufactures only action cameras and accessories, you’re mistaken. The company also does its best to help you edit and share your photos and videos with the whole world effortlessly. One of the services that can turn your footage into a captivating short movie is the Quik software. This desktop program is created to work with all GoPro cameras and video/photo formats they support and will become a real catch for those who want to get more than a raw footage. With this software at hand, you’ll be able to create short video clips, add music to your videos in no time, edit burst and time lapse sequences. By the way, thanks to recent improvements, you can now add photos and time lapse videos to your main footage effortlessly. If making action videos isn’t your only hobby and you also want to track your progress in sports that you go for, you’ll appreciate the ability to add graphs to your videos that will help you and your friends know about your progress. And if you subscribe to GoPro Plus program, you’ll also have a chance to upload your photos and videos to the cloud automatically. Moreover, this subscription allows you to unlock more soundtracks for your videos.
Software That Keeps up With the Times
Being a company that introduces breakthrough technologies into their gadgets and software, GoPro works with the most modern gadgets, so we want you to learn a bit more about system requirements for the Quik software. This desktop program is compatible with 64 bit Windows 10 and 10.10 or later Mac OS. CPU for Windows should be IntelCore i3 while Mac requires IntelCore i5. And for even faster and better operation of the Quik system, IntelQuadCore 7 for both Windows and Mac are recommended. As for graphics cards, Windows system requires OpenGL 3.2. or later version and Intel HD Graphics 5000 or better if you want to work with 4K videos. For the same purpose on Mac, you’ll need Intel® Dual Core Macs for videos with lower resolution than 4K and Intel HD Graphics 4000 or better for creating 4K movies. Video RAM also needs to be taken into account. For both operating systems, 512 MB RAM is recommended for videos under 4K and 1GB RAM for editing 4K footage. Don’t overlook screen resolution of your monitors, too. It should be at least 1280 x 800. Finally, pay attention to RAM and hard drive specifications. Whether you’re going to work with GoPro videos on Windows or Mac, you’ll need 4GB RAM. As for hard drive, Windows system requires 7200 RPM for internal drive and USB 3.0 or eSATA for external one. Mac will handle video edition with 5400 RPM of internal drive but with 7200 RPM drive or SSD, you’ll get faster results. And if you use external hard drive with your Mac device, Thunderbolt, Firewire, or USB 3.0 is what you need for proper operation of the Quik software on your PC or laptop.
All in all, the combination of GoPro camera and specially created GoPro Quik software is what you need if you want to get high-quality raw footage as well as to be able to edit your videos.
Sources:
1. Cam Bunton, Elyse Betters Best GoPro: Which GoPro Should You Choose? Pocket-lint. December 21, 2017.
2. Joshua Goldman Which GoPro Should You Buy? CNET. June 3, 2017.
3. Gannon Burgett What’s the Best GoPro Camera for Your Needs? We’ll Help You Choose, Digital Trends. October 10, 2017.
4. Jamie McAleney GoPro 101: Helpful Ways to Choose and Use Your Next Camera, vimeo. December 8, 2015.
5. Justin Dise, Val Lazarev The Ultimate GoPro Guide: Cameras, Mounts, and Accessories, B&H Foto & Electronics.
6. GoPro, Wikipedia. February 23, 2018.
7. Terry Sullivan First Look: New GoPro Action Cameras Are Rugged and Ready for the Water, Consumer Reports. October 23, 2016.
8. Eric Angevine How to Choose the Best Action Camera, Crutchfield.