Is The GoPro Hero Still Good? – Action Camera Review

GoPro Hero
  • Quality
  • Price
  • Features
2.5

Summary

Even though the GoPro Hero is the first edition of its kind and does not have great features like the newer versions. It does however still hold its own against competitors by being on the top and might be discounted on some websites due to how old it is. If you are looking for someone that isn’t going to break the bank but you still want to get a decent GoPro.

The GoPro Hero is the camera that kickstarted a huge and thriving market for action cameras in general, and the sub-$300 segment in particular. Even before the Hero, there were wearable video cameras with wide-angle lenses optimized for capturing sports and other vigorous activities. But it was GoPro’s first flagship product that made this kind of camera suddenly cool, accessible, and affordable—all at once. The result has been an entire ecosystem of affordable action cameras focused on different niches and price points. In this article, we’ll explore if the GoPro Hero is still good in this in-depth GoPro Hero Review.

GoPro Hero Specs

Video1080p @ 30 fps / 720p @ 60 fps
Photo Burst5 MP @ 5 fps
Waterproof131 feet / 40m
Wi-fi & BluetoothNo
ProtuneNo
BatteryBuilt-in 1,180 mAh
Touch DisplayNo screen, No way to add a screen
Image StabilisationNo
Voice ControlsNo
Audio1 Microphone
GPSNo

Pros of the GoPro Hero

The GoPro Hero is popular with a wide range of users, from swimmers and surfers to skiers, skateboarders, and other extreme sports enthusiasts. The camera is also useful for activities that can be dangerous for humans, such as inspecting dangerous machinery, or wildlife observation. The GoPro Hero is a rugged device that can survive being dropped from almost any height. The camera is also relatively easy to use and is controlled both by buttons. The GoPro Hero is able to take both still photos and video, despite having no viewfinder.

The Hero is the best-selling action camera on the market, and it’s easy to see why. A single Hero retails at a price of roughly $279.99, brand-new on Amazon or used/refurbished for $70 on eBay. The Hero has a rugged design that can stand up to extreme weather, rough handling, water, and shock. The Hero’s battery life is around two hours, which is enough for most outdoor activities.

Cons of the GoPro Hero

The GoPro Hero is a relatively expensive action camera, especially if you compare it to a device like the Yi Action Camera. That said, if you are looking for a device that can be used in extreme conditions, the GoPro Hero is a good choice. The GoPro Hero is not the most compact or lightweight action camera. The camera is also not designed to be used as a surveillance camera, and the user interface is not as advanced as it could be. The GoPro Hero is also not the best choice for shooting indoors, as it is not very sensitive to low light.

Is the GoPro Hero Waterproof?

Is the GoPro Hero still good?

Yes, the Hero is waterproof up to 33 feet (10 meters), and it’s one of the main reasons it’s still one of the best-selling action cameras on the market today. But even if the Hero is waterproof, you still have to be careful. If you submerge the Hero in water, be sure to remove it immediately once you’re done and dry it out, or you risk damaging the Hero’s circuitry. If you’re planning to use the Hero in the rain or near water, be extra careful and make sure you keep it in a waterproof bag. Clean your Hero thoroughly after each use and store it in a dry place away from dust and moisture. If you don’t follow these simple precautions, your Hero will quickly cease to be waterproof.

The camera can be used to take photos and videos of scuba divers and underwater landscapes. What makes the GoPro Hero waterproof is the “inverted” design of the camera. The Hero has its buttons and controls on the back of the device, while the lens and sensor are on the front. This design allows water to flow in and out of the camera without getting anywhere near the sensitive electronics inside.

Should You Buy a GoPro Hero?

The GoPro Hero is a good choice for people who want a rugged, waterproof action camera that can shoot both still photos and video. The GoPro Hero is an expensive camera, but it is built for extreme conditions and will last for many years. The GoPro Hero is an old product that was first released in 2012, so it is not one of the newest action cameras on the market. That said, the camera is still a good choice for those who want a rugged, waterproof camera that can shoot both still photos and video. The Hero can be used to take photos and videos of scuba divers and underwater landscapes.

If you are still on the fence about buying a GoPro and would rather use your phone, check out our article on how to turn your phone into an action camera with Hohem Gimbals.

Is The GoPro Hero Still Good?

The GoPro Hero is a camera that is built for extreme conditions, so the device does not really age. Even though the camera is now 20 years old, the Hero is still a good choice for those who want a rugged, waterproof camera that can shoot both still photos and video. The GoPro Hero is an old product that was first released in 2012, so it is not one of the newest action cameras on the market. It’s also affordable, given its feature set and performance.

The Hero has been a reliable product for its users, and there are no reports of widespread issues with the camera. If you want an affordable option for taking action shots and videos of your outdoor adventures, the Hero is a good option. It’s also a good option for those who want to try out action photography, but don’t want to spend too much on a camera.

Conclusion

A lot has changed since GoPro released the Hero. The action camera market is now quite mature, with many players offering decent-quality products at fair prices. There are even some Chinese brands that have managed to make a name for themselves in this space. At the same time, GoPro has also evolved as a company and as a product. Today, the Hero is no longer the best GoPro camera you can find. There are better, newer models in the GoPro lineup, for example, the GoPro Hero10 Black and the GoPro Fusion, just to name a few. At the same time, there are cheaper, younger models that can do just as well as the Hero. If you want an affordable action camera, the Hero will serve you well. But if you want the best action camera, look beyond the Hero.