The latest iteration of GoPro’s action camera continues the company’s tradition of keeping in step with modern technology while maintaining the rugged reliability that made the brand a household name. Design is, after all, what made GoPro such a game-changing camera when it was first released.
Now, as more and more people set out to become content creators, or at least think more about cinematography, the company is in a really good position to grab both the high-end and affordability markets.
The standard 2024 GoPro Hero arrives with promises of enhanced stabilization, improved low-light capabilities, and a more intuitive user experience. After spending two weeks putting this camera through its paces in various environments, I feel like I can confidently speak to its value for the modern day traveller.
Design
The GoPro Hero maintains the familiar rectangular form factor that has become synonymous with action cameras, but with subtle refinements that enhance both aesthetics and functionality. The matte-finished rubber exterior provides excellent grip even in wet conditions, while the reinforced corners offer additional protection against impacts. At just 126 grams, it’s notably lighter than its predecessor without sacrificing durability.
The 2-inch rear touchscreen is now brighter and more responsive, making it easier to navigate menus and frame shots in bright sunlight. GoPro has wisely kept the front-facing color display, which is invaluable for vloggers and self-filmers. The button layout has been streamlined, with the record button now slightly raised for easier operation when wearing gloves or during high-intensity activities.
The most significant design improvement, however, is the new magnetic mounting system, which complements the traditional folding fingers mount. This dual-mounting approach offers greater versatility in the field and significantly reduces setup time. Being able to instantly record is important for travel writers especially, seeing as more of us are being pressured to become content creators.
The camera maintains its impressive 10-meter waterproofing without requiring additional housing, though serious divers can still purchase the optional 60-meter dive case.
Performance
Where the GoPro Hero truly shines is in its enhanced performance capabilities. The new GP3 processor delivers noticeable improvements in processing speed and overall responsiveness. Boot time has been reduced to under 2 seconds, and the camera can now capture and save high-resolution footage with minimal lag. It’s fast.
Video quality has taken a significant leap forward as well, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The enhanced HDR functionality preserves detail in both shadows and highlights, resulting in more balanced footage even in high-contrast scenarios. The 5.6K recording capability at 60fps provides stunningly detailed footage with smooth motion, while the 4K120fps slow-motion capability captures action sequences with impressive clarity.
Battery life remains a critical consideration for action cameras, and the Hero addresses this with a new high-capacity battery that delivers approximately 85 minutes of continuous 4K recording – about 20% longer than the previous generation. The camera also manages heat more efficiently, reducing the likelihood of overheating during extended recording sessions.
The standout performance feature is undoubtedly the next-generation HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization, which delivers gimbal-like stability even during the most turbulent activities. Whether mountain biking on rough terrain or filming while running, the footage remains remarkably steady without the artificial look that sometimes plagues digital stabilization.
Multi-platform content production has become the norm, and the Hero excels by enabling creators to capture high-quality footage in diverse environments without requiring extensive gear or setup time. The camera’s preset shooting modes – optimized for different social media platforms – allow creators to efficiently shoot content in the correct aspect ratios for Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and other platforms without post-production cropping.
Features
The GoPro Hero comes equipped with an impressive array of features that enhance its versatility. The new 1/1.8″ sensor captures 27MP stills and supports an expanded ISO range of 100-6400, resulting in cleaner low-light imagery. The TimeWarp 4.0 feature offers more creative control over time-lapse sequences, with intelligent speed ramping that adjusts based on motion and scene changes.
Voice control capabilities have been expanded with new commands and improved recognition accuracy in noisy environments. The live streaming functionality now supports higher resolutions across more platforms, with a simplified setup process through the companion app.
Audio recording has been significantly enhanced with a new three-microphone array that captures directional sound with improved wind noise reduction. The camera also supports external microphone connections via the USB-C port.
Connectivity options include Bluetooth 5.2 and WiFi 6, enabling faster wireless transfers and more stable remote control functionality. The app interface has been redesigned for more intuitive operation, with customizable quick access shortcuts for frequently used functions.
Value
At $350, the GoPro Hero sits at the premium end of the action camera market. However, the comprehensive feature set, robust construction, and exceptional performance justify the investment for serious content creators and adventure enthusiasts. The inclusion of a one-year GoPro subscription adds considerable value, offering unlimited cloud storage, discounted accessories, and camera replacement benefits.
For existing GoPro owners, the decision to upgrade will largely depend on their current model. Those using Hero 9 or earlier versions will notice substantial improvements across the board, while Hero 11 and 12 users might find the enhancements more incremental, though still meaningful for demanding use cases.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Highlights: Incredible quality video, design lends itself to more uses than ever before
Lowlights: Still expensive given you’re not getting the top-tier model
Price: $350
