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GoPro"s latest fleet of little action bricks are fortified with several advanced features that cannot be found elsewhere in the market. The GoPro Hero 3+ Black Edition ($399.99) is the newest flagship model, replacing the GoPro Hero 3 by adding some key upgrades. While the GoPro Hero 3+ Silver Edition ($299.99) and Hero 3 White Edition ($199.99) have both been upgraded, it"s the Hero 3+ Black Edition that really showcases all the brand has to offer. Having owned the first HD Hero and Hero2, I wanted to know if the Black Edition was worth the extra cash, so I spent some quality time testing the camera in a variety of environments.

The GoPro Hero 3+ Black Edition shares many similarities with its predecessor, the Hero 3. Although the Hero 3+ may seem like an incremental upgrade, there are a number of subtle changes that make this action cam stand out. First off, it"s 20% smaller and lighter than the first GoPro Hero and Hero2, measuring 2.30 x 1.55 x 0.08 inches (5.8 x 3.9 x 2 cm) and weighing 2.6 oz. (28g). Now while those physical stats remain identical to the Hero 3, the Hero 3+ ships with a smaller housing, with a streamlined lens covering without bolts, and devoid of the slide lock mechanisms. The resulting package is more compact and easier to access. The Hero 3+ also has slightly larger buttons.

GoPro also improved the lens of the Hero 3+, making it sharper and exhibit less artifacts. The microphone is improved to pick up on more subtle sounds and improve wind noise reduction. The Hero 3+ Black Edition"s built-in Wi-Fi has also been boosted to 4x faster speeds with a greater range, and the battery life has been increased by 30%. The Hero 3+ Black Edition also introduces SuperView FOV, which is available in select capture resolutions. SuperView is the widest recording angle GoPro has offered to date (I have samples later on in the article). Auto Low Light is a new feature that cuts the frame rate in half when the camera detects lower light levels.

The GoPro Hero 3+ Black Edition carries over the same 4K video resolution from the Hero 3 Black, which is roughly four times the resolution of 1080 Full HD. 4K is where most televisions and programming are headed to, and GoPro placed themselves at the head of the game by incorporating the format into a wildly popular camera that is now smaller than it ever was. The Hero 3+ Black Edition also has a maximum still image resolution of 12MP and 30fps burst rate, which is beyond the 3+ Silver and 3 White"s capabilities. The latter two are not capable of 4K video recording either. Keep in mind that the 12MP still-resolution is native, not interpolated, so it"s a true representation of pixels.

And while all three new GoPros come with built-in Wi-Fi that"s 4x faster, the Black Edition is the only model to ship with a Wi-Fi remote. However, I don"t think that"s a deal-breaker because the GoPro app is far more user-friendly and quick than the remote. Just the fact that Wi-Fi is finally built-in is a win. With the older models, I had to use the Wi-Fi back, which prevented me from using a battery back or LCD back if I wanted remote functionality.

Since the GoPro Hero 3+ Black Edition is 20% smaller and lighter than the original GoPro Hero and Hero2, I was able to enjoy the minor benefits. I usually mount the GoPro to my motorcycle and hockey helmets, and the first two models make it easier to remember that they are strapped to the top of your head, thanks to their bulk. This is particularly evident while turning my head. While the Hero 3+ is not a prodigious reduction in bulk and size, it was definitely noticeable, and certainly more neck-friendly. The size reduction renders the Hero 3+ half the thickness of the first two models, but it retains the same height and width. The newly slimmed-down external housing on the Hero 3+ is the most compact and easiest to access housing yet. The latch mechanism is similar to the first GoPro models, requiring a simple flip lock to be engaged and disengaged to access the camera. The Hero 3 case has a convoluted series of slide lock buttons that made accessing the camera a royal pain. So, overall size and weight is very impressive compared to all previous models.

Now, this size reduction does come at a price. The Hero 3+ records to MicroSD cards, just like the Hero 3. I am not a huge fan of MicroSD cards because I lose things easily, and it"s not fun to scour a dirt bike trail for an hour looking for a minute plastic chip. I also noticed the omission of the 3.5mm audio jack, which is something offered on the GoPro HD Hero2.

The GoPro Hero 3+ has only two terminals: USB and HDMI. Both terminals and the MicroSD card slot are covered by a rubberized flap that matches the cross-hatched texture bordering the camera. Unfortunately, the terminal cover is not tethered to the body of the camera, so it popped off and sailed across the room the first time I removed it. It resurfaced two weeks later while digging through some photography equipment. So, for the next model, GoPro needs to tether that thing.

Despite the slim down, GoPro managed to cram an 1180mAh battery inside the Hero 3+, and promised a longer battery life compared to the Hero 3. I put this to the test by recording continuously at 1080p/24fps until the battery died. The GoPro Hero 3+ lasted a full 2 hours and 14 minutes. After researching many accounts of battery life on the Hero 3, my understanding is that it usually croaks at around 1 hour 35 minutes, so the Hero 3+ is a bit of an improvement as far as battery life goes. Of course, when using the Wi-Fi functionality, the Hero 3+ exhibits rather limited battery life. After using the Hero 3+ tethered to the GoPro application on my iPhone, I was down a battery bar after a half hour.

Another area of improvement is Wi-Fi range and speed. GoPro claims a Wi-Fi range of up to 600 feet with the included Wi-Fi remote and a more limited range with the GoPro application. I got about 145 feet of Wi-Fi range using the GoPro application, but did not test the full range of the remote. However, in my experience, I never lost connection with the Wi-Fi remote, and I have not found an application yet where I would need to be two football fields away from the action. Regardless, the Wi-Fi connection was strong and did not falter. I could keep my phone in my pocket while using the GoPro and it remained connected. Setting up is a snap as well, as the Hero 3+ only emits its own Wi-Fi network that is easily joined by a smart device in a matter of seconds.

The choice between the GoPro application and the Wi-Fi remote was a no-brainer for me. While the remote has its advantages in the range and battery life department (you can save your phone"s juice), the GoPro application is just too pleasant to use, especially after enduring years of clunky GoPro menu systems on a monochromatic LCD screen smaller than a postage stamp.

With the GoPro application, I could make nearly every camera setting with a tap. The GoPro application also gave me a live preview of the camera, so I knew exactly how to set the angle for maximum coverage. One caveat is that the live preview is only available in select capture modes, so gigantic resolutions like 4K are not possible to preview. I could also watch what I shot on my phone, power the camera on and off, and start and stop recording, all from my iPhone. Other useful features like battery level status, SD card capacity, camera locator (prompts GoPro to beep if lost), were welcome additions, and I decided the GoPro application would be accompanying me on all of my adventures. Of course, I"ll need a backup battery pack for the GoPro and charging stick for my phone in order to make it through a full day.

The improved microphone on the GoPro Hero 3+ is twofold. First, its overall pickup quality is said to be improved, with heightened sensitivity to delicate sounds and nuance. Secondly, the wind noise reduction is apparently improved. The latter is a big one, as there"s nothing more vexing than sifting through hours of motorcycle footage with the deafening shrill of wind prompting you to reach for another aspirin. I"ve always wanted more engine sound, less wind noise.

My first test was general audio quality. What could be better than pounding on the drums? I tested the GoPro Hero 3+ with it mounted to my head in the case, and then again sitting stationary removed from its case. What I found was that in or out of the case, the GoPro Hero 3+ had some difficulty with bass, primarily during a thunderous cacophony. However, treble sounds like cymbals and snare hits were crisp and clear, particularly with the Hero 3+ outside of its case. On the in/out of the case debate, I found the sound to be a bit crisper when the Hero 3+ was removed from the case, but it was not a huge difference. So yes - small nuance sound pickup was impressive, but bass was a tad muffled. Now if only the Hero 3+ had that 3.5mm audio jack for attaching external mics.

My second test was of the wind reduction. I found a rare 45 degree window in this unrelenting New England winter and took my newly rebuilt dirt bike for a spin with the GoPro mounted to the Chesty harness. Now this was a noticeable improvement. At around 45-50 MPH amidst cold, thick air, the only audible wind noise was more of an intermittent lower toned muffling. Gone was the whistling, shrill wail-from-hell. At lower speeds, the wind noise was barely audible, and the Hero 3+ really picked up on the ring-da-ding of the two-stroke engine (which is still being broken in and sounds extra rough). I didn"t have a chance to exceed 50 MPH, and I"m really interested to see how the Hero 3+ fares at over 100 MPH on my street bike. But based on the improvement at lower speeds alone, I can project improved wind-reduction ability.

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GoPros make great video cameras, but there is no questioning that they were designed to record action. Whether you’re filming extreme sports or a leisurely walking city tour, the GoPro is an obvious choice given its compact size and great video quality.

When we’re recording action, camera shake is always going to be a potential problem. Even with the latest GoPro Hero 10 which features the latest “HyperSmooth” version 4 electronic image stabilization technology, tackling camera shake with software alone has clear limitations.

A 3-axis GoPro gimbal is the ultimate GoPro accessory to help you record buttery smooth video footage. However, choosing the best GoPro gimbal can be very difficult given the sheer number of different gimbals available today.

Unfortunately, manufacturers have been slow to update GoPro gimbals. It seems there isn’t much demand and focusing on smartphone gimbals is simply more profitable. GoPro themselves haven’t released a new gimbal since the outdated Karma Grip (which isn’t compatible with the GoPro Hero 8, 9, or 10).

Fortunately, there are some new options springing up for owners of recent GoPro models, and in the products that make up this list, I’ve made sure to include confirmed compatibility with different GoPros.

Handheld gimbals feature a grip so you can walk around with your GoPro in your hand. It’s the ideal setup if you want complete freedom over camera movements.

A solid and affordable GoPro gimbal that makes mounting and unmounting a breeze. Packed with features and fully compatible with the GoPro HERO9 and HERO10 models.

For those videographers looking to eliminate camera shake without breaking the bank, the Hohem iSteady Pro 4 is an excellent choice. The splashproof gimbal is by far the most popular GoPro action camera gimbal right now and is what I’d recommend to the vast majority of buyers.

The iSteady Pro 4 is compatible with the GoPro HERO10/9/8/7/6/5/4/3+/3 and other similarly sized sports cameras, including the DJI Osmo Action, Yi 4K, Yi 4K+, AEE, SJCAM, and Sony RX0.

Of course, many of you will be wondering what makes it different from the original iSteady Pro. The new version features an angled gimbal arm which improves torque and makes sure the GoPro’s display remains unobstructed. It also features a trigger at the back of the handle which makes functions like locking on to subjects or snapping far more convenient while filming.

There are simply no other action cam gimbals that perform as well as the iSteady Pro 4 within a $100 budget. Hohem has brought motorized gimbal stabilization to the casual GoPro user and hasn’t skimped on features either.

I reviewed footage across various zoom levels and playback speeds and compared them with footage coming from the Feiyu G6 and GoPro Karma grip. Honestly, the difference is so slight that it becomes difficult to recommend the latter options given the price difference.

The iSteady Pro 4 definitely looks and feels like an entry-level GoPro gimbal stabilizer. It doesn’t have the ruggedness of the other gimbals and its build feels more plasticky than more expensive options. And although very difficult to tell, the motors are very slightly less responsive than some other alternatives which makes them less capable when recording fast-paced action.

Priced only slightly higher than the Hohem iSteady Pro 4, the INKEE FALCON is another new release that supports the very latest GoPro action cams. If you would prefer a slightly more compact and lighter alternative, this is a good choice.

The INKEE FALCON gimbal is compatible with the GoPro Hero 10/9/8/7/6/5, DJI OSMO Action, Insta360 ONE R and any other action cameras that have similar dimensions.

One key feature that INKEE markets is the “vertical shooting mode” which lets you film portrait video by holding your GoPro on its side. Personally, it seems like a bit of a gimmick because there aren’t many times I would prefer recording in portrait orientation. But some people may like it.

The mounting and balancing procedure was straightforward and overall it didn’t take long to get it all set up. The gimbal is light and compact, and slightly smaller than its rivals which can be advantageous when you’re carrying your GoPro in a small bag or case.

A gimbal also capable of mounting mirrorless cameras as well as smartphones, the Crane M3 is best-suited for serious videography. Make sure to get the Combo package (see link) to get the GoPro mount adapter.

Simply a cut above the rest in terms of quality and features, the Zhiyun Crane M3 is a GoPro-compatible gimbal for those who want a serious piece of kit. However, it doesn’t make sense to buy one unless you have other cameras to use it with.

The Zhiyun Crane M3 is designed for smaller cameras, not just GoPros. This means it can comfortably accommodate smaller mirrorless cameras, point and shoots, and smartphones.

The Crane M3 is supposed to be a powerful yet incredibly compact gimbal. It’s primarily designed as a mirrorless camera gimbal, so the light payload of a tiny GoPro will prove no challenge.

A standout feature is an integrated 800 lumen LED light which isn’t as good as having a personal lighting assistant around, but still pretty neat nonetheless.

The Zhiyun Crane M3 feels incredible in the hands, making the cheaper GoPro gimbals feel like toys in comparison. With a color touch screen, plenty of dedicated controls and a more polished app, the overall experience of using the Crane M3 was superior to that of cheaper gimbals.

First and foremost, the price. It costs four times as much as other GoPro gimbals and you’ll need the custom GoPro adapter mount to use it with your GoPro.

If you own a compatible mirrorless camera, a smartphone, and GoPro and you want to kill three birds with one stone, this could be a very good investment. But for use with a GoPro alone, it’s not really worth it, especially as some of the features don’t actually work with a GoPro.

The Feiyu WG2X supports the GoPro HERO8, HERO7 (all models), HERO6, HERO5, HERO4 as well as the HERO Session via the included Session mount adaptor. With a GoPro HERO10/HERO9 adapter kit it can stabilize these newer GoPros, but it will not be able to establish a remote connection to them.

This wearable GoPro gimbal features three shooting modes: pan follow, following and locked. Unlike other popular wearable gimbals like the Zhiyun Rider-M and Hohem XG1, the WG2X has an unlimited range of motion in the pan and tilt axes (as opposed to 320-degrees).

The Feiyu Tech G6 is a solid all-round GoPro gimbal that offers great stabilization performance for the price. Unfortunately, it comes from the same era as the ancient GoPro Karma Grip, meaning it doesn’t make much sense to pick one up now.

GoPro-wise, the G6 is fully compatible with all GoPro 3/3+/4/5/6/7 models. It is also compatible with similar sized action cameras like the Yi 4K/4K+, AEE and Xiaomi Mijia. The box also includes a separate frame for the Sony RX0 action camera.

It offers partial support for the latest GoPro models, meaning it will stabilize but not let you control the camera with buttons (e.g. shutter/record, pan with joystick).

Feiyu are one of the biggest gimbal brands today and the G6 is their flagship GoPro stabilizer. Its small and slick IP67 splash proof body packs in a small LCD display and other nifty features like an external mic port and slider to control the roll of your camera.

Despite looking almost identical, the G6 is a big step up from its flawed predecessor, the Feiyu G5. The G5 had some funky stabilization issues with obvious microjitter, but the G6 holds its own against the considerably more expensive GoPro Karma Grip.

Other non-essential but nice new features are its angled arm and additional thread needle on the side of the grip. The angled arm makes it so that the arm rarely obstructs the GoPro’s LCD screen.

The G6’s companion app, Feiyu ON, allows you to link up your smartphone and gimbal over bluetooth and control the gimbal remotely. This means you could remotely pan and tilt the gimbal or even setup motion time lapses while your gimbal and GoPro is in another room.

The G6 has a bunch of features the Karma Grip lacks, like an informative LCD screen which tells you things like the remaining battery life and current shooting mode. The external mic port will be welcomed by those recording audio-sensitive footage, since motor noise is a very common issue with any motorized gimbal.

Mounting your GoPro to the Feiyu G6 is a somewhat fiddly procedure, requiring adjustment of hand screws. Attaching your camera is a lot more troublesome than with the Karma Grip, which is a case of simply slotting the camera in its harness.

Want a handheld stabilizer with the ability to transform into a wearable and mountable gimbal? The Removu S1 is your answer. Its modular design means the grip can be detached, leaving a wearable gimbal that can be mounted just about anywhere. Unlike the GoPro Karma Grip which can function as a wearable gimbal if you put in the effort, the Removu S1 was designed to be a dual-purpose gimbal from the ground up.

The Removu S1 is compatible with the GoPro HERO7/6/5, HERO4/3+/3 and Hero Session cameras using different housing frames (included). It is not compatible with non-GoPro action cameras.

Removu are a little-known Korean GoPro accessory manufacturer who have engineered something quite special in the Removu S1. Featuring a rainproof modular design, the S1 offers unmatched versatility.

Unlike most other GoPro gimbal batteries, the S1’s battery is removable. Removu have generously provided a battery charger which can charge up to two batteries simultaneously. The S1 will last for between 3-5 hours on a single charge.

Versatility is the Removu S1’s main strength. There is simply no other gimbal that can be used as a handheld gimbal or wearable gimbal. The GoPro Karma Grip might be an exception, but it’s difficult to call that a true 2-in-1 gimbal, since the battery is housed in the grip.

The Karma stabilizer is an official GoPro accessory and incredibly comfortable in the hands. But it"s been discontinued and not compatible with HERO8 or newer models.

The GoPro Karma Grip doesn’t come cheap, but those after native compatibility with GoPros should look no further than GoPro’s very own Karma Grip. Despite being a slightly older gimbal, it still manages to perform just as well as almost every other third-party gimbal in everything but battery life.

The GoPro Karma Grip is compatible with the HERO4/5/6/7 Black and HERO4 Silver. GoPro HERO4 owners will have to purchase the HERO4 Karma harness. The Karma Grip is not compatible with non-GoPro action cameras. Unfortunately, GoPro hasn’t updated the Karma Grip meaning owners of newer models are out of luck.

The Karma Grip gets its name from GoPro’s Karma drone. Although the Karma drone wasn’t a commercial success, they were able to salvage the drone’s gimbal and pair it to a hand grip—and thus the Karma Grip was born.

GoPro decided to keep things simple with the Karma Grip. It only features two shooting modes (pan follow and following) and lacks extra features like a pan/tilt joystick or selfie mode.

The gimbal has long been considered to produce the best image stabilization of any GoPro gimbal to date. While third-party gimbals play catch up, GoPro have consistently released firmware updates to iron out some of the performance issues that used to exist.

The Karma Grip’s biggest strengths are its ease of use and top-notch stabilization performance. It works seamlessly with GoPros and doesn’t involve installation of any third-party gimbal companion apps which other manufacturers use for firmware updates or configuring settings.

While the GoPro Karma Grip is noticeably bigger compared to a lot of its competitors, it feels incredibly nice in the hands. Being able to feel the additional weight in your hands also makes moving the gimbal around feel more controlled.

Costing significantly more than third-party offerings, the GoPro Karma Grip doesn’t offer the best value for money. GoPro gimbals from the likes of Feiyu and Zhiyun have been closing the stabilization performance gap and typically cost half as much as the Karma Grip.

The Karma Grip also shows its age in its disappointing battery life. Recording at 4K, you can only expect around 2 hours of recording time. One of the reasons for this is that it always simultaneously charges your GoPro camera, meaning the battery is drained from two sources.

While technically not a GoPro gimbal, the Zhiyun Smooth 4 is a highly rated smartphone gimbal that can also house a GoPro within its adjustable spring clamp. GoPro mount plate adaptors can also be purchased separately to make sure the GoPro is better secured.

The Smooth 4 isn’t really designed for the kind of activity typically associated with GoPros, since smartphone gimbals are generally not weather proof and have slightly slower follow speeds. But for those who spend a lot of time filming with their phone and only occasionally take out their GoPro, the Smooth 4 is worth a look.

Note that since it is not natively compatible with the GoPro, you won’t be able to use its buttons to control your GoPro. However, it will at least balance your GoPro and stabilize footage.

Locked: This shooting mode locks the GoPro’s orientation in all three axes (pan, tilt and roll). This effectively means the GoPro lens will always be aimed at the same target.

Some GoPro gimbals (including the GoPro Karma Grip) do not feature the locked mode. If you feel this is an important shooting mode to have, this should weigh into your purchase decision.

GoPros are lighter and more compact than today’s typical smartphone. As a result, most GoPro gimbals cannot support such a heavy payload, and their frame housing will not accommodate a smartphone in the first place.

On the other hand, smartphone gimbals are generally able to accommodate GoPros. However, using a smartphone gimbal as a GoPro gimbal comes with its own problems, and is not an ideal setup. Generally speaking, it’s recommended to purchase a GoPro gimbal for your GoPro and a smartphone gimbal for your phone.

GoPros and other action cameras are mostly waterproof these days, but most GoPro gimbals are not fully waterproof or waterproof at all. Gimbals feature rotating pivots powered by brushless DC motors, and it is difficult to fully protect these moving parts from water damage if submerged.

Most people will probably want to go with a handheld gimbal, unless certain the GoPro will be worn. Filming with the GoPro in your hand is the most natural setup, and a handheld gimbal basically becomes a GoPro grip that just happens to stabilize the recordings.

The GoPro Karma Grip (Official accessory) was engineered to work seamlessly with the GoPro, but it seems GoPro is focused on HyperSmooth electronic image stabilization technology over a gimbal’s mechanical stabilization these days. This means they probably won’t release another official gimbal.

GoPro Hero 8 vs 9 - which should you choose? If you’re after a waterproof, drop-proof camera for taking on a ski or surf trip/bike ride/kayak or anywhere else where a smartphone just isn’t going to cut it, you need anaction camera(opens in new tab). It’s likely that the first brand that popped into your head wasGoPro camera(opens in new tab), but which model do you need?

A ‘selfie’ screen, 5K video and 14.7 MP video stills. That’s what the new GoPro Hero 9 promises, but do you need the latest and greatest GoPro? The brand is synonymous with rugged, rubberized cameras that can be placed almost anywhere, but in GoPro’s latest flagship line-up of action cameras there’s a big decision to be made; GoPro Hero 8 Black(opens in new tab) or GoPro Hero 9 Black(opens in new tab)?

With the release of the Hero 9 Black, the Hero 8 Black has been discounted, but for many users, that"s an opportunity to get exactly the camera they need. After all, as our head-to-head shows, the Hero 9 Black is a little bigger than the Hero 8 Black, and there are other subtle differences that may mean the older model is for you.

While the Hero 9 Black is now the top dog in GoPro’s stable purely in terms of features and functionality, the best value is the Hero 8 Black. Whichever generation you choose, these pocket-sized cameras are great for cyclists, skiers, skateboarders and all-round adventurous types wanting to produce content in ever more creative ways.

If you’re a vlogger than there’s a good chance you’ve turned away from GoPro recently. That’s because while the Hero 8 Black does technically have a small front display, it’s not for framing video, but merely for showing you the remaining battery time, recording time and what resolution you’ve selected (though a front-facing screenDisplay Mod(opens in new tab) is also available from GoPro for the Hero 8 Black). In an attempt to catch-up on theDJI Osmo Action and theAkaso Brave 7 LE – both of which have front-mounted LCD "selfie" panels – the Hero 9 Black has a ‘selfie’ live preview screen built-in for framing and vlog-style recording. Measuring 1.4-inches, it’s quite a departure for GoPro and adds to the Hero 9 Black’s physical size, though it may not be a feature many users want or need. However, it can host either a ‘full screen’, ‘actual screen’ or live preview, used only as a status screen, or deactivated entirely. Either way, it’s a reason for upgrading to the Hero 9 Black.

While the flagship GoPro’s new front display will grab the headlines, the rear display has also been sized-up. Both cameras have a 16:9 widescreen LCD touchscreen displays, but they differ in size; the Hero 9 has a 2.27-inch display while the Hero 8 offers a noticeable smaller 1.95-inch display. That’s a 16% difference in size.

When it comes to the lens, there’s a huge difference between the Hero9 Black and the Hero8 Black. While the older product has a fixed lens, the new flagship has a removable lens cover, just as the Hero7 Black featured. It can host a

Are those new features worth their weight? We hope so because the new Hero 9 Black is physically larger than the Hero 8 Black. The Hero 9 Black measures 71x55x33.6mm and weighs 158g, which doesn’t compare too well to the GoPro Hero 8’s slimmer 66.3x48.6x28.4mm and 126g weight.

Perhaps not surprisingly, the Hero 9 Black comes with a significantly larger battery than the Hero 8 Black. Rated at 1,720mAh compared to 1,220mAh, the former is physically larger than the latter, and not compatible with older GoPro models. However, it offers 30% more battery life. The slight increase in size is necessary to drive a bigger sensor and two screens, but also to offer better performance in freezing temperatures. The battery life of the Hero 9 Black is rated by GoPro at 101 minutes when filming in 1080p, while the Hero 8 Black manages 75 minutes.

The Hero 9 Black’s larger 23.6 MP sensor means higher resolution video. It maxes out at 5K 30 fps at a bitrate of 100 Mbps– that’s seven times more detailed than regular HD. Meanwhile, the Hero 8 Black’s video pinnacle is 4K 60fps at 100 Mbps. Both shoot in multiple resolution steps below their maximum, though the Hero 9 Black abandons 720p, with 1080p now the lowest quality video it captures.

TimeWarp 3.0 is the latest version of GoPro’s time-lapse mode best used for endurance activities, such as hiking. Although it only works up to 4K, it’s now got a ‘speed ramp’ feature that can slow down the action at a specific point back to real-time speed, and capture the audio, too. As an example, you could have a fast-motion time-lapse of you ascending the mountain, a few seconds of real-time, regular speed video and audio of a conversation at the peak, then back to a time-lapse for the descent. There’s also a half-speed mode for an epic slo-mo. Meanwhile, for the Max Lens Mode there’s a mode that adds Max HyperSmooth and Max SuperView. Although horizon levelling is part of the GoPro app, on the Hero 9 Black it happens in-camera.

While there was a firmware update earlier this year to allow theHero 8 Black to be used as a webcam(opens in new tab), the Hero 9 Black includes it right out of the box. It integrates into all video conferencing platforms and works up to 1080p. The Hero 9 Black can also be used to live stream 1080p video to YouTube, Twitch, Facebook Profiles and Facebook Pages, and with HyperSmooth 3.0 engaged, too.

GoPro cameras aren’t particularly renowned for their skill with stills, but at a pinch they can take some decent quality landscapes. Both models take RAW and HDR – the latter upgraded on the Hero 9 Black – with the Hero 9 Black offering 20 MP resolution to the Hero 8 Black’s 12 MP. That’s quite a step-up.

Action cameras traditionally have the kind of rigid transparent plastic ‘window’ packaging that borders on offensive. So when it comes to excessive packaging, GoPro has been a major offender. Thankfully that all changes with the Hero 9 Black, which arrives in a handy nylon carry case wrapped in a cardboard slip. So no plastic whatsoever. Nice, but what took you so long? The non-plastic packaging will also come soon to the rest of the GoPro stable, including the Hero 8 Black.

For the Hero 8 Black, the standard package is less generous; one battery, a USB to USB-C cable, one thumbscrew, a selfie stick, an adhesive mount and a standard buckle mount. However, at the time of writing GoPro was selling the Hero 8 Black for $349.99/UK£329.99 bundled with a head strap, a spare battery and a 32GB micro SD card.

With more screens, more opportunities to grab still photos and a bigger battery, some will find persuasive reasons to reach for a Hero 9 Black over a Hero 8 Black. However, both remain excellent quality action cameras. Which one will you choose?Today"s best GoPro Hero9 Black deals

Since its founding 20 years ago, GoPro has pretty much defined the “adventure camera” product category. Its rugged little cameras have appealed to the human drive to climb and jump off high things, speed down steep cliffs at bone-jolting velocities or launch oneself out of perfectly good airplanes.

It’s been a journey, and the new GoPro Hero 10 Creator Edition is the latest travel companion for those supremely confident in their bodies’ healing abilities. So what’s new this year?

The GoPro Hero 10 updates last year’s Hero 9 with a new GP2 image processor that makes camera response faster and images better, and that increases frame rate and resolution when making videos. But is it enough to upgrade year over year? We say if you already have a Hero 9, no, but if you’re looking for your first GoPro camera or you’re running a Hero 8 or earlier, this will be a big and worthy upgrade to your current adventure videography needs.

We reviewed the Hero 10 Creator Edition, which includes not only GoPro’s latest flagship camera but also a 32GB microSD card; the Volta battery grip; the Media Mod, which is a case with a built-in external mic and cold shoes for attachments; and the Light Mod, which is, as expected, a small light you can attach via said cold shoe mounts.

Pricing is a bit complicated, given the big discounts offered if you buy a yearly subscription ($49.99 per year) to the GoPro service. Nonsubscribers can get the kit for between $785 and $830, depending on where you shop around, and existing GoPro subscribers will pay $581.96. But new subscribers get another $50 off, so you can get the whole kit for $531.95 if you’re a total GoPro newbie. And if you don’t need all the perks of the Creator Edition, you can score the standard Hero 10 Black for as low as $349.

Aimed primarily at dedicated vloggers, the GoPro Hero 10 Creator Edition is a great purchase for a GoPro newbie or someone with a Hero 8 model or older. For those with last year’s Hero 9 model, the upgrade isn’t as compelling.

Beyond its toughness, it also has new smarts, thanks to the upgraded GP2 processor. GoPro says it offers twice the performance of the previous-generation processor, the GP1, and in our testing, it delivers. The GP2 offers an increase in image quality, capture speed, video stabilization, slow motion and just general zippiness to the camera’s responsiveness, which is a big deal when you’re trying to capture fast-moving subjects like kids, pets or you shredding some awesome powder on the slopes.

It can shoot up to 5.3K video (up from 5K in the Hero 9) at up to 60 frames per second (fps), 4K at up to 120 fps and at 1080p at a ridiculous 240 fps for super-slow-mo footage. The new processor also enables an upgraded HyperSmooth 4.0 stabilization function. In our testing, which did not include shredding anything, the digital video stabilization practically eliminated the need for a physical gimbal. The GP2 also boosts the resolution of still photos to 23 megapixels (up from 20 megapixels) and includes GoPro’s proprietary SuperPhoto setting with HDR.

The GP2 has sped up the front screen of the camera, which can be used for selfies and other POV shooting, giving you a 30 fps image with almost no lag (the Hero 9’s front screen was notoriously choppy). The back touchscreen, where you control the camera, is even better. While not quite as fast as an iPhone or Android touchscreen, it’s close. It feels responsive, and the GoPro menus are thoughtfully arranged, making navigation easy with a little practice. You don’t want to be hunting and pecking through laggy menus when you’re on the side of a mountain angling for the perfect shot.

You probably don’t need to shoot too many still photos, though. You can grab a 15.8-megapixel still frame from a 5.3K video or a 19.6-megapixel frame from a 5K 30 fps video.

The new processor also just speeds up the whole GoPro experience. It boots up quickly and is ready to capture content in a couple of seconds when you push the red shutter button on top. Taking and processing the photos feels super fast, and overall there’s very little waiting around for the palm-sized camera to crunch through millions of pixels.

The processor also speeds up offloads of photos and videos, with GoPro claiming a 30% increase in Wi-Fi speed to transfer photos to your phone, and it also offers a new USB wired option. Yes, you can finally plug a cable into your phone and Hero 10 and transfer content even faster.

Finally, there’s the GoPro subscription, which we feel is worth it. For $49.99 per year, you get unlimited cloud backup of all your images and videos, some advanced editing tools in the phone app, an automated backup whenever you plug your camera in and it’s on your home Wi-Fi network and a no-questions-asked replacement policy if you somehow destroy your Hero 10. This is a real peace-of-mind issue, and we feel that if you’re willing to plunk down $500-plus for an adventure camera that you’re going to dip in saltwater, take skiing, drop from great heights, etc., then you probably will want to protect the content you create with it (unless you’re seriously subscription averse). The $300 discount on the kit that comes with the GoPro subscription doesn’t hurt either.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a GoPro review without talking about the nigh unlimited number of accessories. In this case, however, we’ll limit ourselves to the Creator Edition, which includes not only the Hero 10 but also the Volta Battery Grip ($129.99), the Media Mod ($79.99), the Light Mod ($49.99) and a 32GB SD card (price varies based on where you buy it).

The Creator Edition is aimed at vloggers, livestreamers and those who don’t necessarily need to strap their GoPros onto energetic Labradors or something like that. It’s aimed at the influencer set, who live by the mantra “pics or it didn’t happen.” It’s an attractive bundle if that’s your jam, but the whole doesn’t necessarily add up to anything greater than the various parts.

The Media Mod is an external case for the Hero 10 with an included directional mic that GoPro says enhances voice capture. In our tests, we didn’t notice much difference between the Hero 10’s built-in mic and the Media Mod’s mic. It does offer an additional cold shoe mount on the side of the case for additional lights, mics or LCD screens, and it gives you an HDMI out port, a 3.5mm mic jack and a USB-C power port.

Finally, the Light Mod is, well, pretty much what it sounds like: a little LCD light with a diffuser cap that can produce three brightness settings, ranging from 20 lumens up to 200, along with a strobe setting. Interestingly, this light is also waterproof to 33 feet, which makes it an option for snorkeling or shallow scuba diving.

Without GoPro subscriber discounts, this whole kit will run you $760 if you buy them all separately. The Creator Edition lists for $834.94 on its website (presumably including the cost of the SD card) but is “only” $531.95 with a GoPro subscription. That’s a pretty good deal for a nearly complete portable filmmakers kit, but if we were picking and choosing, we’d probably forgo the Media Mod case and get the Volta battery grip and Light Mod separately.

Where the Hero 10 falls short is its built-in battery life. It uses the same batteries as the Hero 9, so if you have some of these lying around, you’re in good shape, but the higher video frame rates, like the 5.3K at 60 fps, will suck that battery dry in three to four hours. If you want to shoot a full day of high-intensity activity, you’ll want some charged spares (at $16 a pop) to have in your rucksack. GoPro offers a $24.99 Enduro battery that the company says increases recording time by 40% with a 13% faster recharge time.

Secondly, buying into the GoPro lifestyle isn’t cheap. While $580 for a complete filmmakers kit isn’t bad, you’re still on the hook for $50 per year to get that discount. You can, of course, sign up, pay the $50, then cancel, spending only $630 total for the Creator Edition, but in our opinion, while the yearly subscription isn’t cheap, the automatic backup and advanced editing functions in the phone app make it worth it.

In the end, the Hero 10 is a great purchase for a GoPro newbie or someone with a Hero 8 model or older. For those with last year’s Hero 9 model, the upgrade isn’t as compelling.

It used to be that if you wanted an action camera, you could choose between a GoPro… or a GoPro. Indeed, GoPro revolutionised if not INVENTED the action camera market and for a long time had the entire space all to themselves.

However, those days are now behind us and there are loads of GoPro alternatives available. The action camera market has expanded greatly and the competition has really got its act together in giving GoPro a run for its money.

So to help, we at Broke Backpacker have put together this epic guide for the best GoPro alternatives. In this bargain guide, we break down 12 unbelievable action cameras and show you why they’re great GoPro alternatives.

These are the 12 best GoPro substitutes on the market. Also, check out the end of the article where I highlight what the pros look for when buying an action camera. Some of the tips are next-level…#1 OCLU Action Camera – Best GoPro Alternative

Let’s be honest here, whilst some of these GoPro alternatives are great products, you really cannot beat the real thing. Just like with Coca Cola, the original GoPro is still the best and if you can stretch to it and find the extra bucks, may be a sound investment. A proper GoPro will serve you good for miles and miles and years and years of adventuring.

This may well be my favorite new camera I have tested this year. Why? It has all of the features I look for in a GoPro alternative and a few other unique features exclusive to OCLU.

The Live Cut features allow you to manage your clips on the go so that you only end up with the best shots when the shooting day is done. The camera integrates with a smartphone app, giving the user easy access to the different modes and settings. One can enjoy smooth image stabilization when shooting at 1080P @ 30 / 60 FPS – and let’s be honest most of us don’t need to be shooting at 4k all the time anyway.

At a fraction of the price of the current GoPro cameras, the Akaso Brave 7 LE is the latest and greatest model in the budget cam lineup from Akaso. For around $80, you get 4k recording, a remote control, dual-screen recording, and a couple of extra batteries to sweeten the deal. If you’re looking for an action camera that’s really on the cheap, then the Akaso Brave 4 LE is the best ultra-budget GoPro alternative out there!

A built-in electronic image stabilizer helps to eliminate shake and create smooth videos though the amount it does so is not as much as some other action cameras in this guide. The Akaso’s microphone is not as good as a GoPro model but over the last year, for this version of the latest Akaso camera, they have also improved the sound quality.

Construction-wise, the AkasoBrave 4 comes with a touchscreen in addition to the usual USB and HDMI ports. The camera is waterproof on its own up to 1m without a case or 30m with the included case

Thanks to its excellent construction, superb video quality, and the inclusion of several innovative features like voice recognition and informative overlays, the Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 is our choice for the best overall GoPro alternative!

Build-wise there’s little wrong with the Garmin VIRB Ultra 30. Without any extra accessories, the VIRB 30 is quite small and features a tough shell and equally resistant touchscreen.

Although not waterproof on its own, the Garmin VIRB becomes so with the addition of an external housing, which is rated at a maximum water depth of 131 feet. Amazingly, the touch screen and voice recognition controls still work with the housing installed.

In terms of video quality and recording, the Garmin VIRB Ultra delivers yet again. For the first time in the Garmin line, 4k recording possible and at 30 fps. There are several other recording options, like 1080p at 120fps, 720p at 240fps, etc. Video/image quality is superb with rich colors and excellent sharpness, perhaps even sharper than the most recent GoPro models.

The Yi 4k + can stand up to many GoPros and for almost half the price. With stellar 4k recording, a rugged touchscreen, and long battery life, this camera takes the award for best budget GoPro alternative.

On the flip side, the Yi 4k + does lack a lot of shooting modes found in GoPros though popular ones like slow-motion and time-lapses are still possible. Images taken from Yi 4k + are still very attractive and are surprisingly devoid of vignetting, chromatic aberrations, and other distortions. You can thank in-camera corrections for the lack of these tarnishes.

The Yi 4k + is built-in similar fashion to the GoPro – it’s tough, small, and somewhat utilitarian in aesthetics. What stands out though is the large touchscreen found on the back of Yi 4k +, which is where most of the camera’s settings are changed. Though responsive and gorgeous to look at, the touchscreen suffers in bright light. The inclusion of some additional mechanical controls would’ve been nice.

One of the greatest pluses to the Yi 4k + is its stellar battery life. It beats the GoPro HERO4 easily in recording times at all resolutions. The Yi 4k + can reportedly sustain 4k recording for over 90 minutes, which is fantastic.

Note that the Yi 4k + comes with no additional accessories, not even an underwater housing. You’ll have to buy everything separately, which may or may not feel defeating when buying this budget GoPro alternative.

The Sony FDR X3000R stuns with its excellent built-in image stabilization, top-of-the-line video quality, and a useful Live View Remote. Because of its stellar performance, we believe that the Sony FDR X3000R is the best premium GoPro alternative and worth the money for those willing to spend a little more.

Due to its bullet shape, the Sony FDR X3000R may not fit in the same places that smaller cubical action cameras could. The X3000R does come with a built-in tripod mount that is compatible with GoPro accessories though so there are still lots of mounting options. Note that the body itself is only splashproof and that an external case will be required for underwater use. With the case, this action cam is waterproof up to 197 ft.

The Garmin VIRB 360 offers very impressive optics. Notably, it can shoot 5.7k video, which is a greater resolution than the GoPro’s own 360 camera, the Fusion. 360 videos are crisp though still not as much as a traditional non-360 video (resolutions haven’t reached the point of rendering full 360 videos optimally yet). You can, of course, record regular 4k videos at 30 fps and 120fps at 720p with the VIRB 360, thus making it an effective action camera as well.

Build-wise, the VIRB 360 delivers in every way that Garmin action cam should. The camera is waterproof without a separate housing for up to 100 feet and is, overall, very durable. Control wise, the VIRB 360 is very straightforward, offering a series of physical buttons and an LCD screen for accessing in-camera menus.

Like the Yi 4k +, the SJCAM SJ7 Star takes much of what made GoPro successful and creates a more stripped-down, budget-friendly camera. With its competitive 4k recording and touchscreen, the SJCAM SJ7 Star is a solid competitor in the race for best action cam.

The majority of the camera’s settings and controls are found within the LCD menus that are accessed via the rear touchscreen. Though responsive, the rear touchscreen suffers from glare in bright lights, which is a common phenomenon. There is a settings button in addition to a power found at the front camera but that’s all.

Weighing in at under 2 ozs and measuring no more than an inch and half in every direction, the Polaroid Cube is one of the smallest GoPro alternatives that you can buy! With decent 1080p video recording and at a minuscule price as well, this action camera will appeal to lots of casual photographers and aspiring action camera users.

Given its size, the Polaroid Cube performs somewhat admirably. At 1080p the recording is not near the quality of some of the other cameras on this list. Take into account the diminutive sensor and a sluggish bitrate (8 mbps) and, overall, performance can be lackluster at times. In the proper conditions though – plenty of light, not too much action, etc – and the videos still look nice.

The Polaroid Cube has one button only that is used to take photos, start videos, and turn-on/turn-off the camera. There is no live view screen so you’ll be blind when shooting/recording (like the good ol’ days).

TomTom’s first foray into the action camera world is a successful one. Thanks to a rugged design, great usability, and compatibility with GoPro mounts, the TomTom Bandit is a great alternative to a GoPro and just barely misses accolades.

The TomTom shines because of its controls and connectivity. Between the on-camera buttons and the LCD viewing screen, setting up the Bandit is a snap. In-camera menus are also very easy to navigate and changing settings are very straightforward.

The Bandit’s video recording is quite good but not the best out there. 4k is possible but only at 15 fps. Users are probably better off shooting in 1080p or, if you’re looking for maximum fps, 720p at 120fps.

The Olympus Tough TG-Tracker is a bullet-shaped action camera. Unlike other bullet-shaped cameras on this list, the TG-Tracker is very light and weighs only 180 grams. This camera can easily fit in your pocket and, since it’s fully waterproof by itself, won’t get any bigger with the addition of a separate housing! You will need to mount a small waterproof cover for the lens to make it 100% waterproof though.

The Olympus Tough TG-Tracker is very straightforward and easy to use. There are multiple buttons on the camera body for changing settings and starting videos. The LCD screen flips out like most camcorders but cannot be rotated. A small LED light is also present for low light shooting.

Video quality is excellent with the Olympus TG-Tracker. All the usual bells and whistles of a good action camera are present – 4k, 240fps at 720p, and image stabilization – and these do a fine job. The 8 Mp sensor creates decent still images though they tend to be a little soft and lack contrast.

The FOV of the Olympus Tough TG-Tracker is a whopping 204 degrees, which is even wider than the GoPro. Some users find this angle to be a bit too much as fish eyeing is very present. You can change the FOV of the TG-Tracker in the on-screen menus though these are kinda buried deep.

At 24mm (FF equivalent), the Sony DSC-RX0’s FOV is much narrower than the usual action camera. Those who hate the fisheye effect that is present in action cameras will feel much better about the RXO’s tighter, more photographer-friendly framing. Obviously though, the Sony DSC-RX0 will not be able to capture those huge scenes, the likes of which has become popular with athletes who use GoPros.

Though the DSC-RX0’s optics feel more like a conventional camera, its construction is still purely action camera. The DSC-RX0 is tiny – around the size of a GoPro – and fully waterproof. There are several ports as well that can accommodate additional accessories like a microphone, HDMI cord, and small travel tripod.

The iSaw Edge is another budget-friendly alternative to the GoPro. Like many action cameras on this list, the iSaw Edge is built very similarly to the GoPro but is offered at a much lower price.

The iSaw Edge is built very well and rivals the GoPro in ruggedness and portability. The iSaw Edge is around the same size as the GoPro both in and out of its waterproof housing. When inside of the housing, the iSaw Edge is waterproof up to 130 feet.

Overall, the iSaw Edge is very easy to use. There are three physical buttons that are used for turning the camera off/on, shooting, and changing settings – these are all very straightforward and very useful. There is a touchscreen LCD screen as well but it suffers from the usual glare that afflicts such screens.

The iSaw Edge comes bundled with a plethora of accessories for mounting purposes. Should these not be sufficient, the Edge is compatible with GoPro accessories thus expanding you accessory library greatly.

For those looking for an extremely easy action camera to use that won’t break the bank either, the Olfi One.Five is one of the most accessible action cameras out there. With very comprehensive controls and at half the price of its primary competition, the Olfi One.Five is a great alternative to a GoPro.

One of the most appealing aspects of the Olfi One.Five is its very easy-to-use controls. There are only a few buttons on the body itself and an LCD screen, which, contrary to many cameras in this guide, performs quite well in direct sunlight. The in-camera menus are very straightforward and settings are modified with ease.

Buying an action camera or GoPro alternative, for that matter, is a slightly different experience than buying a regular DSLR. Though certain features are still taken into consideration – like sensor quality, size, weight, etc – more emphasis is put on other aspects.

Below I’ve created a list of things that one should consider when buying an action camera. Take them into consideration when choosing the right GoPro alternative for you.

The highest current video recording resolution is 4k. Several action cameras have the ability to shoot 4k and, though they shoot with fewer megapixels, these videos are still gorgeous to look at. If 4k is not possible, then nearly every action camera shoots at least 1080p (HD quality), speaking for the ones in this article at least. Think about whether or not 4k is necessary in the first place as well – if your videos are just put on a 1080p screen, then 4k is worthless.

Frame rate (FPS) is something else that one should consider when buying the best possible GoPro alternative. 30 fps is the standard for most cameras these days and is used most frequently. 25 fps, once the industry standard for cinematography, creates a lovely “motion picture” look. If one intends to catch some very intense action scenes or even slow-motion videos, then they’ll have to crank up the fps – 60 fps, 120 fps, and 240 fps are all becoming common features and will create smoother slow-motion videos as the fps increases.

The size and weight of an action camera is pretty straight-forward. The smaller and lighter it is, the more useful it is. Be careful when buying a cheap GoPro alternative – many are built from less reliable materials and are, thus, more prone to breaking.

Touch screens are becoming increasingly common and are usually quite useful. These eliminate the need to have and use manual controls on the camera. Of increasing occurrence are voice controls, which, though in their fledgling years and not totally effective yet, are still an inspiring step in the right direction.

All of those 4k and slow-motion video means jack if you’re camera runs out of battery after only a few moments. Nothing is more frustrating than filming some amazing, action-packed scene, only to have your action camera die right at the best part. How long the battery lasts for your GoPro alternative is thus one of the most important aspects that you need to consider.

Depending on your intended activity – i.e surfing, traveling with a drone, mountain biking – you’ll need to consider the size, weight, and shape of the camera as well and if the proper mount is available. Each brand produces its own mounts and accessories so be sure to check their catalogs. Some cameras may even be compatible with GoPro’s own extensive line thus poaching the competition. Several other third parties produce mounts and accessories as well that may be compatible with your GoPro alternative.

At the end of the day, it’s all about what you’re willing to spend on a GoPro alternative. Thankfully, action cameras come in many shapes and sizes these days and at many different price points. You can, with research, find the perfect action camera for you and at the price you want to pay.

So there you have them – the best GoPro alternatives of 2022! Over the course of 12 different action cameras, we’ve covered nearly every basis from more budget-friendly selections to upgrades to even a 360 camera. If you can take anything away from this guide it’s that, whilst GoPros are still good cameras, you don’t have to settle for them to take great adventure videos! Consider your options wisely and then invest in the perfect GoPro alternative for you.