The moment we say Action Camera there is one brand pops up on top of the list and that is GoPro. Well this is not about the company or the brand but all about what they deliver – yes it’s about action cameras and in particular their Hero7 Black which was once their flagship camera. While they have already released their flagship camera Hero9 Black, this camera continues to remain favorite with sports and adventure enthusiasts.
We thought before we get into a detailed review of GoPro Hero9 Black, it is important to share detailed review of this powerhouse Hero7 Black.
Specifications
Video: 4K at 60, 2.7K at 120, 1440p at 120, 1080p at 240 and more
Photo: 12MP
Burst: 12MP at 30 fps
Time Lapse Video: At 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 30, 60 second intervals
Timewarp Video: 2x, 5x, 10x, 15x, 30x video
Waterproofing: 10 metres underwater without the case, 30 meters underwater with the case
Screen: Intuitive 2" LCD Touchscreen
Stabilisation: HyperSmooth Video Stabilization up to 4K at 60
HDR: SuperPhoto Auto HDR Photo Enhancement
Live streaming: Yes
Vertical Portrait Mode: Yes for Instagram
With the release of Hero9 Black, GoPro has revamped its product line up which positions this Hero7 Black at entry level. What is most interesting is that what was once a flagship camera is not an entry level in the product line-up of GoPro. So let fine out why it’s still one of the favorites with GoPro fans and users.
Key Features
4K Video @ 60p
HyperSmooth Stabilisation
Live-Streaming on Facebook
GoPro decided to continue with their signature body design and size but still pack in some additional impressive features. The camera body itself is waterproof till 10 meters and when you use it with camera housing (optional), you can take it upto 30 meters. In terms of mounts, you can use both GoPro branded and third party mounts which makes the list very wide.
Hero7 has 12MP Sensor. It can shoot videos at 4K 60fps. It can also shoot Full HD at 240fps (max) for a footage which is slowed down by 8X.
One great feature of Hero7 is that it easily adapts to the portrait orientation mode. All you need to do is to turn the camera in portrait mode. This is a wonderful feature keeping in mind the popular Instagram reels.
Two of the best and most talked about features of Hero7 are HyperSmooth and TimeWarp Video.
HyperSmooth
This is by far one of the best features of Hero7. As a first, GoPro used a combination of hardware and software over just optical stabilization to achieve super smooth image stabilization. It is so smooth that you do not feel the need of a gimbal. HyperSmooth can be used even with video footage settings at 60fps (full resolution). However standard stabilization works when shoot Full HD at 120fps and 240 fps.
You can the HyperSmooth capability in the following video footage:
TimeWarp
Another unique feature is its ability to create TimeWarp Videos. TimeWarp is actually a handheld time lapse video. GoPro uses its two features namely Time Lapse and HyperSmooth to allow you to capture TimeWarp. Yes, you got it right, it’s nothing but a handheld, yet super smooth time lapse video.
You have an option to choose different speeds like 5x, 10x, 15x or even 30x. To choose your choise of speed, its better to record at all and decide.
You can check both HyperSmooth and TimeWarp video footage here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9KDqfpCgws
Voice Control
This allows you to go hand free and use voice commands to let camera perform a function. It can recognize upto 16 commands which include commands like “GoPro, take a photo”, “GoPro, turn on” or “GoPro, start video recording”.
Super Photo
Super Photo is almost like HDR where the camera uses local tone mapping and noise reduction to create excellent images even in low light conditions.
Photo Quality
Hero7 Black can capture 12 Megapixel images. You can shoot both in JPEG and RAW format. Even though the sensor is small (1/2.3 inches), the image quality is good. In good lighting conditions it creates images that are sharp, crisp and have edge to edge details. For low light you can always use Super Photo feature.
It has a wide option which tends to distort images if shot from close distance.
Connectivity and Live Streaming
You can use GoPro App on Android and iOS to transfer photos and videos. As a first for GoPro, this camera has a unique feature of going live on Facebook directly from the camera. For this you will need to connect your smart phone to the camera. Camera uses smart phone data connection to stream live. The live stream max resolution is 720p.
Accessories
The best part about Hero7 Black is that it is compatible with all old GoPro accessories along with multiple third party accessories as well.
Final Verdict
After the launch of Hero9 Black, this camera has become their entry level action camera which means it offers a great value for money. Its unique features like HyperSmooth and TimeWarp make is almost a go to camera in action camera line up across all brands. Let’s point out what goes for it and what goes against before we share our final verdict.
FOR
Wonderful 4K Video Quality
HyperSmooth is actually super smooth
TimeWarp makes it real fun for travel vloggers and content creators
UI enabled portrait mode is very useful again
Live Streaming at 720p on Facebook is a boon for vloggers
Super Photos gives good quality photos in low light
Value for money
AGAINST
Touch screen is slightly glitch
Voice commands can fail at times
So if you are looking for an action camera which offers best in class features at low price option within GoPro product lineup, then this is the camera for you. Its unique features, high video and photo quality make it a great option. However, if you are price conscious and are ready to compromise on top end features, there are other options available which you can buy at a much cheaper rate. You can buy it at https://futureforward.in/gopro-hero7-black