Buying guide for best GoPro cameras
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Written by laura
Updated March 2024
Much 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 just about any outdoor activity, they’re easy enough for anyone to use, and they include features typically reserved for far pricier cameras.
Whether you’re looking for a straightforward video camera to capture fun selfies and memories on your next family adventure or you want to document every step of the way toward 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 pick the right one for yourself. And when you’re ready to buy, take a look at our top recommendations.
Top considerations when choosing a GoPro camera
All 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. Then, find the model that best matches your needs.
Do you need a camera that can survive multiple 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 former. If you buy a GoPro camera with a swappable battery, you can keep extras with you, so you’ll never miss filming the perfect moment.
On the other hand, if you’ll only be using your camera for an hour or two at a time, you can save money by getting a model without a user-replaceable battery.
Do you want to tag your videos and photos with GPS locations?
Plenty of outdoor adventurers love geo-tagging their content so others can see the exact locations of their footage. Having a library of geo-tagged content can be fun for tracking all of the different locations you and your GoPro camera visit, but it’s not supported by every model, so keep track of which models do (and don’t) have GPS.
Is 4K video critical to you?
Most GoPro cameras can film in 4K (3840 x 2160), but older models are limited to standard HD (1920 x 1080). Premium models can film in 4K at higher frame rates, like 60 frames per second (fps), which results in smoother, more realistic video.
Testing GoPro cameras
We spent 15 hours researching 7 GoPro cameras before picking our top 4. We then purchased our favorite model and tested it in our lab.
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GoPro camera features
Some big differences exist across the GoPro product line, including features that are worth paying extra for. Here are the GoPro camera specs and capabilities to consider keeping on your short list.
Spherical capture
GoPro is leading the charge toward consumer-created virtual reality (VR) environments, and their first VR-ready cameras make it happen with what they’ve dubbed “spherical capture.” This is pretty accurate, given the 360° field of view they record. VR is still a nascent technology, but it’s definitely the future. If you’re an early adopter, you’ll want to pick up a GoPro with spherical capture.
Multi-microphone processing
GoPro cameras are great at recording audio, and they each use multiple microphones to capture sound, giving you an accurate sonic mix of your subjects and their environments. Naturally, the more microphones you have, the better the resulting soundtrack will be. If you’re serious about audio, you’ll want to get a GoPro with multiple mics.
Live streaming
Some GoPro cameras were made for connecting on the web and even support live-streaming video so you can broadcast your adventures to all your friends. Whether you’re into video blogging your latest rock-climbing trip or just updating your followers with what you’re up to, you can do it on some GoPros.
Image stabilization
Because it’s important to capture action without blur when video recording with an action cam, most GoPro models have built-in image stabilization. First introduced with the HERO5 Black, the feature has been improved in subsequent models and is called HyperSmooth in HERO7 and newer GoPro cameras. It includes the timewarp function that produces time-lapse videos with superior image quality. The technology makes it possible to caption images in motion with vivid details.
Did you know?
Many GoPros accept voice commands, which is perfect in situations where your hands aren’t free. All you have to do is say one of the predetermined commands, like “GoPro, take a photo.” Familiarize yourself with the list of terms ahead of time.
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How much does a GoPro camera cost?
Inexpensive
Between $200 and $300, you’ll find GoPro cameras that are perfect for most people. There are great 1080p models and some decent 4K models in this price range, and if you’re willing to look at last-generation models, you’ll find a lot to like here.
If you absolutely need bleeding-edge features like spherical capture or live streaming, you’ll need to look at more expensive models. But if you just want an action camera that can take gorgeous video and go just about anywhere, you don’t need to spend more than $300.
Expensive
Between $300 and $600, you’ll see GoPro’s most impressive hardware: cameras that can shoot 4K, 60 fps video, or spherical capture for creating virtual reality environments. If you’re itching for GoPro’s most innovative features, you’ll need to spend more.
Tips
- Look online for GoPro videos. If you’re having trouble deciding between GoPro cameras, look online for sample videos posted by current owners. GoPro owners frequently post demo videos on various video-sharing sites, giving you an opportunity to see what video quality is like under real-world conditions. Watch as many sample videos as you can to get a sense 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 content, consider subscribing to a cloud-based backup service. Cloud-based services, such as GoPro, safely keep copies of your media files and allow you to access them from other devices as needed, which can be a lot more convenient than carrying all of your content around with you on your phone.
- Check out GoPro accessories. GoPro offers a full line of accessories, including dual-battery chargers, tripods, lens covers, stabilizing gimbals, and hand grips. The Media Mod is available for newer GoPro models and has a built-in directional microphone and two cold-shoe mounts for pro-level video production. The company also offers multiple camera mounts that help you produce stable, jitter-free video. The official accessories work seamlessly with GoPro hardware and are available from top online retailers like Amazon.
FAQ
Q. Can I wirelessly transfer photos from a GoPro camera while it’s underwater?
A. No. WiFi doesn’t work underwater. While all GoPro cameras are great at taking underwater shots, they’re all land-lovers at heart and need to be above water to do any wireless transferring of files.
Q. Are GoPro cameras good for deep-sea diving photography?
A. Not without some extra gear. All GoPros have a waterproof rating that’s expressed as depth. For example, most of them are rated as waterproof to 10 meters, meaning you could swim about 30 feet down with your GoPro camera and it would still work.
However, some users want to push those limits even farther, and for them, GoPro makes the “Super Suit,” a reinforced plastic housing designed to withstand water depths to 60 meters. If you’re shopping for equipment for deep-sea photography, plan on getting a Super Suit for your GoPro.
Q. How much video can I take with a GoPro camera?
A. It depends on how big of a memory card you use with your GoPro. GoPro cameras work with standard SD cards and microSD cards, which are affordable and come in various quantities. In most cases, it pays to get a memory card with plenty of storage. GoPro videos, especially those shot in 4K, can produce especially large files that eat up storage faster than you might expect. We recommend getting an SD card with at least 128GB of available storage.
