Buyers Guides |Best GoPro cameras in 2023

The Buyers guide to...Best GoPro cameras in 2023

Whether its the latest GoPro Hero11 Black with Hypersmooth 5.0, larger sensor and 5.3K at 60fps or one of the older models, there's no doubt about the quality. But which is the best GoPro camera for you?

GoPro Hero9 Black Review
Buyers Guide

GoPro makes the best action cameras you can buy, with a range of compact, ultra-tough bodies that enable you to capture the action anywhere. We’re now on the 11th iteration of the popular camera, with the incredible GoPro Hero11 Black price and specs officially revealed in September 2022 and, once again, upping the game when it comes to features and quality.

But, while the Hero11 may be the pinnacle of GoPro’s action camera expertise, what about the company’s other cameras, the Hero10 Black, even the Hero9 Black and the Max?

Then, of course, there are the older cameras that no longer feature in the official range, such as the Hero8 Black, Hero7 Black, Hero6 Black and even the old Hero5 Black, some of which can still be found on sale in corners of the internet or on the secondhand market. These were not just phenomenal cameras of their time, they can still impress, so don’t immediately dismiss them just because they’re old.

For a deeper dive into the many different camera types and features available, check out our range of camera buying guides.

What are the best GoPro cameras?

While each new iteration of the GoPro has added features and tweaked the design, the basic feature set has remained much the same since the GoPro Hero5 Black.

With the release of the GoPro Hero5, the company rolled out an all-new design. It was sleeker and, at the time, much needed as the competitors were closing with increasingly impressive features and in some cases even exceeding the quality of GoPro cameras.

The Hero5 Black was a turning point and with the new design came touchscreen usability and voice control. Yet despite these developments, the actual imaging specifications of the camera remained the same as the Hero4 Black.

A year later and the GoPro Hero6 Black arrived and finally we saw a hike in resolution and framerates with 4K at 60fps and 1080p at 240fps. This advancement was due to GoPro developing its own processing chip – the GP1.

Move on another year and the GoPro Hero7 Black arrived with HyperSmooth stabilisation. The initial reception was lukewarm as the main specifications remained the same as the Hero6 Black, but then people start to see the results of HyperSmooth.

In 2019 the GoPro Hero8 Black arrived. While at first, the camera appeared identical to previous versions, a closer look shows that the GoPro Hero8 Black is something very different.

The Hero8’s design put an end to the need for a waterproof housing or cage and a range of advanced accessories were introduced to enhance its versatility and usability.

Now we have the GoPro Hero9 Black, which was introduced in September 2020 and takes GoPro’s action camera to a new level with a better range of features, enhanced stabilisation, greater resolution and a second colour screen. Like the Hero8, it doesn’t require a housing to be taken below water, but it’s also grown in size.

GoPro’s current camera range comprises the Hero9 Black, Hero8 Black and the Max. Let’s take at how they compare and also see them alongside some of the past line up so you can decide which is the best GoPro camera for you.

GoPro Hero11 Black

GoPro Hero 11 Black review

Specification

  • Imaging Sensor: 1/1.9-inch 8:7 aspect ratio
  • Max Resolutions and framerates: 5.3K60, 4K120, 1080p240
  • Color depth: 10-bit
  • Image Stabalisation: HyperSmooth 5.0 and 360º Horizon Lock
  • Touch Screen display: Yes
  • Photo reolsution: 27mp
  • Auto tagging of footage: Yes
  • Enduro battery: Included
  • Dimensions: 71.8x33.6x50.8mm
  • Weight: 154g

GoPro updates its Hero Black action camera every year, and with the Hero11 Black it adds a new 1/1.9-inch sensor with an 8:7 aspect ratio, making it the biggest sensor yet in a GoPro camera. What’s more, this new sensor can process 10-bit colour, meaning the Hero11 Black can capture the most realistic colours of any GoPro camera to date.

The Hero11 Black’s new sensor also makes possible a bunch of new features and capabilities. Hyperview is a new mode that takes the camera’s 8:7 footage and delivers it in 16:9. GoPro is calling this a ‘digital lens’. There are also new Night effects, such as light trail modes for capturing light painting, traffic trails and star trails.

Also on board are all the usual features that make GoPro cameras great, chief among them being its impressive electronic image stabilisation system, HyperSmooth, which is now in its fifth generation. Improvements include a Linear and Horizon Lock digital lens that keeps footage straight even if the camera rotates 360 degrees.

The camera’s frame rate and resolution options remain the same as in the Hero10 Black. Pound for pound, the GoPro Hero11 Black retains the mantle as the best action camera you can buy.

Find the latest deals on the GoPro Hero11 Black at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Price when reviewed
£499
$499
Check current price

For

  • Great quality video
  • Excellent stabilisation and horizon correction
  • 4K 120p video for slow motion creation

Against

  • Doesn't make a significant step-up from Hero10 Black
  • Can be hard to open the battery compartment
  • First time connection with a smartphone can be very frustrating

GoPro Hero10 Black

Specification

  • Photo : 23MP
  • 5.3K: 60fps
  • 4K: 120fps
  • Video stabalisation: HyperSmooth 4.0
  • LCD: Front and Rear (Touch screen)
  • Battery: Removable 1720mAh Lithium-Ion
  • Slow-mo: 8X
  • Waterproof: 33ft (10m)
  • Processor: GP2
  • Cloud compatibility: Auto upload to GoPro cloud (Sub required)
  • Voice control: Yes
  • Livestreaming: 1080p

The GoPro Hero10 Black is an exciting update to the world’s most popular action camera. The biggest of its new features is the introduction of the new GP2 processor, which delivers more power and a boost to framerate options, HyperSmooth 4.0, Auto file uploads, more Mods and upgrades rather than an uplift in video resolutions.

While internal electronics are never the most exciting of upgrades, the performance they bring often is. The GP2 delivers overall improved performance, and that has to be a good thing.

The GoPro Hero10 Black is a refinement of the Hero9 and gives a power boost to all of the features. It’s also launched into a market with only two real competitors, the DJI OSMO Action, now a few years old, and the Insta360 One R.

The GoPro Hero10 Black sees the action camera maker stay on top form with a very exciting new action camera to keep us entertained over the winter months. GoPro manages to find a way to refine its market-leading product, and it’s still the best action camera you should buy.

Price when reviewed
£499
$499
Check current price

GoPro Hero9 Black

GoPro Hero9 Black

Specification

  • Camera type : Action Camera
  • Announced: 16th September 2020
  • Max video resolution and frame rate: 5k 30p, 4K 60p, 2.7K 120p, 1440 120p, 1080 240p
  • Video file formats: MP4 (H.264/AVC), MP4 (H.265/HEVC)
  • Max photo resolution: 20mp
  • Max bit rates: 100Mbps (2.7K, 4K, 5K)
  • Screen: Rear: 2.27-inch touchscreen, Front: 1.4-inch colour screen
  • Livestreaming: 1080p
  • Voice control: 4 commands in 11 languages + 6 accents
  • Battery: Removable, rechargeable 1720mAh lithium-ion
  • Storage: MicroSD USH-I
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
  • Stabilisation: Hypersmooth 3.0
  • Waterproof: To 10m / 33 feet
  • Dimensions (WxHxD): 71 x 55 x 33.6mm
  • Weight: 124g

The GoPro Hero9 Black makes the most substantial update to the Hero Black line that we’ve seen since the Hero5 Black was introduced in September 2016.

Along with a significant increase in size, the Hero9 Black adds 5K video and 20Mp stills capability plus 30% longer battery life and even better stabilisation than its predecessor. As much as we love the technical improvements, the downside to the beefed-up body of the GoPro Hero9 Black is that it’s not compatible with the MediaMod module that was introduced with the Hero8 Black.

However, the Hero9 Black is the best action cam that GoPro has produced to date and its Hypersmooth 3.0 stabilisation, complete with in-camera horizon levelling is fantastic.

While the 5K-shooting capability is enticing, the fact that it’s limited to 30fps is a bit – well, limiting – but the quality of the footage that the Hero9 generates at other settings is a step-up from the Hero8.

Further good news with the GoPro Hero9 Black is that the removable lens makes a return. That means if it takes a dive and gets scratched, you can change it. GoPro has also promised a Max Lens mode to enables a 155° field of view, but we’ve yet to see that in the flesh.

The front screen is also now coloured and can show a preview of what the camera is seeing. That’s perfect for filming yourself in action.

We like the GoPro Hero9 Black so much here at Jabber HQ that we’ve all bought one. Yep, we paid our hard-earned cash and got one each. How much more of an endorsement do you want?

Price when reviewed
£330
$349.98
Check current price

For

  • No need for waterproof housing
  • Dual Screen
  • 8X Slow-motion

Against

  • Mods are expensive
  • Not great in low light

GoPro Hero8 Black

GoPro Hero8 Black Review

Specification

  • Camera type : Action Camera
  • Max video resolution and frame rate: 4k 60fps
  • Max photo resolution: 12mp
  • Screen: 2-inch touchscreen
  • Battery: Removable, rechargeable 1220mAh lithium-ion
  • Storage: MicroSD USH-I
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
  • Dimensions (WxHxD): 66.3 x 48.6 x 28.4mm
  • Weight: 124g

The 2019 incarnation of the market-leading GoPro action camera may look the same as the previous three generations, but the Hero8 Black is very different.

Subtle design tweaks streamlined the usability for existing extreme sports users, and the optional Mod system was designed to appeal to vloggers.

There are major design changes when compared with the Hero7 Black; firstly the cage has gone, the entire body is redesigned and there’s even a new workflow to the UI. 

While the Hero8 Black’s build and handling are good, the side door has a tendency to come off completely when released. 

The new-to-the-range drop-down finger mounts are very neat but they can be a bit of a faff when you’re fitting the camera to a mount. 

However, the Hero8’s performance is undeniably good and it produces clear crisp images and video. The TimeWarp feature with the real-time option is also fantastic. 

Is this all enough to warrant an upgrade from the Hero7 Black? We think so when you factor in the Mod system and the housing-free waterproofing.

Price when reviewed
£329
$379
Check current price

For

  • No need for waterproof housing
  • Incredible stabilisation
  • Stunning video quality

Against

  • Premium price for the brand
  • Mount can be tricky
  • Mods not available at launch

GoPro Max

GoPro Max Review

Specification

  • Cameras: Dual 18MP Source / 16.6MP Stitched
  • Stabilisation: HyperSmooth stabilisation
  • Video Resolution: 5.6K at 30fps

It’s GoPro’s latest 360º action camera following on from the GoPro Hero Fusion. Many of the old issues with the Fusion have been sorted out and the performance and video quality is impressive.

This is a 360º camera truly designed by GoPro and it features many of the same great options as the GoPro Hero8 Black. For example, HyperSmooth makes an appearance offering unsurpassed image stabilisation and of course, you get to shoot in 4K resolution.

What will really appeal to many users aside from the ability to shoot in full 360º is the re-frame feature.

This enables you to film in 360º and then reframe the shot when editing and exporting to flat 1080p or 4K.

Price when reviewed
£479
$464
Check current price

For

  • Shoot full 360º video
  • Features HyperSmooth image Stabilisation
  • Reframe your video for 1080p or 4K output

Against

  • Design still quite cumbersome
  • Requires a powerful computer to edit footage

GoPro Hero7 Black

GoPro Hero 7 Black review

Specification

  • Camera type : Action Camera
  • Max video resolution and frame rate: 4K 60fps
  • Max photo resolution: 12mp
  • Screen: 2-inch Touch Screen
  • Battery: Removable, rechargeable lithium-ion
  • Storage: MicroSD USH-I
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
  • Dimensions (WxHxD): 62.3 x 44.9 x 33mm
  • Weight: 116g

Don’t mistake the Hero 7 Black for a small update over its predecessor. It may have the same looks as the Hero 6 and match the resolution and framerate, but when it comes to performance, it’s a huge leap forward.

The colour is the most apparent change, from grey to black, and as the GoPro powers up for the first time, it reveals an all-new interface that gives the camera a fresh feel.

Linking to the mobile app has been streamlined, no passwords or faffing, just follow the instructions and within a few moments, all is connected.

Flicking through the options using the touch screen and it reveals the new features such as HyperSmooth and Live Streaming. Activating these, as with all setting changes, is as easy as a quick swipe and tap.

Back home and the footage reveals the power of the new HyperSmooth feature, the fluid motion is mindblowing.

Live Streaming is equally easy to master, sign into your FaceBook account and within minutes you’re launched on to a world social platform broadcasting live.

There may be no leaps forward in the usual sense of quality, but when it comes to usability the GoPro accelerates forward, and HyperSmooth isn’t just excited it’s the most groundbreaking advancement we’ve seen from GoPro since they launched.

Price when reviewed
£319
$329
Check current price

For

  • HyperSmooth Image Stabilisation
  • Incredible Price
  • Ultra high-quality video

Against

  • Still requires cage for waterproofing
  • No framerate or resolution boost since the Hero6

GoPro Hero7 Silver

GoPro HERO7 Silver

Specification

  • Camera Type: Action Camera
  • Max video resolution and frame rate: 4K at 30fps
  • Max photo resolution: 10mp
  • Screen : 2-inch touch screen
  • Battery: Built-in
  • Storage: MicroSD USH-I
  • Dimensions : 62.3 x 44.9 x 28.3
  • Weight: 116g

Compared with the flagship Black models the Silver and previous White versions have received far less press.

That’s not to say that these small action cameras aren’t good, they still pack in many of the main features, it’s just that they’re out shadowed by the Black models.

On the surface, it would look like there’s little difference between the GoPro Hero7 Silver and many of the other action cameras on the market. To some extent this is right, you are paying a slight premium for the GoPro brand.

However, with the brand comes to build and video quality, you know what you’re going to get and you know that it’ll be good.

The Hero7 Silver may not be as awe-inspiring as the Hero7 Black or even 8, but it’s still a damn good camera.

Price when reviewed
£199
$199
Check current price

For

  • Very Easy to use
  • 4K at 30fps

Against

  • Battery built -in
  • Limited Feature set

GoPro Hero5 Black

GoPro Hero5 Black video sample

Specification

  • Camera type : Action Camera
  • Max video resolution and frame rate: 4K 30fps
  • Max photo resolution: 12mp
  • Screen: 2-Inch touch-screen
  • Batttery: Removable, rechargeable lithium-ion
  • Storage: MicroSD USH-I
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
  • Dimensions (WxHxD): 62.3 x 44.9 x 33mm
  • Weight: 116g

When the GoPro Hero5 Black arrived it marked a new dawn for the company. A new look, sleek touch screen interface and unrivalled specification.

However, GoPro had diversified and hadn’t focused on its core market. Users had started to look elsewhere and as suddenly the company that had dominated the action camera market for so long was struggling.

However, the Hero5, along with its host of accessories did get noticed and while the Karma Grip and ill-fated drone are now confined to history, the small Hero5 Black is still an excellent camera.

Under the hood, it is essentially much the same as the Hero4 Black, but the touch screen, voice control and host or refined features elevate the Hero5 Black well beyond the capabilities of the previous generation.

Supplies of the Hero5 Black are rapidly disappearing, but look around and you certain to pick up a bargain with this excellent if ageing action camera.

Price when reviewed
£200
$200
Check current price

For

  • Great new design compared with the previous generation
  • Cheap if you can find one
  • Excellent video quality

Against

  • Specification are lagging behind latest models
  • Requires waterproof housing
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