GoPro Hero 7 Black is the latest flagship that dominates the action camera market, replacing its predecessor. It is one of the hottest and trending action cameras featuring a wide range of usability, mounts, video quality and of course image stabilization that makes it the best all-round action camera for beginners and experienced users.
Since its launch, many customers described GoPro Hero 7 as one of the best action cameras. It even rivals the latest Osmo Action released by DJI. While the GoPro Hero 7 Black features similar functions to Hero 6. It incorporates the latest changes such as improved water resistance. Furthermore, this camera is one of the world-class leading gadgets in electronic image stabilization. It comes with a wide range of mounting accessories that make it easy to install inside your car or even a biking helmet.
However, two major differences make the GoPro Hero 7 black unique. It has a built-in microphone which is completely redesigned to improve audio. Plus, it features jet black paint that makes this action camera much more appealing to the audience. Not to forget to mention that GoPro Hero 7 Black brings a whole lot of features including the Hypersmooth, improved image stabilization system and of course Time Warp.
This action camera allows you to Livestream in real-time directly to your Facebook page is one of the shining examples that shows GoPro is pushing its current iteration to the limits. It still holds the place as the major action camera contender nowadays. Check out why the customers are buying GoPro Hero 7 Black and see what it has to offer for you:
Advantages
- Precise stills and detailed videos.
- A broad range of accessories and mounts that makes it easier to use the action camera.
- The enhanced audio quality for better content experience.
- Integrated live streaming.
- Improved electronic image stabilization, providing smoother animation.
- Improved water resistance.
Disadvantages
- Can overheat on 4K videos.
- Sometimes sluggish when in use with the high-resolution setting.
Accessories
There are a ton of accessories that you can use with the GoPro Hero 7 Black. Certain parts help improve the Hypersmooth stabilization system. While carrying a portable battery pack lets you maximize the action camera during the trip without the need to recharge. The charging cradles like GoPro Dual Battery Charger, for instance, is a great tool that store charged batteries.
Settings
The GoPro Hero 7 Black action camera has received a series of tweaks in its software menus. First, there is a new short clips button that combines all the video options. Which is a major improvement? This feature lets you limit the recording to either 15 or 30 seconds. Although, some customers think the setting bar on GoPro Hero 6 is clearer compared to the latest iteration.
Another important mode is called Protune which squeezes the most out of the action camera. It allows you to tweak settings around like exposure, sharpness and even ISO ranges. This enables you to create well-composed images and videos at a professional level.
Additionally, you will have a choice between a regular profile or color correction. This setting allows you to grade the footage that usually is done via Adobe Photoshop and Pro Premier. If you are not a professional, clips that captured during the action are fine too.
However, there are restrictions that you should keep it in mind when using a 4K UHD resolution setting. The 4K UHD setting doesn’t have a horizontal field of view, which is a bit unfortunate. It captures the footage with a fisheye appearance. Plus, this setting will cause the GoPro Hero 7 Black to get hot quickly. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you don’t use it frequently.
Design
If you are familiar with the GoPro Hero 5 and Hero 6, you will notice there are similarities in Hero 7. Those who hope that this action camera is going to be redesign will be disappointed. GoPro Hero 7 Black also marks a change in its color from traditional gray to black.
Because it is called GoPro Hero 7 Black, there are two different versions including Gray and Sliver that have much lower specifications and quality. The microphone has been improved greatly that captures audio much better. At the same time, it minimizes the vibrating sound caused by movements such as hiking or biking.
GoPro also includes several corrections like reducing the shakiness and improving the quality of footage as well as tuning the color quality for a better deliverable. If you are ever frustrated by not having the ability to live stream on your social media platforms and the answer to that question is yes. However, these upgrades are the latest changes that show GoPro Hero 7 Black is creeping closer in an attempt to replace the phone cameras.
Connectivity
The live-streaming feature can be set up via a GoPro app. Users like you can decide who to share with several options from only yourself, with friends or the public. Sharing your media is only offered in two resolution settings: 480p or 720p. Live-streaming can be connected via your mobile phone hotspots or over a Wi-Fi network.
With a battery life of around two hours, it is more than enough for providing steady streaming in 1080P @ 30 FPS setting. It puts GoPro Hero 7 Black on par with the rest of the action cameras. However, shooting at 4K UHD is rather restrictive due to short battery life up to 45 minutes.
If the action camera starts to overheat, it will shut down and becomes usable after cooling down for 35 minutes. It is not uncommon for action cameras to overheat. Large cameras usually have built-in 30 minutes restrictions especially for recording the footage at 4K UHD resolution setting. Charging time takes approximately an hour to recharge after depleting the battery pack.
Performance
While GoPro Hero 7 Black easily has the best performance in the category. It isn’t free of any issues that it brings to the table. For instance, it freezes sometimes when you are scrolling the footage. Some customers find that for the most part are functions fine as the way it is supposed to be. Although, few customers are frustrated with the touchscreen controls being unresponsive sometimes.
While it is true that small cameras do present a few usability issues. GoPro Hero 7 Black is much easier to use than most of the action cameras in the market. It has voice-control that allows a completely hands-free experience. To start recording, simply say, “GoPro, start recording.”
The new Hypersmooth is quite impressive by a mile that easily beats the GoPro Hero 6. It is the new electronic stabilization that packs the punch for an ultra-smooth content. While it eliminates shakiness from handheld footage, it isn’t fully infallible. On a go-kart track riding or mount biking, it will likely face some shakiness.
In certain aspects, the new Hypersmooth doesn’t make it any better compared to the GoPro Hero 6 built-in stabilization system. The company also addressed the jello-effect issue that has been resolved. Thus, there was no disputation which is a huge bonus over its predecessors.
Performance Continued
Time-lapse videos run the best if the action camera is placed in a static position. As the footage can get a little jerky at some time. If you are on a solo journey, Time Warp makes an excellent option. It speeds up journeys like hiking and biking. Not to mention that they are also incredibly popular on Instagram and can be used to grab some likes and followers.
The integrated microphones do an awesome job of minimizing external factors such as wind noise. But to capture the audio like music concerts and live gigs, an external microphone is recommended to capture high-quality sounds. Overall, this action camera has a much better audio quality compared to other gadgets.
Its built-in 1-CMOS sensor and 12-megapixels beautiful capture images in proper lighting with clear details. Especially if you are using the HDR mode. However, if you capture stills with this action camera. It does look similar to the pictures captured by smartphones. The main advantage is that the GoPro Hero 7 Black is waterproof up to 10 meters deep. Which makes it the perfect option for a travel camera.
While it is unlikely that those who own GoPro Hero 6 will upgrade to this action camera. If you are looking for a quality action camera that is waterproof and can be stored easily with awesome capabilities to capture beautiful shots at various angles. The GoPro Hero 7 Black is the best candidate to choose from. Even though it is a small upgrade from its predecessor. It hosts a wide range of features including improved stabilization and usability that makes it one of the best action cameras for beginners.
Image Quality
In the back of the action camera, it features a two-inch touchscreen that is slightly yellow compared to its predecessor. Although, it is brighter and sharper than offers quick shot previews. In addition to that, the quality of the video is great. It is no different from the GoPro Hero 6 in terms of color quality and dynamic range. Mainly because it uses the same sensor size, lens, and data processors.
However, the main core upgrades are improved video stabilization and better color tuning. At the first look, the footage might appear as “warmer” than what the predecessors used to. But it has awesome capabilities to handle outdoor footage to deliver rich and detailed vibrant content.
While there isn’t a lot of upgrades specifically for image quality. GoPro made a few tweaks that make it both exciting and engaging for all users. The improved stability is a major factor that saves a lot of time and memories from winding up in the dumpster.
Features
The new Hypersmooth is the king of GoPro Hero 7 Black. It is an improved version of the electronic image stabilization that the GoPro Hero 6 uses. It can run even in 4K UHD resolution, delivering ultra-smooth footage with crisp details. GoPro even went ahead and claimed that it is equivalent to the Karma Grip.
However, the new Hypersmooth doesn’t have optical stabilization as it is done electronically. The images are cropped by 5% which has the benefit of giving this action camera some room to minimize vibration with its built-in gyroscope.
This feature consumes more memory and utilizes the GPI processor heavily. Which is a major improvement if you are handheld the action camera often. But the Karma Grip is much smoother. Time Warp is a new time-lapse feature that uses the stabilization function. It isn’t a new idea but this feature is executed well which makes it very fun to use.
Features Continued
Another new feature is called SuperPhoto, which acts like the “Super-Auto” mode. It changes the settings based on the scene and automatically detects smiles, faces, and scenes that are integrated into this model. Furthermore, it adjusts the white balance automatically. The SuperPhoto mode is perfect for beginners who want to capture stills while the action camera adjusts automatically to provide optimal settings for excellent shots.
As mentioned previously that it has improved built-in microphone which captures audio better. The integrated live-streaming is a major feature upgrade that allows you to stream directly on your social media platforms. It is an improvement that doesn’t impact the action camera’s overall performance. This is an example of why GoPro easily dominates the action camera market despite its minor flaws.
Ergonomics
The GoPro Hero 7 Black comes with a rubberized finish. It is less grippy compared to GoPro Hero 6. But the buttons for powering on the camera and recording are still on the same side. It can be a little frustrating especially if you accidentally power off the action camera. Regardless, the short clip is a simple, yet useful tool when you give your GoPro to someone else to take shots for you.
You can rest at ease because accidental shots are eliminated that allow you to conserve the memory cards for more special moments. Along with that, it has an awesome selection of video shots including Protune and manual controls. Which makes it very easy to fine-tune GoPro Hero 7 Black and get very creative.
Key Features
- Integrated live-streaming function.
- Can records at 4K UHD / 60 FPS and 1080P HD / 240 FPS
- Slow-Motion Mode / Time Warp Mode
- 12MP Camera with improved HDR Toning.
- Waterproof up to 10 meters deep.
Bottom Line
Before we wrap up the GoPro Hero 7 Black review. Let’s recap what we talk about and whether we recommend it or not. We think the GoPro Hero 7 Black is one of the best action cameras for beginners, especially for drones. Of course, some customers think that smartphone cameras are inherently a better option given how powerful they have become in recent years that makes action cameras less desirable.
But GoPro Hero 7 Black continues to find its place in the age of smartphone cameras. It incorporates several features that make it incredibly popular and useful. Examples such as built-in live streaming, Slow Motion, and 1080P HD / 240 FPS. Plus, a ton of accessories to choose from that makes it one of the easiest action camera to use.
Using the touchscreen can be a little challenging in the beginning. But when it comes to usability, the Hero 7 Black is much more user-friendly. If you are one of those who don’t want to spend time deleting worthless shots. This action camera has a useful editing option called GoPro Quik app.
Thanks to its new Hypersmooth feature, it is even easier than ever to capture smooth and precise footages. Furthermore, it doesn’t need a waterproof case that gives it a competitive edge over other action cameras. Likewise, the new and improved audio quality is absolutely a must-have feature. You can order GoPro Hero 7 Black here.
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