GoPro fans have a new option to explore, as the company recently unveiled its compact and lightweight 4K Hero. This model stands out as the smallest and most budget-friendly camera in GoPro’s lineup, priced at just $199.
The Hero is designed to be waterproof and features GoPro’s most straightforward user interface, delivering 4K video capabilities, 2x slow motion at 2.7K resolution, and 12-megapixel photography. It is currently available for purchase at stores worldwide as well as on GoPro’s official website.
“The Hero is the smallest, lightest, and easiest 4K camera with a touch display that we’ve ever created,” the company stated in a press release.
This innovative camera can record continuously for over an hour at its highest video setting on a single charge, and GoPro touts its Enduro battery technology, which performs exceptionally well in diverse conditions, such as rain and snow. Additionally, the camera is waterproof up to a depth of 16 feet.
Weighing in at an incredibly light design, the Hero is 35% smaller and 46% lighter than the Hero13 Black. It incorporates built-in folding mounting fingers, making it compatible with GoPro’s extensive array of mounts.
The user controls of the Hero are touted as the simplest yet. It includes a rear touch display that allows users to frame their shots, swipe between modes, and check battery and memory status. The Hero can also easily be paired with smartphones for seamless camera control and content transfer via the GoPro app.
The available modes include impressive Ultra HD 4K and HD 1080p video options, which work with GoPro’s exclusive HyperSmooth video stabilization during playback on the app. Moreover, it can capture 12MP photos and record slow-motion videos at 2.7K resolution at 60 frames per second.
Several competitors provide action cameras comparable to GoPro’s new $199 Hero in both features and pricing. These include the DJI Osmo Action 3, typically priced around $329 (though deals can reduce it to near $200), the Insta360 starting at $299, the AKASO Brave 7 LE at $140, the Yi 4K Action Camera priced at $199, and the VanTop Moment 6S available for $120.
Previously, GoPro introduced the Hero 13 Black model, which is priced at $399. For those looking for additional features, there’s also the Hero13 Black Creator Edition, retailing for $599 and bundling the Volta Power Grip, Media Mod, and Light Mod.
GoPro also provides several “bundle” options for the Hero13 Black designed for specific purposes. These packages, which include the camera, range from $449 to $609.