In 2002 a Californian company appeared on the market with the first action camera in the GoPro range, an incredible device ready to revolutionize the world and pave the way for recording breathtaking videos. In 18 years the level of quality achieved by these devices is exceptional, with machines that allow you to make movies in 4K in any type of condition, a combination that often brings the GoPro in the world of extreme sports, where you can film the most incredible stunts. Let's see what are the best GoPro action cameras on the market, analyzing the entire line of products on the market with some useful information to understand which model to buy.
Which GoPro to buy
To know which GoPro to choose you need to consider some main aspects, so as to discover which model is best suited to your needs. Of course a predominant factor is the price, in fact the cheapest products can be purchased at a cost between 200 and 300 euros, not exactly an affordable amount for everyone, while on the contrary the top of the range devices can range from 300 to over 500 euros. In addition to the price there are other features to evaluate, to find the right GoPro according to your needs.
Video resolution and photos
A key aspect in choosing the best action camera is undoubtedly the video quality, however, each model of GoPro starts from a minimum standard of Full HD resolution 1920×1080 pixels. The high-end devices, however, arrive without problems to the definition 4K Ultra HD 3840×2160 pixels, with the most exclusive machines that reach a maximum value of 5.6K, such as the beautiful GoPro Max. Similarly, we must also check the quality of the photo sensor, with definitions ranging from 8 to 12 MP, with advanced features on the top models that allow you to optimize the shots with a dedicated editing.
Water resistance and audio quality
The GoPro are waterproof digital cameras, able to support diving to a depth of 10 meters, an aspect shared by all action camera models of the American brand. They also have a robust and resistant coating, so you don't have to worry too much about dust or splashes, however to increase the protection of the device you just need to buy a specific case to increase its underwater performance. As for the audio quality, GoPro guarantees a really good stereo sound, with some models equipped with ambient noise reduction, a greater number of microphones and special filters to eliminate wind interference in recordings.
Display and interface
The best GoPro cameras all have a 2-inch LCD touchscreen display, with a simple and intuitive interface completely in Italian for maximum accessibility. This feature is now standard, while on models produced before 2016 there may be no screen as it was not customary to integrate it. For video editing and camera management there are several apps available, among which the main ones are GoPro App and GoPro Quick, the latter offered both as an app for mobile devices and in the desktop PC version.
Connectivity
Among the most appreciated features of GoPro there is the excellent connectivity of these digital cameras, in fact all the latest generation models have GPS for geolocation, Bluetooth for quick synchronization with compatible devices and the Wi-Fi module for connecting to wireless connections. This allows you to control the camera remotely in a simple and accurate way, to check the status of the recording and download all the data to an external device instantly, or to share on social networks for your own stunts or the funniest photos of the last vacations.
Autonomy and battery
Before buying a GoPro is important to check the autonomy, taking a look at two fundamental aspects, the battery capacity in milliamperes and the possibility of extracting it or not. The most advanced models are compatible with fast charging, a mode that allows you to restore autonomy in a few minutes, with a connection via USB-C cable to use the power bank or through a normal microUSB cable. In any case, it is preferable to always have a portable charger with you, to avoid running out of charge while recording.
Best action cameras under 300 euros
One aspect of GoPro is the high price, in fact the cheapest models start at least 200 euros, a high figure but adequate to the quality proposed by the American company. Here are the best action cameras GoPro under 300 euros to buy.
GoPro Hero7 White
Among the best cheap action cameras in the GoPro range there is the Hero7 White, an entry level also suitable for those who have never used a digital camera of this kind. The device is capable of recording videos in Full HD quality at 1440p, is equipped with a 10 MP photo sensor and has a 2-inch LCD screen. This dynamic camera is accurate and waterproof, you can choose portrait orientation for photos to post on social, with immersive audio and two built-in microphones, Bluetooth connectivity and built-in Wi-Fi module, with advanced electronic stabilization and touch zoom. Buy the GoPro on Amazon.
GoPro Hero7 Silver
The GoPro Hero7 Silver is an action camera suitable for those looking for a simple to use machine, but without sacrificing the unique performance of this device. Inside there is a renewed interface, with advanced electronic stabilization and 4K resolution at 30 fps, with integrated GPS module and wide dynamic range for photos on the move. Of course, the GoPro Hero7 Silver is waterproof (it's available on Amazon), plus it supports diving to a depth of 10 meters, has a photo timer, touch zoom and a 2-inch LCD screen, with QuickCapture system, SuperView and an included 128 GB SanDisk card.
GoPro Hero7 Black
The GoPro Hero 7 Black action camera is a well-balanced model that delivers high performance and an all-inclusive low price. It is a versatile and handy device, featuring Ultra HD 4K resolution with Hypersmooth, 12 MP sensor for photos, video stabilization and Live streaming function. The camera can record smooth and perfect footage in all conditions, even without using a gimbal, features a waterproof casing up to 10 meters depth, also is compatible with voice commands for maximum accessibility. Buy it now on Amazon.
Best action cameras above 300 euros
With a bigger spending budget you can buy one of the top GoPro on the market, focusing on the top models of the line to take advantage of the most innovative and amazing technologies. Here are the best high-end GoPro action cameras.
GoPro Hero6 Black
The GoPro Hero6 Black is the model of 2018, a really good action camera for recording performance in any condition, with a price that places it in the mid-range among the brand's range. Connectivity is great, with a built-in 5 GHz Wi-Fi module and support for a connection speed of up to 1.3 Gbps, GPS for precise location and Bluetooth for instant pairing with compatible devices. This GoPro can shoot 4K video at 60 fps and 1080p slow motion footage, has HDR technology for brightness optimization, voice control and a 2-inch LCD touchscreen, with wind noise reduction and stereo sound with 3 built-in microphones. Buy the GoPro Hero6 Black on Amazon.
GoPro Hero8 Black
One of the best GoPro cameras ever is the Hero8 Black action camera (you can find it on Amazon), a latest generation model designed specifically to ensure maximum performance in all shooting conditions. This digital camera comes with a fully waterproof construction, features a touchscreen display, an electronic stabilization system and can record videos in 4K at 60 fps. The machine is compatible with voice controls, with 15 very useful preset commands, supports live HD streaming and features a 12 MP photo sensor, has Bluetooth connectivity and built-in Wi-Fi module, with 3 built-in microphones and HDR technology.
GoPro Fusion
Between the best GoPro's there is undoubtedly the Fusion, an amazing and ultra-compact action camera, with video recording in 5.2K resolution with 360-degree optics, voice controls, immersive audio and waterproof coating resistant to dives up to 10 meters deep. The GoPro Fusion, which can be purchased on Amazon, features the new 18 MP sensor and ultra-wide-angle camera compartment with VR360 technology, the OverCapture system for extracting standard video from 360 footage, has the latest electronic stabilization with GPS connectivity, Bluetooth and built-in Wi-Fi module.
GoPro Max
The top of the line among the brand's action cameras is the GoPro Max, a truly unique high-end exclusive model, the best choice for those who want only the best (find out how much it costs on Amazon). This sensational machine allows you to record 360-degree videos, with VR technology to support virtual reality, 5.6K resolution at 30 fps for movies and 16.6 MP photo sensor for spherical photos, 6.2 MP camera for panoramic shots and 5.5 MP definition for traditional photos. This GoPro has Max Hypersmooth electronic stabilization, a touch screen, 6 built-in microphones, GPS, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity with the ability to make Full HD movies for live streaming.