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GoPro Video and Photo Quality Across Models

Summary of video and photo quality across GoPro models, from latest to older versions. Ideal for comparing models, second-hand purchases, or upgrades.

Posted at: 2024.5.27

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Table Of Contents

  1. Video Recording Quality
  2. Photo (Still Image) Quality
  3. Which Model to Aim for in Terms of Image Quality?

Video Recording Quality

Let's first take a look at the video recording quality of various GoPro models.

Model / QualityFull HD Video4K Video5K Video360-Degree Video
HERO12 Black1080p/240fps4K/120fps5.3K/60fps-
HERO11 Black1080p/240fps4K/120fps5.3K/60fps-
HERO11 Mini Black1080p/240fps4K/120fps5.3K/60fps-
HERO10 Black1080p/240fps4K/120fps5.3K/60fps-
HERO9 Black1080p/240fps4K/60fps5K/30fps-
MAX1080p/60fps--5.6K/30fps
HERO8 Black1080p/240fps4K/60fps--
HERO7 Black1080p/240fps4K/60fps--
HERO7 Silver1080p/60fps4K/60fps--
HERO7 White1080p/60fps---
FUSION---5.2K/30fps
HERO 20181080p/60fps---
HERO6 Black1080p/120fps4K/60fps--
HERO5 Black1080p/120fps4K/30fps--
HERO5 Session1080p/90fps4K/30fps--
HERO4 Black Adventure1080p/120fps4K/30fps--
HERO4 Black Surf1080p/120fps4K/30fps--
HERO4 Silver Adventure1080p/60fps4K/15fps--
HERO4 Silver Surf1080p/60fps4K/15fps--
HERO+1080p/60fps---
HERO+ LCD1080p/60fps---
HERO 20141080p/30fps---
HERO Session1080p/60fps---
HERO4 Session1080p/60fps---
HERO3+ Black Adventure1080p/60fps4K/15fps--
HERO3+ Black Surf1080p/60fps4K/15fps--
HERO3+ Silver Adventure1080p/60fps---
HERO3 Black Adventure1080p/60fps4K/15fps--
HERO3 Black Surf1080p/60fps4K/15fps--
HERO3 Silver1080p/30fps---
HERO3 White1080p/30fps---

How to Identify Model Versions

  1. 5.3K Video: HERO10 and newer
  2. 5K Video: HERO9 and newer
  3. 4K Video: HERO4 Black and newer

Although 4K video recording is possible with the HERO3 Black, its 15fps frame rate makes it impractical, resembling a flipbook.

If you don't need 5K or higher video quality, the HERO6, which supports 4K/60fps and Full HD/60fps, is a well-balanced option.

Photo (Still Image) Quality

Next, let's compare the photo quality of various GoPro models.

Model / QualityPhoto Quality360-Degree Photo Quality
HERO12 Black27.13MP-
HERO11 Black27.13MP-
HERO11 Mini Black24.7MP-
HERO10 Black23MP-
HERO9 Black20MP-
MAX5.5MP16.6MP
HERO8 Black12MP-
HERO7 Black12MP-
HERO7 Silver10MP-
HERO7 White10MP-
FUSION-18MP
HERO 201810MP-
HERO6 Black12MP-
HERO5 Black12MP-
HERO5 Session10MP-
HERO4 Black Adventure12MP-
HERO4 Black Surf12MP-
HERO4 Silver Adventure12MP-
HERO4 Silver Surf12MP-
HERO+8MP-
HERO+ LCD8MP-
HERO 20145MP-
HERO Session8MP-
HERO4 Session8MP-
HERO3+ Black Adventure12MP-
HERO3+ Black Surf12MP-
HERO3+ Silver Adventure10MP-
HERO3 Black Adventure12MP-
HERO3 Black Surf12MP-
HERO3 Silver11MP-
HERO3 White5MP-

Generally, HERO3 and newer models offer image quality comparable to smartphones. However, if you're particular about photo quality, aiming for HERO9 or newer models with over 20 megapixels is best.

Conversely, from HERO4 to HERO8, the resolution remains around 10 to 12 megapixels, so there's little variation in photo quality among these models.

Which Model to Aim for in Terms of Image Quality?

The GoPro HERO9 is the standout choice.

It supports 5K video recording and boasts a photo resolution of over 20 megapixels, making it more than sufficient for typical usage.

Considering that the HERO9 can be found for under $200 in the used market, it's the model to aim for if you're buying second-hand.

Tags:Basic FunctionsModel Comparison