GoPro has announced the HERO11 Black Action Camera and the HERO11 Black Mini. With DJI also announcing its new Osmo Action 3 today, both companies are trying to fight for your hard-earned money.
GoPro HERO11 Black
The GoPro HERO11 Black is being touted as the ultimate action camera. It features a 27MP image sensor, Wi-Fi capabilities, and the ability to capture 27MP still photos as well as 5.3K 60p and 2.7K 240p video. There is also HyperSmooth 5.0 digital stabilization and horizon lock technology. Perhaps the biggest new feature is the ability to record in 10-bit, however, you can7t do this in every frame rate.
Key features
- 27MP with Improved Performance
- 5.3K60/2.7K240 Video, 27MP Photos
- HyperSmooth 5.0 Image Stabilization
- Front & Rear LCD Screens
- Wi-Fi & Bluetooth Connectivity
- 33′ Waterproof without Housing
- 8x Slow-Motion Video
- 1720mAh Capacity Rechargeable Battery
Sensor
The sensor used in the HERO11 Black is quite interesting. This 1/1.9″ CMOS sensor allows you to use an 8×7 full height mode which essentially means you can decide what type of framing you want to use after you have finished shooting. In an age where a lot of action camera footage ends up on social media, this certainly makes sense.
As a comparison, the DJI Osmo Action 3 utilizes a 12MP 1/1.7″-Type CMOS sensor.
Recording Capabilities
The GoPro HERO11 Black features different recording options to the DJI Osmo Action 3. The Osmo Action 3 can capture DCI 4K at up to 120fps, just like the GoPro. However, the HERO11 Black can record up to 5.3K 60p and 2.7K at up to 240p.
You can choose between capturing 8-bit or 10-bit color. Shooting in a flat picture profile in 10-bit should allow you to push the image a little harder in the grade, however, I am not currently sure what the birate of the recordings are. All I know is that the recordings are captured in MP4 via H.265/HEVC.
Other Features
Just like the DJO Osmo Action 3, the HERO11 Black features both rear and front LCD screens. Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities allow you to automatically upload your footage and send highlight videos to your devices.
The camera itself is waterproof up to 33′ without requiring an additional housing.
It includes a rechargeable 1720mAh battery with improved cold temperature performance for inclement weather.
There is also HyperSmooth 5.0 which features a Horizon Lock for improved stabilization at a 4:3 aspect ratio, and AutoBoost provides maximum stabilization with minimal image cropping.
The HyperView Digital Lens takes the 8:7 aspect ratio footage captured by the new image sensor and delivers it as a wide-angle 16:9 shot to create ultra-immersive POV videos.
You can plug in your HERO11 when connected to your home Wi-Fi and automatically upload your footage to the cloud. A highlight video is sent to your phone and can then be edited with beat-synced music and effects.
GoPro HERO11 Black Mini
The GoPro HERO11 Black Mini is essentially a smaller-sized version of the HERO11 Black with a different sensor.
Key features
- 24.7MP with Improved Performance
- 5.3K60p / 2.7K 240p Video
- HyperSmooth 5.0 Image Stabilization
- Two Sets of Folding Mounting Fingers
- Wi-Fi & Bluetooth Connectivity
- 33′ Waterproof without Housing
- 8x Slow-Motion Video
- Internal Rechargeable Battery
With the same upgrades as its full-sized sibling, the GoPro HERO11 Black Mini provides the same level of video capture in a smaller, more compact form factor. The upgraded image sensor can capture 24.7MP photos from recorded 5.3K60 and 2.7K240 video.
Two sets of folding mounting fingers offer a range of mounting compatibility to helmets and handgrips. Operating the camera is as easy as pressing the shutter button. Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities automatically upload your footage and send highlight videos to your devices for efficient content creation. The camera is waterproof to 33′ without requiring an additional housing. It includes an integrated rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
Price & availability
Below are the prices for the various versions that are available:
- GoPro HERO11 Black $499.99 USD
- GoPro HERO11 Black Creator Edition Bundle $699.99 USD
- GoPro HERO11 Black Mini $399.99 USD
As a comparison, the DJI Osmo Action 3 retails for $329 USD.
The GoPro HERO11 Black Mini won’t be available till the 25th of October.
