A List of All the Types of GoPro You Can Buy Today

Trying to sort through all the different types of GoPro you can buy today and wishing you had a simple reference list? We’re here to help!

GoPro released its first action camera model in 2004 for $20, and it was strapped to your wrist! Today, there’s a mind-boggling number of GoPro choices available for purchase. GoPro dominates the action camera industry, with a market share of 89% in 2021.

News that GoPro is a dominant force in the action camera market isn’t exactly surprising. What is surprising is just how many of the “older” GoPro models are still available. Models stretching back time thirteen years in time are still available for purchase.

Is buying an older model a good choice for you? Do you need the latest and greatest? And what’s right around the corner in terms of GoPro releases? Is now a good time to buy a new GoPro? Let’s dig into the different types of GoPro available today and sort out what works best for you.

Different Types of GoPro: Side-by-Side Comparison

Different Types of GoPro: What’s the Difference?

GoPro models are (generally) split into three different categories: Black, Silver, and White.

• The Black Models are the “flagship” design of GoPro.
• The Silver Models are the “mid-range” design GoPro.
• The White Models are the “entry-level design GoPro.

Let’s look at the difference between each generation, sticking to the Black Flagship model generational improvements.

HERO3

Our Pick

GoPro HERO3

$229.99

• 5 MP photos with 3 FPS burst mode
• Wi-Fi compatible
• Integrated flat lense housing
• Waterproof

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09/19/2023 05:01 pm GMT

Five different models fall under the HERO3 Umbrella. The HERO3 models are larger in size than the previous model, so accessories from the HERO2 won’t fit the HERO3. There’s a brand new 12 MP sensor on the Black HERO3 edition.

Our Pick

GoPro HERO3+

$80.00

• Waterproof to 131 feet /40 meters
• 2x faster image processor 
• Enhanced low-light performance

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09/19/2023 05:01 pm GMT

HERO4

Our Pick

GoPro Hero4

$349.90

• Improved camera control
• Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support
• Waterproof
• 12MP photos at up to 30 frames per second

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09/19/2023 05:01 pm GMT

There is a Black and a Silver Edition of the HERO4.  The HERO4 has a 12 MP sensor and Bluetooth connectivity.  The video capture frame rate has doubled, and the battery performance improved from the HERO3.

HERO5

Our Pick

GoPro Hero5

$359.99

• 4K video and 12MP photos
• Waterproof to 33 feet
• 2-inch screen

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09/19/2023 05:01 pm GMT

The Black and Session models fall into the HERO5 bin. The models are now waterproof up to 30 feet. The HERO5 Black provides a maximum of 4K video recording with 30 frames per second (FPS).

Fusion

The Fusion has two cameras. The general concept is that one camera faces forward, and one camera faces backward. Separate output video files are integrated into a single video with the (included) GoPro software. The Fusion was discontinued in 2019 and replaced with the GoPro Max.

Max

Best for Action Shots

GoPro MAX

US$$399.00

• Three cameras in one (360-degree footage)
• Max HyperSmooth video stabilization
• Live streaming in 1080p quality across social media
• Six mics capture 360-degree audio

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09/20/2023 11:30 pm GMT

The GoPro Max is the 360-degree product line follow-up to the GoPro Fusion. The max has a single memory card and a touch screen, and users can preview the video they recorded. We’re still determining how well that will work for skiers wearing mittens!

HERO6

Our Pick

GoPro HERO6

$399.95

• 2x the performance compared to HERO5
• Advanced video stabilization
• Waterproof to 33 feet 
• Features touch zoom and an updated UI

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09/19/2023 05:01 pm GMT

The HERO6 and HERO fall into the HERO6 collection with a Black and budget model, “HERO.” The HERO6 introduced the first GoPro System on a chip (SOC), called the GP1. The GP1 improves the video contrast and increases the dynamic range. The GP1 adds complete video stabilization resulting in smoother playback.

HERO7

Our Pick

GoPro HERO7

$139.99

• 4K30 video
• Rugged and waterproof
• Features voice control
• ​10MP photos, video stabilization 

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09/19/2023 05:06 pm GMT

The HERO7 has three different models. A Black, a Silver, and a White model. The HERO7 Black improved the image stabilization and named it “HyperSmooth.” The GoPro HERO7 introduced live video streaming; a 720p live feed can be sent to a social media account via an internet-connected device. Your friend and family can watch you play in the garden!

HERO8

Our Pick

GoPro HERO8

$258.00

• 1.95-inch screen
• HyperSmooth 2.0
• TimeWarp 2.0
• New side door that makes changing batteries even faster

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09/19/2023 05:01 pm GMT

The HERO8 has one model, the HERO8 Black. The HERO8 Black improves the HyperSmooth function and renames it HyperSmooth 2.0. (We’ll see much more stability improvement functionality in future GoPro models based on the HyperSmooth software!)

Live Streaming video resolution is increased to 1080p from 720p on the GoPro HERO7. Unlike previous GoPro models, the HERO8 allows accessories to be connected directly to the camera (LEDs, microphone, LCD screen). Night-lapse video captures time-lapse videos at night.

HERO9

Our Pick

GoPro HERO9

$240.00

• 5K video, 20MP photo
• Front display plus rear touchscreen
• Live Streaming plus webcam
• HyperSmooth 3.0, TimeWarp 3.0
• Rugged and waterproof

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09/20/2023 03:30 am GMT

The HERO9 Black improves HyperSmooth to version 3.0. The maximum video output is 20M for still images and 5K for video. A front-facing display is added so you can see yourself on the camera during image collection.

As HERO9 users, we’ve found this feature to be both good and bad. It’s good we’re speaking to the camera so that we can “line up” our shots. It’s not so great when we have the camera out in public, and everyone in front of the camera can see that they’re in our shot. We tend to turn this feature “off” for most of our outdoor filming. Plus, it saves the battery!

HERO10

Best Performance

GoPro HERO10 Black

$249.00

• Powerful new GP2 engine
• Upgraded to 23MP photos and 5.3K video resolution
• 8x slo-mo at 2.7K
• HyperSmooth 4.0
• Better low-light performance and horizon leveling with a higher tilt limit
• Unlimited cloud storage with hassle-free auto upload

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09/19/2023 10:13 pm GMT

The HERO10, again, improves image stability. A new image processor, the G2, allows GoPro to improve the HyperSmooth function to version 4.0. Video can now be captured at 5.3K resolution with 23MP still images.

The HERO10 Black has the same external camera frame as the HERO9 (and the HERO11), allowing the accessories to be reverse-compatible.

HERO11

Best for Action Shots

GoPro HERO11

$349.00

• 5.3K video that gives you 91% more resolution than 4K
• Water-repelling lens cover
• 27MP photo and 5.3K60 video
• HyperSmooth 5.0, AutoBoost for maximum stabilization

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09/20/2023 02:13 am GMT

The HERO11 has three different types of GoPro.

• HERO11 Black:
  • Hypersmooth Function is improved to version 4.0.
  • Video resolution remains consistent at 5.3K, and the still image is improved to 27MP.
  • A new image sensor allows for video capture at an 8:7 aspect ratio. You’ll need to clean up the video in the post-processing on your laptop or cellphone with cropping. The same captured video can be edited for YouTube, Instagram Reels, or Tik Tok with different aspect ratios.
  • The 10-bit color output displays approximately one billion shades of color. Previous GoPro models have an 8-bit color or roughly 16.7 million shades of colors.
• HERO11 Black Creator Edition: The Creator Edition is the same camera as the HERO11 but includes a few new items:
  • Grip handle
  • Extra battery power
  • Single-hand control with camera buttons on the grip handle
  • Built-in tripod
  • Wireless remote: Control the GoPro from approximately 100 feet away
  • 3.5mm microphone input jack
• HERO11 Black Mini: The Mini is a smaller version of the Black model. The primary difference is the lack of a front and rear display. Fickle users may want to export the video data to a phone or laptop to verify that your shot is correct. The rest of us will slap this on a helmet, ski pole, or skateboard and “go.” The HERO11 Black Mini is designed for “on-the-go” applications.
  • The HERO11 Black Mini is an excellent choice for someone who plans to mount the camera in a stationary position (surfboard, motorcycle helmet, skateboard, dog collar, etc.) and has no plans to view the content on the GoPro itself. Point the camera at what you want to film and turn the camera on. Turn the camera off when you’re done. Edit the film on your cell phone.

Roadmap

GoPro systematically releases new action camera models in September each year. We’re expecting at least two new GoPro models to roll out in mid to late September. With a new model right around the corner and possible GoPro price slashing on older models, consider when you plan to make a purchase.

Can your purchase wait until fall? Is it time to jump on the GoPro wagon now before the seasonal outdoor activities kick off?

HERO12

GoPro is mum on the new HERO12 model’s performance specifications. Still, insiders predict the following:

• 32MP sensor
• 8K video
• HyperSmooth 6.0

MAX2 360

GoPro isn’t talking about the specifications of the GoPro MAX2, but they do have recent patent applications for the following features:

• Capture 5.3K 360-degree footage with a (maximum) 12-bit color. (WHOA!)
• Automatic Max2 360 camera software algorithm recognition (and automatic camera adjustment) for different types of scenes.
  • Here’s an example: Think of going for a walk, and you break into a run. The Max2 360 would automatically select the best imaging conditions on the fly and record the video with the best imaging conditions for your run. You stop running, and the camera switches modes again to best capture you gasping and wheezing.
•  Automatic recognition of animals, vehicles, motorcycles, and people. Automatic cropping to zero in on the object of interest in the frame.
• The GoPro Max 2 may also include automatic recognition of two-person filming and automatically perform an image magnification adjustment to zoom in on the person actively speaking.

Different Types of GoPro: Which One Is Better? Which One Should You Use?

Just because you can own and use almost any generation of GoPro for sale on Amazon or eBay doesn’t mean you should buy it! Older generations of GoPro may have artificially inflated prices due to the scarcity of the product. Truth be told, older isn’t necessarily better.

Older GoPro Models

Purchasing an older GoPro model isn’t a crime, but you should be aware of the generational performance limitations before plopping down your credit card. Beginning with the GoPro HERO6, software image stabilization was incorporated. (It’s a big deal.)

Your video will transition from a herky-jerky affair into a smoother, buttery performance with each generation of GoPro hardware and software improvements. If you plan to mount the GoPro as a stationary camera to use as a room monitoring device, and you can purchase it for dirt cheap, do it.

Newer GoPro Models

We own a GoPro HERO9 Black and use it every week. Jumping to a GoPro HERO10 Black from a GoPro HERO9 doesn’t make sense from a performance standpoint. The cost didn’t justify the upgrade. Jumping to the GoPro HERO10 from HERO8, or HERO7, makes sense. There’s enough of a video resolution improvement to justify the switch easily.

Jumping to the GoPro HERO11 from all HERO models, except the HERO10, makes sense. The new imaging sensor provides a massive performance improvement that allows for 10-bit color and 8:7 aspect ratio videos.

Overall, we recommend the GoPro HERO11 as the best bang for your buck. You’ll have future compatibility and a new processor to boot.

Different Types of GoPro: 5 Must-Know Facts

1. There is an exponential improvement in the image stability from older (HERO3, HERO4, HERO5, HERO6, HERO7) to newer (HERO8, HERO9, HERO10, HERO11) GoPro Models. Suppose you’re an active person and plan to use the GoPro for activities that involve movement (skiing, surfing, running, hiking, parachuting, etc.). In that case, you’ll appreciate the improved image stability with the current generation GoPro Models.
2. GoPro releases new models each fall, somewhere around mid to late September. Look for GoPro to drop the prices on the older models when the new model is released. It may be the same price to purchase a brand-new GoPro as buying an older model during this time. (No, we’re not kidding.) The price reductions don’t last for more than a month or two, so do pay attention!
3. The GoPro MAX has a 360-degree video image capture function when you turn on both cameras. It’s a great choice when you want to be completely immersed in your activity.
4. The GoPro HERO11 includes a new, larger sensor. The sensor improves the ability to capture colors from 8-bit to 10-bit. The GoPro HERO11 has shockingly good video stabilization.
5. Owning a GoPro with “higher” resolution capability equates to owning compatible audio/video equipment. Is your brand-new TV (and HDMI cable) up to the task? Are they also suitable for 6K? Do you have a big enough MicroSD card to record an entire day’s worth of action video? The higher the resolution and frame rate you shoot with equates to larger output video file sizes.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Aleksandrkozak/Shutterstock.com.