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[2024 Edition] The Best GoPro to Buy Now! Recommendations for New and Used Models
If you're looking to buy a GoPro now, this guide will help you evaluate the recommendability of past models and choose the right GoPro based on your needs and budget.
Posted at: 2024.10.13
Recommendations for Each Model as of 2024
| Model | New | Used |
|---|---|---|
| HERO13 Black | ◎ Expensive, but the latest redesign ensures long-term use | x Should be purchased new |
| HERO (2024) | ◎ Lower performance, but affordable, suitable for light use | x Should be purchased new |
| HERO12 Black | ▲ Given the price difference, the HERO13 is a better choice | x Should be purchased new |
| HERO11 Black | - No longer available | ▲ Hasn’t dropped much in price |
| HERO11 Black Mini | - No longer available | ◎ A top-tier mini model with excellent performance |
| HERO10 Black | - No longer available | ▲ Considering the price, the HERO13 is preferable |
| HERO9 Black | - No longer available | ◎ Now reasonably priced, a good deal |
| MAX 2019 | - No longer available | ◎ A top option among 360 cameras |
| HERO8 Black | - No longer available | ▲ Better to aim for the HERO9 |
| HERO7 Black | - No longer available | ▲ Better to aim for the HERO9 |
| HERO7 Silver | - No longer available | ▲ The HERO6 is a better option |
| HERO7 White | - No longer available | ▲ The HERO6 is a better option |
| HERO (2018) | - No longer available | x Better to choose the new HERO(2024) or a used HERO9 |
| Fusion 2018 | - No longer available | x Better to choose the new HERO(2024) or a used HERO11 Black Mini |
| HERO6 Black | - No longer available | ○ Worth it if you can find one for around 10,000 yen |
For models before the HERO6 Black, it’s generally best to avoid them if you are purchasing a GoPro in 2024.
Recommended GoPro Models: New and Used
Best for Upgrading from an Older Model: HERO13 Black
If you're looking to buy a new GoPro, the top recommendation is the HERO13 Black.
While the HERO13 Black offers similar image quality and stabilization features as the previous HERO12 Black, it introduces a significant redesign. Features like "replaceable lenses" and a "magnetic charging port and mount" represent a shift towards what will likely become GoPro's new standard.
Although it's about 15,000 yen more expensive than the still-available HERO12 Black, the HERO13 Black is the best choice for those looking to upgrade.
Major evolution with a redesigned body
GoPro HERO13
Based on the significantly evolved HERO12, the HERO13 series brings further advancements, including interchangeable lenses, a magnetic charging port and mount, and 400FPS slow motion.
Best for First-Time Buyers: HERO (2024)
The HERO (2024) marks the return of GoPro’s budget-friendly model.
Compared to the flagship HERO13 or HERO12, it falls short in several areas:
- Significantly lower image quality
- Post-processed stabilization via the app
- Non-removable battery
- No loop recording or live streaming features
However, it’s smaller, lighter, and very beginner-friendly.
Priced at around 30,000 yen, about half the cost of the flagship models, it’s a much better choice for a first-time GoPro user than buying a used older model.
Compact and lightweight body capable of shooting 4K video
GoPro HERO (2024)
The budget-friendly HERO returns after a long break. Featuring a compact and lightweight body with the capability to shoot 4K videos, this action camera has evolved significantly for quick and casual shooting.
Best Used Option: HERO9 Black
If you're searching for an affordable, high-value used GoPro, the HERO9 Black is a solid option.
As the first in the design lineage that continued until the HERO12 Black, the HERO9 Black introduced two significant features:
- Front color display
- Built-in mounts
It also features "HyperSmooth 3.0" for stabilization, which includes boost mode and horizon leveling. While not as powerful as the latest HyperSmooth 6.0, it’s more than capable unless you're shooting intense action scenes.
With used prices dropping to the low 20,000 yen range, and with only about a 10,000 yen price difference from the HERO8 or HERO7, the HERO9 Black is the best-value used model.
Long-awaited introduction of front-facing LCD monitor
GoPro HERO9
The HERO9 series introduces long-awaited features such as a color front display, first-time 5K support, and a new high-capacity battery.
Cheapest Used Option: HERO6 Black
If you're looking for the cheapest option, aim for at least the HERO6 Black or newer.
The HERO6 Black was the first model to feature GoPro’s custom "GP1" processor, which remained in use up through the HERO9 Black. This means it has the power to handle similar tasks as later models.
It also supports 4K recording and 60fps at 2.7K resolution, offering enough quality for most needs today.
With prices around 10,000 yen for a used HERO6 Black, it offers limited but solid features at a quarter of the cost of the new HERO (2024).
Enhanced processing power with GP1
GoPro HERO6
The HERO6 series first introduced GoPro's proprietary SoC "GP1," significantly enhancing shooting capabilities with 4K/60fps support.