Are you contemplating whether to transition from your GoPro Hero 7 action camera to the recently released GoPro Hero 11 Black? You’ve landed in the right place for some insights. GoPro Hero 11 vs GoPro Hero 7: how do they compare?
Introduced in 2018, the GoPro Hero 7 Black emerged as the industry’s leading action camera, delivering exceptional image quality and performance. Even today, the Hero 7 Black remains highly competitive in terms of its specifications. However, the new GoPro Hero 11 Black has raised the stakes with enhancements in speed, sensor technology, and stabilization system.
So, does it make sense to upgrade? In this article, we’ll compare the GoPro Hero 11 Black and GoPro Hero 7 Black, exploring their differences in depth to help you make an informed decision.
GoPro Hero 11 vs GoPro Hero 7: Main Specs
Let’s first delve into a detailed comparison of specifications for the GoPro Hero 11 Black and GoPro Hero 7 Black:
| Specifications | GoPro Hero 11 Black | GoPro Hero 7 Black |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 153 Grams | 116 Grams |
| Dimensions | 70 x 49 x 34 mm | 62.3 x 44.9 x 33 mm |
| Screen Size | 2.27 inches | 1.95 inches |
| Front Display | Color Display | Monochrome Display |
| Image Sensor | 27 MP | 12 MP |
| Resolution | 5.3K60, 4K120 + 2.7K240 Wide FOV 16:9, 4:3, 8:7 aspect ratios | 4K / 60fps 2.7K / 120fps 1080p / 240fps |
| Image Stabilization | HyperSmooth 5.0 | HyperSmooth |
| Battery | 1720mAh Enduro | 1220mAh |
| Processor | GP2 Processor | GP1 Processor |
| Waterproof | Yes, Up to 33ft. | Yes, Up to 33ft. |
Here are the current prices for the GoPro Hero 11 Black and GoPro Hero 7 Black on Amazon:
- Revolutionary New Image Sensor: expansive field of view ever on a HERO camera out of...
- Unbelievable Image Quality: With 5.3K video that gives you 91% more resolution than...
- High-Res Photos + Videos, High Frame Rate: HERO11 Black’s new image sensor boosts...
- HyperSmooth: Get gimbal‑like stabilization—without the gimbal. HERO7 Black...
- TimeWarp: Capture super stabilized time lapse videos while you move about a scene....
- Live streaming in 720p: Share while you’re there. Live stream in 720p on social,...
The sound of both GoPro is still average, so I totally recommend you to use external mic: 5 Top GoPro Wireless Microphones For Better Sound.
GoPro Hero 11 vs GoPro Hero 7: Highlighted Differences
We’ll now focus on the prominent differences between the GoPro Hero 11 Black and the GoPro Hero 7 Black action cameras:
Design: A New Era of GoPro Aesthetics and Functionality
Aesthetically and functionally, the GoPro Hero 11 Black showcases a significant evolution from its predecessor, the Hero 7 Black. It’s immediately apparent that the Hero 11 Black is noticeably larger, bringing along a suite of benefits.
Firstly, the touchscreen of the Hero 11 Black is expanded to 2.27 inches compared to the Hero 7 Black’s more modest 1.95-inch screen. This larger screen size makes navigating through the interface and previewing your shots a more comfortable experience, enhancing your overall usability.
Notably, the Hero 11 Black boasts a full-color front display, a feature that significantly diverges from the Hero 7 Black’s monochrome front display. This color screen provides a richer preview experience, allowing you to compose your selfie shots and vlogs with greater accuracy and creativity.
Though the GoPro Hero 11 Black tips the scale slightly heavier at 153 grams compared to the Hero 7 Black’s 116 grams, this extra weight supports the addition of advanced features and increased functionality. Rest assured, it remains lightweight and compact enough to be conveniently carried along on all your adventures.
While the Hero 11 Black has seen many improvements, several features remain consistent with the previous model. Aspects like the battery door, USB port, and micro-SD slot maintain their familiar positioning and design, providing a seamless transition for those upgrading from the Hero 7 Black. This consistency aids in user-friendliness, ensuring long-term GoPro users can easily adapt to the new model.
Low Light Performance: Illuminate Your Night-Time Adventures
Equipped with 10-bit color processing, the Hero 11 Black offers significantly superior low light performance compared to the Hero 7 Black. This technology enables you to capture vibrant, lifelike images, even when lighting conditions are less than optimal.
GoPro has integrated innovative low light modes into the Hero 11 Black, including Light Painting for generating brush stroke effects with moving light in dark environments, Vehicle Light Trails for captivating motion captures in moving vehicles, and Star Trails for capturing the magic of the night sky. These features open up a new world of creative possibilities for shooting after the sun sets.
Camera Specifications: A Leap Forward in Clarity and Detail
The GoPro Hero 11 Black undeniably surpasses the Hero 7 Black when it comes to video and photo resolution, thanks to the brand-new 1/1.9-inch sensor. The Hero 11 Black can record high-resolution videos at 5.3K with a 60fps frame rate, which is a significant leap from the Hero 7 Black’s 4K/60fps capability. Furthermore, the Hero 11 Black astounds with a whopping 27-megapixel resolution for still images, more than double the 12-megapixel resolution offered by the Hero 7 Black.
Moreover, the Hero 11 Black introduces a cutting-edge Hyperview feature, which is exceptionally beneficial for capturing broader areas in confined spaces. In addition, the 10-bit color processing facilitates the capturing of over a billion colors, resulting in dynamic and vibrant content.
To capture your adventures you’ll need to buy a reliable and large SD card:
Top 7 Best SD Cards for GoPro Hero 11
Recommended SD Cards for GoPro Hero 7 Black/White/Silver
Stabilization: Rock-Solid Footage with HyperSmooth 5.0
The GoPro Hero 11 Black’s HyperSmooth 5.0 stabilization is a significant upgrade from the Hero 7 Black’s original HyperSmooth feature. It effortlessly smooths out footage, making it appear almost as if it were shot on a gimbal. This stability is particularly noticeable in challenging environments where you’re moving quickly or traversing rough terrain.
The Horizon Lock feature allows for a complete 360-degree rotation while maintaining stable footage.
Battery: Power Up for Longer Shoots and Challenging Conditions
A distinct advantage of the Hero 11 Black is its impressive 1720mAh battery, which offers approximately 30% more power than the Hero 7 Black’s 1220mAh battery. This means longer shooting times for capturing those unforgettable moments. Also, the Hero 11 Black’s Enduro Battery stands out with its impressive performance in cold weather conditions, making it a reliable companion for winter adventures.
For those who plan to extend their shooting times even further, additional batteries are available. These can be a game-changer when you’re on the go and unable to recharge frequently.
Performance and Speed: Smoother and Faster with GP-2
The performance and speed delivered by the GoPro Hero 11 Black are a testament to the capabilities of the GP-2 processor. This processor is not only the fastest used by GoPro in their cameras but also ensures a lag-free user experience. In contrast, the older GP-1 processor used by the Hero 7 Black is comparatively slower.
The Hero 11’s intuitive interface contributes to a speedier and smoother overall camera performance, enabling users to capture and review their content more effectively.
Is It Worth Upgrading from Hero 7 to Hero 11?
The GoPro Hero 11 Black, with its advanced features and superior specifications, certainly holds a greater appeal than the four-year-old Hero 7 Black. The Hero 11 Black’s stabilization is currently unrivaled among action cameras. Its user interface is incredibly smooth, and the 10-bit color processing captures a significantly wider color range, which provides more contrast and editing scope. Finally, the Hero 11 Black boasts of 5K video resolution and 27-MP resolution for still images.
Considering these enhancements, it is worth upgrading from Hero 7 to Hero 11. However, this comes with a higher price tag for the Hero 11 Black.
Here are the current prices for the GoPro Hero 11 Black and GoPro Hero 7 Black on Amazon:
- Revolutionary New Image Sensor: expansive field of view ever on a HERO camera out of...
- Unbelievable Image Quality: With 5.3K video that gives you 91% more resolution than...
- High-Res Photos + Videos, High Frame Rate: HERO11 Black’s new image sensor boosts...
- HyperSmooth: Get gimbal‑like stabilization—without the gimbal. HERO7 Black...
- TimeWarp: Capture super stabilized time lapse videos while you move about a scene....
- Live streaming in 720p: Share while you’re there. Live stream in 720p on social,...
If you’re not prepared to invest heavily in a new action camera and your Hero 7 Black is still performing well, continuing to use your current device could be a viable option. The Hero 7 Black remains one of the most compact and lightest cameras that can capture 4K/60 or even 1080/240 videos. Plus, with its Hypersmooth stabilization, it delivers solid performance. Hence, your ultimate decision should align with your individual needs and preferences.
Read more comparisons before making your final decision:
GoPro Hero 11 vs GoPro Hero 9 (Should You Upgrade?)
GoPro Hero 11 vs 10 vs 9: Which One To Choose?
GoPro Hero 11 vs GoPro Hero 8: Should You Upgrade?
On the other hand, you can consider the smallest innovative action camera insta360 Go3.
Thank you for reading this guide! I hope that it was helpful in teaching you everything you need to know about GoPro Hero 11 vs GoPro Hero 7:)
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