GoPro action cameras - which one to buy?

If you have planned a long, scenic bike ride, it's a good idea to take a camera with you. The views on a bike whiz by so quickly, and it's nice to capture fun moments. For comfortable pedaling and impeccable video quality, we recommend not relying solely on your phone camera but considering a separate category of cameras – action cameras, with the most popular representative being GoPro. These compact cameras have been tested by many cyclists and extreme sports enthusiasts and are definitely worth attention. In this article, we will review the most popular models and how to choose your own.

What Are Action Cameras?

The term "action camera" has caught on in Lithuania too – devices loved by athletes and travelers are called action cameras. This type of camera has transformed sports photography and videography: if sports stunts and movement used to be filmed from the side by professional videographers, action cameras have allowed athletes themselves to become operators. An action camera is one that participates in the action itself and allows you to see it from a first-person perspective, creating an immersive view.

GoPro: Manufacturer and Market Standard

The most famous and popular action cameras are GoPro. They have become so widespread that they have become synonymous with the whole category – in common speech, action cameras are often simply called "gopros." This California-based company has been making cameras for over twenty years – since 2002. During that time, the manufacturer has introduced several dozen different models and configurations, continuously improving the key elements of the camera – video recording quality, stabilizer performance, and battery life. Finally, the company has also created digital tools that allow GoPro owners to easily edit their footage, store it, and share it.

GoPro not only makes cameras – this manufacturer also offers various accessories, backpacks, and clothing for adventurers. The products are tailored to different groups of active people: surfers, divers, motorcyclists, pet owners, travelers, MTB cyclists, snowboarders, and more.

What Is a GoPro Camera?

The main distinguishing feature of GoPro from the very beginning was the camera's size. The company's founder, Nick Woodman, created a palm-sized digital camera for himself – to conveniently capture his surfing on the ocean. Athletes from other fields quickly appreciated his work, and thus GoPro action cameras became popular worldwide.

The GoPro camera stands out with its design – it is rectangular and extremely minimalist. These design choices are not accidental. All of the manufacturer's cameras are waterproof and can be used for diving, so the smooth surface ensures that water does not enter the construction or get damaged by other factors.

Another distinguishing feature of GoPro is the wide-angle lens, allowing you to capture a very large field of view. Some models even have 360-degree filming capability, allowing you to capture views in front, to the sides, and behind the camera with a single camera.

Popular GoPro Models

GoPro has already released more than ten generations of its classic Hero model. With each update, the company introduced better video quality and additional features, all in the same compact device. From ever-improving integrated screens to multiple improved sound recording and video stabilization – such is GoPro's transformation.

GoPro Hero 12 Black

The latest and most advanced GoPro model is currently the Hero 12 Black camera. It captures images in ultra-high 5.3K60 and HDR resolution and allows exporting 24.7MP photos from videos. For those seeking high-quality slow-motion functionality, GoPro has implemented eight times slow-motion recording capability in this camera. Those who have tested this camera highlight its main advantages: a particularly long-lasting battery, unmatched video stabilization, and long-duration "timelapse" capabilities. You can also film underwater up to 10 meters with this camera, and enhance your filming with various accessories for professional filming.

GoPro Hero 11 Black

The GoPro Hero 11 Black is very similar to the 12th generation model: its camera is just as capable and has similar technical parameters. You can buy it for a lower price, but note that it differs from the latest model by having a slightly shorter battery life and weaker video stabilization capabilities. It also has a GPS function, which GoPro removed from the 12th generation model.

GoPro Hero 10 Black

The GoPro Hero 10 Black model, released in 2021, differs from its predecessors with its powerful GP2 processor, which is still used today – this processor allows recording high-quality and high-frame-rate content. The main drawback of this model compared to later models is the sensor. Due to the smaller sensor, this camera does not capture 8:7 video, but it still allows exporting 19.6 MP quality photos.

GoPro MAX

The GoPro MAX is from a different camera line than the Hero models. With it, you can capture GoPro Hero-style videos, but the real strength of this camera is the high 6K resolution 360-degree spherical videos and live streaming settings for vlogging. This camera also records stereo sound – it has 6 microphones for that. The MAX is a slightly larger GoPro model, so adjusting video and other settings on the touch screen is particularly convenient.

How Much Do GoPro Cameras Cost?

The price of GoPro cameras varies depending on the chosen model. For example, you can get older GoPro models for just over 200 euros, while the latest models without accessories will cost you 400–500 euros. When you buy a GoPro, you get more than just a camera – this manufacturer also offers software and cloud storage for conveniently exporting and managing your videos. You can buy cameras in bundles with accessories or purchase accessories separately, depending on where and how you plan to use the camera.

GoPro cameras and friendly price offers – in our online store and physical location at J. Baltrušaičio g. 1, Vilnius.