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The GoPro camera has become extremely popular – offering great image quality while still allowing the consumer maximum mobility and freedom. But there are also an overwhelming amount of models out there, and the last thing you want to do is waste your hard-earned money.
So we did hours of research, tested a variety of models, and aggregated tens of thousands of online reviews. After extensive testing, we were able to find the best GoPro on the market. Here are our top picks.
Our Top Pick
GoPro HERO 7
The HERO 7 is the cream of the crop when it comes to action cameras. With over 800 glowing online reviews, and a near-perfect score – it has every feature you could dream of. The HyperSmooth mode and video quality are absolutely incredible, and you will be hard-pressed to find a better mobile camera (especially at this price point).
Other Great Picks
GoPro HERO 6
With over 700 glowing reviews, the HERO 6 is an incredible camera. It offers great video quality, extreme ease of use, and durability. The 4K video is stellar, as is the battery life. Kayaking, diving, bungee jumping – whatever it is, the HERO 6 will deliver perfect picture quality and performance.
GoPro HERO 5
The HERO 5 is now a little outdated, but it is still a great camera. With over 1,600 online reviews – it is truly beloved, for capturing intense action scenes. The 4K video is stunning, and the ease-of-use is great. Perfect for mountain biking, skiing – anything you can imagine.
GoPro HERO 4
With over 2,300 glowing reviews, the GoPro HERO 4 is a stellar camera, that helped start the movement. Now that there are newer models, the price has come down quite a bit – making it even easier for anyone to join the action camera revolution. Highly recommended.
What Is A GoPro?
GoPro is a California-based company known for leading the industry in the design and production of action cameras. An action camera is a lightweight compact camera that uses wide-angle lenses to capture movement and the surrounding environment better than traditional video recorders and cameras.
While GoPro is technically the name of a brand, it has also become synonymous with action cameras. Much the same way you might refer to adhesive bandages as Band-Aids or tissues as Kleenex, the term GoPro is often used to refer to action cameras.
GoPro owes much of its popularity to its convenience and simplicity. The cameras are small and very durable so you can take them anywhere without the fear breaking or damaging them. They are also easy to use and come in various models so there is a camera for anyone.
What Is A GoPro Used For?
While the original GoPro camera was designed by GoPro founder, Nick Woodman, to capture footage of himself surfing, the versatile action cameras are now being used for many different purposes. You don’t have to be an extreme sports enthusiast to get use from a GoPro these days.
You can record yourself playing sports, track the daily adventures of your household pet, shoot demonstrations of yourself doing activities like cooking, or make vacation movies of all the places you visited. Need a webcam, yes, you can use your GoPro for that. Want to use it as a point and shoot camera, go for it.
GoPros are designed with functionality in mind and are light, small, and can be taken nearly anywhere. There are no limits to what you can do with a GoPro camera. If you can think of it, you can most likely use the GoPro for it.
Are GoPro Cameras Waterproof?
One of the biggest selling points for the GoPro is its waterproof feature. Since the founder created it to be used while surfing, he had to have a camera that was fully waterproof. All models of GoPro cameras are waterproof.
GoPro cameras are considered waterproof just as they are. You can safely take your GoPro into a swimming pool or out in a rainstorm. As long as the camera’s doors are shut and sealed, you will have no problem with water damage.
If, however, you wish to take the GoPro camera diving into deep depths or just for your own added peace of mind, you can also purchase a protective housing for it. These highly durable plastic cases protect GoPro cameras in deep water settings, as well as in extreme or intense situations.
Another thing to keep in mind is that GoPro cameras will sink. If you intend to use it in water, you may want to purchase a floaty accessory. Floaties are either wristbands or wrap-around devices that will keep the camera afloat in water.
The waterproof nature of the GoPro makes it ideal for documenting watersports, recording undersea adventures, or shooting in wet or highly humid environments. It allows users to capture moments they never could with a standard video recorder or camera.
How Do I Use GoPro Cameras?
As with any new tool or technology, there is a learning curve for using a GoPro camera. While each model may have slightly different features and capabilities, the main functions remain the same across the board.
GoPro cameras use various technologies depending on the make and model. Standard is the touchscreen buttons for selecting and using features, but some models are also equipped with voice-activation features.
To use a GoPro you must first make sure the battery is charged and an SD memory card is inserted. Then you can turn it on using the Power/Mode button usually located on the top of the camera. You then select the mode (video, camera) you need using the touchscreen or voice activation features and begin recording or taking pictures.
To learn specific features and methods of use be sure to review the user’s manual that comes with the camera. There are also lots of video tutorials and blogs online dedicated to getting the most out of your GoPro experience. A little trial and error can also quickly acquaint you with the GoPro’s many features and functions.
How Long Do GoPro Batteries Last?
GoPro cameras come equipped with a lithium ion rechargeable battery. The battery life of a GoPro camera is generally about two hours of recording time. This can vary, however, based on the model of camera and the mode you are using to record your footage in.
If you are recording higher quality video you may find your battery lasts less than an hour. For this reason, it is highly encouraged that you have more than one battery on hand when filming lengthier footage.
Recharging the battery can take anywhere from one to four hours depending on how you charge it and what model of camera you own. A wall charger is generally more powerful and takes the least amount of time, whereas using a computer’s USB port may take significantly longer. Other possible ways of charging the batteries are through a car charger, solar charger, or portable chargers.
What Accessories Do I Need?
There is no shortage of available accessories made for GoPro cameras. While some accessories may be useful or necessary, it will really depend on how you plan to use your GoPro that will determine what, if any, accessories you should purchase.
Useful accessories that most users would find handy include:
- Extra rechargeable batteries
- Extra SD memory cards
- Wall charger adapter
- A grip or pole to mount the camera on
Additional accessories some users may find necessary or helpful include:
- Head strap to mount the camera on
- A chest strap to mount the camera on
- A wrist or hand strap
- Protective housing
- Floaty device or wrist strap
- Tripods
- Remote controls
- Suction cup mounter
- Light filters
These are just some of the accessories available. As you begin using your GoPro camera you will quickly learn what items may be useful to you and your type of recording situations. You can find a GoPro mount for nearly any device (ie. bike helmet, car dashboard, or surfboard) and accessories are constantly being added as users’ needs increase.
How Can I Edit GoPro Footage?
GoPro recordings are available as MP4 files making them easy to edit with nearly any video editing software. GoPro has its own free downloadable editor called Quik, which is user-friendly and fast to use. This program will be adequate for most GoPro users.
If you are looking for more advanced and sophisticated software any industry-standard video editing software will do the trick. These programs require the user to purchase a license and often take some time to master. There are also free-source software programs that can also be used to edit your video footage. These are software editors that are free to use, but may lack some features or reliability of the licensed editors.
Keep your options open since choosing a video editor will come down to your particular needs and wants. If you are unhappy with a program, feel free to try editing your files in a different program until you find the one that works best for you. You may find using two or more programs for different types of projects is a suitable option as well.
Do GoPro Cameras Have A Live Stream Function?
Live streaming from a GoPro camera is now a possibility. As newer models are developed, more and more functions become available. If live streaming your videos appeals to you, a GoPro is a great tool for accomplishing this, especially if you want to live stream events unsuitable for a traditional video recorder to capture.
If you want to share your GoPro footage in real-time with viewers you will want to purchase the latest model of camera and download the GoPro app to your iPhone or Android. You will also need to connect your GoPro camera to a Wi-Fi network to enable streaming.
Older models of GoPro cameras do not have live streaming capabilities so if this is a necessity for you be sure to get the appropriate model. Setting up your GoPro app for live streaming is fairly simple, but you can always reach out to GroPro or watch online tutorials for more assistance with this feature. There is plenty of information to help with the handy gadget.
How Do You Turn A GoPro Camera Off?
Turning off your GoPro when it’s not in use is the best way to save your battery life and prevent accidental recordings. If you have not used a GoPro before, however, you may not be sure how to power it off. Don’t waste your time looking for a power button or off switch though. There are several ways to accomplish this function.
Depending on the model you have, you may have one or more of the following options available to you to switch your camera off:
The mode button is the standard option for powering off a GoPro. Simply hold the mode button down for several seconds and you will hear a series of beeps indicating it has worked.
You can also activate the Auto Power Off function in your GoPro settings menu. You will set your GoPro to automatically turnoff after 5, 15, or 30 minutes of inactivity. This is a great option if you are not good at remembering to physically switch it off.
For models with voice activation you can simply say “GoPro turn off” to shut it down. Not only is this a convenient method, but it allows you to switch it off if you’re unable to touch the GoPro at the moment.
If you have a Wi-Fi remote control for your GoPro you can use it to turn your GoPro on and off. You will use the mode button (similar to the mode button on the GoPro itself) and hold it down for several seconds to power both the GoPro camera and the remote off.
The Best GoPro
There you have it – our picks for the best GoPro. There is nothing more fun than being active and being able to show off your feats later – which is why we love the GoPro. There are a ton of great electronics besides action cameras though, so be sure to check out our other reviews.