When talking about action cameras, there is no doubt that GoPro is the first brand that comes to photographers’ minds. Whether you are looking to save your next big adventure or just want a camera that can go wherever you go, a GoPro is a great investment. Even though they are known to be mostly used for recording sports (whether it be skiing, skateboarding, climbing, or mountain biking), since vlogging has become popular, a lot of people have a GoPro Hero 11 Black or some similar product.
The brand’s newest releases, the GoPro Hero 11 Black and Hero 11 Mini, are packed with technology and super smooth video capabilities; but are those features necessary? Nowadays, our smartphones have wide-angle lenses and very good image stabilization that can stream, even underwater, without any damage.
So, in this article, we will see what a GoPro can bring to the table for the average consumer and why it is still relevant and going strong on the market.
GoPro History: What Happened Before GoPro Hero?
The first GoPro came out in 2004 as a camera for filming surfing. Since then, this brand has become the symbol of extreme sports and adventures. With every model being released, the filming became smoother, the angle views became wider, and the technological complexity reached a point that is matching the smartphone category. Endless historical shots were taken with a GoPro, and it was the companion of thousands of expeditions, helping to bring the stories to life through different angles.
GoPro Hero 11 Black Review
The GoPro Hero 11 Black’s exterior is nearly identical to that of the Hero 10 Black from the previous year. If you haven’t been paying attention, GoPro has released a bigger battery and a front-facing display with the launch of the Hero 9. Given that the general size, shape, and layout of the design haven’t altered in a while, it’s obvious that GoPro customers are satisfied with them.
The body is almost the same in all ways. You have a body that is matte black all the way around. You naturally get two screens, as on the last models, one for each point of view on the front and rear of the camera.
Image Quality
The main highlights of the GoPro Hero 11 Black are the image quality and the sensor itself. The Type 1/1.9 sensor on this camera now has an 8:7 aspect ratio. The Hero 11 can take better-looking, more artistic photographs and movies because of the improved sensor. GoPro appears to believe that this aspect ratio allows you to shoot more and then trim it to suit your requirements, whether it be for TikTok, Instagram, or even YouTube videos.
Additionally, it increases the range of horizon-lock shooting, enabling the camera to move a complete 360 degrees without the horizon ever drifting off-center. The maximum angle in the previous year’s model was 45 degrees.
Video Quality on the GoPro Hero 11 Black
Mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras will eventually incorporate sensors like this, and GoPro is in an excellent position to claim that they did it first among all other manufacturers. However, the GoPro also provides normal frame sizes that are available right out of the camera. It can record up to 5.7K at 30p or 4K at 60p in 8:7 mode. It can reach 5.7K 60p, 4K 120p, or 2.7K 240p in 16:9.
HyperSmooth 4.0 for the GoPro Hero 10 was hailed as a significant advancement in stabilization. With its new HyperSmooth 5.0 function, the Hero 11 advances the situation. When it notices shakiness, the HyperSmooth zooms in intelligently, and the Hero 11 can quickly fix shaky footage by zooming in.
GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini Review
GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini is the latest model in the Mini family. These cameras were at first a weird addition to the GoPro line, but with time, their usefulness came to the surface.
The Mini is identical in height to the full-size Hero 11, but it is actually 4 mm thicker. Its breadth, which is 20 mm less than that of a full-size camera, is where it differs. GoPro removed every screen from the Mini in order to conserve its small body. Because of its build and the lack of screens, the GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini is more rugged than its bigger brother. Plus, it offers two sets of folding fingers for mounting, which adds extra versatility and allows it to work with most accessories.
Video Quality
The front and back displays are not a big miss. It’s simple and quick to connect a smartphone and watch a live preview using the Quik app, even if you don’t intend to use it coupled to a helmet. Switching between filming settings is easy with the Quick App, which works very intuitively. All the video capabilities are identical to those of the Hero 11 Black.
ons of GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini
Now let’s talk about some obvious downsides. If you are the type of person that wants to change the settings, from resolution to brightness, well…Mini is not very friendly. Without an actual screen, everything takes maybe double the time, and the only fast way is to use the app.
Secondly, no photo mode. Yea, that’s a bummer! You can take good photos with it but with no settings and previews on the camera, you can just enjoy some basic GoPro shots.
GoPro Hero 11 Black Conclusions
In the end, GoPro is still the best when we talk about action cameras and GoPro Hero 11 Black is no exception.
Even if the differences from the previous generation are not too noticeable, enthusiasts would surely prefer the Hero 11 model for all its new features. Also, the mini model is not a camera for everyone but I’m sure it will find their home very easily in the arsenal of those who need a small device to take in real adventures.
Therefore, it’s time for you to share your thoughts. Tell me in the comment section below whether you’re an adventurer that needs the Mini model of Hero or if you need a shooting-friendly piece. Finally, if you enjoyed this article and want to read a new review, make sure to take a look at my Leica Q3 Review.
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