GoPro just launched a more budget-friendly version of its popular action camera. The Hero is available now for £199 / $199 / €219 / AU$299.
GoPro Hero highlights
- Image quality: HD Video (1440p60 and 1080p60) and 10MP photo
- 2-inch touch display
- Voice control: start and stop recording, take a photo, turn off
- Waterproof: 30 feet / 10M
- Video stabilization: smooth out the shakes
- Smartphone compatible: via GoPro app (sold separately)
- Body and gear mountable: compatible with 30 GoPro mounting accessories
GoPro states the Hero is a better way to capture and share videos than a smartphone for a few reasons. In addition to being waterproof for up to 33 feet / 10 meters, it can be housed in a GoPro case for extra durability and mounting options.
GoPro Hero compared to the Hero6 Black and Hero5 Black
Despite the lower cost, the Hero comes with many of GoPro's marquee features, such as a 2-inch touchscreen, voice activation, and video stabilizing.
All three cameras share the same WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity and fast charging.
Plus, according to GoPro, all of its seemingly endless mounting options are compatible with the base-level camera.
What's the difference then? It comes to down to image quality. The Hero records in 1,080p at 60 frames per second, while the mid-range Hero5 Black steps up to 4k video at 40fps, and the top-end Hero 6 Black captures video in 4k at 60fps.
Photo capture for the Hero is less as well. The Hero snaps 10 megapixel images and has 10 frames per second burst mode. The two pricier cameras record 12mp images and have a 30fps burst capability.
GoPro cameras are available now and can be purchased from GoPro's site.