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GoPro just announced their new lineup of action cameras. As already rumoured the new action camera series is called GoPro Hero7 and features a black, silver and white edition. A similar naming they already used for Hero3 to separate their models. Since GoPro sold its Hero6 black along with Hero5 black and Hero (2018) I expected the new series consisting of 3 cameras is replacing the current lineup of 3 action cameras.
But it turned out a little different. While Hero7 black features minor improvements compared to Hero6 black as expected, Hero7 silver seems to be a step back from Hero5 black (for a higher price!) Here’s all you need to know, let’s take a look at them in detail:

GoPro Hero7 black vs silver vs white

GoPro Hero7 black, silver & white

 

Before checking out the several GoPro cameras I can also recommend another article, to find out if GoPro (or an action camera) is the best suited camera for you:
In my article: best small travel & vlog camera I did a comparison of GoPro Hero7 black, DJI Osmo Pocket and Insta360 One X, they have a lot in common (size, price,…) but each has its pros and cons in different situation.

 

GoPro Hero 7 Series

GoPro is keeping the “black” label for their best cameras, as they did since Hero3. Interestingly Hero7 black is the only new camera to feature a front screen which was removed from silver and white edition. But that’s not the only difference in body design among those 3. Most surprisingly the battery in Hero7 silver & white is built in, the lens ist not removable, mic-in is not available and the HDMI port was removed. All Hero7 series cameras are waterproof 10m without case, but only Hero7 black is compatible with the underwater case.

I want to give a short overview and compare the one of the 3 new Hero7 models with respective old model. At the bottom of this article you can find a full spec comparison of all of them.

 

GoPro Hero7 black

GoPro Hero7 black

GoPro Hero7 black

Same as Hero4, Hero5 and Hero6 the new GoPro Hero7 black features a 12 MP sensor. Most likely from Sony and the same one also used in SJCAM SJ8 Pro and YI 4K+ action camera which is the IMX377 model. It enables 4K resolution up to 60 fps and image stabilization in 4K.
EIS – Electronic image stabilization was improved during their last models. Hero5 was the first GoPro to introduce image stabilization and it was available up to 2.7K with 60fps. With Hero6 they improved their system, most likely by adding a 6-axis gyro sensor, and it was available up to 4K with 30fps.

With GoPro Hero7 black image stabilization will be available in the highest resolution with the highest frame rate as well – 4K & 60fps. GoPro calls it “HyperSmooth” and a gimbal like experience.

Another new feature that was requested by users for a long time is Live Streaming. Besides that the body is the same as Hero6, now GoPro takes “black” literally and Hero7 black has a black body, compared to the grey one on Hero5 & Hero6.

 

GoPro Hero7 black vs GoPro Hero6 black – main differences

*prices are live feed from Amazon and sometimes not shown

 

GoPro Hero7 black vs DJI OSMO Action – main differences

Since DJI recently released their first action camera (which is very similar to GoPro Hero7 black) I also want to show you a short comparison:

It seems that DJI OSMO Action has the better image stabilization and is a b it better suited for vlogs as it has a front facing live view screen to check recording. Even though DJI OSMO Action has a higher bitrate, GoPro Hero7 black uses the .h265 codec which is better. Even tough the bitrate is lower, the image details are better. For more info check my comparison: DJI OSMO Action vs GoPro Hero7 black vs SJCAM SJ9 Strike. (SJ9 Strike is about 100 USD cheaper but similar in specs)

 

Deal Alert!

Here’s an interesting deal from TomTop: They offer GoPro Hero7 black for 349 USD with free international shipping. Maybe an interesting deal if you don’t have access to Amazon US. It is even more interesting for Europe since the final price is 314 EUR and it includes customs and taxes. So it is cheaper than the EU Amazon stores: 

 

GoPro Hero7 silver

GoPro-Hero7-silver-Symbol

GoPro Hero7 Silver

At first I thought Hero7 silver is replacing Hero5 black, but it turns out this camera is way inferior. Compared to Hero5 black, Hero6 black & Hero7 black the new silver edition features a built-in battery. The lens can’t be removed, it doesn’t feature a HDMI port, mic-in via USB-C port is not available as well as Protune settings. Hero5 silver features a 10 MP sensor, so it is actually closer to Hero5 white and Hero (2018) rather than Hero5 black. Therefore only 10 MP resolution photos are available, but only in jpg, RAW photo is not available. Max. video resolution is 4K with 30fps. Hero7 silver is not compatible with GoPro Karma nor the GoPro Supersuit (dive housing).

 

GoPro Hero7 silver vs GoPro Hero5 black – main differences

*prices are live feed from Amazon and sometimes not shown

 

GoPro Hero7 white

GoPro Hero7 white

GoPro Hero7 white

It seems GoPro Hero7 white is replacing GoPro Hero (2018) as it is very similar. It also features a 10 MP sensor and doesn’t offer 4K video recording. White edition is limited to 1080p 60fps video, actually it is recording in 1440p (4:3) which is cropped to 16:9. Same as Hero7 silver its battery is built in, it is not Karma compatible, nor with the underwater case SuperSuite and White doesn’t offer HDMI, mic-input or Protunes. Whereas Hero7 Silver does offer GPS recording, it is not available on Hero7 white and was not on Hero (2018).

 

GoPro Hero7 white vs GoPro Hero (2018) – main differences

*prices are live prices from Amazon and sometimes not shown

 

GoPro Hero7 vs Hero6 vs Hero5

Here you can compare the GoPro Hero7 lineup with Hero6 black and Hero5 black:

 GoPro Hero7 blackGoPro Hero6 blackGoPro Hero7 silverGoPro Hero5 blackGoPro Hero7 whiteGoPro Hero (2018)
GoPro Hero7 black

GoPro Hero7 black

GoPro Hero6 black

GoPro Hero6 black

GoPro Hero7 silver

GoPro Hero7 silver

GoPro Hero5 black

GoPro Hero5 black

GoPro Hero7 white

GoPro Hero7 white

GoPro Hero (2018)

GoPro Hero (2018)

Sensor12 MP12 MP10 MP12 MP10 MP10 MP
LensF/2.8, 170° FOVF/2.8, 170° FOVF/2.8, 170° FOVF/2.8, 170° FOVF/2.8, 170° FOVF/2.8, 170° FOV
4K Resolutionmax. 60fpsmax. 60fpsmax. 30fpsmax. 30fpsnono
Bitrate in 4K78 Mbps78 Mbps60 Mbps60 Mbpsn/an/a
1080p Resolutionmax. 240fpsmax. 240fpsmax. 60fpsmax. 120fpsmax. 60fpsmax. 60fps
720p Resolutionmax. 240fpsmax. 60fpsnomax. 240fpsnono
Photo Resolution12 MP12 MP10 MP12 MP10 MP10 MP
RAW photoyes
GPR Format
yes
GPR Format
noyes
GPR Format
nono
Display2″ Touchscreen2″ Touchscreen2″ Touchscreen2″ Touchscreen2″ Touchscreen2″ Touchscreen
Battery (Capacity)1220 mAh
removable
1220 mAh
removable
1220 mAh
built-in!
1220 mAh
removable
1220 mAh
built-in!
1220 mAh
removable
Image Stabilizationyes
up to 4K 60fps
yes
up to 4K 30fps
yes
up to 1080p 60fps
yes
up to 2.7K 60fps
yes
up to 1080p 60fps
yes
up to 1080p 60fps
Wifiyesyesyesyesyesyes
Bluetoothyesyesyesyesyesyes
Remote Controlleryes, optional extrayes, optional extrayes, optional extrayes, optional extrayes, optional extrayes, optional extra
StoragemicroSD (up to 128GB)microSD (up to 128GB)microSD (up to 128GB)microSD (up to 128GB)microSD (up to 128GB)microSD (up to 128GB)
USB PortUSB-C portUSB-C portUSB-C portUSB-C portUSB-C portUSB-C port
HDMI Portmicro HDMImicro HDMInomicro HDMInomicro HDMI
external Microphoneyes
via adapter
yes
via adapter
noyes
via adapter
nono
Voice Controlyesyesyesyesyesyes
GPS recordingyesyesyesyesnono
Live Streamingyesnonononono
Waterproof10m without case
60m with case
10m without case
60m with case
10m without case
no case available!
10m without case
60m with case
10m without case
no case available!
10m without case
60m with case
KARMA compatibleyesyesnoyesnono
Included AccessoriesFrame Mount
adhesive Mount
Frame Mount
adhesive Mount
Frame Mount
adhesive Mount
Frame Mount
adhesive Mount
Frame Mount
adhesive Mount
Frame Mount
adhesive Mount
PriceAmazon: Amazon: Amazon: Amazon: Amazon: Amazon:

 

Conclusion

If money is not an issue for you, go for GoPro Hero7 black – it is the best GoPro built up to now and probably the best action camera available. Is it worth the update from Hero6 black? I’m not sure. You get a better EIS, which is also available in 4K with 60fps (compared to 4K 30fps with Hero6). Additionally you get HDR photo, live-streaming and built in hyper lapse. Not enough for me, but I would definitely upgrade my Hero5 black.
Instead of going for GoPro Hero7 silver I would go for Hero5 black. Hero5 black is cheaper with better specs than Hero7 silver!
Same goes for Hero7 white vs Hero (2018). Hero (2018) seems to be better at a lower price tag. Seems like going for the existing cameras is more interesting than getting the new models – or am I missing something?
I’m confused by this strategy but I would go for special clearance sale deals on remaining stock or go for Hero7 black.

Alternatives?

Still GoPro stands out as there is not a real competitor offering similar features such as 10m waterproof without case and audio is really astonishing. 2 competitors come close as they also offer 4K 60fps (but EIS only up to 30fps): SJCAM SJ8 Pro, which also shows great results with EIS. The price is great, in fact you can get 2 of them for the price of a Hero7 black: 173 USD. And there’s YI4K+, which is a bit older and EIS is not that advanced. But with a price of 228 USD it is not even cheaper. Competitors have to catch up as GoPro is increasing its lead.

Looking for cameras around 100 USD?

I compared 3 action cameras for around 100 USD with GoPro Hero5 black, you might want to check them out:

 

Not sure which Accessoires to get? Check out my Top5 GoPro Accessories for Holidays – Review.

 

Comparison with other 4K Action Cameras

 GoPro Hero7 blackGoPro Hero6 blackSJCAM SJ8 ProYI 4K+ Action CameraGoPro Hero7 silverGoPro Hero5 blackSony FDR-X3000YI 4K Action CameraXiaomi MijiaFirefly 8SESJCAM SJ7 StarTHIeye T5
GoPro Hero7 blackGoPro-Hero6-symbolSJCAM-SJ8-Pro-symbolYI 4K PlusGoPro Hero7 whiteGoPro Hero5 blackSony FDR X-3000YI 4K Action CameraXiaom-Mijia-Action-Camera-SymbolFirefly 8Ssj7-star-symbolthieye-t5e-symbol
Sensor12 MP
?
12 MP
?
12 MP Sony
IMX377
12 MP Sony
IMX377
10 MP12 MP Sony
IMX ?
12 MP Sony
IMX317
12 MP Sony
IMX377
8 MP Sony
IMX317
12 MP Sony
IMX 117
12 MP Sony
IMX117
12 MP Sony
IMX 117
ProcessorGP1GP1Ambarella H22Ambarella H2?Ambarella A9BIONZ X image processorAmbarella A9Ambarella A12Ambarella A12Ambarella A12Ambarella A12
LensF/2.8, 170° FOVF/2.8, 170° FOVF/2.8, 170° FOVF/2.8, 155° FOVF/2.8, 170° FOVF/2.8, 170° FOV f/2.8, f=17 mmF/2.8, 155° FOVF/2.8, 145° FOVF/2.8, 170° or
F/2.8, 90° version
F/2.5, 166° FOVF/2.5, 170° FOV
4K Resolutionmax. 60fpsmax. 60fpsmax. 60fpsmax. 60fpsmax. 30fpsmax. 30fpsmax. 30fpsmax. 30fpsmax. 30fpsmax. 30fpsmax. 30fpsmax. 30fps
Bitrate in 4K78 Mbps78 Mbps65 Mbps135 Mbps60 Mbps60 Mbps100 Mbps100 Mbps100 Mbps70Mbps70Mbps
2.7K Resolutionmax. 120fpsmax. 120fpsn/amax. 60fpsmax. 60fpsmax. 60fpsmax. 60fps-
(2.5K in 60fps)
max. 30fps
(2.5K in 60fps)
max. 30fps
(2.5K in 60fps)
max. 30fps
(2.5K in 60fps)
1080p Resolutionmax. 240fpsmax. 240fpsmax. 120fpsmax. 120fpsmax. 600fpsmax. 120fpsmax. 120fpsmax. 120fpsmax. 120fpsmax. 120fpsmax. 120fpsmax. 120fps
720p Resolutionmax. 240fpsmax. 60fpsmax. 240fpsmax. 240fpsnomax. 240fpsmax. 240fpsmax. 240fpsmax. 240fpsmax. 240fpsmax. 200fpsmax. 240fps
Photo Resolution12 MP12 MP12 MP12 MP10 MP12 MP8 MP12 MP8 MP12 MP12 MP12 MP
RAW photoyes
GPR Format
yes
GPR Format
yes
.RAW Format
yes
DNG Format
noyes
GPR Format
noyes
DNG Format
yes
DNG Format
nonono
Display2″ Touchscreen2″ Touchscreen2,33″ Touchscreen2,19″ Touchscreen2″ Touchscreen2″ Touchscreendata only2,19″ Touchscreen2,44″ Touchscreen2" Touchscreen2″ Touchscreen2" live view
Battery (Capacity)1220 mAh1220 mAh1200 mAh1400 mAh1220 mAh
built-in!
1220 mAh1240 mAh1400 mAh1450 mAh1200 mAh1000 mAh1100 mAh
Image Stabilizationyes
up to 4K 60fps
yes
up to 4K 30fps
yes
up to 4K 30fps
yes
up to 4K 30fps
yes
up to 2.7K 60fps
yes
up to 2.7K 60fps
yes (optical)
up to 4K 30fps
yes
up to 2.7K 60fps
yes
up to 1080p 60fps
yes
up to 1080p 60fps
yes
up to 1080p 60fps
yes
up to 1080p 60fps
Gyro Sensor"Hypersmooth""superior to Hero5"
I guess 6-axis
6-axis3-axisI guess 3-axisI guess 3-axisoptical stabilization!3-axis6-axis (3-axis gyro, 3-axis accelerometer)6-axis3-axis3-axis
Wifiyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes
Bluetoothyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes
Remote Controlleryes, optional extrayes, optional extrayes, optional extrayes, optional extrayes, optional extrayes, optional extrayes, optional extrayes, optional extrayes, optional extrayes, optional extrayes, optional extrayes, optional extra
AppGoPro App
iOS, Android
GoPro App
iOS, Android
SJCAM Zone
iOS, Android
Yi Action App
iOS, Android
GoPro App
iOS, Android
GoPro App
iOS, Android
Action Cam App
iOS, Android
Yi Action App
iOS, Android
Mi Home AppFirefly Cam
iOS, Android
SJCAM Zone
iOS, Android
Thieye HD
iOS, Android
StoragemicroSD (up to 128GB)microSD (up to 128GB)microSD (up to 128GB)microSD (up to 128GB)microSD (up to 128GB)microSD (up to 128GB)microSD (up to 128GB)microSD (up to 128GB)microSD (up to 64GB)microSD (up to 128GB)microSD (up to 128GB)microSD (up to 128GB)
USB PortUSB-C portUSB-C portUSB-C portUSB-C portUSB-C portUSB-C portmicro USB portmicro USB portmicro USB portmini USB portmini USB portmicro USB port
A/V Outputyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes(will be added)yesyesyes
external Microphoneyes
via USB-C
yes
via USB-C
yes
via USB-C
yes
via USB-C
noyes
via USB-C
yes
via 3,5mm
nonoyes
via mini USB
yes
via mini USB
yes
via 2.5mm plug
HDMI Portmicro HDMImicro HDMInononomicro HDMImicro HDMInonomicro HDMImicro HDMImicro HDMI
Voice Controlyesyesnoyesyesyesnoyesnononono
Special FeatureGPS recordingGPS recordingcomes with Touchdoor CaseFacebook Live BroadcastingGPS recordingGPS recordingGPS recordingFacebook Live BroadcastingAluminum Frame Body
MountsGoPro System on frame/caseGoPro System on frame/case1/4" thread on body
GoPro System on case
1/4" thread on body
GoPro System on case
GoPro System on frame/caseGoPro System on frame/case1/4" thread on body
1/4" thread on case
1/4" thread on body
GoPro System on case
1/4" thread on body
GoPro System on case
1/4" thread on body
GoPro System on case
GoPro System on frame/case1/4" thread on body
GoPro System on case
Waterproof10m without case
60m with case
10m without case
60m with case
30m with case40m with case10m without case
NO case available
10m without case
60m with case
splash proof without case
60m with case
40m with casewith case30m with case30m with case30m with case
Included AccessoriesFrameFrameCase & Mounts
(Full Box)
Many offers include caseFrameFrameUnderwater Case--
kits will be available later
Case & MountsCase & MountsCase, 2nd battery
Best PriceAmazon: Amazon: Banggood:
189.99 USD
Amazon: Amazon: Amazon: Amazon: Geekbuying: 159.99 USDGearbest: 99.99 USDBanggood: 119.99 USDBanggood:
149.99 USD
Gearbest: 119.99 USD
ReviewReviewReviewReviewReviewReviewReviewReviewReviewReviewReview

 

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