Hands-On Review: Testing the New GoPro Hero7 Action Camera

As technology becomes more versatile and convenient, the GoPro Hero7 is an excellent — and vital — addition to any set-up.

Currently, I have a one-camera set-up, and I primarily work with the 85mm G-Master lens. Since I prefer a tighter crop, having the GoPro Hero7 Black is perfect for me. The fact that you can not only capture RAW images, but there are a several different modes to help you capture your desired image, means I can have the creative control I want. This a game changer.

When it comes to street photography, having the Hero7’s Super Photo mode is clutch. Super Photo mode tactfully applies HDR, local tone mapping, or noise reduction to make your shots look incredible. With the touch zoom available at your fingertips now, you don’t have to just go wide. It gives you the option to pinch in and zoom on your subject. The touch screen itself is improved and fluid. GoPro now shoots in burst mode 12MP at 30 frames per second, so capturing moments in the city becomes ten times easier. Plus with the new cloud features (and a GoPro subscription), you don’t even have to compromise on storage space now. 

Being a street photographer, the cloud storage is one of the features I’m most excited about. But that doesn’t even scratch the surface on what else the new GoPro is capable of doing. The video capabilities have received a decent upgrade, and the video stabilization is absolutely stunning. So to test these features out, I made my way from Bed-Stuy to the Lower East side skatepark to link up with a good friend of mine and BMX rider, Chad Douglas. At first we tried mounting the camera on his head (a hilarious, and incredibly awesome idea), and really saw the hyper-stabilization shine. The LES skatepark is full of different points you can show off your prowess on BMX or a skateboard. And the same goes for the new GoPro, which also has the ability to predict your movements and corrects itself to make sure it’s a smooth cut.

We also wanted to test out the new slow motion capabilities. There were no let downs there either. While still maintaining a frame rate of 1080p240, you can savor all of that slow-motion goodness. There were a couple of shots that we set up and played back, and they were crispy, and the whole shot only inspires you to try out other scenarios.

If you’re into live streaming, the GoPro is now capable of that as well. On top of posting instantaneously to IG Stories or Facebook, you can also record vertical videos. With the popularity of IG Stories and Facebook Live, this is a very thoughtful inclusion to the series. Since the GoPro is now easily connected to social media, it gives a huge step for the amateur or professional creative who wants to make high-quality imagery and video.

It’s fair to say that this new GoPro is more than capable of operating as a street photographer’s discreet secret weapon. On top of that, it still stays true to all of the features it’s known for, and only grows its capabilities. 

Here’s what else you need to know:

The GoPro Hero7 lineup includes the following units: the Hero7 White, the Hero7 Silver, and the Hero7 Black. When choosing the best one for you, keep these features in mind: 

• Hero7 White (): Features 10MP camera, 1080p60 video, is waterproof up to 33 feet (10 meters), includes voice control, a touch screen, and 2x slo-mo.
• Hero7 Silver (): Features 10MP camera, 4K30/1080p60 video, is waterproof up to 33 feet (10 meters), includes voice control, a touch screen, 2x slo-mo, and wide dynamic range (WDR).
• Hero7 Black (): Features 12MP camera, 4K60/1080p240 video, is waterproof up to 33 feet (10 meters), includes voice control, touch screen, 8x slo-mow, GPS, HDR recording, HyperSmooth, and live streaming.

All cameras are available for preorder now on Adorama.com.