Time and again, GoPro action cameras rank among the top action cameras. The brand has made a name for itself by consistently producing high-quality cameras.
But with a long line of quality cameras in their range, which is the best GoPro to buy in 2021? While we praise the latest GoPro flagship model, the HERO9, there’s still plenty to love about other cameras in the lineup. With prices ranging between $500 and $800 for the camera alone, the best GoPro camera for you depends on your needs.
GoPro cameras have had at least 4K video recording since the HERO4. And they’re all built for action. Both the HERO8 and the HERO9 mentioned in our list below are waterproof up to 10m while all GoPro cameras are designed to be shockproof, freezeproof, dustproof, and more.
So to help you make a decision, we’ve created this rundown of the GoPro cameras we recommend in 2021.
Which GoPro is the best in 2021?
GoPro HERO9 Black
Thanks to a few hardware improvements on its predecessor, the HERO8, the top-of-the-line GoPro HERO9 Black is easily the best GoPro on the market at the moment.
The HERO9 ensures you’re getting the highest quality footage with an action camera that’s exceptionally easy to use.
A beautiful new 23.6MP sensor makes it possible to record 5K footage at 30fps or 4K at 60fps, along with 20MP stills. You can also capture slow motion at 240fps.
The front-facing screen that shows a live preview is perhaps our favourite upgrade from the HERO8, making it easy to record pieces to camera or selfies.
This camera has the in-body mount that was introduced in the HERO8, along with a new removable lens so you can add filters.
Along with GoPro’s improved HyperSmooth 3.0 to smooth out jolts, shakes, and sudden direction changes, there’s also a horizon-levelling feature to keep your videos levelled.
The battery is also 30% larger than the HERO8, ensuring you have more time to capture the footage you need.
Check out the GoPro HERO9 Black action camera today.
GoPro HERO8 Black
Arguably the best value you can get in a GoPro in 2021, the HERO8 Black is a big improvement on its predecessor, the HERO7. A step down from the HERO9, the HERO8 still proves its value today.
The HERO8 ditches the previous GoPro design, which required the frame attachment. Instead, it can be mounted to any GoPro accessory with the help of two foldable ‘fingers’ built into the base of the body.
The HERO8 upgrades the HERO7’s Hypersmooth stabilisation to Hypersmooth 2.0, with High and Boost settings to further even out your footage. This new feature produces some of the smoothest footage you’ll find from any action camera.
As with the HERO7, the HERO8 Black can shoot in 4K at 60fps but at 100Mbps, meaning the video quality is vastly improved.
One of the biggest changes made from the HERO7 to the HERO8 is the introduction of Mods, add-on GoPro accessories that can enhance the filming experience. These mods can make improvements to functions such as lighting, audio, and more.
If you don’t care about the 5K recording capabilities of the HERO9 Black or the addition of the front-facing screen, this is perhaps the best GoPro for you, guaranteeing excellent bang for your buck.
Learn more about the GoPro HERO8 Black today.
GoPro Max
The GoPro Max targets a very specific type of filming - but if you’re dedicated to capturing 360-degree footage, it could just be the action camera for you.
The biggest advantage of the GoPro Max is that you can film a spherical view of a scene, using the camera’s two 180-degree fisheye lenses, which are positioned front and back. The camera then stitches the 5.6K footage together in-camera so you don’t have to deal with painful processing.
This is great for uploading interactive YouTube videos that viewers can pan around themselves. But we also love that you can choose to shoot using just one of the cameras or, in processing, you can use just one specific angle from the footage to turn into standard 1080p footage.
The GoPro Max is a godsend for vloggers for this reason. They can record an entire scene and then afterwards, choose which ‘flat’ frames to piece together in their video, creating the effect of having multiple cameras.
The Max adopts the same design as the HERO8, ditching the frame and introducing the foldable legs for in-body mounting. It also uses the same impressive HyperSmooth image stabilisation - but the footage turns out even better thanks to its ability to automatically level horizons.
The audio is better than the HERO8 too, since the Max has six mics in total, delivering 360-degree audio.
Take a look at the GoPro Max 360 degree action camera today.
What’s the right GoPro camera for me?
We can confidently say that the GoPro HERO9 is one of the best action cameras ever produced, but that doesn’t mean it’s right for you.
If you’re after more advanced stabilisation and the versatile effect of multi-angle recording, the GoPro Max might be a better pick.
If your budget is more of a concern, the HERO8 still has plenty to offer if you’re not fussed about having a front-facing screen or 5K video capabilities.
Visit your nearest store to check out the different models or buy a GoPro camera online today for free delivery across Australia on orders over $49.
