GoPro HERO 10 vs GoPro HERO 9

On September 16, 2021, GoPro introduced its latest addition to the lineup, the GoPro HERO 10 Black. Just a year after the launch of the GoPro HERO 9 Black, its successor has swiftly emerged. With such a short timeframe between releases, one may ponder if significant changes have occurred within the span of a year and whether it’s essential to upgrade from the HERO 9 to the newest model. This GoPro HERO 10 versus GoPro HERO 9 comparison aims to provide a definitive answer.

Within this article, you will not only discover the latest features of the GoPro HERO 10 but also find a comprehensive comparison between this new model and the HERO 9. This comparative analysis will shed light on the differences and similarities between the two, aiding you in determining whether upgrading or purchasing the new model aligns with your needs.

Outlined in the table below are the primary distinctions between the GoPro HERO 10 and the HERO 9. For a deeper dive into these disparities and commonalities between the two GoPro action cameras, continue reading further.

Note: Several new GoPro models have been released since the writing of this article. The advantage of this is that the HERO 10 and HERO 9 are now available at attractive prices. If you’re seeking the latest features, you might want to consider the GoPro HERO 11 or 12 (or the upcoming HERO 13).

GoPro HERO 10 vs HERO 9: These are the main differences

A GoPro HERO action camera inherently offers a myriad of possibilities, functions, and options. It’s evident that these features and capabilities continue to evolve with each new release of the GoPro HERO. The same holds true for the GoPro HERO 10. Whether these differences are significant, particularly concerning your route videos, remains to be seen. Naturally, the importance of these distinctions largely hinges on how frequently and extensively you engage with video content and its quality.

The new HERO 10 has undergone several upgrades and adjustments compared to the HERO 9. However, these enhancements are not necessarily groundbreaking, prompting an immediate dismissal of your existing GoPro HERO 9 or older models. Nonetheless, there are notable differences and improvements that set the GoPro HERO 10 apart as a standout device.

New GP2 chipset in the GoPro HERO 10 Black

The HERO 10 utilizes the GP2 chipset, a system designed by GoPro themselves which powers all their GoPro cameras. The HERO 9, on the other hand, still utilized the GP1 chipset. The reason for introducing the GP2 chipset in the GoPro HERO 10 is due to the GP1 chip reaching its maximum potential with the HERO 9.

The chipset upgrade translates to enhanced stabilization and frame rates. These happen to be the standout features of the new HERO 10. The GP2 chipset in the HERO 10 facilitates a doubling of frame rates and significantly boosts the device and system’s overall speed. This improvement not only enhances visual quality but also augments general ease of use.

Improved image quality with the “natural” setting

If you’ve used a GoPro HERO before, you might have noticed that captured images often appear somewhat “washed out” or lack vibrancy and clarity. This typically means that the images look slightly different from reality; for instance, greens might appear somewhat gray, or vibrant colors might seem muted in your shots.

Achieving the most appealing images often required some post-processing before sharing the final video online, although this might not have been necessary for all users, particularly those without trained eyes.

This extra effort, especially for individuals heavily involved in video editing or those seeking top-notch results, could be somewhat burdensome. Fortunately, with the new GoPro HERO 10, this concern is alleviated. A significant enhancement comes in the form of a feature called “natural,” which eliminates the need for post-processing. This default setting ensures that captured images are no longer washed out or lacking in clarity. Additionally, it ensures that images retain natural contrast and color, presenting scenes as they appear in reality. This feature reduces the need for extensive post-processing, making it easier to share high-quality content immediately.

5.3K resolution and doubled frame rates

While the GoPro HERO 9 already offered the option to film in 5K quality, just slightly higher than 4K, the HERO 10 takes it a step further by allowing filming in 5.3K. This improvement, although minor, underscores the HERO 10’s focus on enhancing frame rates.

Frame rate refers to the rate at which images are displayed per second on the screen, influencing the smoothness of motion in videos. With the HERO 10, frame rates have been doubled across various resolutions. For instance, the HERO 9’s 5K/30fps becomes 5.3K/60fps with the HERO 10, while 4K/60fps becomes 4K/120fps, and 2.7K/120fps becomes 2.7K/240fps.

The HERO 10 now offers the capability to film in 5.3K resolution at 60 frames per second with full stabilization. These specifications are comparable to those found in professional-grade cameras, demonstrating the impressive capabilities packed into this compact device.

19.6 MP screen captures and 23 MP photos

The high resolutions offered by the HERO 10 enable the extraction of high-quality images from videos. If a specific frame within a video stands out, users can extract a photo of it. While this functionality was also available in previous GoPro models, the HERO 10 excels in this regard.

Images extracted from videos captured by the GoPro HERO 10 boast a resolution of 19.6 megapixels, significantly higher than standard photo resolutions. This level of detail eliminates the need for dedicated photography sessions, as users can capture stunning stills from video footage.

Moreover, this feature is particularly useful for creating captivating thumbnails for platforms like YouTube or featured images for websites or articles.

Compared to the HERO 9, the HERO 10 demonstrates a clear improvement in the quality of screen captures. Images captured by the HERO 9 typically ranged from 12 to 14 megapixels.

For users interested in capturing standalone photos with the HERO 10, the device offers a resolution of 23 megapixels, a slight improvement over the 20-megapixel photos produced by the GoPro HERO 9. This higher resolution is available in all modes except liveburst mode.

Improved slow motion

The impressive resolution and frame rates of the HERO 10 translate to enhanced slow-motion capabilities, now achievable in 2.7K resolution. This results in high-quality slow-motion footage, offering users greater flexibility in capturing dynamic scenes. While the HERO 9 supported slow-motion recording at 1080p, the HERO 10 raises the bar by delivering superior image quality across various shooting modes.

Improved low-light performance

Thanks to improved performance in low-light conditions, images captured with the HERO 10 maintain high quality even in challenging lighting situations. Whether shooting in the morning, evening, or under dim lighting conditions, users can rely on the HERO 10 to deliver impressive results consistently.

HyperSmooth 4.0

With the introduction of the GoPro HERO 7, we were introduced to the HyperSmooth stabilization feature of these action cameras. This function provides smooth footage that can be watched without any disruptions. Stable footage is crucial when using an action camera, especially when sharing the content and wanting viewers to enjoy it fully.

Over time, the HyperSmooth feature has received incremental upgrades with each new release, and this trend continues with the GoPro HERO 10. HyperSmooth 4.0, exclusive to the GoPro HERO 10, is theoretically expected to offer the best image stabilization of all available GoPro cameras. However, in practice, particularly during activities like cycling or mountain biking, it remains uncertain whether users will perceive a noticeable difference.

When using a chest mount to capture images of your mountain biking rides, runs, or other adventures, there are often bumps and jolts that can distort the footage despite the presence of image stabilization or HyperSmooth. This holds true for the GoPro HERO 10 as well, although HyperSmooth 4.0 represents an improvement over the HyperSmooth 3.0 found in the HERO 9, albeit a minor one.

The GoPro chin mount is also becoming increasingly popular for capturing action shots. This mount delivers incredibly cool, beautiful, and stable footage. However, it’s worth noting that this was also achievable with previous GoPro HERO cameras, including the HERO 9.

Additional Differences Between the HERO 10 and HERO 9

In addition to the aforementioned innovations and upgrades, there are further distinctions between the GoPro HERO 10 and HERO 9:

Design & Appearance

The design of the GoPro HERO 10 closely resembles that of the HERO 9, with only a few details setting them apart. The primary difference, and the key identifier between the two models, is the presence of blue lettering and a blue logo on the HERO 10, whereas on the HERO 9 and previous versions, these elements were gray.

Improved Touchscreen

GoPro action cameras are equipped with touchscreens; however, until recently, GoPro’s touchscreen functionality lagged behind somewhat. While the screen responded to controls, it often did so sluggishly, which was not in line with modern standards.

The touchscreen of the GoPro HERO 10 has undergone a significant upgrade, resulting in nearly flawless operation. Even when compared to other action cameras like the Insta 360, the touchscreen of the HERO 10 performs admirably, if not better than its counterparts.

Moreover, the front-facing screen of the GoPro HERO 10 responds much faster than that of the HERO 9. With the improved frame rate, the front camera’s image also experiences less stuttering.

Faster Pairing with the GoPro App

While connecting to the GoPro app could be time-consuming with previous GoPro models, pairing with the HERO 10 is considerably faster.

Live Streaming with HyperSmooth

Unlike the often subpar live stream quality experienced with the GoPro HERO 9, the HERO 10 virtually resolves this issue with the integration of HyperSmooth 4.0 into the live stream function. Now, your family or friends can enjoy your live footage without any concerns.

Scheduled Capture: Set Your Own Recording Times

Another noteworthy feature is “scheduled capture,” allowing users to set a time for the GoPro to start recording. This functionality proves especially useful when capturing specific events, such as a sunrise or sunset, when manually activating the GoPro might not be feasible.

When using this feature, the GoPro HERO 10 records footage in 4K resolution.

Hydrophobic Coating on the Lens

To ensure optimal use of the GoPro in all weather conditions, including rain or snow, the lens cap, which is removable or replaceable, features a hydrophobic coating. This coating causes water droplets that fall on the lens (or lens cap) to simply slide off, preventing them from appearing in the image. Consequently, there’s no need to wipe the lens cap in inclement weather regularly.

Furthermore, owners of the GoPro HERO 9 can even use a lens cap from the HERO 10 on their device to take advantage of the hydrophobic coating on the lens cap

Download Images and Photos Directly to Your Smartphone or Computer

The GoPro HERO 10 also offers the option to connect it to a smartphone or computer using a USB cable. This enables you to download images directly to your smartphone or computer. Since the release of the HERO 10, this feature has also been made available for the HERO 9. However, you will need the GoPro Quick app for this functionality, which can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play.

Accelerated WiFi Downloads

With the improved resolution of the GoPro HERO 10 action camera, the file sizes of images and photos naturally remain unchanged. To address this, the HERO 10 boasts 30% faster WiFi downloads, ensuring that you can still retrieve files quickly and efficiently.

Similarities Between the GoPro HERO 10 and HERO 9

Given that the GoPro HERO 9 was released just a year prior to the HERO 10, it’s reasonable to expect that the HERO 10 wouldn’t be an entirely new device. After all, it’s still an action camera, and improvements can only be made up to a certain extent. Therefore, there are numerous aspects that have remained unchanged and are identical between the GoPro HERO 10 and HERO 9.

The following features have remained completely the same with the GoPro HERO 10 compared to the HERO 9:

Are there any downsides to the GoPro HERO 10?

At the time of writing this article, the GoPro HERO 10 is still relatively new, so it’s challenging to pinpoint any significant downsides. However, there is one valid point of criticism worth noting, along with considerations regarding its price tag.

Timelapse “only” in 4K

One limitation of the HERO 10 is that it doesn’t support timelapse in 5.3K resolution. While creating timelapse videos in 4K is perfectly acceptable, it becomes a drawback when combining timelapse footage with other 5.3K images in a single video. This results in slightly less sharp timelapse footage compared to the rest of the content.

This limitation may not be a deal-breaker for most users, but it’s worth mentioning for completeness.

The price tag of the GoPro HERO 10

As with any newly launched device, the HERO 10 comes with a premium price tag, making it the most expensive GoPro available. While the price of the HERO 9 is likely to decrease over time, the HERO 10’s price will remain high for the foreseeable future. Whether the investment is worthwhile depends on individual preferences and budget considerations.

Reasons to Buy the GoPro HERO 10 and Suitable Users

Why should you opt for the best GoPro currently available? Let’s explore some reasons and user scenarios:

You don’t own a GoPro yet but want to purchase one

If you’re new to GoPro and eager to capture adventurous moments like vacations and bike rides, the HERO 10 offers cutting-edge features that ensure optimal performance and enjoyment for years to come.

You own an older GoPro model that’s showing signs of wear

If you have a GoPro older than the HERO 7, upgrading to the improved HERO 10 is highly recommended, especially for its advanced Hypersmooth stabilization feature, which is essential for creating stable action videos.

You own a GoPro HERO 7 or 8 and are considering an upgrade

While both the HERO 7 and 8 are capable cameras, if you desire enhanced features and performance, transitioning to the HERO 10 might be worthwhile. You can still utilize your older GoPros as supplementary cameras or backups.

You own a GoPro HERO 9 but seek the upgraded capabilities of the HERO 10

For those who prioritize having the latest and greatest equipment, the HERO 10 offers several notable enhancements over its predecessor, making it an attractive option for professional use or enthusiasts seeking top-tier performance.

Reasons NOT to Buy the GoPro HERO 10

The newest of the new isn’t always everyone’s cup of tea, and we completely understand that. After all, the GoPro HERO 10 isn’t exactly the most budget-friendly item to have at home, and that’s just one of the reasons why you might want to hold off on purchasing it.

The Price

The price of the GoPro HERO 10 can be quite steep, and you could potentially buy many other things for the same amount of money. If you’re not eager to empty your bank account, then the HERO 10 might not be the best option for you, especially considering that its price is likely to drop in the future, particularly when the HERO 11 is announced.

You’re Already Satisfied with Your Current GoPro

If you already own a GoPro that meets your needs and expectations, there may be no immediate reason to rush out and buy the HERO 10. This isn’t necessarily a bad decision, as the latest GoPro models typically offer several years of reliable performance. Ultimately, it depends on how satisfied you are with your current GoPro’s performance and how frequently you use it.

You’re Considering Purchasing Your First GoPro

While the launch of a new GoPro may tempt you into making a purchase, it’s worth considering that you don’t necessarily need the latest model. Older versions of GoPro cameras often become more affordable when new models are released, sometimes even dropping to half the price of the latest model. Opting for an older model can save you a significant amount of money, which you can then spend on accessories for your GoPro.

Older GoPro Models Are Still Viable Options

The GoPro HERO 9 and, to a slightly lesser extent, the HERO 8 are likely to remain viable options for several more years. In terms of specifications, features, and capabilities, these older models are not significantly inferior to the GoPro HERO 10. If having the latest technology isn’t your top priority, purchasing an older model could be a smart choice.

If you’re still undecided between the GoPro HERO 9, 8, or even the 7, be sure to check out my comparison of these GoPro action cameras for more insight.

Final Thoughts

Just a year after the release of the HERO 10, GoPro unveils its successor. While the GoPro HERO 10 may not be entirely revolutionary, it certainly represents an enhanced version of the HERO 9, primarily due to the new GP2 chipset. This chipset enables doubled frame rates across all resolutions and introduces the ability to film in 5.3K.

Moreover, the hypersmooth function has been upgraded, allowing for the creation of realistic, unprocessed videos. Improvements in usability, particularly the touchscreen interface, make operating the HERO 10 more intuitive, and direct connectivity to smartphones or computers streamlines the workflow.

Is the GoPro HERO 10 significantly superior to the HERO 9? It certainly has its merits. However, for current HERO 9 owners, the decision to upgrade may hinge on the significant price difference.

If you’re seeking the latest features and an enhanced version of the HERO 9, the HERO 10 is a worthwhile investment. Yet, if you’re content with your HERO 9 or an older model, there’s no immediate need to make the switch.

For those who have yet to own a GoPro and aspire to capture their adventures in the highest quality, the HERO 10 is an excellent choice. With its advanced features, the HERO 10 promises years of reliable performance and memorable recordings.

If you already own a GoPro HERO action camera or are considering getting one, I hope this article has provided you with valuable insights into the distinctions and commonalities between the GoPro HERO 10 and HERO 9.

I’d love to hear about your decision and which GoPro you ultimately choose. Feel free to share your experience with us!