No matter who you are, an action camera is the coolest equipment to have. Isn’t it? Action cameras are famous these days not only to sports aficionados but to all. It’s really cool to capture a picture or video while you’re biking. Isn’t it?
And GoPro is the best when it comes to action cameras. And, now with the arrival of the latest generation GoPros, Hero 7 Black is now the entry-level model of GoPro’s action camera lineup.
It was the first GoPro to introduce HyperSmooth image stabilization, Which is the best EIS system (Electronic Image Stabilization system) till now in the action camera class.
But this is 2020, and we have GoPro hero 9, the latest generation in the GoPro lineup. Should you buy Hero 7 Black in 2020? Or should you buy the other latest models? Let’s find out along the way.
GoPro hero 7 black has the ability to shoot 4K/60p video and with the new refreshed UI, it is still an outstanding action camera in the market, and its price is also low. If you are looking for the cheapest 4K camera, have a look at our other review. Now, let’s start with having a look at the features.
At A Glance Of GoPro Hero7 Camera
- This model added 4k@60fps video and its frame rate goes up to 240fps at 1080p.
- With new HyperSmooth video stabilization, enjoy gimbal-like stabilization without a gimbal.
- It can capture photos at 12MP resolution in Raw or JPEG format.
- Its SuperPhoto feature makes photos look amazing with automatic HDR and localizes noise reduction.
- Its built is Rugged and waterproof up to 33ft (10 m) without any case.
- You can live stream on Facebook, YouTube, Vimeo, and on many other devices.
- Time-lapse is available with HyperSmooth which is called TimeWarp by GoPro.
Hero 7 Black is 1.8 by 2.6 by 1.4 inches(HWD). It’s remarkably mild, weight only 4 ounces and full black, a dark matter finish set. The mild and teeny form factor allows you to put it anywhere you want, where its rugged build ensures its safety in dangerous situations.
To know more about it, here we’re comparing it with GoPro Hero 8 Black.
Compare GoPro Hero 7 vs GoPro Hero 8 Camera
| GoPro Hero 7 Camera | GoPro Hero 8 Camera |
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| It has a 12 megapixel CMOS sensor with a first-time introduced SuperPhoto function. | GoPro Hero 8 Black also has the same sensor ability as the SuperPhoto function. |
| It offers 4K video and a frame capture rate of up to 60fps. | It wasn’t upgraded in the case of frame rate. It’s the same 4k60. |
| You can go live with it, resolution up to 720P. | With this model, You can go live on Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and any other services at 1080p. |
| It can capture a photo of 12 megapixels at up to 30fps. | Same as GoPro Hero 7 Black, this model can attain bursts of 12 megapixels up to 30fps. |
| The 2-inch LCD touchscreen in 16:9 format comes with a good UI. | The size of GoPro Hero 8 Black wasn’t changed. So, the 2-inch screen remains the same as before. |
| Without any lodging, It can submerge up to 33ft. | Without any case or suit, it can last up to 10 meters(33 ft.) |
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Key Features About GoPro Hero 7 Black Camera
HyperSmooth
Without a hitch, the best feature in GoPro Hero 7 Black is the HyperSmooth video stabilization. It is the best in-built camera video stabilization available(excluding HyperSmooth 3.0, used in GoPro Hero 9 Black). It gives gimbal-like stability.
What is more amazing is, You can enable the HyperSmooth feature when shooting 4K videos at 60fps. Here, Bear in mind you can’t use HyperSmooth when shooting video at 4:3 ratio, and also when shooting 240fps and 120fps.
TimeWarp
TimeWarp was also a new feature first time added in this model. It actually is a time-lapse with HyperSmooth applied. And The outcome is time-lapse videos that are super stable.
This feature is best when time lapsing while moving such as biking, walking, running, swimming or hiking. You have different options on which speed you want to shoot like 2x, 5x, 10x, 15x, and 30x.
Revamped UI
The user interface had been revamped on GoPro Hero 7 Black. GoPro’s thinking was, rather than boosting more frame rate and adding more pixels, it’s better improving the user experience of the device.
The interface is more like a mobile phone now. And portrait mode has been added which allows you to capture photos and videos that suit Instagram and IGTV.
Live Streaming
You can go live with GoPro Hero 7. For this, you have to connect your camera with your mobile phone, and you can conduct live-streaming on various social media services like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, etc.
What Users Are Saying About GoPro HERO 7 Black Camera
When the first time GoPro came with its crazy smooth video stabilization, called HyperSmooth video stabilization, got a huge response from all action camera lovers. And it is still the best EIS. The UI touchscreen is like operating a mobile phone and very easy.
You can use this camera for birding and wildlife from different angles. The great 4K video, amazing image quality, and the live steaming direct from a camera are some outstanding characteristics. Its waterproof without needing a case is great for those who like to capture video underwater. It also supports voice command.
But there are also some shortcoming that annoys the users. The battery life is not okay if you are going to creature 4K videos. It lasts only one hour capturing 4K videos. Sometimes the voice command feature doesn’t work properly. Same with the touch screen. It doesn’t respond from time to time. And it’s getting very hot when recording 4K videos.
FAQs About GoPro Hero 7 Black Camera
Does the GoPro Hero 7 support Wi-Fi connection?
Yes. You can connect to Wi-Fi with GoPro hero 7. And connecting to Wi-Fi is very easy, just like a mobile phone.
Is this a good camera for live-streaming on a platform like YouTube?
You can live-stream with it. And the quality is also good as you can stream at 720p and adjust appropriately.
Can I directly transfer captured photos and videos to a laptop?
There’re mainly 4 ways you can do it. You can upload with a USB reader, using GoPro’s quick software for a laptop, using auto-launch with a USB cable and manually connecting a USB cable with your PC.
How long does its battery last in video mode?
When you’re shooting 4K, it lasts for 1 hour. Camera settings affect battery life.
Final Verdict
GoPro Hero 7 is not the best camera on the market right now, it’s GoPro Hero 9. But this model is still one of the best. And now with its price going low, GoPro is offering an excellent deal.
The Hero 7 Black has 4K/60P video, 12MP photo, SuperPhoto, HyperSmooth, and TimeWarp features which are really fun to play with. That being said, Hero 7 Black is still a splendid option for most of people as an action camera. And, with its new low price tag, there’s no room for a second thought to choose it as your new action camera.
