GoPro HERO 10 vs HERO 9: Is It Better and Worth Upgrading?

GoPro announced the new action camera of its HERO lineup on September 16th, 2021. Still, many people are wondering if it's worth upgrading from a previous model to GoPro HERO 10. So we've made a head-to-head comparison between GoPro HERO 10 Black and HERO 9 Black.

In addition to summing up key differences between these two cameras, we'll also talk about how these features affect GoPro video recording, archiving, sharing, and post-editing. Let's begin.

GoPro HERO 10 Black VS HERO 9 Black

The huge leap in HERO 10 is the GP2 processor, which brings in a new era of GoPro, in its own words. The performance and responsiveness of GoPro HERO 10 are going to be doubled with this new chip.

Another great upgrade is the 23MP image sensor. It delivers better image quality in low light and enables GoPro HERO 10 to capture 5.3K 60fps, 4K 120fps, and 2.7K 240fps videos and 23 megapixels photos. Therefore, there are more details for you to work with while using a capable GoPro video editor, and you can get a clear and crisp video after cropping, repositioning, or applying slo-mo effects.

Now let's dive into the detailed comparison.

1. Design and Price

The main physical change of GoPro HERO 10 is the blue brand logo and the text on the body. The long-expected fluorescent color is missed in this generation. And it inherits most accessories from HERO 9, like mounts, protections, media mods, and batteries.

But surprisingly, it gets a new hydrophobic lens cover that sheds water better. And thanks to the new chip, the 2.27-inch front screen gets a higher refresh rate and faster touch controls.

Now you can order GoPro HERO 10 Black on GoPro's official store, BestBuy and Amazon. The price of HERO 10 is $499.99 without a one-year subscription, which is a huge increase from HERO 9. But with a subscription, it costs $399.98.

2. Features

2.1 Stabilization

GoPro HERO 10 stabilizes shaky footage better than its predecessors. It has two upgraded features for electronic stabilization – HyperSmooth 4.0 and in-camera horizon leveling in which the tilt limit reaches up to 45 degrees. The image cropping issues in High and On modes of HyperSmooth have been solved, but there's still tight cropping in Boost. The time-lapse video stabilization still stays in TimeWarp 3.0. As a result, it can handle most outdoor video capture situations, but still requires post-editing from time to time.

2.2 Image Quality

The new 23 MP image sensor in HERO 10 captures video in 5.3K and photos of 23 megapixels to the utmost. Powered by a more capable processor, noises and color in dark conditions are improved to a large extend with proper GoPro low light settings. If GoPro use a larger CMOS, the quality can be further improved. And the long-expected HDR videos are still not available in HERO 10.

2.3 Color Mode

Many users complain that the default color mode and Flat mode need much color correction and grading in post-editing. This time, GoPro retains the Flat mode for post-production, then adds Vibrate for the color-saturated outcome and Natural for true-to-life.

2.4 Slow Motion

GoPro HERO 10 Black keeps 8x slo-mo but implements it to a higher resolution to enhance the action shots and highlight details. And the speed varies when you set different resolutions and frame rates. But note that the Slo-Mo feature is unavailable in 5K 4:3 while capturing videos.

2.5 FOV (Digital Lenses)

FOV (the field of view) determines how much of the scene is captured by your GoPro. It also affects the zoom level and fisheye effect in your photo or video. In GoPro HERO 10 and 9, the FOV ranges from Narrow to Super View, and Ultra-Wide (155 degrees) with Max Lens Mod. The advantages of the new version are, again, the higher resolution and frame rate.

2.6 Software Power

Before the official release, it was predicted that the compact device would be built with a better program capable of recognizing a face, smile, blink, and scene, adding effects while capturing, etc. But none is true. It just inherits features like HindSight, Schedule Capture, LiveBurst, Duration capture, except Wake on Voice.

And the editing app GoPro Quik, upgraded last year, removes control of Protune and live preview on the smartphone. It seems like that this app shifts control over the GoPro to third-party software and concentrates on quick edits and cloud storage.

3. Specs

We've talked about what's new and that's improved in HERO 10 above. When it comes to the basic specs, many things remain unchanged. Let's have a look at the specs comparison of HERO 10 and 9 below.

FAQs

Does the HERO 10 overheat?

Yes. It starts overheating after 10 - 20 minutes of continuous recording, depending on a few factors like frame rate, resolution, temperature, and direct sunlight.

So when shooting long clips at the highest resolutions in a static environment, you should take the necessary steps to provide some airflow. This will improve the camera's thermal performance and allow for longer continuous recording.

How is the battery life compared to HERO 9?

It's packed with the same 1720mAh battery as HERO 9. But since it supports a higher frame rate and resolution, the battery in HERO 10 drains faster when recording in 4K 120fps, 5.3K 60fps, and in HyperSmooth 4.0. If you want to make the best use of it, you need to carry more batteries with you.

Can I use HERO 10 as a webcam?

Yes. You can go live by connecting your HERO 10 to the Quik app on your phone or the GoPro Webcam app on your computer.

Is auto-upload speed improved?

Tests from Reddit volunteers show that HERO 10 uploads files to the cloud as fast as the local Wi-Fi could handle. As of wireless transfer to the Quik app, it's now 30% faster thanks to the GP2 processor.

Is GoPro HERO 10 Black Worth Buying

Yes, if you are…

1. Troubled in lagging and freezing issues of older versions.

The GP1 processor has been employed from Hero 6 to HERO 9. And it's proven that the next-gen chip does take the performance to the next level – quicker turn-on, faster responsiveness, smoother screen scrolling, etc. Whether you are looking for your first action camera or want an upgrade, it's recommended to skip old models in between.

2. A hardcore GoPro fan.

The logo in the GoPro company's color distinguishes you from many other Hero Black owners. Moreover, the 10th flagship of this series comes with impressive improvements – an upgraded chip, 23 MP CMOS, HyperSmooth 4.0, more color modes, better low-light performance, and audio quality.

3. Eager for better video quality.

GoPro HERO 10 makes a big stride in the video resolution, frame rate, and color mode. 5.3K 60fps and 4K 120fps videos are filled with more details and give you more space to edit – cropping, color grading, adding slo-mo effects, etc.

No, if you…

1. Want a better value of GoPro upgrade.

Frankly speaking, GoPro HERO 10 does not pack innovative features, just some improvements in user experience. Some people say that GoPro might be developing a revolutionary flagship for its 20th anniversary in 2023, so they would wait for it. But it's hard to predict.

2. Do not use a GoPro frequently.

There's a huge increase in the price of HERO 10. If you don't carry the GoPro with you every day, it would be a waste.

GoPro Video Editing

Believe many of you were impressed by the teaser video one day before the GoPro HERO 10 came out. As always, videos from the GoPro YouTube channel are above and beyond, the scenic view, the perfect edit, the uplifting background music, and many to learn from. In addition to seizing the opportunities to capture more precious moments with a GoPro, post-editing techniques and tools are equally important.

When GoPro HERO 10 is forging ahead with image quality, GoPro video editing becomes more challenging even for desktop video editing software. The large UHD 4K 120fps and 5.3K 60fps videos from the HERO 10 need much more storage, powerful capabilities, and a bigger screen to show you more details. However, GoPro moves on without modifying its GoPro Quik software to the same level, and let alone GoPro Studio.

VideoProc Vlogger, a capable and intuitive video editor, was born for GoPro video editing, esp. for large 5.3K/4K/2.7K videos at high FPS, HDR photos, and RAW files from GoPro HERO 10. It has a streamlined workflow and a list of special features for GoPro videos to help GoPro users create cinematic videos out of every clip from the camera.

Top Editing Features for GoPro HERO 10 Videos

• Support 8K/4K, HDR, RAW, Log, HEVC, AVC, image sequence…
• Quick fixes to low-light, distorted, grainy, and overexposed GoPro videos.
• Free and stylish effects, filters, transitions, titles, and 3D LUTs.
• More creative features: speed ramping, motion cropping, color grading, audio editing, etc.
• Better editing experience: frame-by-frame editing, cutting to the music beat, real-time preview.
• Fast rendering and high-quality outcomes: 4K UHD, high FPS, best bitrate, and lossless audio.

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