Which is the right GoPro for you?

Summer vacations are almost upon us, and it’s mandatory to capture and share the memories from there with your social circle and total strangers. Needless to say, your smartphone camera will be working overtime to capture every moment.

But you wouldn’t want to risk your phone in situations that involve adventure sports or in and underwater activities. That’s where an action camera like a GoPro comes handy. There are a handful of GoPro models available in India spanning generations and price ranges, and we are often asked which one is the right fit.

The answer is not as simple as the best one available in your budget. The reason being, certain features you need may not be available on the cheaper model or you may end up overspending on a camera with additional features that you may never use.

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Hence, we have shortlisted four GoPro models from those available in India, ranging from less than 15K all the way up to 50K+ that should address various user needs. Let’s figure out which one is the best GoPro camera for you.

GoPro Hero 13 Black

Price: Rs 37,990

The GoPro Hero 13 is arguably the most versatile camera from the company ever. While its performance is similar to its predecessor, the GoPro Hero 12 Black, as it uses the same processor and sensor as well as the brilliant HyperSmooth 6.0 video stabilisation, what sets it apart are the add-ons and accessories it supports. The attachments lend this GoPro not just new capabilities but also a new dimension. It has almost taken the DSLR route with detachable lenses and filters; yes, you read that right!

The biggest change in the GoPro Hero 13 Black is the new set of detachable lenses or Lens Mods as they are called. In addition to the standard lens, you now have the Ultra Wide Lens Mod that offers 36 per cent wider and 48 per cent taller (177 degrees) FOV than the standard lens and also lets you shoot in a square 1:1 ratio.

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This gives multi-platform content creators the flexibility to shoot in that aspect ratio and repurpose the content for different platforms like Instagram, Youtube Shorts or standard Youtube video.

In addition to that, you get the Macro Lens Mod that does exactly what its name suggests, but what’s even cooler is the adjustable focus ring around it that lets you manually adjust the focusing distance between 11 cm to 75 cm giving you a mini-DSLR-like feel.

It lets you capture some impressive close-up stills and videos. Then there’s an Anamorphic Lens Mod to let you record in a cinematic 21:9 ratio with lens flare and stuff. If you like motion blur in your videos, GoPro offers a set of four ND (neutral density) filters for you to choose from.

The best part about these Lens Mods and filters is you can simply twist and attach them and start shooting. The camera automatically detects them and adjusts the settings. If you switch back to the default lens or a different one, your settings for that would be restored the moment you attach it.

Another handy addition is the Magnetic Latch Mount that lets you quickly switch between different mounting setups without the need for screws or other tools. It is a great option to have if you own multiple GoPro accessories and frequently switch between them.

The GoPro Hero 13 Black can record videos in 5.3K resolution up to 60 FPS and 4K videos at up to 120 FPS. You also have an option of shooting super-slomo 1080p videos at up to 240 frames per second and slowing the motion down 8 times. Some new shooting modes have been added too as compared to its predecessor and of course, the Enduro battery capacity has jumped from 1720 mAh to 1900 mAh to give you more shooting time.

GoPro Hero 12 Black

Rs 29,990

If you need the power and sensor of the Hero 13 but without the complexities of interchangeable lenses and filters, the GoPro Hero 12 Black is still an excellent option for several thousands less. Other than the lens mods, you will have to make do with a slightly lower capacity battery and without a GPS module (which I personally do not miss) and the Magnetic Latch Mount.

If you can live with that, the Hero 12 actually offers better value for money as it can shoot in the exact resolutions and frame rates as its successor and with HDR support too.

The GoPro Hero 12 Black introduced us to two new and useful features that were missing earlier. When shooting a video, we often miss out on a photo opportunity, and at times a still image can capture the moment better than a video.

The Interval Photo feature offers you the best of both worlds. You can set it to click photos at fixed intervals, ranging from half a second to two minutes, while you focus on recording the video.

The other incredibly useful addition was compatibility with Bluetooth earphones or headsets. It is hard to imagine how we managed without it till then. You can simply pair any Bluetooth earphones or headphones with this camera and record your live commentary from a distance (but within the Bluetooth range) and also issue voice commands.

Thanks to that you can mount the GoPro on top of your vehicle to capture the action, while you do the commentary from inside with the windows rolled up to keep the audio cleaner.

Similarly, when capturing footage of birds or animals, you can place the camera at the desired spot and issue voice commands from a distance without distracting your subjects. The possibilities are endless.

GoPro Max 2

Price: Rs 52,999

The GoPro Max 2 is the latest from the company but it is not the successor to the Hero 13. In fact, it serves a very different purpose - shooting 360-degree videos. While the Max Mod was available as an attachment in previous GoPro Hero models, the Max 2 uses two such lenses back and front and lets you record a full 360-degree video, and do so in true 8K resolution.

I am not a fan of such videos as I find them disorienting, but my personal preferences aside, such content has been gaining in popularity and the Max 2 gives you some of the best results.

It lets you record 360-degree videos in 8K resolution at up to 30 FPS, and the frame rate can go as high as 100 if you drop the resolution to 4K. Just because it’s a 360 camera, doesn’t mean you have to stick to that mode all that time.

You use just one lens and record ultra-wide videos in 4K or 1080p resolution. It also lets you click some really interesting 360 degrees photos in up to 29.5MP resolution.

Shooting time lapse, time warp and night lapse 360 videos are also possible at 8K, in addition to the usual low-light fun stuff like star trails, vehicle light trails and light painting.

GoPro Hero

Price: Rs 14,990

If you wish to dip your toes in the action camera world for the first time, the GoPro Hero is the most affordable of the lot and a good starting point. It does not have all the bells and whistles of the 12 or the 13 and isn’t as powerful either.

But if you simply wish to point and click or record your adventures at 4K or 1080p resolution at 30 FPS, it gets the job done admirably. Mind you, it cannot do stuff like time lapse or star trails or light painting.

If you wish to indulge in that, don’t bother with this camera despite its affordable price tag.

The GoPro Hero is the smallest and the lightest among all the cameras from the company around, weighing just 86 grams. It has a 1.76-inch touchscreen display at the back that lets you frame your content and access all its features.

It is 5 metres water resistant and supports voice commands too. This tiny guy is worth its asking price but keep your expectations in check and know what you are buying before you do.

Hope this information helps you choose your next or first GoPro. Let the adventure begin!