GoPros are small and lightweight, making them easy to carry around. They are also durable, making them ideal for rugged environments. GoPros have become increasingly popular in recent years, as they allow people to capture high-quality video and photos.
For mid-priced GoPros, you get waterproofing, touch display, and outstanding video quality. More expensive GoPros have advanced stabilization and can shoot in low light. So a GoPro is worth the investment if you’re looking for a high-quality, durable camera for various settings.
There are a few things to keep in mind when using a GoPro, such as battery life and narrow view. Nevertheless, they are an excellent choice for a high-quality and versatile camera. So let’s look at whether or not GoPros are worth it.
Are GoPros Worth The Money?
GoPros are often lauded for their unique abilities. They’re small, lightweight cameras that can be mounted on almost anything, from your helmet to your surfboard.
They cost between $200 and $500, making them pricier than your average point-and-shoot camera but cheaper than a professional DSLR. So the question is, are GoPros worth the money?
The answer depends on what you plan to use the GoPro for. A GoPro could be a priceless addition to your gear if you’re an avid adventurer or sports enthusiast.
Having one is also a good idea if you plan to document your road trip and other travel experiences, as the camera is designed for extreme conditions and produces high-quality footage.
However, if you’re looking for a simple camera to document your life without any extreme activities, there are much cheaper options available that will suit your needs just fine. It is also not the best choice if you want to shoot high-quality documentaries such as wildlife or films.
Whether you’re just getting started with GoPros and want an entry-level model like the GoPro HERO8 (on Amazon), or if you’re an experienced outdoor photographer who needs the added features of a higher-end unit like the GoPro MAX (also on Amazon), GoPro (like Apple with the iPhone) wants to meet you where your at as far as the pricing and offer an option for everyone.
Are GoPros Better Than Other Cameras?
GoPros are popular for their versatility. They are small, lightweight, and can be mounted on almost anything. They are good at what they are designed to do, but how do they compare to other types of cameras?
GoPro Vs. Phone Camera
The average phone camera these days can produce footage that is just as good as a GoPro. The latest iPhone models have 4K video capabilities which are on par with some of the more expensive GoPros. The main advantage that a GoPro has over a phone camera is its durability.
GoPros are designed to withstand extreme conditions and can take a beating. They are also waterproof, which is a huge plus if you’re planning on using them for activities like surfing or snorkeling. On the other hand, phone cameras are not nearly as tough and will likely break if dropped from a height or submerged in water.
GoPro Vs. DSLR Camera
If you’re looking for high-quality video, a DSLR camera is better than a GoPro. DSLR cameras can shoot in 4K, produce sharper images, and have a wide range of lenses that you can use to get different shots.
The downside of DSLRs is that they are big and bulky, making them difficult to carry around and mount on things. They are also more expensive than GoPros, with some models costing several thousand dollars.
GoPro vs. Point-and-Shoot Camera
Point-and-shoot cameras are a good middle ground between GoPro and DSLR cameras. They are small and lightweight like GoPros but can shoot in higher quality than most GoPros.
They also have the added advantage of having a viewfinder, making it easier to use than GoPros. The main downside of point-and-shoot cameras is that they don’t have the same mounting capabilities as GoPros, making them difficult to use in certain situations.
Why You Should Get A GoPro
GoPros have distinct features that make them an attractive option to throw in the backpack for a travel adventure. Let’s look at some of the main reasons you should get a GoPro over other types of cameras.
1. Small and Portable
GoPros are small and portable, making them easy to take with you wherever you go. They are also much less likely to attract attention than a big DSLR camera. This can be a great advantage if you’re traveling to places where you don’t want to stand out as a tourist.
2. Rugged and Waterproof
Ruggedness and waterproofing are GoPro’s main selling points. It’s one of the reasons they have become so popular with action and extreme sports enthusiasts. They can take a lot of abuse and keep on going. And if you do manage to break them, they are covered by a warranty.
3. Time-Lapse Mode
Time-lapse is a feature that is becoming increasingly popular as it can produce some stunning results. It’s basically taking a series of photos at set intervals and then stringing them together to create a video. The resulting video is played back at a normal speed which gives the effect of speeding up time.
4. Wide Range of Accessories
A wide range of accessories available for GoPros can help you get the most out of them. These include everything from mounts and tripods to cases and filters. There are also several third-party apps that you can use to edit and share your GoPro videos.
5. Easy to Use
GoPros are designed to be easy to use, so you can just point and shoot. They have a simple interface with just a few buttons that are easy to understand. Even if you’ve never used a GoPro before, you should be able to figure it out within a few minutes.
6. Wide-Angle Lens
One of the best things about GoPros is that they have a wide-angle lens that allows you to capture much more in your frame than other types of cameras. However, wide-angle lenses can be a double-edged sword. It’s ideal for big subjects or if you can get close to snap the shot.
It may make for a fantastic immersive appearance that works particularly well for action images. However, it’s generally terrible for documenting wildlife or vast landscapes.
7. Great Video Quality
GoPros can shoot high-quality video slightly lower than what you would expect from a DSLR camera. However, the newer models have 4k capabilities, which is great if you want to create videos for social media or YouTube. In addition, the upcoming models are expected to have even more improved video quality.
Things to Know Before Buying a GoPro
Now that we’ve looked at some of the reasons why you should get a GoPro, let’s take a look at some things you should know before buying one.
1. Price
GoPros are not cheap. The entry-level models start at around $200, and the top-of-the-line model will set you back $500. That’s a lot of money for a small camera. However, you should remember that GoPros are designed for people looking for a durable, portable camera that can take a beating.
2. Quality
The video and photo quality of GoPros has come a long way in recent years, and they are now on par with what you would expect from a DSLR camera. However, they are still not as good as the high-end DSLR cameras on the market.
3. Battery Life
One of the biggest complaints about GoPros is that the battery life is not great. Depending on how you use the camera, you can expect to get around 1-2 hours of use out of a fully charged battery. This is something to keep in mind if you plan on using the GoPro for extended periods.
4. Storage
GoPros use microSD cards for storage which are not included with the camera. These can be bought separately and range in price from $10-$100 depending on the capacity. Keep in mind that you will need a fast card to get the best video quality.
5. Accessories
As we mentioned earlier, a wide range of accessories is available for GoPros. These can be bought separately, ranging in price from a few dollars to hundreds, depending on what you are looking for.
6. Warranty
GoPro offers a 1-year limited warranty on all of their cameras. This covers defects in materials and quality but does not cover damage caused by normal wear and tear or misuse.
7. Water Resistance
One of the best things about GoPros is that they are waterproof without needing a separate case. The entry-level model is waterproof up to 10 meters, and the top-of-the-line model is waterproof up to 30 meters.
Which GoPro is The Best?
If you decide to get a GoPro, consider purchasing the latest models, which could be the HERO8, HERO9, or HERO10. All three of these models come with several improvements over the older models. HERO10 is the newest and most capable of the three, but it is also more expensive.
The price difference between the HERO8 and theHERO9 is quite significant, with the latter costing around $100 more. So, if you’re on a tight budget, the HERO8 would be the better option.
However, if you can afford it, we recommend the HERO10 as it offers more features and better video quality.
HERO11 is set to be released towards the end of 2022. It promises to be a significant upgrade over the HERO10 and will likely cost around $500. So, if you want the best GoPro on the market, you should wait for the HERO11 release.