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GoPro Hero 10 Review
The Hero 10 Black comes with two slogans. The first is ‘A New Era,’ which is a significant declaration for a firm that’s been at the forefront of action sports cameras for more than a decade.
The slogan ‘A New Era’ represents the massively overhauled GP2, effectively the engine that powers the entire GoPro Hero 10.
The GP2 significantly improves frame rates and overall performance, but standard features such as stills and video modes remain primarily unchanged from the Hero 9.
The new camera’s second catchphrase is ‘Speed with Ease,’ which is justified given its much faster and smoother performance.
So, is this processor as good as GoPro claims? Let’s find out in our in-depth review of the GoPro Hero 10.
Technical Specifications
- Sensor Type: CMOS Sensor
- Sensor Size: 1/2.3″
- Sensor Resolution: 23 Megapixels
- Max Shooting Resolution: 5.3K (3840p)
- Display: Front: 1.14″ Live View Monitor and Rear: 2.27″ Fixed-Type Touchscreen
- Image Capture Speed: 120 fps
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- Lens Mount: Max Lens Mod
- Optical Zoom: None
- Video Format: HEVC (H.265) and MP4
- Video Output: 1x USB Type-C 3.1
- Native ISO: 100-6400
- Shutter Speed: 1/25 – 1/2,000 sec
- Audio Input: None
- Audio Output: None
- Storage: 1x SDHC or SDXC
- Microphone: Built-in directional microphone
- Battery: 1720mAh Li-ion
- Dimensions: 2.8 x 2.0 x 1.3 inches
- Weight: 5.6 ounces
Other Key Features
Battery
The Hero 10 features the same battery as the Hero 9, which is more significant than all prior GoPro batteries at 1,720mAh.
However, the Hero 10’s more demanding twin displays and high frame-rate settings consume most of that capacity.
Some tests indicate at least 70 minutes of recording time by filming a continuous 4K@30fps clip with HyperSmooth Stabilization on and the screen brightness set to 50%.
This is significantly less than Hero 9 but close to Hero 8. Therefore, the adage—ensure you always have a spare battery or two—is evident.
Design
Besides a blue logo on the Hero 10, the latest GoPro is almost identical to the Hero 9.
The power and record switches are housed in a slightly darker, hard plastic frame. Sliding up the flap on the side reveals a battery, micro SD card slot, and Type-C 3.1 connector.
A small 1.14″ screen sits on the rubberized front, while the rear 2.27″ touchscreen controls almost everything on the device.
It’s all familiar compared to Hero 9, which isn’t bad. Moreover, GoPro has brought back the flip-out feet that debuted first on the Hero 8, making mounting the camera a breeze even without a housing.
Image and Video Quality
Since Hero 10 has the same sensor as Hero 9, expectations for picture quality improvements in photographs and video are limited.
However, GoPro says the new GP2 processor improves low-light performance, mainly due to new processing algorithms.
This is true, and you’ll be pleased to learn that grain has been reduced in stills and videos taken in dim lighting.
Color reproduction appears balanced throughout stills and video, with a fair chunk of punch and pop combined with natural tones.
The contrast levels appear more nuanced in extreme scenarios with a backlight or a powerful light source.
Still, photos taken with the Hero10 are decent, but the camera’s capabilities are limited.
While the GoPro claims that its night mode has improved, if you’re planning any night photography, you most likely will have to attach the Hero 10 to a tripod.
Performance
While the GP2 engine on the Hero 10 makes it a more polished and enjoyable camera to operate than its predecessor, several areas of its performance remain characteristic of GoPro.
Unfortunately, one of these areas concerns battery life and overheating.
Price
The GoPro Hero10 costs $500, or $400 for GoPro subscribers.
A combo that includes the camera, a 32GB SD card, two batteries, and a tripod costs $450 with a GoPro subscription (formerly known as GoPro Plus) and $550 without a subscription.
This remarkable combo is also available for $400 to existing GoPro members.
Final Thought
The Hero 10 may have the same exterior as the Hero 9, but what matters is what’s inside. Its new CPU shoots video at up to 5.3K at 60 frames per second, which is as fast as the Hero 9.
It can also capture still images with a resolution of 23 megapixels. However, image stabilization truly sets it apart from previous GoPro cameras.
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