Best GoPro Cameras for Sports and Underwater Video Projects in 2021

It is indisputable that Hero9 Black offers the latest updates and technology among GoPro cameras. It prides itself from the software up to its hardware.

“If you would compare it to Hero8 Black, the most noticeable improvement you’ll see in Hero9 Black is its colored front LCD screen,” SolidSmack Photography Editor Evangeline Summers started. “This mimics the ability of bigger cameras with a vari-angle screen that allows you to easily compose your shots while filming yourself.”

Its rear screen comes out bigger (2.27 inches) too compared to the one you find in Hero8 Black. Further, due to the nature of its removable lens cover, users have the liberty for the brand’s new Max Lens Mod.

“Though the accessory is sold separately, it means additional capabilities for your Hero9 Black as it will ‘somehow’ turn your unit into an instant GoPro Max. With this Mod attached, you can unlock features like 155º Max SuperView mode and 360º horizon lock,” said Summers.

On the other hand, its software also gets a big boost by having a 5K/30p video capability which also allows 14.7 MP grabs! Nonetheless, it can also shoot stills in 20 MP resolution. You also have the option for a smoother 60fps frame rate in 4K and up to 240fps in 1080p for an 8X slow-mo effect.

According to Summers, besides delivering images with richer colors and great contrast and shadow details, the in-camera auto-correct horizon leveling is very helpful if you are obsessed with videos with leveled horizons.

Hero9 has also improved some of its other features such as the HyperSmooth and TimeWarp by upgrading them to the 3.0 version. This improvement is literally visible in each 5K shot and this is probably the sweetest icing on top of Hero9. This function is so perfect that it redefines the concept of stabilization in action cameras. Even better, the cam is backed with HyperSmooth Boost which will give you the finest stabilization technology of GoPro regardless of the frame rate and resolution. It also comes with additional features like Scheduled Capture, Duration Capture, and HindSight, with the last one enabling you to capture 30 seconds of the scene before pushing the shutter button.

Hero9 Black probably has all the latest features of GoPro cams, but nothing can beat GoPro Max in its own game: 360 photography.

“It captures 5.6K 360-degree footage at 30p which is the best in the market,” said Summers. “We are aware of the supremacy of GoPro as action cams but when the brand released this 360 unit after the Fusion, it made another incredible milestone.”

There are rear and front lenses on the body of the camera. One of these two sides has a touchscreen LCD which should make it easy for you to frame your shots while filming. Also, it comes with other unique capabilities such as the Powerpano that produces distortion-free 270° panoramic stills, immersive photos, and more.

Yet, it still has some flaws, instead of the standard 4K action camera mode, it comes with 1440p/60p and 1080p/60p options under Hero mode. Nonetheless, you have the freedom to customize the shutter speed, white balance, and bitrate of the footage using its ProTune editing software.

Also, GoPro Max can deliver excellent colors and details under sufficient natural lighting. It also exhibits its power when it comes to its Max HyperSmooth and in-camera horizon leveling capabilities. With these features, its shots come as if you have captured them with the best gimbal on the market. Regardless of the camera’s movement, you will see no shake effects due to its “aggressive” stabilization ability. No tilts at all.

If you think GoPro Hero9 is overkill, the Hero8 must be the best choice for you. At the end of the day, 5K is not really a must at all times. You would probably just covet it for extremely professional and serious video projects. On the other hand, the 4K/60fps Hero8 is offering is enough for most of the needs of GoPro users. It can also shoot in 1080p at 240fps.

“The resolutions meet all the right standards and the quality of the videos is more than acceptable. With proper lighting, it can deliver the best performance. Its performance at low-light conditions, dynamic range, and grain level is better than most action cameras on the market,” said Summers.

On the other hand, it comes with the 2.0 versions of the HyperSmooth and TimeWarp and It also offers the LiveBurst function. Compared to GoPro Hero9 Black, its horizon leveling can be executed using the app and the front LCD only displays its status. These things clearly define its huge difference from Hero9 Black but it doesn’t make it the loser of the game. Hero8 is a beauty in its own way. After all, it can complement a number of Mods from GoPro in case you want this bad boy to have a boost.

There is really no big difference between Hero7 and Hero8 Black in terms of most of their specifications. The two employ just the same 12 megapixel CMOS sensor that comes with SuperPhoto ability. You also get the same 4k/60fps, 1080/240fps, and 720p/240fps. Both also come with the same photo resolution at 12 MP and delivers burst shots at 30fps.

The Hero7 Black is the genesis of the famous software we are enjoying now in Hero8 Black and Hero9 Black: HyperSmooth and TimeWarp. Upon scrutinizing these functions, Summers said that Hero7 still has the “stamina to attract the market.” Though Hero8 black offers higher versions, the software in Hero7 Black is still brilliant by today’s standards. On the other hand, another obvious difference between the two is that the Hero7 Black comes with a lower resolution 720p in terms of streaming but at its time, it is the first GoPro to offer it and it was huge news.

So, what should push you to choose Hero7 Black? The cost.

“Though its time has passed and it can’t offer you the latest capabilities, including the fact that it can’t cater to Mods, it offers the best value among all GoPros. This is specifically ideal for those who don’t to spend too much on their action cams for additional accessories in the future,” Summers said.

If you want an action camera that is very affordable (under $199), but still want the GoPro standards, Hero7 Silver is the best choice. As a matter of fact, its price point can now match the offer of other cheap brands on the market. And the best thing about it? It offers the GoPro 4K trademark.

It comes with 4K with a maximum frame rate of 30fps while its sibling, the Hero7 Black, offers it at 60fps. Its stills come at 10 MP and its slow-mo capability comes at only 2X. On the other hand, it doesn’t offer the HyperSmooth and the live streaming capability. It really is a simple action cam but according to Summers, this is its main strength.

“Nowadays, GoPro earned the reputation as the brand offering the priciest action cameras but Hero7 Silver is the proof that you can still have that GoPro experience at such a low price,” explained Summers.