When it comes to action cameras, there is only one name that rises to the top. GoPro has all but made itself a verb in the action camera space. As the go-to option for anyone looking for a camera to use while biking, snowboarding, or mountain climbing, the GoPro Hero11 is the answer.
Ever since GoPro first introduced the world to action cameras, they have upped their game year after year. The difference between the original GoPro models and the GoPro HERO11 is just outstanding. More importantly, the quality level of the GoPro HERO11 has gotten so good, that it’s more than just an action camera. You can (and should) use it as a regular everyday camera for vlogging, capturing vacation memories, and more.
With this in mind, let’s look at a full list of reasons why buying a GoPro HERO11 today is a great idea.
- Extra-large canvas
- Water-repelling lens cover
- Emmy Award-winning hyper smooth stabilization
- 5.3K video quality
What Is the GoPro HERO11?
On September 14, 2022, GoPro introduced three new camera models as part of the GoPro HERO11 announcement. With larger sensors, improved HyperSmooth video stabilization, and better battery performance, all three cameras were immediately class-leading. The most popular and versatile model in GoPro’s lineup, the HERO11 Black is the centerpiece of this launch.
The HERO11 Black Creator Edition is the “regular” GoPro HERO11 on steroids. This is the exact camera you want for vlogging or filmmaking. It comes equipped with a long-lasting battery grip, which gives you over 4 hours of battery life. You also receive a directional microphone, external mic input, and high-output LED lighting.
There is also one more model in the form of the HERO11 Black Mini. Unlike the other two GoPro HERO11 models, the mini lacks displays but does offer a one-button design.
Now that you know more about the HERO11 lineup, let’s dive deeper into the reasons you should own one of these models.
Reasons to Buy a GoPro HERO11
#1: Outstanding Video Quality
In the action camera space, there are few competitors that can hope to compete with GoPro’s video quality. In the case of the HERO11, video quality is just that good. By adding 5.3K/60 FPS, 4K/120 FPS, or even 2.7K at 240 Hz, you can safely expect excellent video recording. Whether it’s an action shot or capturing an underwater diving experience, you’ll have fantastic recorded memories to enjoy forever. Even slow-motion capturing is second to none in the action camera space.
Best of all, you can shoot in an 8:7 aspect ratio, which gives you the opportunity to be more flexible should you want to crop your video down the road. Between all of the settings you have within the GoPro HERO11, there is just so much you can do with the video quality. Connecting to the smartphone app provides even more features, all of which can be used by someone with beginner or expert-level experience.
#2: Creative Shooting Modes
Wait, there’s more, as you can create even more exciting results from the HERO11. Using its excellent video quality, you can capture Timewarp (time-lapse) videos or use its new night modes. Between Star Trails, Light Painting, and Vehicle Light Trails, there is something really wonderful about the GoPro’s small size.
With light painting, you can create brushstroke effects with moving lights, which works great with things like fireworks. For star trails, you can take a popular camera shot that often takes hours with other cameras.
Finally, vehicle light trails enable you to set up your HERO11 on a roadway and watch as various headlights create one of the famous long-tail headlight shots. All three of these modes offer something GoPro hasn’t done before and it’s also a feature set you’d be hard-pressed to compete with in a similarly-sized camera.
- All-in-One creative solution
- High-Res photos + videos
- Includes battery grip, remote, and tripod
- Video can be played back in slow motion for better editing
#3: Smartphone App
By downloading the GoPro Quik app, the official smartphone app for the HERO lineup, you can do quite a bit with your videos. Whether it’s enhancing your videos with different filters or music, or controlling your GoPro HERO11 remotely, it’s very feature-rich.
Best of all, you can easily share content you have captured directly with others or straight to your social media channel of choice. This is great news for vloggers and content creators or just the regular vacationer who wants to show off a new experience to friends and family.
Some good news too for Mac owners who should have a dedicated Quik app in the near future. Of all the action camera companies around today, GoPro, with its Quik app, is the one most willing to give its users exactly what they want. Having the ability to quickly shoot and share is the world we live in today and GoPro is meeting its users exactly where they want to be.
#4: Dual Screens
For both the GoPro HERO11 Black and Black Creator Edition, making use of the dual screens is really awesome. On the front, you have a 1.4-inch LCD lag-free display that is perfect for making sure you are perfectly framed. For vloggers and content creators, this is incredibly valuable to make sure you only need to shoot content just once.
On the rear of the HERO11, you will find a 2.27-inch touch-sensitive LCD display. It’s here that you will be able to quickly adjust all of your camera’s settings. You can update different recording quality, check battery life, take a picture, or playback what you just captured.
With heavy-duty glass to protect the camera screens, the GoPro HERO11 makes it super easy to frame up all of your shots using the different displays.
©Kenishirotie/Shutterstock.com
#5: HyperSmooth Stabilization
Introducing HyperSmooth 5.0 with the GoPro HERO11, there is just something that makes it fantastic at keeping the horizon level while recording. Everyone has been there while walking or running with a camera and it bounces all over the place. With HyperSmooth 5.0, you can jog a mountain trail or bike down a mountain path and the horizon will remain steady every time.
There is no doubt this is just awesome technology and GoPro’s HyperSmooth technology has led the way. In fact, it’s been so successful that other manufacturers including Apple with the iPhone 13 have made attempts to recreate this horizon lock on other devices. It’s an incredibly handy way to make sure you capture footage that is useful and won’t make you lose your lunch.
At the time of its release, online reviewers almost universally described HyperSmooth 5.0 as the best stabilization feature ever tested.
#6: Fantastic Photos
There is little question most people look at the HERO11 with video capturing in mind. Given its outstanding video quality, this stands to reason. However, overlooking the HERO11’s photo quality would be a definite mistake. Capable of capturing high-resolution photos at 27 megapixels (24.7 megapixels for videos), these photos are just terrific.
Whether it’s for sharing online or for printing and framing at home, the GoPro HERO11 excels at photo taking. The GoPro hasn’t always been known for its photo quality, so to see the results with the HERO11, it’s clear GoPro has prioritized this capability.
Should you want to edit all of your photos in RAW, as many professional photographers prefer, the HERO11 shoots in RAW mode. This gives you, the photographer, every opportunity to tweak, edit, and manipulate photos as much as your heart desires.
#7: Compact Size
Measuring only 72 x 51 x 34mm in size, you rightfully expect the GoPro HERO11 to be small. Weighing only 154 grams, the HERO11 doesn’t disappoint with its compact size. It fits right in the palm of your hand. Somehow, even with its small size, GoPro still manages to fit in a 1/1.9-inch CMOS sensor for photo and video capture.
Plus, there is room for a 1720mAh battery, which is just large enough to capture photos and videos while you are on a ski lift and then tumbling downhill. The bottom line is that GoPro continues to do wondrous things year after year with its camera. Thankfully, the HERO11 is no exception all while maintaining a pocket-friendly, go-anywhere design.
#8: Go Under Water
If your next vacation is an underwater adventure, the HERO11 is ready for you. The camera’s hardware can go underwater up to 33 feet below the surface. This is more than enough depth to capture an entirely different world. Everything from shark encounters to coral reefs is now available to you as memories that will last a lifetime. Perhaps it’s something even more memorable, like capturing your child’s first day in the pool or some other “first.” Regardless of what, it’s the ability to jump headfirst into a pool or ocean that helps make the HERO11 such a great addition to your camera collection.
- 5.3K60 Ultra HD video
- HyperSmooth 5.0 video stabilization
- Very easy operation
- Award-winning in-camera sensor and software stabilization
#9: Not So Evil Subscription
Like it or not, subscriptions are everywhere these days. While it might be moan-inducing to add yet another subscription on top of your already growing list, the GoPro subscription makes sense. For starters, the subscription cost is 50% off for the first year at $24.99 and then $49.99 thereafter.
What you get for this subscription is a no-questions-asked policy for a camera replacement in case of damage. You also get, and this is the kicker, unlimited cloud storage. As file sizes can quickly outgrow your memory cards, having the ability to upload your photos to a cloud service for this cheap is really great. Compare GoPro’s pricing to something like DropBox or Google Drive, which will cost you well over $100 per year for not-so-unlimited cloud storage.
Finally, you get up to 50% off on products and accessories at GoPro.com on top of a $100 discount on your first purchase when you renew your subscription. Subscribers also get all of the premium features with the Quik editing program on Android, iPhone, and coming soon to Mac.
Reasons to Buy a GoPro HERO11 Summary
| Summary |
|---|
| #1: The GoPro HERO11 has outstanding video quality with up to 5.3K resolution at 60 FPS. |
| #2: There are multiple creative shooting modes for HERO11 owners. |
| #3: The Quik smartphone app for HERO11 owners is feature-rich and can help make fantastic video edits. |
| #4: Dual screens on the GoPro HERO11 Black are great for creators. |
| #5: HyperSmooth 5.0 stabilization is a best-in-class experience for horizon leveling. |
| #6: As good as videos are, photos from the 27-megapixel lens look terrific. |
| #7: The compact size of the GoPro HERO11 makes it easy to fit in a pocket or bag. |
| #8: Having the ability to go underwater extends the use cases of the HERO11. |
| #9: The inexpensive subscription offers enough features to justify the cost. |
Wrapping Up
When it comes to action cameras, there is no better option on the market today than the GoPro HERO11. Its combination of value, video, and photo quality, plus different shooting modes all make it a standout action camera. GoPro has made it so the HERO11 offers a ton of features without increasing the cost. At the end of the day, if you need a pocketable camera that captures just about everything, there is only one choice.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Photo by Cyrus Crossan on Unsplash.
