It’s not often I write a review that leans on the negative side.
However, it is important to provide accurate information on the product you are reviewing. After all, I have to be honest for it to be a true review.
This is exactly what I am going to do with the GoPro Hero 7 Black.
I’ve tried dozens of cameras, particularly action cameras, along with other tech equipment. But, my experience with GoPro has so far been subpar at best.
This is why I’ve decided to share a review of this particular action camera.
The GoPro Hero Black action camera!
To start, let me first introduce myself.
I’m a travel blogger and I make YouTube videos about travel. I film a LOT of footage, every day usually using either my iPhone 8 or Sony RX100VA vlog camera. You can see some of my videos here:
However, for the longest time, I’ve been in search of an alternative camera. I wanted a camera that could stabilize my footage even better during travel.
This type of camera was especially important during my adrenaline-packed trips and destinations. At times, I found myself in the most extreme environments.
Hiking through the narrowest terrains
Diving to explore untouched fauna
Or even bike touring in rough terrain
Just to mention a few!
I wanted a stable action camera that I could use to take videos of me walking, sprinting, or engaged in other active moves so I can use my hands in other tasks – without having to stop frequently to capture the perfect shots.
Sure, the Sony RX100VA vlog camera has so far worked for me. In fact, it has been handy in a myriad of vlogging situations
However, it still has its limitations.
I had trouble when I wanted to take a photo or record a video when you are walking around. The Sony RX100VA fell short.
The Sony RX100VA is not designed with the most sophisticated stabilization technology. Furthermore, before investing in the GoPro Hero 7 Black, I used my friend’s GoPro Hero 4 and 5.
This was whenever my Sony ran out of batteries. The biggest drawback to using the two was they malfunctioning.
The GoPro Hero 4 and 5 malfunctioned – FREQUENTLY.
During filming, these cameras would simply stop.
Their screens would inexplicably shut off.
They would only work when the battery was unplugged.
Maybe, it was those particular cameras. Or maybe they were just an old version and their batteries were already worn out.
So, I made a decision.
Was not going to judge the GoPro brand just yet.
I decided to give the GoPro Hero 7 Black a try first!
In fact, I invested in two GoPro Hero 7 cameras on two different occasions.
The Good And The Bad
As with any tech product, you will definitely find the good and the not-so-good. Yet, for the best products, the good normally out beats the not-so-good.
GoPro Hero 7 Black camera falls under this category.
Sure, it has its no-so good features and drawbacks. However, in general, the good outweigh these negatives.
Nevertheless, it will not be fair on my side if I don’t share the not-so-good facts. I mean, would that even be an honest review?
It is essential to give the GoPro Hero 7 its accolades where necessary first.
So, before I go to the bad, let’s look at the good.
The Good
Three key things stood out to me when using the GoPro Hero 7 Black Camera.
These include;
- Optical Optimization
- High quality 4K video recording
- Fully waterproof and rugged build
What made the GoPro Hero 7 Black action camera stand out to me from the first day of using it is its excellent stabilization technology. You can even record yourself sprinting or mountain biking using this camera and not have to worry about any image distortion.
In fact, it is better than the highly revered Sony FDRx3000.
The GoPro Hero & Black camera is by far a superior choice when it comes to Optical Image Stabilization.
It doesn’t only perform well in optical stabilization. The GoPro Hero 7 Black performs beautifully during video recording.
According to the official website, the GoPro Hero 7 Black is designed with a 4K60/1080p 240 video performance coupled with a HyperSmooth Video Stabilization technology.
I can comfortably say that the GoPro Hero 7 Black lives up to this advertised spec.
When I first used it,
I noticed the high quality 4K video recording it delivered without an inch of distortion. The GoPro Hero 7 is built with a 12MP sensor just like the previous models.
It is even built with the same wide-angle lens.
Furthermore, It still offers the 4K video quality at 60fps. Plus, at up to 240fps, it offers a full HD video quality.
What makes the GoPro Hero 7 stand out is its extra sweeteners.
Thanks to the small and minor improvements, the GoPro Hero 7 camera delivers an even better 4K video quality than the previous GoPro models.
As mentioned above, the GoPro Hero 7 Black features HyperSmooth Video Stabilization technology.
Now, this technology is what revolutionizes the GoPro Hero 7.
HyperSmooth technology combines hardware and software to significantly improve Video Stabilization.
Rather than just throwing in some components to give the camera “an upgraded” optical stabilization system. This HyperSmooth Video Stabilization technology is a high quality equivalent to the gimbal.
Additionally, the GoPro Hero 7 comes with the TimeWarp video. This new feature integrates a regular frame by frame time-lapse shooting design with the HyperSmooth technology.
The HyperSmooth technology offers a stabilized hyperlapse video shooing whilst allowing you to move the camera as you want. Plus, when you are recording these time lapses footage, you won’t even need a tripod.
Yet, you will enjoy the same great video and image stability. To make it even better, the GoPro has a NightLapse feature as well.
The NightLapse feature is meant to enhance the image and video quality during the dark night.
However, I can’t say much about I as I haven’t tried it on just yet. The camera also comes with a decent audio performance and voice control.
Although, at times, I did struggle with some voice control features.
Like other inaccurate voice control features, I did struggle with some commands on the go. Nevertheless, the revamped voice and audio control still worked great.
Similar to the older versions, I easily recognized the 12 key commands.
Some of them include;
- “GoPro take a photo”
- “GoPro start video recording”.
Additionally, this newer version boasts an accentuated range – allowing for more natural tones.
The mic on the other end did a better job of audio recording too. It managed to eliminate vibrations even better. This made audio pick up even more efficient.
However, this is not all I observed from the GoPro Hero 7 Black.
This action camera is also built with a feature known as the Face, Smile+ Scene Detection.
This feature made it easy to capture all my “photography of the year” worthy shot. I didn’t even have to move a finger!
As a vlogger, I was really impressed with the fact that I could document all my favorite moments. Plus, I could do so with great precision and image stabilization.
GoPro Hero 7 has another new photo feature.
The SuperPhoto feature delivers an intelligent auto option. This feature improves GoPro 7’s performance than that of a conventional camera.
The SuperPhoto feature makes it easy even for the non-creative to produce good quality photos and videos.
You don’t have to manually use HDR. Instead, the GoPro Hero 7 does it for you.
In low light scenes, I could use the camera’s muli-frame noise reduction. If you want to get creative, you can do so with the GoPro Hero 7.
The camera gives you a wide range of tools o improve image quality and creativity.
Some of the things you can adjust include;
- Balance
- Exposure compensation
- ISO range
- Sharpness
As if this is not enough, it comes with one extra unique feature.
Unlike the previous models, the GoPro Hero 7 boasts a Livestreaming feature. Currently, the camera allows you to stream through Facebook and Youtube.
But even when I enjoyed these features, there was still one key concern in the back of my mind. Is this camera durable enough to withstand the environment I typically visited? That was my main concern.
I am talking wet terrain, thick snow, and sometimes, even the scorching heat.
Sure enough, very soon I got my answer. Compared to the three other cameras I used, is one offered superior ruggedness.
On one occasion, during set up, I accidentally dropped the camera at one of the sites I visited. Bad enough, there was a puddle that the camera inadvertently fell into. The result? No damage at all!
Sure, I picked it up within seconds. Nevertheless, it still lived up to the shock from the impact. Plus, it had no water damage.
After all, according to the website, the GoPro Hero 7 Black is built with a highly rugged and waterproof housing that withstands submersion underwater at up to 33 feet.
The rugged body is brought about by the rubberized outer surface. With this design, the GoPro Hero 7 is perfect for superior shock absorption.
The battery/card and USB/HDMI compartment doors are a little difficult to open. But, this may be necessary to maintain the waterproof rating.
The camera is wrapped in a small plastic frame with a clip. This design allows you to attach it to any surface. You can even mount it on your helmet or handlebars.
In fact, the best thing about the GoPro Hero 7 body is the built-in mounting prongs.
This design complements HyperSmooth technology for enhanced image quality. It effectively holds on to any surface.
User interface wise, I was impressed by the camera when I turned it on.
The interface shares key information on the screen. In fact, the GoPro Hero 7 functions just like a smartphone.
With just simple directional swipes, I was able to pick my modes. The swipe also allowed me to capture photos and videos. Additionally, I could also swipe between modes.
This feature has been made quite easy. A single click of the mode side button allows you to achieve this.
Alternatively, you can use the swipe method too.
The GoPro Hero 7 is built with a touchscreen similar to the older versions.
The 2-inch touchscreen is generally responsive. I never had any trouble picking the modes or setting up for photos or video recording.
I have moderately sized fingers so it’s quite easy for me to navigate the screen. However, with the screen size and touchscreen design, it may be a problem for some.
If you have large hands and fingers, you may struggle with the screen and touchscreen feature. Still, the GoPro Hero 7 Black camera still comes with its drawbacks.
The Bad
I noticed three key drawbacks of the camera.
These include;
- The battery doesn’t fit into the compartment
- There are GoPro style bugs and software issues
- The files aren’t compatible!
GoPro Hero 7 Battery Life
So, to start with, let’s discuss battery life.
The GoPro Hero 7 Black a very nerve-wracking in terms of battery functions. When I first plugged the battery in, it indicated to be on a full charge.
However, before getting to a 100% full charger, the camera froze. As time went by, several battery-adjusting attempts after, it wouldn’t charge past 97%.
Then, I tried to leave it plugged in for a couple of hours. Yet, I only returned to the same battery status of 97%.
Again, I tried to turn it on and off again,
Plugged it in again,
Tried different USB ports – it never worked!
In the end, I compromised on using the camera at the 97% battery charge level.
I recorded a 4-and-a-half-minute clip of video at 1080P quality, and the battery dropped from 97% to 40%.
So, I decided to call GoPro customer service. Customer service was very friendly and ASSURED me that this was a common issue.
They stated that I can fix it by charging the battery to 100%. I should then fully charge the battery 2-3 times.
I pointed out the issue at hand was that the battery could not be charged past 97%.
So, I was advised to MANUALLY download a new firmware file, copy it to the SD card, fit it in the GoPro, and then, go through various steps to manually update the firmware.
This was too much work for a new product that I had spent a lot of money on!
Well, I convinced myself to go along. After all, I was already in love with the excellent optical stabilization.
So, I was willing to go the extra mile to salvage this advantage that I had. I went ahead and followed the instructions I was given to download the firmware.
It never worked.
Several more attempts and phone calls from two different phones after, I gave up! I wasn’t able to download the firmware. However, the camera battery managed to fully charge to 100%.
It took 3 to 4 full charging cycles to function as advertised on the official website.
After this prolonged battery fixing process, the best I could get from a 100% full charge was 48 minutes at 2.7K with hyper smooth on and all wireless connections OFF.
The Battery Doesn’t Fit The Compartment!
Charging was not the only issue I had with the battery.
I had serious issues with the battery fit.
Now, for me, this is actually the biggest problem. You see, I film a lot, for several hours a day. I’m often out and about and I need a camera that can perform on the go.
Battery life is not really my main concern. I can easily replace it with the several spares I carry with me.
So, performance beats battery life – for me!
But, this was not the case for me when I used the GoPro Hero 7. First, the battery is designed with a series of old fashioned ribbons to pull it out.
However, it DOESN’T FIT the GoPro Hero 7 Black case! It features a super tight profile. So, to fit it in the case becomes serious manual labor (and I’m a big guy)!
What’s worse is that I experience this issue with both GoPro 7 cameras I had purchased. At first, I thought the first one was defective.
I realized it was a design flaw when the second one had the same problem. This design will only work for you if you never remove the battery.
So, if you need a camera for serious recording, this won’t work!
Sure, you can go up to 20 minutes of uninterrupted recording. Thereafter, you will have to recharge the battery. So, if you are continuously recording, you will not e able to change the batteries.
Typically, I film for hours a day. So, I need to be able to change batteries quickly and easily more than 5-6 times a day. It’s simply impractical to do so with the GoPro Hero 7.
Plus, the battery ribbons look flimsy. So, after several frequencies of battery changing, they would definitely snap.
Yet, with sweaty, cold, or dry hands, it will be impossible to pul the ribbons out.
GoPro Style Bugs And Glitches
My third pet peeve was unnecessary bugs and glitches. Before the GoPro Hero 7, I hadn’t used the GoPro brand as much.
I would only use the GoPro Hero 4 and 5 when I had on battery in the Sony camera.
In the older versions, stabilization wasn’t as good. When using the GoPro Hero 7, you will notice a certain ‘feeling’ of bugginess glitch coming.
Accurately enough, I’ve seen multiple issues on several GoPros.
These include:
- The screen freezing at random times (you can only escape it by physically pulling the battery out)
- They stop filming at random times
- Issues with batteries not taking charges or freezing on the charging screen
- Firmware being VERY hard to update or change
- Not being able to update the firmware on your phone
These are all glitches that I experienced first hand.
The Files Aren’t Compatible
When using GoPro Hero 7, I noticed a special video encoding. The new high efficiency encoding apparently allows you to record double the length of your video
It then saves it on the same SD card. However, before you get excited, there’s a limitation to this. The encoded video doesn’t work for older PCs or laptops.
By old, I mean any PC or laptop that is not brand new.
So, even if the videos are saved, you will not be able to play or edit them. I personally own a fairly new Macbook. Yet, I am unable to play the files or videos from GoPro.
When I contacted customer service, I told that I need to download converting software. This ‘Handbrake’ software for Mac is supposed to convert the files before I can play them.
By now, I was tired of all the supplemental tasks I needed to do for the camera. So, I gave up on the camera.
What An Action Camera Needs
In my opinion, an action camera needs to have several features.
These things are;
- Stabilization
- Good battery
- Quality and usability
- Portability
- Audio
Stabilization
Well, GoPro Hero 7 has perfected this area.
As mentioned above, this camera is excellent even when you are the most active.
Even when you are experiencing other glitches, this is that one feature that remains solid.
Good Battery
When it comes to battery operation, I still have good things to say. My experience is the battery worked for up to 48 minutes. However, there’s one area where the camera fails miserably. This is where you need to improve on.
For me, the GoPro Hero 7 camera would be perfect if this area was fixed!
After all, its one that is responsible for is functionality and user friendliness. With this camera, it is impossible to change the battery. Unless you want to damage it permanently.
In fact, it would’ve made more sense if the batteries were replaceable and non-reusable. As a vlogger, It is virtually useless to walk around with a camera that runs for 48 minutes only.
The only way to make it useful is by exchanging batteries after every 48 minutes.
In this case, the GoPro Hero 7 battery design needs improvement!
Quality And Usability
Quality wise, the GoPro Hero 7 Black never disappoints. Its 4K video quality is impeccable. It also has a status screen to help you track all the relevant information.
Amongst the information you can track includes;
- Battery life status
- Recorded time
- Remaining footage time in the SD card
- Video format type
- Screen resolution
Furthermore, its fully waterproof and rugged body survives even the roughest conditions. The lens is fitted with replaceable covers that offer extra protection when not in use.
Portability
GoPro Hero 7 is perfect for any travel when it comes to portability.
The camera weighs less than 150 grams.
You can easily forget that you are carrying it. Its length on the other end measures just a little bit more than a paper clip!
Measuring only 44.9mm long, the camera fits even in your pant pockets or rucksack.
Audio
The audio quality for the GoPro Hero 7 is quite good. Plus, it has an external mic to improve its function. Additionally, it is designed with stereo audio quality.
GoPro Hero 7 Black Price And Coupons
Currently, you can invest in the GoPro Hero 7 Black for only $249.99 from the official website.
I haven’t found any coupons or codes for this particular camera. However, what you can do is bookmark this page. You can always check in from time to time for an update.
I always make it a point to update the page in case of the availability of any coupons or codes
For now, this is the best place to get the GoPro Hero 7 Black action camera;
Summary of the GoPro Hero 7 Black
As a general rule of thumb, the GoPro Hero 7 Black is still a viable choice.
But for the tight battery profile, the GoPro would have been a perfect tool for vloggers and travelers.
It almost leaves you at a crossroad. The optical stabilization is a vlogger and traveler’s dream!
However, the thick battery profile almost cancels everything. Sure, it comes with all the fancy marketing and ads. Yet, these are two facts worth noting.
For now, options that match the GoPro Hero 7 Black stabilization include Sony FDR X3000.
Sure, you will have minimal issues with stabilization.
However, it outperforms the GoPro Hero 7 in other features;
- The FDR X3000 comes with a super easy-to-change battery.
- Its external mic port is also quite effective.
Nevertheless, the BEST camera option for stabilization you’ll find is the GoPro Hero 7 Black.