Action-cameras are popular not only among thrill-seekers, but are also gaining popularity among both professional operators and amateurs. Athletes value devices for their environmental protection and ease of use, while cameramen appreciate their compactness and captivating footage. Cyclists buy action cameras to use as a regular DVR.
GoPro brand benefits
What is GoPro? The California company was the first to introduce action-format cameras to the world, so today most people associate such models with the products of a particular brand. There are many action cameras on the market, but GoPro is the leader. Brand models outperform competitors in several ways:
- Proprietary software. The cameras support software for PCs and smartphones so that users can quickly process footage,sync between devices and transfer.
- Water resistant. Competitors Xiaomi, Sony and Garmin offer waterproof cases in addition to cameras, but GoPros are adapted for diving by default. This does not require additional tools.
- Voice control. The voice assistant supports seven languages, while the models of many other brands only speak English.
-
Electronic stabilization. A huge advantage of the Go Pro, which is especially appreciated by professionals, is electronic stabilization, not optical stabilization.
Rating of the best GoPro cameras
GoPro camera - what is it, really the market leader or just a big name? Judging by the reviews, the action cameras of the American brand are really of high quality and functional. Models are universal, small in size, resistant to damage and have a large set of options. The only common drawback of the GoPro that users note is the rather high price. Some cameras also have a small amount of internal memory (buying an SD card solves the problem) and a built-in battery (this makes repairs more difficult).
Which GoPro camera model (reviews will help you decide) is the best? It all depends on the requirements of the user, because different models offer a different set of functions. The rating will help you navigate in all the diversity:
-
GoPro Hero 7. The flagship that shoots great 4k video and automatically stabilizesimage, so a GoPro gimbal would be a total waste when choosing the Hero 7.
- GoPro Hero 6. It doesn't shoot very well in 4K (60 FPS resolution), stabilization is on the list of options, but it lags behind Hero 7. Judging by user reviews, the cost of the model is clearly overpriced. However, this does not prevent Hero 6 to remain in the lead. If there is no good discount on it, it is better to pay a little extra and buy the "seven".
- GoPro Hero. This model is the foundation of all foundations. The camera works simply and clearly, shoots stabilized Full HD-video. The case is used the same as in more expensive models. The screen is a 2-inch touch screen, water resistant up to 10 m. Among the shortcomings are the 4:3 aspect ratio when shooting 1440 pixels and the lack of HDR in Full HD.
- GoPro Hero 5 Session.
- GoPro Hero 3.
GoPro Hero 5 Session
Very compact camera that is controlled by one button. There is no screen and you need an app to work, but this does not throw the Hero 5 Session back much compared to the leaders. GoPro allows you to shoot 4k video at 30 frames per second.
There is an image stabilization function, water resistance up to 10 meters and voice control. The camera is miniature (cube with a side of 37 mm, weight - 74 g), so it can be used for a quadcopter, easily attached to a motorcycle or cyclist helmet, can be used as a DVR.
GoPro Hero 3 review
One of the mostreliable cameras in the GoPro line, which made it into the rankings due to its relatively low cost. The Hero 3 is completely miniature, and comes with an underwater case that allows scuba divers to use the gadget. Management is implemented with just a couple of keys on the case, but it is more convenient to work with the settings from a smartphone that is synchronized via Wi-Fi.
Other worthy models
What is GoPro? This is a brand for which it is very difficult to make a fair rating, because each model has both several advantages and a number of disadvantages. Therefore, when choosing an action camera, you need to focus only on the needs of the user and the intended conditions for using the device. For example, if you need long battery life with standard features, then the reliable Hero 3 will do.
GoPro Hero 4 Session
What is GoPro? The brand has long been associated with the flagships of the market, but gradually there was a need to create budget devices. The Hero 4 Session camera turned out to be compact, but functional: it is possible to shoot in Full HD or lower quality. There is no powerful processor, which ensures a longer operation of the device. In some modes, this GoPro model works up to two hours continuously.
The camera is equipped with sound-canceling microphones and the usual Wi-Fi, Bluetooth modules. There is no LCD display, so for settings and framing you need to ensure synchronization with your smartphone. In this case, the device gets very hot. The case is waterproof, so nothe need to purchase a special cover. The lack of a camera in the absence of a removable battery - if the charge runs out, you can shoot only after connecting an external battery.
GoPro Hero 4 Black
A successful model, which is still used by many. Demand for GoPro Hero 4 Black is not falling. The gadget has good light sensitivity, so it shoots in the dark much better than other models of the Hero series. The viewing angle of the optics reaches 170 degrees, but if necessary, the parameter is adjusted, and the camera stops using the edges of the 12-megapixel matrix. Continuous shooting of photos and time passes is possible. Disadvantages: no color display and no electronic image stabilizer.
Model can shoot video in 4k resolution. In this case, the frame rate will be 30 FPS. There is a high-speed mode, in which the frequency of shooting in Full HD rises to 120 frames per second. Photos can be taken while recording a movie. There are USB interfaces on the case, to which you can connect an external microphone, charger or smartphone. Mounts for the GoPro camera are also fixed there. HDMI output included.
Hero series features
Comparison of GoPro cameras shows that the most successful models were developed within the Hero line. The line is constantly being improved. There are solutions for professionals (Hero Black), beginners (White) and amateurs (Silver). Most models have similar features:
- Waterproof case or availabilityspecial case for underwater shooting (submersion up to 10 meters).
- Color touch screen (2 inches). In the seventh series, the sensitivity of the sensor has increased significantly, and the icons have become larger, which greatly facilitated the work.
- HyperSmooth stabilizer allows you to record smooth high-quality videos and create short clips.
- The GoPro App allows you to live stream and share footage online.
- Full HD, widescreen shooting mode available, you can use the self-timer to shoot.
- Synchronization with smartphone is automatic.
- You can use the sensor to zoom in.
- Voice control available.
- Wireless interfaces: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS.
The kit usually includes the GoPro camera itself, a protective frame, a USB charging cable, a company logo sticker, an adhesive tape for a helmet, a flat tape with double tape.
Now you know what a GoPro is. For the most part, these are great cameras. The essential functions and advanced technologies fit into a small body, which greatly facilitates the use of the device by both professional operators and beginners. Models designed for different types of users practically do not differ in the final quality of shooting and basic parameters.
