#GoPro’s HERO 10 Black Camera Takes Video Stabilization to the Next Level – Review Geek

GoPro just launched the HERO 10 Black, a new flagship action camera with an updated processor and unbelievably powerful image stabilization features. But it’s also GoPro’s most expensive product to date—priced at $400 with a year-long GoPro subscription (or $550 without). Is it worth the upgrade?

Well, let’s start talking specs. The HERO 10 Black can shoot video at 5.3K 60FPS, a notable boost over the HERO 9’s 5K 30FPS capabilities. You can also shoot at 4K 120FPS or 2.7K 240FPS for slow-mo video, making the HERO 10 a killer upgrade for anyone disappointed by the HERO 9’s 1080P 240FPS slow-mo mode.

This boost in performance is a result of the HERO 10’s new GP2 chip, the company’s first processor upgrade since 2017. The HERO 10 may not look all that different from its predecessor, but the GP2 chip enhances performance across the board—we’re talking 30% faster video transfer, a more responsive interface, the aforementioned resolution boost, and mind-blowing image stabilization.

I know, image stabilization is a defining feature of GoPro’s action cameras, and old models still perform well in rocky situations. But the HERO 10 Black reaches a new level. Video shot from the front of a bike or the back of a dog looks incredibly stable, with no signs of distortion or digital artifacts.

One of the most shocking improvements comes to GoPro’s “horizon leveling” feature, where it locks on to the horizon and keeps video straight, even when you tilt the camera. The HERO 9 could turn 27 degrees before losing its lock on the horizon, but the new HERO 10 can turn a whopping 45 degrees—perfect for filming stable, cinematic scenes without a gimbal. (Unfortunately, horizon leveling only works at 4K 60 FPS or 2.7K 120FPS.)

And of course, GoPro managed to boost the HERO 10’s photo resolution from 20MP to 23MP. Still-frames from videos also get a bump, reaching a maximum 15.8MP when shooting 5.3K 60FPS or 19.6MP when shooting 5K video at a 4:3 aspect ratio.

You can now order the GoPro HERO 10 Black for $450 with a one-year GoPro subscription (which costs $50), or $550 without the subscription. Subscribers get a few extra features, like wireless video uploads and full-resolution livestreaming capabilities. GoPro says that most of the HERO 9’s add-on Mod accessories will work with the HERO 10, though support will trickle out through firmware updates.

Bear in mind that this is the most expensive action camera in GoPro’s lineup, with an MSRP that’s $100 more than the HERO 9 and $200 more than the HERO 8. If you’re on a budget, I suggest keeping an eye out for used HERO 9 cameras, which may flood eBay and Facebook Marketplace over the coming weeks.