GoPro Hero 10 Black review: GoPro’s most powerful action camera to date

The GoPro Hero 10 Black is GoPro’s best action camera to date. The new GP2 processor provides 5.3K/60 fps shooting and HyperSmooth 4.0 stabilization, while the body is protected from water and shocks.

The previous model GoPro Hero 9 Black radically changed the design of GoPro cameras – for example, there were two touch displays, front and back. The design of the Hero 10 Black differs little from its predecessor, but the changes in the internal components are significant.

Specifications GoPro Hero 10 Black

Features and differences

All GoPro Hero cameras since 2017’s Hero 6 have been powered by the manufacturer’s GP1 processor.

The GoPro Hero 10 Black has upgraded the chipset to GP2, allowing you to shoot 5.3K/60fps, 4K/120fps, and 2.7K/240fps video.

The model also uses GoPro HyperSmooth 4.0 stabilization technology, the effectiveness of which is amazing. Standard and Zoom modes are available at any resolution, while High is available at 4K/60 fps and below.

There is also a function Leveling the horizon, and the maximum angle of inclination has increased from 27 to 45 degrees. The interface is also more responsive, startup is faster, and the refresh rate of both displays has increased. Hero 10 Black also supports fast data transfer via Wi-Fi and USB.

Design and construction

From the outside, the GoPro Hero 10 Black is a lot like the Hero 9, with the same dual displays, the same key layout, and 10m penetration protection.

The dimensions are the same: 7.1 × 5.5 × 3.36 cm, but the weight has become 5 g less – 153 grams with a battery and a memory card. On the front of the case there is a lens, a microphone and a 2.5 × 2.5 cm LCD display.

The lens has improved scratch resistance, a coating that repels water and reduces ghosting. The lens can be removed and the Max Lens Mod accessory can be added for wide-angle shooting.

Thanks to the same dimensions, the new model supports the same accessories as the Hero 9.

The back of the Hero 10 Black is almost entirely occupied by a large 5.0 x 3.3 cm touchscreen. The top side of the action camera houses the shutter button, while the left side houses the power key.

On the right is a water-resistant cover, behind which are the connectors for the battery, memory card, and a USB-C port.

Functions and Modes

GoPro Hero 10 Black has three main shooting modes: photo, video and time-lapse.

You can create your own presets for taking photos or videos, it is easy to switch between them. There are settings for resolution, viewing angle, stabilization and other parameters.

One of the most interesting features of the Hero 10 Black is the HindSight mode. The camera is constantly active, and when you press the shutter button, the last 15 or 30 seconds are stored in memory.

Digital lenses (Digital Lenses) allow you to choose the amount of frame coverage. The focal length can vary from 16 to 27 mm. The widest viewing angle appears when the SuperView function is enabled, although it is only available in resolutions up to 4K.

Hero 10 Black can be controlled through the GoPro Quik app. It allows you to quickly mount a video, transfer files to a smartphone or share the results of shooting on social networks.

Interface and control

The interface of the GoPro Hero 10 Black is familiar to anyone who has used the company’s cameras in recent years.

It is convenient and intuitive – even beginners can take advantage of all the features of the camera. Swipes left and right switch between photo, video and time-lapse modes. Swiping up shows the captured images and videos, and down – opens the settings.

You can create shortcuts on the display for quick access to frequently used functions.

One of the drawbacks of the Hero 9 was the slow response of the touch screen. The GP2 processor solved this problem, using the Hero 10 is much more pleasant.

Shooting quality

Videos shot on the GoPro Hero 10 Black look great, with accurate and balanced colors and a wide dynamic range.

The video retains a recognizable style, although in the settings you can set many options to your liking. When recording at 5.3K resolution, the detail is incredible, and you can zoom in and crop out parts of the frame without sacrificing quality. If there are many objects in the frame, it is better to turn on the bitrate of 100 Mbps, the standard 60 Mbps is not always enough.

Stabilization is important for any camera, in Hero 10 Black HyperSmooth 4.0 technology is responsible for this, which does its job flawlessly. There is absolutely no judder, and camera movement is smooth and natural.

HyperSmooth 4.0 cannot compete with a real gimbal, but for an action camera its capabilities are more than enough.

Useful feature “Level Horizon” – allows you to align the video even if the camera is tilted 45 degrees. The function works in any resolution and with any frame rate. That’s a big step up from the Hero 9’s 27 degrees, but nowhere near the DJI Action 2’s 360-degree tilt correction.

The sound is recorded by built-in microphones, which please with high quality, as with all the latest GoPro cameras. Voices sound clear, and the sound can be recorded in RAW for further processing.

Autonomy and heating

The battery of the GoPro Hero 10 Black hasn’t been updated much compared to the Hero 9.

When recording 4K/60 fps, a single charge lasts only an hour, and at 5.3K/60 fps – only 45 minutes. However, you can install a larger Enduro battery that lasts 40% longer, although you need to buy it separately.

As is the case with many action cameras with high recording quality, the Hero 10 Black has problems with body heat. When shooting at 5.3K/60 fps indoors, the camera can turn off after 20 minutes, and at 4K/60 fps after half an hour. If you shoot on the street, you may not encounter a problem at all, but it’s worth remembering.

Alternatives to GoPro Hero 10 Black

The main competitor of the Hero 10 Black remains the previous model of the Hero 9 Black line.

The video resolution of the predecessor is worse, but the design is almost the same, there are two displays and water protection. If you can get by without a front screen, you can get the GoPro Hero 8 Black , which is now much cheaper.

Other manufacturers also have great models – for example, Insta360 One R. The camera has a convenient compact body, easily interchangeable lenses, and the main feature is 360-degree shooting. The maximum video resolution is 5.3K.

Read Also: [Review] DJI Mini 3 Pro – a serious and expensive upgrade for a small quadcopter

Outcome

The Hero 10 Black is GoPro’s best action camera to date. It’s similar to the Hero 9 in many ways, but the new GP2 processor lets you shoot at 5.3K/60 fps. And thanks to stabilization and various modes, videos look professional even without additional equipment.

There are also drawbacks, the case sometimes overheats, so the camera turns off, and the battery life is not the longest. However, experienced GoPro owners already know that when shooting for a long time, you need to have a spare battery with you.

Is it worth buying

If you already own a Hero 8 or Hero 9, you don't have to upgrade to a GoPro Hero 10 Black. If you do not have an action camera, the new model will be the best choice.

Action camera GoPro Hero 10 Black – video

About Post Author

Sankesh Verma

Sankkesh Verma is a technical guy who brings a unique combination of strategic, creative, and technical expertise to identify elements that constitute success, propose solutions, and help build them. He is the founder of “Webbpearl” which is a highly-acclaimed web development agency that offers web design and development, mobile app development, and digital marketing. More importantly, he is the admin of Techtiper.

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