GoPro Camera - Analysis and Buying Guide - 2023
Like Band-Aids or Kleenex, GoPro makes products so good that their brand name is synonymous with the product itself. GoPro's portable video cameras set the standard for action cameras: they're durable enough to withstand almost any outdoor activity, easy enough for anyone to use, and include typical features reserved for larger camera.
Whether you're looking for a simple video camera to capture the memories of your next family adventure, or document every step of the way to your next triathlon in 4K video, a GoPro is the perfect recording companion.
Ready to jump into the world of GoPro cameras? Here's everything you need to know to choose the right one for you. And when you're ready to buy, check out our top recommendations.
Key Considerations
All of the different GoPro cameras take high-quality video, but each model is designed with specific use cases in mind. Before you start comparing GoPros, consider these questions about how you'll use yours, and then find the model that best suits your needs.
- Do you Need a Camera that can Survive Several days Away from a Power Outlet?
Some GoPro cameras have user-replaceable batteries, and some don't. If you need a camera for camping or several days away from home, you're going to want the first. If you buy a GoPro camera with a swappable battery, you can take extras with you, so you never miss out on capturing the perfect moment. On the other hand, if you're only going to be using your camera for an hour or two at a time, you can save money by buying a model without a replaceable battery.
- Do you Want to Tag your Videos and photos with GPS locations?
Many adventurers like to tag their content so that others can see the exact location of their images. Having a library of geo-tagged content can be fun to track all the different locations you and your GoPro camera visit, but it's not compatible with all models, so keep track of which models do (and don't) have GPS.
- Is 4K Video Critical for you?
Most GoPro cameras can shoot in 4K (3840 x 2160), but older models are limited to standard HD (1920 x 1080). Premium models can shoot in 4K at higher frame rates, such as 60 frames per second (fps), resulting in smoother, more realistic video. If you need superior 4K video quality, you'll need to look at the more expensive GoPro cameras, but if you need great but not amazing video, you can save a decent amount of money by getting a previous generation model that shoots in HD.
GoPro Camera Features
All GoPro cameras cover the basics of action cameras: they're portable, waterproof, and rugged enough to take on any outdoor adventure, and they take high-quality video, too. Beyond that, though, there are big differences in the product lineup, including some features that are worth paying extra for. Here are the GoPro camera capabilities for you to consider keeping on your list.
- Spherical Capture
GoPro is leading the charge into consumer-created virtual reality (VR) environments, and its first VR-ready cameras make it a reality with what they've called “spherical capture,” which is pretty accurate, given the field of view. 360° vision recording. VR is still a nascent technology, but it is definitely the future. If you're an early adopter, you'll want to buy a GoPro with spherical capture.
- Multi-microphone Processing
GoPro cameras are also great at recording audio, each using multiple microphones to capture sound, so you get an accurate sonic mix of both your subjects and their surroundings. Naturally, the more microphones, the better the resulting soundtrack. If you're serious about audio, you'll want to get a GoPro with multiple microphones.
- Live broadcast
Some GoPro cameras were made to connect to the web and even support live video, so you can broadcast your adventures to all your friends. Whether you like video-blogging your latest climbing trip or just want to update your followers on what you're up to, you can do it on some GoPros.
Tips
Search the Internet for GoPro videos. If you're having trouble deciding between GoPro cameras, search online for sample videos posted by current owners. GoPro camera owners frequently post demo videos on various video sharing sites, giving you a chance to see what the video quality is like in real world conditions. Watch as many sample videos as you can to get an idea of what each model is capable of.
Sign up for a cloud-based service. All GoPro cameras are set up to transfer photo and video files to your computer or smartphone, but if you're serious about backing up your footage, consider subscribing to a cloud-based backup service. . Cloud-based services like GoPro Plus keep secure copies of your media files and allow you to access them from other devices as needed, which can be much more convenient than carrying all your content with you on your phone.
Check out official GoPro accessories. GoPro offers a full line of accessories, ranging from dual battery chargers to tripods and handles. Official accessories work perfectly with GoPro hardware; for example, the company offers multiple camera mounts that help produce stable, jitter-free video.
Other Products We Consider
The GoPro HERO7 White is the company's entry-level model, although the term "entry level" is a bit difficult to apply to such a powerful camera. The HERO7 White has most of the same features as the other HERO7 models, with one big difference: the camera is limited to HD (1080p) video and does not record in 4K. That is not as important as it seems. The resulting video is still excellent, and the price break more than justifies the compromise in resolution.
The GoPro HERO7 Silver is another good option for anyone looking for a good compromise between HERO7 White and HERO7 Black. It shoots in 4K at 30fps, and it even has on-board GPS like its more expensive counterpart. If you need a reliable and affordable 4K camera and don't mind a user-replaceable battery, the HERO7 Silver is your best bet.
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