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It’s not surprising that GoPro’s action cameras are perennial award winners here at PCMag—the company invented the concept after all, and with each generation, it mixes in some new features that push performance further. And we should know, PCMag has been testing GoPro’s camera line since the Hero2 generation, and time and time again its cameras have come out on top in our independent evaluations.GoPro’s product line is all about action cams: small video cameras, typically built around a wide-angle lens and toughened up to withstand water and roughshod handling. They’re generally meant to document extreme sports and other activities that would endanger a smartphone or a swappable lens camera. GoPros are also good picks for vlogging, the latest models offer spectacular stabilization with 10-bit color and support external mics so your vlogs will look and sound great. You’ve got a few choices when it comes to cameras: the latest Hero12 Black is the best we’ve tested, but also the most expensive. Read on for a breakdown and buying advice for the current product line.
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Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
GoPro Hero12 Black
Best GoPro Overall
GoPro’s latest (and most expensive) camera, the Hero12 Black, is its most capable. It’s the first model to support HDR video, so it gets bluer skies and better shadows in mixed lighting, and it has a 10-bit GP-Log profile for pros who take the time for color correction. An 8:7 aspect sensor lets you record for YouTube (16:9) or TikTok (9:16).The camera can push 5.3K60, 4K120, or 2.7K240, which gives you plenty of options for slow-motion looks. It also offers an immersive Hyperview angle and compatibility with the ultra-wide Max Lens Mod 2.0 add-on lens ($99.99). Support for horizon-locked video and as well as time-lapse modes for Star Trails, Auto Light Trails, and Light Painting are now available in the user-friendly Easy Control mode, too.
PROS
Class-leading video stabilization
10-bit HDR, GP-Log, and SDR video profiles
Up to 5.3K60, 4K120, or 2.7K240 recording
More useful Easy Controls than on Hero11
Front and rear displays
Pro controls and timecode sync
Tough, waterproof build
Small enough to mount in tight spots
CONS
Drops long-running GPS feature
Only a few headphones support wireless audio feature
One battery won’t last all day
Learn More
GoPro Hero12 Black Review
GoPro Hero11 Black
Best GoPro With a GPS
The Hero11 Black costs $50 less than the Hero12 Black, but we recommend the latter for most people because of its HDR video profile and improved interface. However, there’s an exception to that advice: GPS fanatics. If you travel the world (or nation) with your action cam and want to know where you were for every shot, you want a GPS. GoPro removed the feature from the Hero12 Black, but the Hero11 still has one.You won’t miss out on too much to get the GPS. The Hero11 uses the same 8:7 aspect sensor, supports 5.3K60, 4K120, and 2.7K240 recording modes with 10-bit SDR color, and works with the same Media Mod accessory cage.
PROS
Great-looking 5.3K60 video
4K120 and 2.7K240 slow-motion
10-bit color sampling
Numerous time-lapse modes
Waterproof to 33 feet
Solid touch interface and voice command support
Subscription service with useful features
CONS
Not ideal for long-form recording or macro work
One battery won’t get you through the day
Learn More
GoPro Hero11 Black Review
GoPro Hero10 Black
Best Budget GoPro
GoPro keeps its older models on sale when a new one comes out, but cuts the price. That means you can get the Hero10 Black for $249.99. It’s the best value GoPro you’ll find thanks to its 8-bit 5.3K60, 4K120, and 2.7K240 video. It also works with the same Media Mod accessories as the Hero11 and Hero12.Vloggers looking to put a camera kit together may find it to be a good alternative to the Hero12 because it leaves a bit more room in the budget for the Media Mod or Volta handle. You can skip a gimbal for handheld recording and action too, as the Hero10’s Hypersmooth digital stabilization is nearly as good as in newer models.
PROS
5.3K capture at up to 60fps
120fps 4K for slow motion
Class-leading video stabilization
Front-facing color screen
Waterproof without an add-on case
Media Mod support
Extended-run Enduro battery available as add-on
Wi-Fi and USB transfer for phones and tablets
CONS
Included battery drains quickly
Heat limits long-form recording
Learn More
GoPro Hero10 Black Review
GoPro Max
Best 360-Degree GoPro
The GoPro Max is a dual-lens camera for 360-degree creators. It provides a substantially different creative experience than other action cameras, giving you the option to share an all-around view for VR headsets or pull out 16:9 frames for flat screens. The latter gives editing wizards the ability to highlight an important portion of a scene, and even pan from one portion to another to guide the viewer’s eye. Creative effects like the Little Big Planet extruded view and 24-style split-screen are possibilities too.The Max is certainly a specialty tool, but one that can reward creators with skill in the field and the editing room. It’s an especially attractive pick for vloggers because of its microphone quality, which is the best of any GoPro.
PROS
360-degree capture
Also works as a single-lens camera
Intuitive software tools
Strong stabilization
Good in-camera audio
Waterproof without a case
Integrated mounting clips
CONS
Effective resolution is really 1080p
Single-lens capture tops out at 60fps
Requires more editing time to get the best results from spherical footage
Learn More
GoPro Max Review
Buying Guide: The Best GoPro for 2024
What to Expect From a GoProAll of the current GoPro cameras share some things in common—they support better-than-4K video with slow motion and superb digital stabilization, they have lenses with wide-angle views and integrated mounting clips so you can position them in interesting places, and they’re protected without the need for an external housing. They also work with the same mounts and accessories, a plus for creators using multiple cameras. The Hero12 adds a standard tripod socket, a first for the series.The current Hero series shares a lot of features, including lenses with multi-angle support (ranging from ultra-wide to moderately wide angle), standard and flat color profiles, Hypersmooth digital stabilization, and Hyperlapse for moving time lapses. They also share the same big drawback—about one hour of capture time at the highest-quality recording settings. Extra batteries or a Volta battery grip come in handy for longer recording sessions.There are differences, too. You miss out on some of the latest features if you opt for a Hero10 (now a couple of years old), but you may not need to spend for the Hero12 if its upgrades aren’t compelling.There are a pair of specialty models in the line too, the screen-free Hero11 Black Mini and the dual-lens 360-degree Max. The Mini didn’t wow us enough to make this list, but it’s a good option for helmet mounting. It has two sets of mounting clips for more flexible positioning, but it skips a touch screen so you’ll want to use the GoPro app to easily change settings.Should You Get a GoPro Subscription?GoPro cameras are capable by themselves, but a GoPro Subscription service unlocks some worthwhile perks. One benefit is unlimited cloud storage. Another is that the camera can upload all of your footage as soon as you plug it in at home, as well as automatically clear your memory card once the upload finishes. AI-based editing tools can also put together a highlight reel of your day and send it to your phone, and you get extra features in the phone-based GoPro Quik editing app. You can use GoPro.com to live stream with your account, too.The subscription bundles other discounts. Our cynical side says it’s a good way to get you to spend more money, but 50% off retail for mounts and accessories is nothing to sneeze at. You can also trade in a damaged camera and get a new one, though that incurs a fee ($99 for most GoPro models). Finally, if you want to get a new GoPro, you can get a one-time $100 discount, assuming you are in your second year of membership.
Recommended by Our Editors
We’re understandably skeptical about subscription services, but find the cloud upload and storage features to be a real benefit, especially for editors who like to work on an iPad Pro or even a smartphone. If your workflow involves a desktop or laptop, you might find it less of a draw. Mull the cost of the service, $24.99 for the first year and $49.99 each year thereafter, to determine whether it would be of value to you.The Best GoPro Alternatives
DJI Osmo Action 4 (Credit: Jim Fisher)
Are you looking for an action camera, but not set on GoPro? Check out options from other brands in our picks for the best action cam. We’ve also got recommendations for vloggers looking for cameras and accessories, and creators shopping for a gimbal.
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