DJI Action 2 review: Super-small and super versatile?

Digital Camera World Verdict

This is an action camera which looks and works like nothing before it. Having such a tiny main camera has previously come with usability sacrifices (like the cubic GoPro Hero Session’s lack of monitor), yet here is a polished camera and powerful camera with a fluid OLED touchscreen which forms the center of a versatile system. Image stabilization and horizon leveling are all there too, and app has all the elegance you’d expect of DJI (with years of experience from drones with live view). While the max resolution is a minor disappointment, this feels like a better ecosystem for the average GoPro customer and the lack of subscription discounts is reassuring too.

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Pros

• +

  Magnetic versatility is genuinely practical

• +

  Responsive OLED touchscreen

• +

  DJI Mimo app control experience excellent

• +

  Lighter than GoPro 10 even with 2nd module

Cons

• –

  No 5. 3K video option

• –

  Smaller screen encourages use of Mimo app

• –

  Price jump from OSMO Action

Why you can trust Digital Camera World
Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

Like Sony’s “Walkman” before it, the GoPro is such a dominant brand in the action camera space that, well, that’s what people call them. The market is swamped with cheap copies and innovation is left to GoPro. Or is it? DJI certainly have other ideas. They shook things up with their first Action camera’s front-facing secondary screen (which Go Pro were quick to copy), but their Action 2 is a new thing altogether. Well, several things to be precise.

The camera brings a modular system so that the user can choose between size, weight and power more easily than other action cameras can be taken in and out of their water housings. The practicality and gadget value is glorious but is it the right action camera for you? And if it is, which accessories will make it the perfect tool? 

(Image credit: Adam Juniper/Digital Camera World)

The unique Action 2 design gives you the choice of very compact 56 gram (2oz) camera which can record straight onto its built in storage when you need to be compact. The entire back face is taken up by a punchy square 1.76-inch OLED touchscreen for control, and it’s not bad looking either; the gorgeous grey aluminum rounded square is IP-X8 waterproof to 10m when used alone.

If you want performance closer to a ‘big’ action camera (i.e. a standard GoPro), then you can attach a secondary unit. That might sound fiddly, but the built-in magnet seems to magically suck the other part on (your choice of Front Touchscreen Module, the vlogger’s favorite, or Power Module, basically a battery). It firmly clips at the sides, and the magnet makes it impossible to get it the wrong way round. 

(Image credit: Adam Juniper/Digital Camera World)

• DJI Action 2 (Black) at Amazon for $289

From launch, you need to choose which of these modules you’re buying with the camera (though you can get another later). The secondary touchscreen faces the lens side, making vlogging easier (or FPV mode), while the alternative is a plain box like action cameras of old. Both bring a microSD card slot and USB-C connector so you need one or other to charge the primary camera make physical cable downloads. 

(Image credit: Adam Juniper/Digital Camera World)

Alone or paired, the camera block can be controlled from your phone via DJI’s Mimo app, with live streaming while recording just like DJI drones, thanks to built-in Bluetooth LE and 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi wi-fi. 

The adoption of magnetic connection extends to camera accessories, which we’ll get to below. 

Usability

Let’s get it out of the way straight away; there is one major design sacrifice made against its predecessor – the rear screen (well, either screen) is only as big as the camera face, so fingertip control can be a little tricky. In practice it’s reasonably logical, and at 350ppi very sharp. 

(Image credit: Adam Juniper/Digital Camera World)

If you gleefully ignore the instructions and dive in, this isn’t as obvious as it should be, but once you get it, swiping left and right from the centre of the screen bring the main mode choices; the options are controlled by swiping from the sides according to the icons at the edges of the screen; as natural as any phone OS.

The OLED touchscreen certainly has GoPro’s LCD’s in the dust when it comes to viewing angle. We also really liked that the dual touchscreen arrangement gave exactly the same controls to both sides, so there was no need to turn things round or learn a secondary set of button presses. 

(Image credit: Adam Juniper/Digital Camera World)

Using DJI’s Mimo app is a convenient solution for clumsy fingers; it clearly benefits from the company’s experience in live streaming from drones meaning that – unlike the GoPro – you can view video as you shoot. In manual mode photography features like over-exposure warnings are on offer, while selecting the mode is very natural to DJI drone users or, well, anyone who’s used their phone’s camera.

There are some quirks to the system, not least when adjusting resolution; sometimes we felt we needed to pop in and out of the resolution menu to be offered a stabilization option. DJI, however, are reliable providers of software updates so any issues here are unlikely to be a concern.

Performance & battery

(Image credit: Adam Juniper/Digital Camera World)

Testing the battery out in dual screen mode, we were able to run the camera a little over 2 hours, the last 90 minutes of which were in “1080P Battery Saving mode” but even that allowed image stabilization. DJI say that can be squeezed to 160 minutes with no stabilization.

Where things are inevitably a little disappointing is operating the camera unit solo. The built-in 580mAh battery and 32Gb of storage (actually 22Gb, the rest presumably given over to system software), limit you to about 70 minutes.

For some use cases, this won’t be a problem. The camera will make a great alternative to the aging GoPro Hero Session often seen atop FPV drones to capture cinematic footage, and they don’t stay aloft for long enough for it to be a worry. Most action is time-limited, if we’re honest.

(Image credit: DJI)

That said, we did a lot of testing while cycling – a long bike ride begs for a head-cam like this – which in turn means we’d love to see the power last longer.

Having a battery in both units can also be a little confusing. Charging means you need your other module – it’s where the USB-C socket is – and it’s not especially fast, taking about 90 minutes. You can’t change batteries, you can only swap modules to one with a charge. It’s not what we’re used to, but it’s possible to imagine a cash-rich production keeping a box of Battery Modules with microSD cards in and swapping them as needed, making for a speedier and less fiddly swap.

The modules can be charged separately or when connected to the camera – if the latter, the camera takes priority. 

Recording, resolution, and stabilization

Despite the tiny camera unit, at 1/1.7-inch it houses a larger image sensor than the GoPro 10, while the camera maxes out at 4K (the GoPro is 5.4K). Both share the same 155-degree field of view.

RockSteady 2.0, the image stabilization system, is a visible improvement the already good version found on the OSMO Action. HorizonSteady may surprize some by cropping in a little more, and isn’t available above 2. 7K, but the resulting video is easy to watch and it’s possible to rotate the camera entirely without the horizon being affected. 

If you don’t understand the limitations with regard to frame rate and size for the stabilization, the menu could make it a little clearer than it does. 

Photos and video quality

Still from 4K Hyperlapse from bike headcam (Image credit: Adam Juniper/Digital Camera World)

The Action 2 likes a bright day (who doesn’t?) and the slightly larger sensor does okay in low light but rapid motion and high frame rates aren’t photographers friends and DJI haven’t changed physics. Using the camera indoors works much better on a tripod or, failing that, upon its secondary unit. 

The standard video has a pleasing tone to it, which tends to slightly exaggerate saturation and contrast like most phone cameras. The ‘Pro mode’ (which opens up the camera settings) also reveals the D-Cinelike option for those who prefer to grade video themselves. This is a near-flat profile means more detail can be drawn from highlights and shadows, like a log profile, but looks flat from camera.

A slight frustration for a device with which a not inexpensive Remote Control Extension Rod is sold is the nearest sharp focusing distance, which seem to be at least 30cm, meaning if you hold the handle with your elbow against your body your face will appear soft.

Frame from video at 2.7K from HorizonSteady mode – holding camera around 40-degrees from original and it’s doing fine.  (Image credit: Adam Juniper/Digital Camera World)

The 12-megapixel stills are nicely toned in good light, though are unlikely to compete with those from a flagship mobile. Dark areas will appear noticeably grainy though; testing in the UK as winter rolls around we were not short of cloudy days which revealed this.  (Image credit: Adam Juniper/Digital Camera World)

Still from a video shot in near dark London. This was pretty challenging for the camera, and there was motion blur, but it was certainly possible to make out the lights of Canary Wharf.  (Image credit: Adam Juniper/Digital Camera World)

Accessories

We had the chance to try the Action 2 with a few of the new accessories, including the practically invisible Magnetic Lanyard, included however you choose to buy Action 2. Admittedly this use case benefits from certain fashion choices – clearly it won’t work through a ski jacket, nor did it love a baggy T-shirt, but when it works, it works.

Magnetic Lanyard, left, is more discrete than a traditional head mount, right. Note: This is not the new DJI magnetic mount, but a magnetic adaptor attached to a third-party action camera headband. (Image credit: Adam Juniper/Digital Camera World)

The combination of Magnetic Ball-Joint atop the Remote Control Extension Rod is a useful tool for walk-and-talk vlogging or placing on a table and using as a tripod. It’s not cheap at $59 / £50 (and is shown here with the ball joint), but the tiny joystick in the remote can be used to change settings at a distance. Weirdly, the display on that remote is very similar to the one on the old Go Pro Hero Session.

(Image credit: Adam Juniper/Digital Camera World)

The waterproof housing will be essential for many as it’s the only way to get two units at once underwater; the camera alone is waterproof to 10m, but the accessories are not. On the plus side divers can go 60m down with the housing.

DJI Action 2 Verdict

(Image credit: DJI)

Once you’ve got over the astounding design, comparing the Action 2’s spec sheet with the GoPro 10 is irresistible. The lower maximum resolution will inevitably frustrate some filmmakers, but in many other regards the Action 2 clearly has the edge, and in reality the two seem to serve slightly different audiences. DJI’s flexibility is fun, and the size of the camera unit alone makes the GoPro look positively chunky.

There are some DJI technologies that we’d love to see included; some form of face tracking for the vlogging arm, and a larger sensor. Perhaps there is room for a ‘Pro’ camera module with the Air 2S’s 1-inch sensor? Presumably not without stealing space from the battery. 

(Image credit: DJI)

So, it’s got some unique features, it looks and feels refined, and it records video of a quality which will beat even discerning consumer’s needs. But does it represent good value? That’s harder to say; DJI are selling in two packs – essentially a vloggers’ version with the Front Touchscreen Module and Magnetic Ball-Joint for $519 / £455, and a $399 / £349 single-screen option with the Power Module.

They’re price-competitive with the GoPro Hero 10 if we take the GoPro Subscription deals out of the equation, but certainly don’t represent a bargain. Instead with the GoPro you’re paying to for the resolution and whereas with the Action 2 you’re digging deep for the possibilities. Given that, and the irresistible gadget value, we can’t help but prefer the Dual-Screen Combo. We can say, however, it’s a product you’ll be pleased with.

Read more
Best action cameras
Best body cameras
Best selfie sticks
Best budget action cameras under $100
The best GoPro cameras in 2021
GoPro Hero 10 vs Hero 9 Black
The best GoPro accessories
Best streaming cameras
Best GoPro alternatives
The best waterproof cameras
The best 360 cameras
The best helmet camera 

DJI Action 2: Price Comparison

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With over 20 years of expertise as a tech journalist, Adam brings a wealth of knowledge across a vast number of product categories, including timelapse cameras, home security cameras, NVR cameras, photography books, webcams, 3D printers and 3D scanners, borescopes, radar detectors… and, above all, drones.  

Adam is our resident expert on all aspects of camera drones and drone photography, from buying guides on the best choices for aerial photographers of all ability levels to the latest rules and regulations on piloting drones. 

He is the author of a number of books including The Complete Guide to Drones, The Smart Smart Home Handbook, 101 Tips for DSLR Video and The Drone Pilot’s Handbook. 

Insta360 ONE R Twin Edition review

Digital Camera World Verdict

An impressively small and compact package, it’s easy to swap between 4K and 360º on this uniquely modular action camera. It’s loaded with smooth FlowState stabilization and plenty of advanced AI-powered features for auto-follow, auto-frame and auto-edit. For videographers looking for an all-in-one option that straddles regular action camera-style footage and virtual reality-ready 360º, the Insta 360 ONE R Twin Edition is a one of a kind.

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Pros

• +

  + 4K and 360º lens options

• +

  + Easy set-up and lens swap

• +

  + RAW (dng) photos and 100 mbps video

• +

  + Outputs H.265 and ProRes422 video

• +

  + On-screen histogram

Cons

• –

  Editing app requires latest smartphones

• –

  Stitching lines sometimes visible

• –

  Expensive

• –

  Lens could be easy to lose

Why you can trust Digital Camera World
Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

Can’t choose between a 4K action camera and a 360º shooter? So why not have both? That’s the thinking behind the Insta360 ONE R Twin Edition, a modular action camera that combines the two biggest trends in consumer videography.

The ONE R is a neat idea in every sense. It’s lightweight and pocket-sized, and yet has a unique look and feel to it. It comes in four parts that neatly interlock; a processor module complete with touchscreen (44g), a dual-lens module for 360º (51g), a 4K-capable module (43g) and a 1190mAh battery base (34g) that joins them all together. Do that and you can have a 4K set-up weighing just 121g with a few extra grams in your pocket if you want to swap quickly to 360º. 

Insta360 ONE R: specifications

(Image credit: Jamie Carter/Digital Camera World)

The ONE R Twin Edition has much more going for it than being super lightweight. For starters, it outputs video using the H.265 codec, and also in the ProRes422 lossless format. Both lenses capture in RAW as well as JPG, and in up to 100mpbs video bitrate. It even has a real-time histogram on the small screen. 

• Insta360 ONE R Twin Edition (HDR Black) at Amazon for $439.99

It’s also waterproof, despite that clever modular design. It’s able to go underwater to a depth of 5 m/16.4 feet if positioned inside its mounting bracket. As well as making watertight a few nooks and crannies that could otherwise let in water, this tough plastic mounting bracket also adds some extra stability to the modular device. Not that it needs it since the basic interlocking modules don’t wobble or come apart easily. A dedicated Dive Case is also available that that goes down to 60m/196ft. 

That mounting bracket also makes it possible to use the device with an ‘invisible’ selfie stick, which is also included in the package but is processed-out of finished images and video. 

The two lens modules impress on specs. The 4K Wide Angle Mod is a f/2.0, 16.4mm focal length (35mm equivalent) lens that can snap photos in 12 MP (4:3) and 8MP (16:9) and shoot video in 4K 60fps. It also manages 200fps in full HD, allowing 8x slow-mo footage. Meanwhile, the Dual-Lens 360º Mod is standard Insta360 fare, with its two f/2.8, 7.2mm (35mm equivalent) lenses that together capture everything in 5.7K 30fps. 

As a bonus, at some point soon there will be a unique additional lens module available. A wide-angle module co-engineered with Leica and sold as the Insta360 ONE R 1-Inch Edition ($549.99/£456), inside will be a 1-inch sensor capable of shooting 5.3K video at 30fps and 19MP photos through a f/3.2 lens. 

Also available are , a 2,380mAh Boosted Battery Case, a 3D Mount for capturing stereoscopic footage, and an External Mic Adaptor (USB-Type C to 3.5mm) for pairing with an external mic such as RODE Wireless Go. Talking of audio, the Insta 360 ONE R captures it using two microphones, and you can also record audio wirelessly using the onboard mics of Apple AirPods. 

Although the Insta 360 ONE R has no GPS sensors inside, to overlay a heads-up display of key data onto your videos means buying a dedicated GPS Smart Remote from Insta360, or via an Apple Watch. 

Insta360 ONE R: key features

(Image credit: Jamie Carter/Digital Camera World)

There are various new innovations for Insta360 on the ONE R Twin Edition, such as Color Plus, HDR video and Night Shot, while long-standing features like the six-axis gyroscope FlowState stabilization are present again.  

Also here are Auto Frame (AI image recognition that finds and frames where the action is in a live 360º video), Auto TimeShift (a reframed hyperlapse format found in the app’s ‘stories’ section), FlashCut auto-editing (AI image recognition that cuts and combines footage to form a basis for editing), pose detection (an AI-powered subject-tracking algorithm called), Deep Track (select a subject to track and keep in the centre of the frame) and Starlapse (for long exposure night sky shots). 

The ONE R Twin Edition also boasts download-free editing so you can edit footage on a phone without downloading it first.

However, to do so successfully you’ll need one of the latest iPhones (iPhone 11/11 Pro/11 Pro Max, iPhone XS/XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone X, iPhone 8/8 Plus), or a high-end Android camera phones (Huawei Mate20, Huawei P30, Samsung Galaxy S9, Samsung S9, S9+, Note9 and newer) to edit videos without suffering from long lags and freeze-ups. 

Insta360 ONE R: build and handling

Insta360 One R app (Image credit: Jamie Carter/Digital Camera World)

In our initial test we were impressed by how easy the modules snapped together, and how stable they feel once they’ve been pushed onto the battery module. Not only do they fit together so easily, but the processor/touchscreen can be turned through 180º and snapped into place so that the subject can see what’s going on. That ‘selfie mode’ will prove useful for anyone doing a piece to camera. 

The main drawback of that touchscreen is its very small size. In fact, it’s presented in a 4×3 format measuring just 24 mm on all sides. However, while the 4K module is in place, it’s possible to double tap on the tiny screen to zoom in. It works very quickly with no lag. Ditto the user interface, which in our test proved to be lightning fast and, thankfully, extremely easy to navigate despite the plethora of complex features offered. 

It’s easy to connect-up the ONE R Twin Edition to a smartphone hosting the all-new Insta360 One R app, with the app finding the camera quickly and putting a live preview on the phone. 

When out and about, the 360º module is protected by a U-shaped silicon hood when off the camera and by two snap-on lens caps when on the camera, which is good thinking.  

Battery life is about an hour, so serious users are advised to invest in the Boosted Battery Base, particularly since the editing process really saps that battery, and that of a connected smartphone. 

Photo and video performance

Shot with Insta360 One R in HDR mode (Image credit: Jamie Carter/Digital Camera World)

Tiny planet effect with Insta360 One R  (Image credit: Jamie Carter/Digital Camera World)

The versatility of having 360º as well as 4K at your disposal is great, and both lenses here – the 360º and the 4K – are of excellent quality. The audio is good too, although it’s worth using the ‘background noise reduction’ options is you’re filming in a windy place. 

The detail in 4K is excellent, though it’s worth engaging ColorPlus modes to extract a little more saturation from some rather muted raw footage. Ditto photos; the color in HDR photos is highly impressive. 

Although 360º footage is adequate, those two fisheye lenses are ranged further apart than usual, and it occasionally shows in visible stitching lines on 360º footage. We therefore conclude that despite it  outputting in H.265 and in ProRes422, this is not aimed at pro-videographers, but general users – and with plenty of features that vloggers, in particular, will love. 

Sample 4K video from Insta360 One R – 360 video reframed to Full HD with  FlowState and Noise Reduction turned on

Comparison 4K video from Insta360 One R – 360 video reframed to Full HD without FlowState and Noise Reduction turned off

Insta360 ONE R verdict

(Image credit: Jamie Carter/Digital Camera World)

Is the Insta 360 ONE R really a pro-grade device? Most pro-videographers will want separate devices for shooting the same scenes in both formats. Besides, the 5.7K capture by the Insta 360 ONE R isn’t really enough for hi-res re-framing; we’re going to have to wait for the arrival of consumer-grade 8K or even 16K 360º cameras for that. 

However, there’s a lot to like about the Insta 360 ONE R for general users, and particularly for vloggers. Its versatile design is excellent, as are its HDR photos, the detail in 4K video, and the super-smooth FlowState stabilization across all formats. However, the ability to turn the touchscreen through 180º to face the subject – complete with invisible selfie stick – makes the Insta 360 ONE R a brilliant device for vloggers who want to film on-the-go. Paired with the FlowState stabilization, the results are excellent, and allow the user to bridge the gap between 4K and 360º in style. 

Read more:

Insta360 ONE R 1-inch Edition review

The best action cameras in 2020

The best 360 cameras in 2020

The best waterproof cameras in 2020

Insta360 ONE R Twin Edition: Price Comparison

$479.99

$439.99

View

$482.99

View

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Jamie has been writing about all aspects of technology for over 14 years, producing content for sites like TechRadar, T3, Forbes, Mashable, MSN, South China Morning Post, and BBC Wildlife, BBC Focus and BBC Sky At Night magazines.  

As the editor for www.WhenIsTheNextEclipse.com, he has a wealth of enthusiasm and expertise for all things astrophotography, from capturing the Perseid Meteor Shower, lunar eclipses and ring of fire eclipses, photographing the moon and blood moon and more.

He also brings a great deal of knowledge on action cameras, 360 cameras, AI cameras, camera backpacks, telescopes, gimbals, tripods and all manner of photography equipment. 

The evolution of GoPro cameras

GoPro is an industry-changing camera that has become a household name. You often hear how this name is called any action camera. Just 16 years after the first prototype was built, the manufacturing company, led by Nick Woodman, experienced explosive growth, and today is the fastest growing camera and video company in the world with an annual turnover of more than $ 1.5 billion.

Nicholas Woodman, the founder of the company, an amateur photographer and avid surfer, had the idea of ​​attaching some existing camera to his arm in the early 2000s to show what surfing on a surfboard looks like through the eyes of a surfer, since shooting from the shore were not as spectacular, and professional equipment was expensive and completely immobile. After several unsuccessful attempts, he decided to create his own camera complete with a mount and a sealed box. This is how the GoPro company was born, today there are more than twenty full-fledged action cameras, each with its own character, functionality and set of accessories. But they are all united by one idea: “Go Pro” – literally, become a professional. Indeed, the capabilities of the camera and its mounts allow you to shoot, in no way inferior to professional athletes and cameramen.

The variety of released models and their external similarity often raise the question: what is the advantage of one model over another, and how to distinguish between them? This article aims to answer this question.

GP HERO (2005)

This is GoPro’s first production model, then called GP HERO. Known for being the only camera to take photos on 35mm film. It was powered by two AAA batteries. The delivery set included a camera, a hand mount and a sealed aquabox with the ability to dive to a depth of 5 meters.

GoPro Digital HERO (2006)

GoPro Digital HERO is the world’s first digital action camera. The name has changed from GP to the usual GoPro. Unlike its film predecessor, it supported shooting 10-second videos – then the camera did not have a slot for memory cards, and the internal memory was only 16 MB. But this was already enough to win over an army of fans and earn the first serious money on it.

The scope of delivery has not changed: a camera, a waterproof case and a soft arm strap. She was also powered by two finger batteries.

GoPro Digital HERO 3 and Digital HERO 5 (2007)

The following two models are very similar to the original Digital HERO in appearance and functionality, so it is easy to confuse them.

Digital HERO3 differed from its predecessor by the presence of an SD card slot (support for a memory card up to 2 GB), and Digital HERO5 had a similar slot and an improved 5MP matrix.

GoPro Digital HERO Wide (2008)

Then comes the Digital HERO Wide, a very important model in the company’s history. Since it provided for mounting not only on the arm, but also on the head and other parts of the body, the line of accessories began to develop rapidly, thanks to which GoPro made a splash among outdoor enthusiasts and became popular with the masses. The number of competitors trying to diligently copy the camera and its functionality has also increased.

This is the first model to record video in 640×480 resolution and equipped with a 170 degree wide angle lens, better known as “Fisheye”. The “Hero” matrix was inherited from the previous model, but the waterproof box and the packaging concept have changed, which has remained unchanged to this day: a stylish black box with accessories and documents, and above it is a plastic cube with a camera.

GoPro HERO 960 (2010)

The camera has been further developed by moving away from AAA batteries in favor of a replaceable lithium battery, resulting in a flat back surface. The design of the aquabox remained the same, but the box itself became a little deeper, since the novelty was a few millimeters thicker. Manufacturers also abandoned the viewfinder window, which was present on all previously released models. What’s more, HERO 960 now shoots in 960p and 720p.

GoPro HD HERO (2011)

The big brother of the HERO 960, GoPro now has the ability to record Full HD video at 1080p at 30 frames per second. For 2011, this was a big breakthrough. A multifunctional port appeared on the back of the novelty, allowing you to connect BacPac accessories – LCD screens and additional batteries. The HD HERO, like its budget-friendly alternative, the HERO 960, sold very well and fueled the company’s growth.

GoPro HD HERO2 (2011)

In 2011, the manufacturer, following HD Hero, launched its new development on the market – GoPro HD HERO2. The camera was equipped with an 11MP sensor and an advanced processor, which allowed HD HERO2 to shoot video at up to 120 fps. A new Protune mode has been added to the camera – a special shooting mode with an extended dynamic color range. The model was released in three different trim levels: Outdoor Edition with helmet mount, Motorsport Edition with suction cup mount and Surf Edition with surfboard mount.

The manufacturer also released a new accessory: a BacPac Wi-Fi module with a remote control, with which you could remotely control the capabilities and settings of the camera and link it to mobile devices or a computer using a special program.

GoPro HERO3 White Edition, Silver Edition and Black Edition (2012)

Three new cameras were introduced at the end of 2012: GoPro HERO3 White, Silver and Black. They were 30% smaller and 25% lighter than their predecessors, despite the built-in Wi-Fi module in each new product, and were equipped with new waterproof boxes that can withstand water pressure even at a depth of 45 meters. Complete accessories and camera mounts remain the same. The models themselves in this line could be distinguished from each other by the color of the number “3” on the front panel. 9The 0003

White copied the HD HERO model’s functionality: shooting 5MP photos, 1080p video at up to 30 fps and 720p at up to 60 fps. Silver copied the HD HERO2: 11MP stills, 1080p video up to 30fps, 720p up to 60fps, WVGA (848×480) up to 120fps, and support for Protune mode. And the new flagship of the company, Black, became incredibly popular in the market due to its capabilities: the camera shot photos at 12MP resolution and 4K video at 15 fps and 2.7K at 30 fps. Moreover, the manufacturer decided to include a Wi-fi Remote in the Black Edition, which was previously only available with the Wi-Fi BacPac accessory. HERO3 Black, like the HD HERO2, also came in three different trims: Adventure, Motorsport and Surf Edition. While the first two trims were identical except for the box design, the Surf Edition included a surfboard mount instead of straight and curved adhesive platforms. .

GoPro HERO3+ Silver Edition and Black Edition (2013)

In 2013, GoPro will release HERO3+ Silver and Black Editions to replace the respective previous generation models. At the same time, HERO3 White Edition is still in the lineup as a budget model. Serious work has been done on the bugs: improved stability, quality of shooting in low light, image stabilization, increased battery capacity and redesigned noise reduction system. Now the cameras heat up less during operation, which was so lacking in the previous series.

Externally, the models differed only by the “+” sign next to the model name. Silver in FullHD resolution now shot at 60 fps, but the manufacturer decided to remove the ProTune mode from its functionality. The technical specifications of the Black series have not changed much, but the package has changed: the Motorsport version has disappeared, and a new Music version has been added to the Adventure and Surf with a special mount for musical instruments, a mic stand mount and a clothespin mount in the kit.

The plastic of the HERO3+ boxes has become a little thinner, the aquabox has become more compact and lighter, because of this, the diving depth with it has decreased to 30 meters. However, the box was still compatible with previous generation cameras. It is also possible to connect an external microphone via an adapter.

GoPro HERO 2014

This camera is also known as the GoPro HERO4 Gray Edition. This model inherited and developed the concept of the HD HERO model. Due to its low cost, it has become one of the leaders in the budget market.

Features include a 5MP matrix, FullHD video recording at 30 fps, a capacious battery that allows continuous shooting up to 3 hours, interval shooting (Time Lapse) and a wide viewing angle (Superview). Of the obvious disadvantages: the lack of a Wi-Fi module, a battery built into the case, as well as the inability to get the camera out of the aquabox.

In the entire history of the company, this model is the most budgetary, its price at the time of the start of sales was only 129$.

GoPro HERO4 Silver Edition and Black Edition (2014)

In September 2014, the manufacturer announced the release of two new models: HERO4 Silver and HERO4 Black. The package included a camera, a waterproof box (immersion depth – up to 40 meters), several mounts and a USB cable. The cameras weighed only 85 grams.

HERO4 Silver copied the functionality of HERO3+ Black, but was sold without a remote control – an LCD touch screen was built into the camera instead. The design has changed slightly: the LEDs are now located near the monochrome screen. The ProTune mode has also returned, the battery capacity has increased and its location has changed.

HERO4 Black outwardly differed from Silver only in the absence of an LCD screen (to save battery power), but they had significant differences in the filling: now it was possible to shoot 4K video at a frequency of 30 fps, 2.7K with a frequency 60 fps and 1080p at 120 fps, photos in 12MP resolution. Among the features of the model, it should be noted burst shooting (Burst) up to 30 fps, continuous shooting up to 10 fps, Time Lapse with an interval from 0.5 to 60 s, turning on the camera and starting recording by pressing one button (QuickCapture) and tagging mode ( Hi Light Tag). All three trims of the flagship have been inherited from the HERO3+ Black, with the only exception being that the Adventure Edition is now called the Standard Edition.

GoPro HERO+ and HERO+ LCD (2015)

In 2015, two new models were released one after the other: HERO+ and HERO+ LCD. Both new items were a logical continuation of HERO 2014, replacing it in the budget segment.

HERO+ differed from HERO 2014 in the presence of a Wi-Fi module, and HERO+ LCD – in the presence of a Wi-Fi module and an LCD screen. Otherwise, the specifications of the new models were the same as those of the HERO 2014.

GoPro HERO 4 Session (2015)

2015. The HERO4 Session was shaped like a cube (a brand new format for GoPro) and is 50% smaller and 40% lighter than the Series 4 cameras, with sides measuring 38mm and weighing just 74 grams. On top of the model was the “Record” button, below it – a small display. Another button was located on the back of the camera: it was responsible for displaying useful information on the screen and for turning on Wi-Fi. “Cube” was waterproof to a depth of 10 meters and was equipped with two microphones for audio recording.

After the release of the 5th GoPro series, the manufacturer renamed the HERO4 Session to HERO Session and re-released it in a new, white box.

GoPro HERO 5 Black Edition and HERO 5 Session (2016)

In the fall of 2016, the manufacturer released a new series of cameras – GoPro HERO5 Black and HERO5 Session. Both models had a sealed case that allowed diving to a depth of up to 10 meters without a special aqua box, were equipped with voice control and a digital stabilization function. They could automatically upload footage to the GoPro Plus cloud (a subscription to the cloud in Russia, unfortunately, is not yet available).

HERO5 Black could be called the flagship in the action camera market due to the following features: the ability to shoot video in 4K resolution at 30 fps, 1080p at 120 fps and 720p at 240 fps, photos at 12MP resolution, the ability to shoot in RAW format and the presence of a GPS module for receiving telemetry. What’s more, HERO5 Black has an LCD touchscreen that lets you control all of the camera’s settings. The HERO5 Session has slightly more modest specifications: shooting video in 4K resolution at 30 fps, 1080p at 90 fps, 720p at 120 fps and 10MP photos.

GoPro HERO 6 Black (2017)

New HERO6 Black has been released exactly one year later and became a logical continuation of HERO5 Black. She inherited the appearance from her predecessor: the same stylish dark gray sealed case with an LCD screen on the back, which ensured full compatibility of accessories. At the hardware level, the differences are more significant: the camera was equipped with an optimized GP1 processor, which improved image quality, and doubled the performance compared to HERO5 Black. Now GoPro could shoot video in 4K resolution at 60 fps, 2.7K at 120 fps and 1080p at 240 fps. This is indeed a major breakthrough for a small camera weighing only 117 grams. Also, thanks to the new Wi-fi module, support for 5GHz networks has appeared, image stabilization has improved, shooting quality in low light has improved, and zooming has become possible.

GoPro Fusion (2017)

The next model released by GoPro in the fall of 2017 was the GoPro Fusion 360-degree camera capable of shooting spherical content in 5.2K30 and 3K resolution 60. In general, the camera inherited some of the characteristics of previous GoPro models, such as water resistance, shockproof, voice control, Wi-Fi connectivity, GPS module, etc. , but also included several innovations. Of particular note are the presence of two lenses, each of which writes to a separate memory card, an 18MP matrix, an updated futuristic design, an improved stabilization system and an increased battery capacity.

It’s not the camera’s appearance or technical features that draws special attention, but the software developed specifically for this model. The first interesting feature is the ability to record and “glue” photos and videos without visible seams. Another interesting feature is the ability to programmatically remove the complete monopod from the frame so that the immersive effect during viewing is maximum. Not to mention OverCapture, built into the GoPro App and Fusion Studio, users can turn spherical content into a traditional 2D video format for further processing and export to social media, for example.

GoPro HERO (2018)

HERO5 Black, which will provide full compatibility of mounts and accessories for these models. HERO 2018, like its predecessors, is shockproof and completely waterproof at a depth of up to 10 meters, equipped with a removable 1220mAh battery, and is also equipped with a touch screen, electronic stabilization, Wi-Fi module and voice control.

However, if you look at the technical specifications of HERO 2018 in more detail, you will find that the model is really focused not on professionals, but on novice users: there are no 4K and 2.7K modes and some flagship features, but the novelty is capable of shooting video in 1440p and 1080p resolution at 60 fps, 10 MP photo and time lapse. And the most important difference between HERO 2018 and its predecessors is its price. The camera starts at just $199, making it affordable for just about anyone who wants to buy a GoPro.

GoPro HERO7 (2018)

In the fall of 2018, GoPro updated its line of cameras and introduced three new models: HERO7 White, HERO7 Silver, HERO7 Black. The cameras have a similar form factor, which ensures compatibility of accessories and mounts from previous models.

HERO7 White is the entry-level GoPro model. Rugged, waterproof to a depth of 10 meters, supports video in 1440p60 resolution. The camera has built-in digital stabilization and is capable of taking photos at a resolution of 10 MP. The built-in battery will provide up to 1.5 hours of continuous shooting.

HERO7 Silver, like the younger model, has a non-removable battery, but can shoot video in 4K resolution. Digital stabilization, voice control, touchscreen display, the ability to take photos in HDR format – these and other features that users love GoPro so much are implemented in HERO7 Silver.

HERO7 Black is without a doubt the flagship model of this year. Manufacturers have made a breakthrough by equipping the camera with digital three-axis stabilization. This kept the camera compact and made it possible to get incredibly smooth video even without the use of stabilizers. And the implementation of the live broadcast function will allow users to share moments of what is happening without a lag in time. The camera is waterproof up to 10 meters, has a removable lens, which allows you to use aquabox and dive to a depth of 60 meters. Removable battery, 12 MP photos and, of course, 4K video at 60 frames per second.

Also available to diehard fans of the company’s products is an exclusive all-white limited edition of HERO7 Black called HERO7 Black Dusk White.

GoPro HERO8 Black and GoPro Max

In the fall of 2019, GoPro made another technological leap and updated its line of cameras. On October 1, two professional-class products were presented to the public at once – the HERO8 Black model, which is a follower of last year’s flagship HERO7 Black, and HERO MAX, the sequel to the panoramic GoPro Fusion, so beloved by fans of spherical shooting. Let’s dwell on each of them in more detail.

GoPro HERO8 Black not only incorporates all the best features of previous top GoPro models, but also offers a number of revolutionary solutions that have not previously been seen in the action camera industry, namely, it received support for the so-called “modules” – additional accessories that are integrated into the ecosystem cameras and allowing you to get a turnkey solution for shooting vlogs.

In particular, the presentation featured: a multifunctional media module with a gun microphone, MicroHDMI, Type-C and 3.5 jack connectors, and two clips for connecting light sources, microphones and LCD screens, commonly called a “cold shoe” , a compact foldable screen module designed to make life easier for cameramen when shooting vlogs, and a waterproof and shockproof flashlight module that delivers up to 200 lumens of brightness. The manufacturers promised not to stop there and eventually release a few more modules that will help operators shoot on GoPro faster and better.

The camera itself has also undergone significant modifications. Firstly, the design of the body has changed: it has become slightly larger and narrower, the microphones have been redesigned and improved, and the protective lens of the lens and the legendary “ear” mounts have been integrated into the camera body, which eliminates the need for a mounting frame.

But the main changes concerned precisely the functionality: the device received support for the ultra-modern HyperSmooth 2. 0 stabilization, which became available in all resolutions and at any frame rate. New features have been added: LiveBurst (similar to the iPhone’s LivePhoto feature), Night VideoLapse – night time-lapse video capability, TimeWarp 2.0, improved HDR photos, and live social sharing in FullHD.

Of particular note is the redesigned interface of HERO8: it has become even more friendly, and for GoPro users who are just starting to comprehend the basics of action shooting, presets have been invented – recommended preset settings for standard, sports, slow motion and cinematic video. Don’t forget about the pros too: shark photography can now use all photo modes to shoot in RAW, and vloggers can use the revolutionary horizon leveling for cinematic shooting!

The GoPro MAX is also a long-awaited spherical camera, in the production of which engineers and designers took into account all the shortcomings of its predecessor, Fusion, and turned them into advantages. The camera itself is positioned by GoPro marketers as “Three cameras in one”: after all, in addition to shooting 360 ° video in 5. 6K30 resolution, the user can now shoot on each lens separately with 1440p60 parameters, receiving standard 2D video at the output. Also, future MAX users will obviously be delighted that now they need only one flash card to shoot panoramic content, which was so lacking in the previous generation model.

Of course, the manufacturer did not stop at just working on the bugs and added several new, but much-needed and long-awaited features: to please the vloggers, the device was equipped with an LCD screen from which you can control the settings and watch the shooting in real time . Audiophiles are not left out either: MAX is equipped with six (!) Microphones for excellent sound capture. Other highlights include improved MAX HyperSmooth stabilization and MAX TimeWarp, 270° panorama photos, and Full HD social media feed. Finally, the integration with the GoPro App has been completely redesigned for easy creation and sharing of the resulting videos.

GoPro HERO9 Black

Traditionally, in September 2020, the company introduced the next generation of gadgets — HERO9 Black. The first thing that catches your eye is an additional screen from the front. Previously, it was monochrome and had an informational function: it displayed shooting data. On the 2020 camera, the screen has increased in size and received color, making it more convenient to create vlogs.

In addition, the developers have increased: video resolution up to 5K at 30 fps, photos – 20 megapixels versus 12 megapixels for the previous model, and battery capacity by 40%, improved the old HyperSmooth and TimeWarp technologies to version 3.0. Even more beautiful and smooth videos filled with bright colors of life.

As another addition, GoPro has released a Max lens for a couple of additional modes with the appropriate postscript.

All the nice developments left from the 8-ki: folding ear-mounts, HDR, RAW, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules.

In summary, following the trends confidently, building and improving its ecosystem of mounts and accessories, and moving towards supporting vlogging, the GoPro camera has ceased to be a highly specialized device for action filming and has become a full-fledged means of self-expression, which I want to use it every day and take it with me everywhere and always.

In just 15 years since the release of the first industrial model, GoPro has made a huge leap from the manufacturer of film cameras to the modern market leader in digital action cameras, which all major players in this niche are guided by. This fact is confirmed by both multimillion-dollar sales and the presence of a huge number of GoPro fans.

How to choose a memory card for your GoPro

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June 2022

• Mobile lifestyle

• Personal Vault

• microSD

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It’s safe to say that GoPro cameras have made it easy and cost-effective for ordinary people to shoot action-packed videos. From the vibrant sights and sounds of daring cross-country skiing to unbridled motorcycling on bumpy roads or trips to exotic destinations, everything will be captured in the highest resolution imaginable. With a GoPro camera, adventurers can not only experience it for themselves, but also capture every second and then share the experience with others.

With no built-in internal memory, all the breathtaking sights and sounds that GoPro provides are securely stored on a secure microSD card. Shooting 4K video at 60fps or even 1080p at 240fps with a GoPro camera places a lot of demands on a microSD card. Steady recording with GoPro requires high recording speed and large storage capacity.

The actual capacity required depends on several factors: what you’re shooting, how long you’ll be shooting, and whether you’re willing to risk running out of space while shooting. If possible, then immediately buy a memory card with a larger capacity. This will help you in the long run to prevent disappointment when you stop recording due to lack of space on the memory card.

The choice just got a little easier as microSD cards are available in two options: SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity) and SDXC (Secure Digital Extended Capacity). SDHC cards have a capacity of 32 GB or less, and SDXC cards have a capacity of 64 GB or more. And here is some information for techies: SDHC cards use the FAT32 file system format, while SDXC cards use the more flexible and new exFAT file system.

When using a GoPro camera, microSD write speed is very important. The bigger, the better. In fact, insufficient speed can kill your dreams of long continuous recording in 4K or 8K resolution without distortion.

A minimum class 10 memory card is recommended for almost any GoPro camera (recording at least 10 MB/s). However, the U3 (30MB/s) memory card is designed to support 4K video captured by a GoPro camera. In addition, the card must support ultra-high speed (UHS-I or UHS-II), which represents the speed of the card’s bus interface. Not confused yet? Then look for the VSC classification (video speed class) V30, V60 or V90, which represents the card’s ability to write 30MB, 60MB, or 90MB per second, respectively.

GoPro cameras work best in the real world. You won’t get an action-packed recording during a leisurely stroll. And for active activities, the durability and reliability of a microSD card is paramount. Choose a card that has been tested for shock, water, vibration, temperature and X-ray resistance. And the lifetime warranty on the card will only increase the value of your investment.

HERO10 Black

You need a microSD card (sold separately) to store videos and photos. Use a branded memory card that meets the following requirements:

• microSD, microSDHC™, or microSDXC™
• Class V30 or UHS-3
• Capacity up to 512 GB

HERO9 Black, HERO MAX, HERO 7/8/9 Black

You need a microSD card (sold separately) to store videos and photos. Use a branded memory card that meets the following requirements:

• microSD, microSDHC™ or microSDXC™
• Class 10 or UHS-I
• Capacity up to 512 GB

HERO4 and older cameras

You need a microSD card (sold separately) to store videos and photos. Use a branded memory card that meets the following requirements:

• microSD, microSDHC, or microSDXC
• Class 10 or UHS-I
• Capacity up to 128 GB ¹

There’s nothing worse than having all of your amazing GoPro footage just disappear halfway through because your microSD card ran out of space. Save memories for a lifetime with a compatible microSD card.

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Getting started with the Hero5 Black

camera
The

GoPro HERO5 Black is equipped with a 2-inch touch screen, 3 microphones, fully waterproof without a case, video stabilization and voice control.

Live streaming from GoPro and iPhone.

Did you know that you can stream live with GoPro and iPhone?

GoPro

video settings explained

We’ll cover a number of common video settings on a GoPro camera and explain everything from frames per second (FPS) to resolution.

Getting started with the GoPro

Watch the GoPro introduction video.