The GoPro HERO 11 Black is widely considered as one of the best action cameras around, though the same can still be said about its predecessor, the GoPro HERO 10 Black. In other words, upgrading isn’t as clear-cut, as the older model still offers a ton of value.
To no one’s surprise, the HERO 11 Black has a couple of improvements here and there that set it apart from the previous generation. That includes a larger sensor, smoother stabilization and a bigger battery out of the box, to name a few. However, the HERO 10 Black is more affordable, needless to say, and for casual users who might not need as many features, it may already be more than enough.
GoPro HERO 11 vs 10 Comparison Chart
| Model | GoPro HERO 11 Black | GoPro HERO 10 Black |
 |  | |
| Price | Check Price at GoPro.com | Check Price at GoPro.com |
| Sensor | 1/1.9 inches | 1/2.3 inches |
| Video | Up to 5.3K at 60 fps | Up to 5.3K at 60 fps |
| Stabilization | HyperSmooth 5.0 | HyperSmooth 4.0 |
| Processor | GP2 | GP2 |
| Waterproofing | Up to 33ft | Up to 33ft |
Camera Specifications
The GoPro HERO 11 Black and HERO 10 Black are similar in more ways than one.
The HERO 11 Black and HERO 10 Black share a lot of similarities, one of which is their design. In fact, they’re not exactly that easy to tell apart at first glance. Moreover, they pretty much have the same microphones and connectivity options, and each one is as rugged as the other with the same 33ft waterproofing.
Under the hood, they even have the same GP2 processor, and both sport a 1.4-inch front screen and rear touchscreen. On top of that, their video-recording capabilities top out at 5.3K at 60 fps.
As mentioned earlier, the HERO 11 Black has a larger sensor that clocks in at 1/1.9 inches compared to the HERO 10 Black’s 1/2.3 inches. That paves the way for more shooting options (more on that in a bit), essentially making the former the more versatile camera of the two.
Shooting Capabilities
The GoPro HERO 11 Black has enhanced recording features over what the HERO 10 Black offers.
Right off the bat, the HERO 11 Black’s taller sensor allows it to record in an 8:7 aspect ratio, aside from 16:9 and 4:3, which are the two options you’d get with the HERO 10 Black. Thanks to this, it’s possible to crop clips for various purposes, notably in 9:16 vertical formats for, say, YouTube shorts that are typically viewed in portrait mode on smartphones.
Also, the HERO 11 Black builds on the HERO 10 Black’s SuperView with HyperView. Put simply, this new digital lens version can capture more of the action and environment at a time by using an 8:7 aspect ratio and is then converted to a 16:9 format. However, it’s worth mentioning that this might not be a standout feature for a lot of folks, especially for casual users. After all, SuperView is likely good enough for most.
Another advantage the HERO 11 Black has is better stabilization overall in the form of HyperSmooth 5.0. Compared to the HERO 10 Black’s HyperSmooth 4.0, it brings a new Auto Boost mode to the table. As its name suggests, it can automatically stabilize videos on the fly when it detects shaking. If nothing else, it’s a great addition for beginners who can’t tell when to turn the feature on or not.
Last but not least, the HERO 11 Black comes with built-in Horizon Lock. We say “built-in” because this is also possible with the HERO 10 Black but only with the Max Wide Lens Mod. Basically, this keeps videos leveled horizontally or vertically even if the camera itself rotates 360 degrees.
Battery Life and Other Features
The GoPro HERO 11 Black caters more to professionals than the HERO 10 Black.
On a single charge, the HERO 11 Black can last up to 38 percent longer (according to GoPro), owing to its included Enduro rechargeable battery. It should be noted that the HERO 10 Black can also reap the benefits of this more powerful battery, but it doesn’t come with one from the get-go. In other words, it’s sold separately.
In addition, the HERO 11 Black introduces a new Pro mode. Appropriately, it’s targeted at pros who want more granular control over every aspect of their recordings, as opposed to simply pointing and shooting and letting the camera work its magic on its own.
Also, the HERO 11 Black offers 10-bit color, giving it a huge boost over the HERO 10 Black’s 8-bit color from 16.7 million shades of RGB to a whopping 1 billion. While this addition is welcome by all means, it’s geared toward professionals who are after more post-production flexibility rather than casual users.
Verdict
The GoPro HERO 11 Black is better in a lot of ways than the HERO 10 Black, but since the latter doesn’t fall that far behind in specs and features, it might not be worth the upgrade for most folks.
Considering that the price difference between these action cameras is small, the GoPro HERO 11 Black is obviously the better pick. However, if you already own the GoPro HERO 10 Black, then it might be better to think twice before upgrading. At the very least, it can somewhat keep up with the newer model in battery life and, to a certain extent, features by way of mods.
FAQs
Yes, the GoPro HERO 11 Black is technically better than the HERO 10 Black. It has a larger sensor, HyperSmooth 5.0 as opposed to HyperSmooth 4.0, Horizon Lock (without the need for a mod) and more.
No, but the Enduro battery included in the GoPro HERO 11 Black is available as a separate purchase and is compatible with the HERO 10 Black.
Yes, the GoPro HERO 11 is waterproof up to 33ft, the same as the HERO 10 Black.
Yes, most GoPro HERO 10 accessories, especially housings, will work with the newer HERO 11 Black.