For those that love action photography, there is no piece of gear that is going to compare to a good GoPro camera. They are the leader in making cameras for this market and they offer a range of products to suit the needs of different individuals. The following is a list of the best GoPro cameras in 2018 and a short look at each one. This list does not run from top to bottom starting with the absolute best model, but rather it also accounts for factors like price and the overall consumer response to the unit.
The Best GoPro Cameras Reviews and Buyer’s Guide [UPDATED June 2018]
1. Hero4 Silver
This model was a huge leap forward from the previous cameras.
The GoPro Hero 4 Silver was the first edition to have a built-in touchscreen display and it comes with a whole host of features and functions to expand the versatility of this one and to make it more user friendly.
It can shoot videos in 1080p or 720p, take 12MP photos and it offers dynamic sound capture for an improved audio experience. You get time-lapse photography, burst, ultra wide-angle shots and new settings for taking photos in low light. In addition to that, this model comes equipped with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi and it also works with the app for your phone.
Even to today’s standards this one is holding its own, no wonder it is still one of the most preferred ones by almost everyone as it combines great quality, performance and lifetime.
2. Hero5 Black
This is the first GoPro camera that where they have decided to change the design of these cams. This little gem is certainly different from the rest. Here they are going for a more stylish look while combining all the features one might expect from the latest 2016 model.
The new Hero 5 Black Edition offers amazing video quality that will leave you astonished with its higher sensor resolution and great color and brightness quality. The 4k videos and the ability to shoot RAW photos are not to be underestimated too! With its 3 built-in mics you will enjoy some of the finest audio recordings. Don’t forget the video stabilization although it is not optical it does its job pretty well so that you can enjoy smooth videos! The touch screen is something to be noted because it allows for a better control and use of your camera and it is user friendly.
3. GoPro Hero6 Black Review
The latest GoPro model is here, it was released in September of 2017.
What first grabs the attentions is the resemblance to the previous model – Hero5. By the looks of it they have decided to focus mainly on the video performance and the social aspect of the videos. The video goes up to 60fps at 4K and amazing 240fps at 1080p, although the camera is again 12MP. It works smooth and overall is easy to use.
One of the features that is like the main con on most of these camera is the stabilization factor. This one is said to have better stabilization than the previous model but I’m not sure what to think about that. There is still no optical stabilization – something that I would like to see on those cameras because I think it will just make them all-around a more complete cameras and will provide close to the ideal experience everybody is so eager about.
Overall compared to the prevision model (Hero5) I’m reluctant to say it is worth the upgrade, especially considering the current price (hence the lower position). However, all that said aside, the cam in and of itself is a pretty decent high-end model with decent features and great picture quality.
4. Hero4 Black
If you are looking for the canera that offers the best overall performance with no consideration for price or anything else, then this is probably the perfect one that you want.
The Hero4 Black has 2x faster processing speed than any of the previous releases at the time and it captures videos and images that are far superior to any of its predecessors. You can record videos n 4K, which means 4x the resolution of 1080p and in the 1080p recording, this model records twice as many frames per second than Hero4 Silver. You get 12MP photography, a range of features and options for when you shoot and it even offers a greater degree of manual control than many of the previous models. It also has the features like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity and compatibility with the app.
Certainly not a bad choice that hold its own until recent times.
5. Hero
This is the standard GoPro Hero camera and it makes for a great entry-level model. This model is recommended for everybody that would like giving those little cams a try as this one is offering great performance while being in the low price range.
You may not get many of the top features that the newer more expensive models have, but this one still performs well and it still has a lot to offer at a significantly lower price. You can still record HD video and the camera takes 5MP shots for a good level of detail and clarity. Most important of all, this camera can still mount-up and go anywhere you need it to and it is tough enough to handle just about anything.
As mentioned above, from a technical standpoint, this is not the best camera out there, but when you consider the price with the level of performance, it makes for a fantastic value.
6. Hero4 Session
If you want the smallest and lightest GoPro, then this is the way to go. The Session models are incredibly small. They are aiming for the best experience while at the same time being virtually unnoticeable.
The Hero4 Session is half the size of the other Hero4 models and it performs almost just as well. With this model, you do have to sacrifice some functionality to the lightweight compact design, but it still has many of the features that make those small action cameras so popular.
You can still capture video in 1080p and get your 8MP photos. In addition to that, it also has Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and GroPro app compatibility. It is only waterproof to about a third of the depth that the other standard cams are, but it is every bit as tough and the small size makes it much more wearable for use in the middle of the action.
7. Hero3+ Black
A few years ago, this probably would have been considered the best GoPro camera that you could get. While it may not be as good as the new series 4 and 5 series. Nevertheless it still delivers great performance and you are certainly getting more for your money than you would with many other brands.
You still get video recording at 1080p and beyond, stunning 12MP photos and many of the features and functions that the company has built its reputation on. If you are looking for a really solid action camera, but you do not want spend the money on one of the new series 4 models, then the Hero3+ Black can be a really good purchase.
8. Hero3+ Silver
The Hero3+ Silver is great action camera and it can be a good solution for those who cannot afford a 4 series model. While this one does offer faster image processing than the standard Hero, the Silver 4 is faster and this model does not come with the built-in LCD like the 4 series Silver. You still get 1080p video recording and 10MP photos with features like lowlight shooting, burst and time-lapse. In addition to that, this model does work with Wi-Fi and the GoPro app. You still get the expected toughness and good performance under tough conditions, so the Hero3+ Silver can be a great bargain.
9. Hero3 Black
The Hero3 Black is a nice action cam that has a range of good features and functions. You get 1080p and 4k recording, it has a 12MP sensor for photos and it comes with many of the versatile functions and user friendly features that you expect from the company. It is light and easy to take with you anywhere and it comes with the waterproof case for underwater photography. It certainly isn’t the best action camera out there, but it is a nice middle of the range model.
10. Hero3 Silver
In regard to performance, the HERO3 Silver Edition is somewhere between the 3 series White and the 3 series Black. You can still capture video on 1080p HD and it has a 10MP sensor for taking great photos. This model can perform well under a range of different conditions and it works with many of the most important accessories that GoPro sells. The user also gets Wi-Fi compatibility, access to the app and audio that is comparable to any of the other series 3 models.
Buyer’s Guide and Recommendations for 2018
When it comes to taking pictures, there are all types of photographers. Since there are different types of photographers, it makes sense that there are different types of cameras and gear to fit the needs of these different individuals.
Action cameras are a thing of beauty, no wonder that they are getting so popular nowadays. Their main purpose is of course capturing spectacular image and/or video while being highly mobile, hard to detect and highly durable. One group that has the need for special equipment like this is people that engage in action photography. They need cameras that are tough and versatile, while also being good for getting shots under extreme conditions. These cameras need to be able to mount on individuals and objects to get photos that are right in the middle of the action. That is why we have provided an extensive reviews on the various mounts and accessories.
So what is the best one on the market is a tough question. Of course there aren’t a million models of them out there but things can get a little complicated when deciding which one to buy in order to get the best value out of it according to your own needs.
Getting the most suitable GoPro model for the individual does not necessarily mean buying the most expensive type of the one with the newest technology. If you have experience with GoPro cameras and you want the top of the line model, then the Hero4 black may be right for you.
However, you might be new to action photography and in this case, some of the standard action cameras might be the right way to go.
So, what are GoPros good at and what do they actually offer?
- Size – as expected form an action camera they are pretty small. Holding that little gem in your hand will always amaze you as it seems so small that it is almost a toy. They need to be small in order to be easily attached and be worn without restricting your movement. A big encumbering camera is the last thing you need especially in the middle of doing some sports. They are incredibly lightweight too thus not preventing you from acting natural while on the move. Depending on your preference you can choose between two types of GoPros. The regular ones and the session line which is much smaller and will definitely attract you but it lacks in user interface.
- Accessories – The accessories there is are almost as many as one can imagine. Having a good camera would mean it needs to be easily and most of all safely attached. Losing it in the middle of a snowy mountain will definitely not be a good thing to happen. Regardless of where you want to put the camera you can be sure there is a proper mount be it on a surfboard, car, on your helmet while riding your bike or even on your dog, the possibilities are endless. You can check a great deal of the available accessories here as we have already reviewed the most popular ones.
- Batter lifetime – here we are getting into the obvious drawback. Just like the old mobile phones, making them thinner in size came with the compromise in battery life. Although the battery life times is generally fairly decent buying additional batteries is strongly advised as this would provide you with a more shooting time. The life time will defer as some of the newer ones, like the Hero 5, which comes with a built-in touchscreen, would have less battery time than some of the older models.
Are they durable enough?
After all the main reason you are buying an action cam is the idea that you can take it straight into the action and not be worried that it will break while capturing every exciting moment of your journey. And there is a good chance that the camera will be dropped, lost, submerged, hit and whatnot. So the manufacturers have taken this under consideration and have built them in such a way that they can withstand a lot of usage.
Most of the models are incredibly tough and shock resistant and usually are waterproof to a certain depth. If you are going to use it for diving it would be advisable to check the spec on the camera beforehand and if needed to buy an additional housing for diving that can take the some of them down to 197 feet.
To get the best model for your needs, you have to consider things like your budget, how you plan to use the camera and its different features and options that come with the different models. Read our full GoPro reviews and recommendations for more information.