If you’ve been wanting a GoPro, you’re probably having a hard time choosing between the new GoPro Hero 10 and the older and now more affordable GoPro Hero 9. While it’s hard to tell them apart just by looking at them, the former actually received a bunch of upgrades such 8x slow motion mode and 5.7K recording at 60fps.
So the real question is–are these impressive specs actually worth it or should you just save your money? To help you answer this, here’s an in-depth comparison of the GoPro Hero 9 and 10, covering their design, performance, and additional features.
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GoPro Hero 10 vs 9 Comparison Chart
Design
The GoPro Hero 10 and Hero 9 are nearly identical save for a couple of design elements.
The GoPro Hero 9 was the first model to get a makeover after many years so it’s not a surprise that the Hero 10 doesn’t come with that many design upgrades. They both have a color display out front so that you can easily frame yourself, as well as a removable lens cover so that you can swap it out whenever you want to. The only noticeable difference between the two is their logo placement and color but other than that, they’re pretty much identical.
However, the Hero 10 has a slight upper hand when it comes to durability. While they’re both waterproof for up to 10 meters, the Hero 10’s cover was designed to be more scratch-resistant and hydrophobic. But once again, they’re two peas in a pod when it comes to mounting. Both are equipped with a mounting arm under their bodies so you don’t have to use a case to attach GoPro accessories to them. Also, the Hero 10 is compatible with all of Hero 9’s mods including microphones and extra lights.
Photo and Video Quality
The GoPro Hero 10 has more impressive camera specs than the Hero 9.
This is the part where the GoPro Hero 10 starts to leave its predecessor in the dust. Thank to its new GP2 processor, the Hero 10 can perform at two times the frame rate of the Hero 9. While both models have an impressive maximum video resolution of 5.7K, the Hero 10 can shoot at 60fps while the Hero 9 tops out at 30fps. Similarly, the Hero 10 can shoot 4K at 120fps while the Hero 9 is stuck at 60fps. To top things off, the Hero 10 has been given a bigger sensor and processor to allow for higher resolution for photos and still frame grabs even in low light conditions.
If, for example, you were shooting at 5K in the 4:3 ratio with the Hero 10, you’ll be able to capture a 19.6MP still frame. This is a lot sharper than what you’ll get with the Hero 9 which only lets you capture a 12MP still frame from a 5K video in the 4:3 ratio. It’s the same when you’re shooting at 4k in the 4:3 ratio, the Hero 10 able to deliver 15.8MP still frames while the Hero 9 can only manage 14.7MP.
Stabilization and Additional Features
The GoPro Hero 10 has more advanced stabilization and additional features than the Hero 9.
As mentioned, the GoPro Hero 10 has a more powerful processor and this is the reason why it’s able to pack on more advanced features. This includes an upgraded stabilization software called the HyperSmooth 4.0 which makes your footage extra buttery smooth. You can enable the HyperSmooth 4.0’s high-performance setting when you’re shooting in 5.3K at 30fps, 4K at 60 fps, or 2.7K at 120fps. The new GP2 processor has also greatly improved the Hero 10’s horizon levelling feature, allowing you to tilt the camera up to 45 degrees. With the Hero 9, you’re limited to a much smaller 29-degree tilt.
Other improvements you can enjoy with the Hero 10 include a more responsive rear display as well as faster wire transfer of your files to your phone. The Hero 10 will also automatically back up your files on the GoPro Cloud. However, the Hero 10 and the Hero 9 do share a couple of features including stabilized speed ramping and time-lapse video shooting. They have the same battery life too.
Verdict
The GoPro Hero 10 boasts more power and flexibility but the Hero 9 is still great value for money.
GoPro Hero 10
GoPro Hero 9
If you’re looking for an action camera that will allow you to shoot with a lot of flexibility, the GoPro Hero 10 holds a lot of creative potential thanks to its improved camera specs. Compared to the Hero 9, it’s able to shoot at double the frame rate at a higher resolution, provide sharper and clearer still frame grabs, and perform better in low light conditions. Not to mention the Hero 10 comes with a more powerful stabilization software and has an improved levelling feature. It’s a nice bonus as well that it has a more scratch-resistant and hydrophobic lens cover. It’s definitely worth the investment if you want advanced features.
This is not to say, however, that the GoPro Hero 9 is a bad camera. It’s actually a very capable model and should be more than enough for those who simply want to shoot high-quality photos and videos. And because it’s over a year old now, you can get it for a really sweet deal.
FAQs
Compared to the GoPro Hero 9, the Hero 10 is able to shoot double the frame rate at a higher resolution, provide sharper and clearer still frame grabs, and perform better in low light conditions. It also has a more powerful stabilization software and an improved levelling feature.
Yes, the GoPro Hero 10 is waterproof for up to 10 meters.
The GoPro Hero 10 has a mounting arm underneath its body so you don’t need a case to attach GoPro’s accessories to it. It’s also compatible with all of the Hero 9’s mods such as microphones and extra lights.
Yes, the GoPro Hero 10 holds a lot of creative potential thanks to its improved camera specs. It’s able to shoot 5.7K at 60fps, 4K at 120fps, and 2.7K at 240fps.