GoPro Hero 7 Review
The GoPro Hero 7 is the newest action camera GoPro has released, and definitely the best yet. It comes with many awesome features like the 4K video to 60fps, Hyper Smooth stabilization, Live streaming…
There are three different variants White, Silver, and Black. The GoPro Hero Black version, which has the same custom processor of GoPro last camera (GoPro Hero 6), offers 4K video capture at up to 60 frames per second, super slow motion up to 240 frames per second, and a suite of new features like live-streaming, a Hyper lapse-style time-lapse mode, and the most significant of these, the HyperSmooth, a form of video stabilization that GoPro ranks as being the equivalent to using a gimbal.
After seeing some great reviews by users that have bought this camera I’ve decided to get one for me and make a review about it and explain what is so special about this high-end action camera. Is this camera worth buying? Will this camera suit best your style of videos you’re gonna record?
Specs
GoPro Hero 7 is built the same as their predecessors, the Hero 5 and Hero 6 Black, which means the Hero 7 is compatible with all mounts and accessories. Unlike the Hero 6 Black, which only allows regular stabilization to be applied to 30 frames per second when shooting in 4K, HyperSmooth can be used even when capturing 60fps footage at full resolution (except at 4:3) on the Hero 7 Black. It can also reach slow motion up to 240 frames per second in HD resolution.
Also like their predecessors, the GoPro Hero 7 has a waterproof case which can go down to 10m/33ft underwater, it has touchscreen LCDs, feature voice control, and can all automatically back up footage to GoPro’s cloud subscription service (over Wi-Fi), all the buttons are all positioned in the same places as before.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Great image quality 4K | Struggles with voice commands |
| Slow-motion up to 240FPS | Can be unresponsive at times |
| Amazing stabilization (HyperSmooth) | Some HDR photos can come out dark |
| Timewarp feature | |
| Improved UI | |
| Fits all the same mounts as before |
Photography
In addition to more video features, the photography of the GoPro Hero 7 has also been improved, again using the power of the internal processor.
It’s a 12-megapixel camera but has been enhanced with a feature called SuperPhoto, a mode that works a lot like the smart HDR features on Google’s Pixel phones or Apple’s new iPhones, and it works a lot better than the WDR mode we’ve seen previously on GoPros. What this mode does is automatically boosts contrast and color when it’s needed and in localized zones. For low light shots, it rids the photo of noise, making dark blue skies seem smooth and noise-free. It also has the option to shoot in RAW
A new feature on Hero 7 Black is that it now lets you shoot vertical video and photos and share them directly to Instagram Stories through the GoPro App, it works like a phone if you tilt towards a side monochrome display automatically changes orientation footage.
GoPro has incorporated this nice addition, especially considering the rise in popularity of this video format on social media.
Video
The GoPro can record videos at 4K resolution with a maximum frame rate of 60 frames per second. If we reduce the resolution we can increase it up to 240 fps.
You can change some settings without protune, but if you want to get more technical and touch all of the GoPro settings you’re gonna need to enable protune
With protune enabled you can switch between the different resolution and FPS options, we also have shutter speed control, ISO, sharpness, exposure compensation, color profile, and other adjustments that affect the sound or stabilization.
Design
The Hero 7 has the same design from its predecessors, from the GoPro Hero 5 to Hero 6. The difference has been the materials or rather the finishing and color that has changed, it is now more dark color, black like the name says rather than the Hero 6 Black color which was more grey. The camera case is covered in a soft-touch textured finish beside the sides and bottom, which doesn’t have the grippy, textured rubbery feel of its predecessor.
Then there are the other 2 variants from GoPro, the Hero 7 Silver, and the Hero 7 White, which are colored grey and white, also worth noticing that the Hero 7 Black batteries are accessible and replaceable, but the Hero 7 Silver or Hero 7 White’s batteries are not replaceable.
By keeping the same design as the Hero 5 and Hero 6 dimensions, the accessories available for Hero 5 and 6 will also be completely available for this new Hero 7. And also the mount for both the GoPro gimbal and the GoPro Karma Drone.
Battery
Battery life isn’t that great it comes with 1 Lithium Polymer 1.220 mAh battery. Which can last about an hour when recording in 4K and 60fps. But it recharges pretty quickly.
If we want to save battery on the GoPro Hero 7 we can by adjusting the brightness level on the back, with the screen that we can control the video settings, picture settings as well as battery level. And at the bottom the access cover to the removable battery.
If you need more battery you can always buy more batteries, so you can quickly change it when it’s running out and charge up fast with a battery charger (sold separately).
Livestreaming and other features
Live Streaming is another new feature. It works through the GoPro app and currently supports Facebook Live and RTMP, which means that a mobile device will need to be paired with the camera. In addition, mobile data will also be necessary as the camera and mobile device will be connected via Wi-Fi.
This year’s GoPro put many awesome features in the Hero 7 Black, and honestly, from what we have learned using for different things and testing its features, it is well worth the upgrade or buying a GoPro Hero 7 for the first time.
Settings
| RESOLUTION | FRAME RATES | STABILIZATION |
|---|---|---|
| 4K 4:3 | 30/25 | Without stabilization |
| 4K 4:3 | 24 | Standard stabilization |
| 4K | 60/50 | HyperSmooth |
| 4K | 30/25 | HyperSmooth |
| 4K | 24 | HyperSmooth |
| 2.7K 4:3 | 60/50 | HyperSmooth |
| 2.7K 4:3 | 30/25 | HyperSmooth |
| 2.7K 4:3 | 24 | HyperSmooth |
| 2.7K | 120/100 | Without stabilization |
| 2.7K | 60/50 | HyperSmooth |
| 2.7K | 30/25 | HyperSmooth |
| 2.7K | 24 | HyperSmooth |
| 1440p | 120/100 | Standard stabilization |
| 1440p | 60/50 | HyperSmooth |
| 1440p | 30/24 | HyperSmooth |
| 1440p | 24 | HyperSmooth |
| 1080p | 240/200 | Without stabilization |
| 1080p | 120/100 | Standard stabilization |
| 1080p | 60/50 | HyperSmooth |
| 1080p | 30/25 | HyperSmooth |
| 1080p | 24 | HyperSmooth |
| 960p | 240/200 | Without stabilization |
| 960p | 120/100 | Standard stabilization |
| 720p | 240/200 | Without stabilization |
| 720p | 60/50 | HyperSmooth |
HyperSmooth
What is HyperSmooth? HyperSmooth is the next level of Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) introduced in the new HERO7 Black. With improvements in the GP1 chip and 2GB memory, the camera delivers gimbal-like stabilization for creating even more smooth video captures.
HyperSmooth really is a game-changer, at least for action cameras, so in conclusion, if you want an amazing action camera with great stabilization and picture quality and does not want to spend a lot of time editing and post-processing their footage, GoPro Hero 7 is the perfect camera for you
Should you buy it?
The fact that the GoPro Hero 7 is completely waterproof without the need for a case is another advantage, as is the improved audio quality of its audio. It is not perfect, of course, it can get a little overheated when recording in 4K video, to the point where it automatically turns off.
In image issues it is very similar to previous versions, there is an improvement from the Hero 6 but not very noticeable. And in low light situations, it is still not the best option. But when we talk about stabilization, it is a giant improvement. Now without the need of buying a gimbal, we will be able to capture video that we would not have been able to take before without shaky footage.
The sound, on the other hand, is also better but we still think that it would not be what we would use in productions of a certain level if we want it to be consistent with what we could obtain with other cameras and external microphones.
But if you’re looking for an amazing action camera, waterproof, that can record excellent videos from angles that go beyond your mobile phone, the Hero 7 Black is one of the best cameras you can buy.
It may be just a relatively small update of its predecessor, but the excellent video quality, stabilization, usability and variety of frames of the Hero 7 Black make it the best sports action camera you can buy.
GoPro Hero 7 – Black (Amazon): https://amzn.to/3q1RCAy
GoPro Hero 7 – Silver (Amazon): https://amzn.to/2YcgfO4
GoPro Hero 7 – White (Amazon): https://amzn.to/2sKudvf
