GoPro Comparison
You only get one chance to record the most exciting times in your life so make sure you do it right. Using a GoPro camera is the best way to get quality footage when on the move, but the variety of models available can make selecting one difficult. That’s why we have compared the essential specs and features so that you will know exactly what you’re getting.
Video Resolution
The whole point if a GoPro is to record your life’s most exciting moments. Now don’t expect to end up with thrilling video footage if the camera isn’t up to scratch. That’s why video resolution is perhaps the most important aspect of any GoPro.
We have compared the frames per second(fps) for each GoPros’ main video formats. These are (from lowest quality to highest quality) 720p, 960p, 1080p, 2.7K, 4K, and even 5K. Obviously, the higher the frame rate, the better the video quality.
| Model | 5K (fps) | 4K (fps) | 2.7K (fps) | 1440p (fps) | 1080p (fps) | 960p (fps) | 720p (fps) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hero | NA | NA | NA | NA | 30 | NA | 60 |
| Hero+ | NA | NA | NA | NA | 60 | NA | 60 |
| Hero+ LCD | NA | NA | NA | NA | 60 | NA | 60 |
| Hero 3 White | NA | NA | NA | NA | 30 | 30 | 60 |
| Hero 3+ Silver | NA | NA | NA | NA | 60 | 100 | 120 |
| Hero 3+ Black | NA | 15 | 60 | NA | 60 | NA | 120 |
| Hero 4 Session | NA | NA | NA | NA | 60 | 60 | 100 |
| Hero 4 Silver | NA | 15 | 30 | NA | 60 | 100 | 120 |
| Hero 4 Black | NA | 30 | 60 | NA | 120 | 120 | 240 |
| Hero 5 Session | NA | 30 | 48 | NA | 90 | 100 | 120 |
| Hero 5 Black | NA | 30 | 60 | NA | 120 | 120 | 240 |
| Hero 6 Black | NA | 60 | 120 | NA | 240 | NA | 60 |
| Hero 7 Silver | NA | 30 | NA | 60 | 60 | NA | NA |
| Hero 7 Black | NA | 60 | 120 | 120 | 240 | 240 | 240 |
| Hero 8 Black | NA | 60 | 120 | 120 | 240 | NA | NA |
| Hero 9 Black | 30 | 60 | 120 | 120 | 240 | NA | NA |
The Hero 6 Black, Hero 7 Black, and Hero 8 Black
+1 for the Hero 6 Black
+1 for the Hero 7 Black
+1 for the Hero 8 Black
+1 for the Hero 9 Black
Capturing Photos
While many people only focus on video footage, GoPro’s can actually be used to capture some excellent still photos as well. Check out the table below to see the Megapixels for each model’s camera.
| Model | Megapixels |
|---|---|
| Hero | 5 |
| Hero+ | 8 |
| Hero+ LCD | 8 |
| Hero 3 White | 5 |
| Hero 3+ Silver | 11 |
| Hero 3+ Black | 12 |
| Hero 4 Session | 8 |
| Hero 4 Silver | 12 |
| Hero 4 Black | 12 |
| Hero 5 Session | 10 |
| Hero 5 Black | 12 |
| Hero 6 Black | 12 |
| Hero 7 Silver | 10 |
| Hero 7 Black | 12 |
| Hero 9 Black | 20 |
| Hero 8 Black | 12 |
+1 for the Hero 3+ Black
+1 for the Hero 4 Silver
+1 for the Hero 4 Black
+1 for the Hero 5 Black
+1 for the Hero 6 Black
+1 for the Hero 7 Black
+1 for the Hero 8 Black
+1 for the Hero 9 Black
Size/Portability
Each GoPro Model weighs between 70g and 130g. Unless you’re trying to climb Everest, these differences don’t really affect anything, as 70g and 130g are both exceptionally light. However, what may matter is the size. You will find that the Hero 4 session and Hero 5 Session have a different design to the rest of the models. They are basically small cubes with dimensions of around 37.9mm (width) by 37.9mm (height) by 36.1mm(depth). This makes them approximately half the size of other models.
If portability is of utmost importance to you then the Hero 4 Session and Hero 5 Session are the way to go.
+1 for the Hero 4 Session
+1 for the Hero 5 Session
Battery Power
It’s hard to give exact figures when it comes to battery life because it depends on how you use your GoPro, the temperature, and the age of the battery. However, we have given some approximate figures below. These are for continuous recording of 1080p video with no other features turned on.
| Model | Approximate Battery Life (hours) |
|---|---|
| Hero | 1.3 |
| Hero+ | 1.3 |
| Hero+ LCD | 1.3 |
| Hero 3 White | 1.5 |
| Hero 3+ Silver | 1.5 |
| Hero 3+ Black | 1.5 |
| Hero 4 Session | 2 |
| Hero 4 Silver | 1.5 |
| Hero 4 Black | 1.5 |
| Hero 5 Session | 2 |
| Hero 5 Black | 2 |
| Hero 6 Black | 2 |
| Hero 7 Silver | 2 |
| Hero 7 Black | 1.5 |
| Hero 8 Black | 2 |
| Hero 9 Black | 2.5 |
Be aware that enabling features such as Wifi, Bluetooth, and Voice control can noticeably reduce battery life. Repeatably turning a GoPro off and on also drains a lot of power.
+1 for the Hero 9 Black
Touch Screen
Touch screens are handy to have as they make operation much smoother. In fact, people have become so used to using them on their phone and tablets that it can be frustrating not to have one available. Add to the fact that when you’re on the move, you don’t want to be messing around with clunky buttons. The Hero+LCD, Hero 4 Silver, Hero 5 Black, Hero 6 Black, Hero 7 Silver, Hero 7 Black, and the Hero 8 Black
+1 for the Hero 9 Black
Voice Control
This is an awesome feature to take advantage off when you’re doing extreme sports or other challenging activities. Voice control allows you to give your GoPro commands without using your hands. The only models equipped with this feature are the Hero 5 Session, Hero 5 Black, Hero 6 Black, Hero 7 Silver, Hero 7 Black, the Hero 8 Black, and the Hero 9 Black.
+1 for the Hero 5 Session
+1 for the Hero 5 Black
+1 for the Hero 6 Black
+1 for the Hero 7 Silver
+1 for the Hero 7 Black
+1 for the Hero 8 Black
+1 for the Hero 9 Black
Waterproof Depth
GoPros can reach a depth of 40m with the use of their protective housing. The Hero 4 Session, Hero 5 Session, Hero 5 Black, Hero 6 Black, Hero 7 Silver, Hero 7 Black, and the Hero 8 Black can also reach 10m without any protective housing. They are the only models that can go into the water naked.
Now there are some accessories that can allow GoPros to go even deeper. These are shown in the table below.
| Housing | Compatible With | Allows For Depth of Up To |
|---|---|---|
| Super Suit | Hero 5 Black, Hero 6 Black, Hero 7 Black | 60m |
| Diving Protection Box | Hero 3, Hero 3+ (Silver and Black), Hero 4 (Silver and Black), Hero 7 Silver, Hero 7 Black, Hero 8 Black | 60m |
| Spire Lamella Protection Box | Hero 3, Hero 3+ (Silver and Black), Hero 4 (Silver and Black) | 60m |
| Isotta Underwater Housing | Hero 5 Black, Hero 6 Black, Hero 7 Black, Hero 8 Black | 200m |
| Subal Underwater Housing | Hero 5 Black, Hero 6 Black, Hero 7 Black | 300m |
Now unless you’re a diver you will never be going beyond 10m of depth, so we don’t really think these figures are that relevant to the typical person. However, we do reckon its pretty handy for users to be able to inadvertently drop their GoPro into a water source without destroying it so, therefore…
+1 for the Hero 4 Session
+1 for the Hero 5 Session
+1 for the Hero 5 Black
+1 for the Hero 6 Black
+1 for the Hero 7 Silver
+1 for the Hero 7 Black
+1 for the Hero 8 Black
+1 for the Hero 9 Black
Price
Check out the approximate Amazon prices for each model below. These are subject to change without notice, so it’s a good idea to check for yourself. Also, note that these prices are for new models only.
The newly released Hero 9 Black is obviously the most expensive at $449. The rest of the models fluctuate a bit randomly in price. However, we see the cheapest deal on the Hero 3+ Black at $120.
+1 for the Hero 3+ Black
Total Scores
Its decision time so checks out the total scores below.
| Model | Overall Score |
|---|---|
| Hero | 0 |
| Hero+ | 0 |
| Hero+ LCD | 0 |
| Hero 3 White | 0 |
| Hero 3+ Silver | 0 |
| Hero 3+ Black | 2 |
| Hero 4 Session | 2 |
| Hero 4 Silver | 1 |
| Hero 4 Black | 1 |
| Hero 5 Session | 3 |
| Hero 5 Black | 5 |
| Hero 6 Black | 7 |
| Hero 7 Silver | 5 |
| Hero 7 Black | 5 |
| Hero 8 Black | 6 |
| Hero 9 Black | 6 |
1st: Hero 6 Black
2nd: Hero 8 Black, Hero 9 Black
3rd: Hero 5 Black, Hero 7 Silver, Hero 7 Black
What’s New with the Hero 9 Black?
The Hero 9 Black is the first GoPro camera with a front-facing screen. If you like taking selfies or vlogging, then this GoPro is a game changer. The build quality of the body is also quite rugged. The Hero 9 Black comes with a built-in mount. This is great because you no longer have to unmount the action cam to change the battery or memory card.
The Hero 9 Black is also the first GoPro camera that can shoot 5K at 30 frames per second. There are some enhancements via the Hypersmooth 3.0, which makes for smoother footage with the Hero 9 Black. There is also a new Time Warp feature that can speed up long timelapses and a Horizon levelling option as well. Lastly, there are new mods like ultra-wide, max lens, light mod, and display mod.
Which Is Best Overall?
It’s clear that the Hero 6 Black is the most powerful overall. It can record the best video footage (which is a GoPro’s primary function), so we can’t help but rank it at the top. It also includes a range of other convenient features such as a touch screen and voice control. Of course, it does have the steepest price tag. The Hero 9 Black looks great for vlogging and can be the best option if you have a budget of $449.
Which Is The Best Value For Money?
We reckon the Hero 5 Black is the best value for money. It is only $230 and has the second-best camera for recording video. It also has a touchscreen, voice control, and is just an all-around powerful machine. If you can’t quite afford the Hero 6 Black then just get the next best thing at around half the price.
Other Factors To Consider
If portability is essential to you, then you may want to consider the Hero 4 Session or Hero 5 Session. They are noticeably more compact than the other models and can slide in and out of your pocket with ease. And if you happen to drop them into a pool of water they will survive.
If you’re a diver then the Hero 5 Black and Hero 6 Black are still your best options. Just make sure you invest in an underwater housing system that can handle the pressure.
Hello Sirs,
Since possessing a brand new GoPro Hero3+ Silver camera I could not operate it due to the absence of LCD screen on the back of the camera to view the subjects instantly what I am capturing. The camera sans
viewfinder screen it is a very inconvenience for me to use the camera.
In this circumstances, can you help me by providing me with one another model of GoPro camera, mounted with view finding screen in exchange for my existing Hero3+ GopPro silver camera at the earliest?
Awaiting your reply
P. K. Maitra
Do you not understand that this is a website that reviews different items and posts their opinion of them?
They have no connection to the manufacture of said item.
You seem like an educated and erudite person, so perhaps your inquiry should be directed at the manufacturer of said product.
However, it seems to me that you should have done adequate research before buying this camera, which you apparently did not do, otherwise you would have known that it did not have an external viewfinder before you purchased it. If you had tried to buy a farm tractor and then inadvertently purchased a 1971 Ford Pinto because you did not know the difference between a Ford Pinto and a farm tractor, would you expect the Ford company to exchange this vehicle for a different one because you were unable to plow your fields with it? Certainly not. All purchasers must do due dilligence, which you did not. So therefore you need to suffer financially for your error in judgement. So sayeth Adam Smith.
Your best course of action is to sell this GoPro, and recoup whatever funds you can, then purchase what you really need, after doing appropriate research of course. If you are unable to do this, then perhaps using a video camera is not for you, maybe you should stick to plowing your fields with your Ford Pinto.
Bahahaha! Hey wait a minute, I plow with my ford pinto!
Now add the GoPro HERO 7
Some of the earlier model data is missing or wrong. For Instance, there was a GoPro Hero 3 Black, and Silver, not just the White as listed in the chart. I use Black 3+, and 4 Black, and they can shoot in 1440P/48 and 1440P/60 respectively, not N/A as noted in the chart.
The weight matter a lot dude! why do you think the gopro 5 its so popular and still very expensive to this day? weight!!! for drone pilots really important, so dont write ignorant shi&^%
Hero 4 black 2.7K 60 fps
What is the signal range comparison for all GoPro cameras using the GoPro App? the secssion 5, I use and have tested my self, is about 100 ft. The Hero 3 on YouTub viedo, showed capabilities of 220 meters or about 600 ft! Please send info!
Do any of these Go Pro Cameras Have a MIC in Port?
Tom, I was going to say the same thing, but I don’t think the dude was that ignorant, he just dismissed weight as being a factor and didn’t think of those that use drones, I’m sure it wasn’t intentional. With that being said, the hero session was pretty much designed with fpv drones in mind, the first one came out right around the same time some other fpv drones companies that make cams, came out with theirs, so yeah, he should have done his homework better. Have you seen the naked gopro yet? GoPro doesn’t make it, it’s a mod one of the fpv drone companies is selling. you take the gopro apart, and the kit comes with some special circuit board you solder on so you can still have buttons, because you remove entire outer shell, and replace it with 3D printed skeleton like canopy. I think it’s the 7 or 8, that it takes it from like 125g down to 82g or something like that, it’s a good 30-40g difference, but it voids your warranty, although a lot of the stuff we put our go pros through probably do that too..lol
The points don’t add up. Also the “Best Overall” section says it has to be the Hero 6 but it has the steepest price tag! That’s clearly not the case.
Given that the oldest comment is 3 years old, well before the release of some of the models listed, it looks as if information has been added bit by bit with checking that the full article is still consistent and correct
That previous comment should read “without checking” not “with checking”
Anything Hero 6 and under will have shaky footages, beacuse only Hero 7 and upper has the HyperSmooth technology, which counts A LOT.
That’such a huge leap forward that anybody who is walking, running, swimming, biking, skiing or doing anything shaky should never consider buying anything without it! 🙂