Two of the most well-liked action cameras available are the GoPro 6 vs 7. Both of them offer several capabilities that make it possible for you to capture images and video while taking part in any activity. Which one, nevertheless, is ideal for you? To assist you in deciding which action camera is superior, we will examine the key differences between the GoPro 6 and 7 in this blog.
Table of Contents
Overview
What is GoPro Hero 6?
GoPro’s HERO6 represents a significant advancement thanks to its unparalleled image quality and stabilization. Sharing breathtaking films has never been quicker or simpler than when done with QuikStories.
In a new pricing scheme for the coming year, HERO6 is offered alongside HERO5 Black and Session at $399.99, $299.99, and $199.99, respectively.
Pros:
- Superb electronic image stabilization
- Improved image quality
- Higher frame rates and resolution combinations
- Waterproof to 10m without a case
Cons:
- Voice controls can be a little unreliable
- Most expensive go pro Hero to date
What is GoPro Hero 7?
On September 27, 2018, precisely one year after the launching of the GoPro H6, the H7 black was introduced. Unlike the GoPro H6, the H7 was offered in silver, black, and white colors.
The H7 black variant is the flagship model and comes with high-end features, including the name imprinted on its side, cosmetic changes to the rubber exterior, and an improved user interface on the back touch screen. The H7 white variant is the entry-level model.
Pros:
- Great 4K video and image quality
- HyperSmooth is very effective
- TimeWarp is great fun
- Useful UI improvements
Cons:
- Can struggle with voice commands
- Screen unresponsive at times
- Slo-mo footage only output through mobile app or software
- Many cheaper options
What’s New Or Improved in GoPro Hero 7 Black
- TimeWarp video to stabilize motion time-lapse (Hyperlapse).
- Significantly improved Electronic Image Stabilization (HyperSmooth)
- Stabilization is available at higher framerates (for example, at 4K/60fps).
- SuperPhoto is an in-camera tool for photo enhancement
- Video resolution of 960p
- These short clips are 15-30 second clips that can be easily shared on social media.
- Portrait orientation for video shooting
- The first feature in every GoPro camera is Live Streaming.
What is The Same?
There is not much difference between the gopro hero6 and the GoPro Hero 7. Both gopro cameras are very similar in terms of design and function.
The main difference between the two cameras is that the Hero 7 has a slightly better image sensor, which results in better image quality. Additionally, the Hero 7 has built-in stabilization, which the Hero 6 does not have.
GoPro 6 vs 7
Table could not be displayed.Design and Build
With a few minor exceptions, they have a nearly identical exterior appearance. Now the model number is displayed on the sides in large letters.
The Black’s body is smooth; the H6’s had a slightly ribbed appearance. The new model has somewhat larger microphone holes on the top and sides, but a different grid covers the microphone on the bottom.
Except for a few minor differences, the cameras appear to be similar to the exterior. The weight, size, buttons, compartment doors, screens, and screen sizes of the cameras are all the same.
Together, they can safeguard your equipment down to 33 feet and are both waterproof (10 meters). To give better protection and resistance to water pressure, you can buy a second SuperSuit diving housing. They complement each other.
Inside, neither differs from the other. Both cameras are powered by the GP1, a GoPro-exclusive processor.
According to reports, they have doubled the clock speed for the GP1 in H7 to handle data processing needs. Both cameras make use of the same lens. It also seems to feature the same sensor based on the movies and pictures that are coming out of it.
Controlling The Camera
Buttons and Touchscreen
The touchscreen system, which is present on the front and back of the device, serves as both a live-view display and the main interface for the menu system’s settings and preferences.
The menu system’s layout and aesthetics have been modified for the H7 Black. The Hero 7 Black has revised icons with an odd splash of color. A fully charged battery is shown by a green icon, whereas a red icon represents a dying battery.
Instead of requiring a popup menu, you may now switch between shooting modes by just swiping left or right. However, since you must verify that the model is accurate, it won’t save you any clicks.
Image Stabilization
While in-camera electronic stabilization is present in both cameras, the Hero 7 offers a better version. This type of stabilization, referred to as Hypersmooth, is incredibly efficient and functions effectively even in circumstances with rapid movement.
Voice Commands
Voice control is available for both cameras. You can use this feature to switch between settings, start and stop video recording, and take pictures, among other things.
Batteries
Despite the fact that both devices have a 1220 mAh battery, the Hero 7 Black’s battery lasts longer under identical conditions than the Hero 6 Black. The variation is insignificant.
Still Shots
The two cameras are quite similar to still cameras in that they both support saving JPG and RAW files (12MP). SuperPhoto, an improved photo option that generates images of higher quality, is also available on the Hero 7 Black.
The ability to produce colorful images is made possible by a number of automatic, in-camera processing techniques, including HDR, local tone mapping, and multi-frame noise removal.
Additionally, Hero 6 has an optional HDR mode. Only one of SuperPhoto’s improvement techniques is covered, though.
Time-Lapse
There is a time-lapse on both cameras. Hero 7 Black, however, has been updated. With the help of the TimeWarp feature, you can capture stunningly stabilized images even while your camera is moving. In a typical time lapse, one location is used.
Audio
Three microphones designed for audio recording are included with these cameras. The sound quality isn’t excellent, though. External microphones are advised if vlogging is something you want to do seriously.
Quality
The HERO 7 Black employs the same chip as the HERO 6 Black, however HyperSmooth allows for smoother video to be produced. In favorable lighting, the HERO 7 Black can capture images with richer colors, greater clarity, and more information.
The HERO7 Black’s SuperPhoto feature option can be used to enhance the quality of photos. To enhance image processing based on lighting, movement, and other factors, HDR technology is used.
SuperPhoto can be activated to take pictures with a wider dynamic range of luminance, preserving details in highlights and shadows.
Wide-angle lenses are always to blame for the fisheye effect. You can zoom in on the scene with the HERO 7 Black’s Touch Zoom feature to lessen distortion and broaden your field of view. The quality of the video can suffer.
Shooting Video
Video Resolutions, Framerates, and Bitrates
Resolutions: Both can shoot 4K (3840×2160 in the 16/9 aspect ratio) and 4K (4K) (4000×3000 in the 4:3 aspect ratio). The following resolutions are compatible: 2.7K (4.7K), 2.7K (4.3), 1440p and 1080p. The H7 Black restores the 960p resolution, which has a higher 4:3 aspect ratio than the original 720p.
Framerates: A considerable increase has been made in this area, which may be essential for many users, especially those who want to shoot in slow motion. Higher resolutions and a quicker framerate are features of the H7 Black. Although only achievable at 1080p, the H7 Black’s fastest framerate is still 240 frames per second. The H7 can produce 240 frames per second in both 960p and 1080p.
Here are more details about the different resolution/framerate combinations for the H7 Black and H6 Black.
Bitrates: The amount of data being used to create video data is measured by bitrates. Less compression is used when the bitrate is lower, hence the potential quality is higher. I mention “possible” because there are a lot of other things that could possibly have an impact on video quality.
Various bitrates are available for various recording modes. However, both versions’ top bitrates are just 78MB/s (megabits/second). Because to variable bitrate encoding, the bitrate may slightly change from clip to clip.
Video Codecs: Both cameras save the majority of their video files to MP4 containers that have an a.mp4 extension. Both cameras use a mixture of the older, less efficient H.264 codec as well as the more compatible and modern HEVC H.265 Codec.
This mixture functions in a somewhat different manner. Only the best quality video formats supported by the H6 Black employ HEVC; all other formats are compressed using H.264.
With the H7 Black, you can select between HEVC and H.264 for the majority of videos. Only HEVC encoding can be utilized with some exceptionally high-resolution video modes.
NTSC/PAL: You can choose between NTSC or PAL formats with both.
Stabilization: Standard vs HyperSmooth
Although the in-camera electronic stability is included in both cameras, this feature will most likely persuade you to upgrade. This is why it is widely highlighted in GoPro’s marketing campaign.
In-camera electronic stabilization is a feature of the HERO6 Black that improves the quality of video footage immediately out of the camera. Even though the H6’s stability was superior to the H5 Black’s, it was still hardly noticeable.
The HERO7 Black’s in-camera electronic stability now has a new version called HyperSmooth.
Touch Zoom
A zoom option is available on both cameras. For two reasons, I have mixed feelings about this feature and hardly ever utilize it. It is a digital zoom rather than an optical zoom. It resembles an advanced crop in certain ways.
It makes more sense for video than still images because it keeps the output resolution constant. When you shoot a video, the low image quality is a drawback.
Looping
Both cameras have a looping mode that enables the camera to record and then write back at set intervals constantly. When something unexpectedly requires the camera to record continually but you simply want to save that one clip, this is helpful. It might be utilized as a truck or car’s dashcam.
Shooting Photos
They are capable still cameras, GoPros. Even in challenging shooting circumstances, you may still produce excellent photos with them, despite the fact that they are not as powerful as full-featured stills cameras like the Sony RX0 or small cameras.
There are more similarities than differences in still photography.
RAW and JPG
In its initial release, GoPro added a RAW still image format for the HERO5 Black. It uses the “.gpr” file extension and is based on the Adobe DNG RAW format.
Since RAW does not use lossy compression, which degrades image quality, and delivers more data than the sensor can view, greater image quality is possible.
Before sharing your photos, you must edit them. Except for Lightroom, not all imaging applications enable this. If you don’t use Lightroom, here is an option.
Both models have RAW photo capabilities. Additionally, you can simultaneously save a JPG version, giving you a backup in case of an emergency.
Image Quality and Size
Both models take photos that are 12MP and measure 4000 x 3000 pixels.
Options & Protune
Both cameras have a Protune option for taking pictures. You may adjust the exposure settings, including ISO, shutter speed, and white balance, using these options. As the camera renders the image, several options are available. They consist of GoPro color and sharpness. These only apply to JPGs; RAW files are not included.
Exposure Control
To choose the portion of the screen to use for the exposure calculation, use the touchscreen on the rear. Both cameras have access to this capability.
Burst Mode, Continuous Capture
When photographing quickly moving events or fleeting moments, it might be quite helpful to be able to take brief shot sequences. It works with both cameras. They both use Auto, 30/1 to 30/2, 30/3 to 30/6, Auto, 10/1 to 10/2, 10/3 to 5/1, and 3/1 as their burst modes.
A related feature is a continuous capture. An option to shoot a predetermined number of images is continuous capture.
It won’t stop taking pictures after a set amount of photographs; instead, it will do so as long as you hold down the shutter button. Depending on the lighting, it can take 3 to 30 photos every second.
HDR vs. SuperPhoto
SuperPhoto is a new enhanced photo mode on the HERO7 Black. In order to create a better-looking photograph, a number of automatic enhancing techniques were combined to create. The software examines the image to see if multi-frame noise reduction, local ton mapping, or HDR may be used to enhance the capture.
SuperPhoto can be set to auto, on/off, or both, resulting in a processed image that looks better than a plain capture. It’s crucial to remember that HDR processing does not work with RAW files. It only works with JPGs.
A similar but simpler HDR feature is also available on the H6 Black. It is merely one of the several improvement methods offered by the SuperPhoto function.
Additional Video Features
The HERO7 Black also has a few other features.
The HERO7Black now offers short Clips. This is consistent with GoPro’s recent initiatives to simplify sharing video from the camera.
The preset lengths of 15 to 30 seconds can be saved for these brief segments as regular videos. Through the GoPro app, sharing these videos on social media is simpler.
Additionally, the H7 Black supports portrait viewing. You can now film vertically instead of in the conventional horizontal (or landscape) position.
Because so many people are recording videos using their phones upright, Youtube has lately begun to enable this. I have a problem with the H7 Black’s camera not automatically flipping to the proper orientation.
Additionally, it doesn’t work properly if the camera moves and doesn’t begin flat. But it’s only a small problem. Rotating the clip during editing is not too difficult.
Using the Landscape Lock feature, you can lock in recordings that are only in landscape mode. To display the vertical orientation, both screens can rotate.
Other Bells And Whistles
These are just a few of the features.
- GPS: The GPS coordinates can be included in the metadata by the camera using a GPS chip. The H7 Black and H6 Black both have GPS capabilities.
- Karma Drone Compatibility: GoPro has stopped making its Karma external stabilizer and drone. However, you may use either of these models with the Karma drone grip.
- Live video: The HERO7 Black now supports live streaming. The HERO6 Black does not have access to this feature. Its utility is restricted, and I don’t use it. It is only accessible via the mobile application. On the H7 Black, however, the feature is accessible.
- GoPro Plus Compatibility: A GoPro Plus subscription is available. You can use it to upload photographs and movies to the cloud automatically. Once more, this is accomplished using a mobile app. Both cameras will function together if your GoPro Plus subscription is still active. If you don’t already have a GoPro Plus subscription, you can still have your images and movies downloaded instantly to your smartphone. The pictures and movies won’t be kept on the cloud, though.
- Advanced Metadata: The HERO7 Black now has a new capability that lets it analyze an image and adjust the exposure for faces.
Although it isn’t a true facial recognition feature, it is a form of sophisticated processing that the HERO6 lacks. I haven’t thoroughly tested it out. In my opinion, it won’t likely be a decisive factor for many users.
- You can check out another comparison between GoPro Hero 5 vs Hero 6
Should I Buy GoPro Hero 6 Or 7?
Faster framerates are available with the H7 Black at higher resolutions. For instance, the H6 Black was only able to produce the fastest framerate at 1080p, which is still 240 frames per second.
At 1080p, 960p, and 720p, the H7 offers 240 frames per second. The inclusion of 4K 60fps and ultra-slow-motion Full HD 240fps video to the GoPro Hero6 Black is a considerable improvement.
With improvements to image quality, faster transmission times, and smaller file sizes, it becomes the new best action camera. Because it enables immediate recording and sharing of videos, the GoPro H7 is excellent.
Additionally, it is a better choice because of the excellent image stabilization function, which enables you to record handheld, steady, and fluid video. On the other hand, the GoPro H6 might be your best option if battery life is your top priority.
FAQs about GoPro Hero 6 and Hero 7
Which Gopro is best for beginners?
Among the top GoPro rivals are AKASO, DJI, Yi, Sony, and Garmin.
Which Gopro should I buy in 2023?
The GoPro Hero and Max product ranges are offered on the official GoPro website as of 2023.
Is the GoPro Hero 7 Black worth the money?
The video quality is excellent, and this is a fantastic offering. It includes built-in video stabilization, which performs admirably and produces videos that feel incredibly smooth.
Which camera is better, GoPro or iPhone?
The GoPro has a more sophisticated camera, but the iPhone still produces excellent still images.
Which is the best GoPro on a budget?
The greatest GoPro for a low budget is hero8 Black. The black hero is a fantastic low-cost alternative, even if it’s no longer a flagship model if you can live without a front-facing screen or 5K recording capabilities.
Is Go Pro 6 a good camera?
The most effective action camera from GoPro to date. This makes it the new best action camera, along with enhancements to image quality, quicker transmission times, and reduced file sizes.
Which GoPro is the best overall?
The GoPro HERO10 Black is the greatest model we’ve tested so far (we haven’t yet received the hero 11 Black). A new, updated processor that gives it smoother overall performance and greater low-light video quality elevates this version over its forerunner.
Is GoPro 7 waterproof?
The Black, Silver, and White HERO7 cameras from GoPro are all waterproof; a separate waterproof case or housing is not required. The cameras are capable of 33 feet/ 10 meters by themselves.
Conclusion
The GoPro 6 vs. seven debate has been a hot topic since the release of the new models. While there are some clear improvements with the GoPro 7, such as waterproofing and stabilization, the gopro hero6 is still a great camera.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what features are most important to you for deciding which one is better.
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
