Camera Go Pro: what it is and a review of the best models

What is GoPro: specifications, features and scope

GoPro cameras gained their popularity for their unique at that time ability to mount on almost everything: helmets, surfboards, bicycles and skateboards. Here its possibilities were revealed. Athletes and extreme sports enthusiasts began to record massively first-person videos. Thus, the product began to advertise itself. Over time, the company has developed, creating more and more advanced models. GoPro is by far the most widely used model among cameras for video bloggers, people with active lifestyles and athletes.

INTERESTING FACT!

Interesting fact: in 2015, the movie "Hardcore" was released in the genre of action. The whole action of the picture takes place from the first person of the protagonist. This movie was shot with a GoPro Hero 3 camera.

The entire range of GoPro cameras is characterized by ease of use, a wide range of functions and reliability. In addition to the cameras themselves, the company produces various accessories, mounts, stabilizers and special software. In 2016, the company released a series of quadrocopters, but already in 2018 it was announced that the division for their production was closed.

Is the Go Pro camera waterproof?

The latest versions of GoPro cameras allow you to shoot at a depth of 10 m. But from any model, you can make a "deep" version. To do this, you will have to purchase a special box that will allow you to shoot video at a depth of 60 m. Some models and modifications are immediately supplied with such an add-on in the kit.

The main modifications of the GoPro action camera and their characteristics

When you first dive into the world of GoPro cameras, an unprepared user will experience a slight dissonance. This is due not only to the fact that many series, lines and versions were released, but also to a kind of device labeling. For example, there is such a modification of the camera - GoPro Hero 3+ Black Edition Adventure. Hero3 is a generation of cameras, "+" means that the basic version of the series has been improved. There are no standard improvement algorithms, each next modification may have its own upgrade features. The Black Edition marker, it would seem, should be responsible for the color, but not for the GoPro. Because a similar version with the designation Silver Edition in the title has different characteristics. By the way, you won't be able to rely on the series index either, because they were produced in parallel. That is, the first Hero 5 model came out in 2007, and one of the basic Hero models - in 2014. The Adventure attachment means a complete set - the presence of additional mounts and "chips". Well, let's figure out how to buy a Go Pro camera and at the same time not get lost in a dense forest of names, markings and technologies.

Hero series and major modifications

The very first model in the series was called the GP Hero and was, in fact, a film version of the camera. It was she who started the history of GoPro. With the GP Hero mount, it could be worn on the wrist. And the existing box allowed diving to a depth of 5 m.

GoPro Digital Hero

As the name suggests, this is the first digital camera from GoPro. She had her own memory, the size of which was only 16 MB, and it was enough for only 10 seconds of video. However, this camera became very popular and brought the company its first solid profit. AAA batteries were used as power supply, and the device could be placed on the wrist.

GoPro HD Hero

Here, too, everything is clear from the name - a modification of the series, capable of shooting video in FullHD format. One of the interesting innovations is equipping the back with a special universal connector, with which you can attach various accessories.

GoPro Hero + and GoPro Hero + LCD

Technically, both models are almost complete copies of the previous model. Among the innovations is the built-in Wi-Fi module and the presence of an LCD screen in the model with the corresponding marking.

GoPro Hero Session

One of the latest modifications of the series. The Session prefix was added to the model as a result of a design change. Now it is a compact cube. The same changes were made to episodes 4 and 5. It is capable of recording video in FullHD, has a USB flash drive and a Wi-Fi module. This camera has the smallest number of accessories in the kit and is the most budgetary of all models. It has been re-released under its current name based on the GoPro Hero 4 Session.

Hero Series 2

The series is too loud a name, since only one of its models is known - GoPro HD Hero 2. It is an exact copy of the GoPro HD Hero, except for a few points. Added new shooting modes and MiniHDMI port. This modification was produced in several different configurations, depending on the scope of application.

Hero Series 3

The series is based on the Hero HD camera. Gradually, new "bells and whistles" and opportunities were added to it, expanding the functionality.

GoPro Hero 3 White, Black and Silver Edition

These are the first products in the series. As mentioned earlier, there are differences between Silver, Black and White. Externally, the models did not differ, and each one could be recognized by the color of the number "3" on the front of the device, which corresponded to the name of the modification. The most budgetary among the three devices is White. In fact, this is a clone of HD Hero, only more compact and with a Wi-Fi module on board

The Silver modification is a clone of HD Hero 2, with the same changes as in White.

The most expensive and functional is the Black modification. It was assembled from scratch and had no analogues in the general model range. The 12-megapixel camera could shoot 4K video. The device could be controlled using a special control panel via Wi-Fi. But that's not all. The Black modification could be in three trim levels: Adventure, Motorsport and Surf Edition. They differed in a set of bindings for a particular type of outdoor activity.

GoPro Hero 3+ Black and Silver

The main differences from the specifications of the GoPro Hero 3 concerned the increased battery capacity. Less significant changes were made to the software part and are invisible to most users.

The Silver version "learned" to shoot video in FullHD at 60 frames per second.

Gopro hero

Hero Series 4

4th generation of cameras. The series is represented by only 3 models: GoPro Hero 4 Black Edition, GoPro Hero 4 Silver Edition and GoPro Hero 4 Session. Silver repeated Hero 3+ Black in technical parameters. The design was new and there was also a screen on the back.

Black took the design from Silver, but without the rear screen. The filling was different and allowed to shoot video in 4K at 30 fps, FullHD at 120 fps and HD at 240 fps.

The Session was a completely new design - a cube. During the rebranding, this model became a separate species and lost the series index - GoPro Hero Session. GoPro Hero 4 price ranges from 13,000 to 23,000 rubles.

Gopro hero 4

Hero Series 5

The 5 series, almost like everyone else, was based on previous versions, with minor additions.

GoPro Digital Hero 5

Full analogue of the base GoPro Digital Hero model. This version uses a new 5 MP matrix, added the ability to shoot video in 512 by 384 resolution at 30 fps, and installed a module for an SD card.

Gopro hero 5

Session and Black modifications

Some of the current models to this day. Similar to the other series, the Session has been assembled in a new cube design. The filling made it possible to shoot video in all modern formats and take photos in 10 MP resolution.

GoPro Hero 5 Black Edition is a more sophisticated version. It has a GPS module, an LCD touch screen and support for the GoPro Plus cloud service.

Hero Series 6

Gopro hero 5

This series is represented by only one modification - Black. The Hero 5 Black model was taken as a basis. The changes affected the new hardware filling - the addition of new video shooting frequencies and various software functions. The price for a Go Pro 6 camera does not exceed 32,000-33,000 rubles.

Fusion

The latest version of GoPro devices. Brand new design. Of the features, one can single out the possibility of shooting in 360 °, resolution - 4K, night mode, 18 megapixel camera. You can control it using the remote control. From interfaces there are Wi-Fi, USB, Bluetooth. An SD card is used to store content. The sensors include a compass, accelerometer and gyroscope, as well as GPS.

Gopro fusion

Comparative table in the context of series and characteristics

It's time to collect all the released models in a heap and organize them. For this, we have prepared a small comparison table:

Camera	Characteristics	Price
Hero Series
	Built-in memory: 16 MB. Video resolution: 320 × 240.
	Video resolution: 1920 × 1080.
	Video resolution: 1920 × 1080. Wi-Fi. LCD screen.
	Video resolution: 1920 × 1440. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, MicroSD.	24 000
Hero Series 2
	Video Resolution: 1920 × 1080 MicroSD.
Hero Series 3
	Video resolution: 1920 × 1080. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, MicroSD.
	Video resolution: 4096 × 2160. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, MicroSD.
	Video resolution: 1920 × 1080. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, MicroSD.
	Video resolution: 1920 × 1080. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, MicroSD.
	Video resolution: 1920 × 1080. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, MicroSD.
Hero Series 4
	Video resolution: 3840 × 2160. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, MicroSD.	20 000
	Video resolution: 3840 × 2160. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, MicroSD.
	Video resolution: 1920 × 1080. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, MicroSD.
Hero Series 5
	Video resolution: 3840 × 2160. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, MicroSD.	24 000
	Video resolution: 3840 × 2160. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, MicroSD.	20 000
Hero Series 6
	Video resolution: 3840 × 2160. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, MicroSD.	22 000
Fusion
	Video resolution: 4992 × 2496. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, MicroSD. Shooting 360 °.	45 000

As you can see, the technical characteristics change very little from series to series and from model to model. We will give more detailed comparative characteristics a little further along with the prices for each model.

Camera Go Pro - which one to choose based on your needs

A large selection of models, modifications and configurations allows any user to choose the ideal version for their needs. For those who are going to get acquainted with the company's products for the first time, it is better to start with simpler and more budgetary models. The word "simple" does not mean that it will not meet the necessary requirements. For example, Hero Session is perfect for shooting FullHD video. The lack of great functionality and numerous settings will play into the hands of those who are just going to master the world of video cameras.

More sophisticated people can buy GoPro Hero 5, more precisely, one of the latest modifications. Shooting in 4K mode at a frequency of 30 fps, recording in various formats, GPS, MicroSD open up a wide range of possibilities for creating professional video content. Those who are trying to keep up with modern technologies, for example, to make videos in 360 ° format, can turn their eyes to the Fusion model. Of course, its price is quite high, but the characteristics have absorbed all the past baggage of the entire model range with the addition of new unique functions.

Analogs of Go Pro - what the market can offer

The first thing that comes to mind among similar devices is an action camera Xiaomi Yi. Like all products of the Chinese industry, the product is in a rather low price range - you can buy a camera for about 5,500 rubles. At the same time, it can shoot video in a resolution of 1920 × 1080, writes all content to an SD card and has a Time-Lapse function. If you compare how much a mid-range GoPro costs, then this camera noticeably breaks out ahead in the price range.

Another good specimen - SJCAM SJ5000x Elite. The video resolution is 2560 × 1440. There are all the necessary interfaces: HDMI, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi. The recording is done on the SD card. There is a special waterproof box for diving under water. All this pleasure will cost about 6,700 rubles. This model is almost a complete copy of the Go Pro 4. The price, of course, differs markedly. Of the features, it is possible to note a rich set of a wide variety of accessories.

Well, the third competitor is Amkov AMK5000S. Its price usually does not exceed 4,500 rubles. For that kind of money, the user gets not the worst characteristics - shooting with a resolution of 1920 × 1080 at 30 fps, a 20-megapixel sensor for photos, the Time Lapse function and recording to an SD card. Perhaps this option will be the most interesting for those who want to get acquainted with the basics of video filming.

Quadcopter with camera Go Pro

The fashion trend of recent years - drones could not ignore Go Pro. After all, the cameras have all the necessary functionality and capabilities for use on quadcopters.

ATTENTION!

Not all drones support GoPro cameras without additional mounts. When buying, pay attention to whether the quadcopter is adapted specifically for these cameras.

It's also worth noting that GoPro itself has released its own version of the Karma quadcopter. The drone is equipped with 4 propellers with a diameter of 25 cm. Its maximum speed is 15 m / s. The aircraft is controlled by radio channel at a distance of up to 1000 m. Karma is compatible with GoPro Hero 4, 5, Session 5 models.

The rechargeable battery in the quadcopter is installed with a capacity of 5100 mAh, which is enough for 20 minutes of continuous flight.

Prices for Go Pro, its modifications: an overview table

We have compiled a comparative table of devices available for sale today, with prices and detailed characteristics:

Camera	Characteristics	Peculiarities	Price, rubles
	Video resolution: 1920 × 1080. Viewing angle: 170 °. Maximum frame rate: 60. Time Lapse: Yes. Photo resolution: 2592 × 1944.	MicroSD, USB, aqua box - up to 40 m depth, no stabilizer, no LCD screen.	From 30,000
	Video resolution: 1920 × 1440. Viewing angle: 120 °. Maximum frame rate: 100. Time Lapse: Yes. Photo resolution: 8MP.	MicroSD up to 64 GB, USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, no stabilizer, no LCD screen, continuous shooting, wind noise suppression.	From 20 500
	Video resolution: 3840 × 2160. Viewing angle: 170 °. Maximum frame rate: 120. Time Lapse: Yes. Photo resolution: 4000 × 3000.	MicroSD, USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI, no stabilizer, no LCD screen, night shooting, continuous shooting, wind noise suppression, remote control, aqua box - up to 40 m depth.	From 20 800
	Video resolution: 3840 × 2160. Viewing angle: 170 °. Maximum frame rate: 120. Time Lapse: Yes. Photo resolution: 4000 × 3000.	MicroSD, USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI, no stabilizer, LCD screen, with touch screen, night shooting, continuous shooting, wind noise suppression, remote control, aqua box - up to 40 m depth.	From 30,000
	Video resolution: 1920 × 1080. Maximum frame rate: 100. Time Lapse: Yes. Photo resolution: 3264 × 2448.	MicroSD, USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, no stabilizer, LCD screen, with touch screen, night shooting, dual microphone.	From 23 000
	Video resolution: 3840 × 2160. Viewing angle: 170 °. Maximum frame rate: 240. Time Lapse: Yes. Photo resolution: 3840 × 2160.	MicroSD, USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI, electronic stabilizer, LCD screen, with touch screen, night shooting, continuous shooting, wind noise suppression, remote control, aqua box - up to 40 m depth, GPS.	From 23 000
	Video resolution: 3840 × 2160. Maximum frame rate: 120. Time Lapse: Yes. Photo resolution: 3840 × 2160.	MicroSD, USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, electronic stabilizer, no LCD screen, continuous shooting, wind noise suppression, remote control, aqua box - up to 40 m depth.	From 19,000
	Video resolution: 3840 × 2160. Maximum frame rate: 240. Time Lapse: Yes. Photo resolution: 4048 × 3040.	MicroSD, USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI, electronic stabilizer, LCD screen, with touch display, night shooting, continuous shooting, wind noise suppression, remote control, aqua box - up to 40 m depth, GPS, voice control.	From 30,000
	Video resolution: 4992 × 2496. Shooting 360 °. Time Lapse: Yes. Photo resolution: 5760 × 2880.	MicroSD, USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, electronic stabilizer, LCD screen, with touch screen, night shooting, continuous shooting.	From 65,000

Find the best model action cameras after reading the article on our portal it will not be difficult. Sometimes it doesn't matter how much Go Pro's cameras cost, much more important are the moments that she was able to capture.

If you have experience with GoPro cameras, then share it in the comments with other users.

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