GoPro unveils Hero7 Black with better image stabilization, live broadcast

After venturing into the 4K of 60 fps last year, GoPro has just entered new territories: gimbal-style image stabilization and live broadcast. On September 20, GoPro launched the flagship action camera Hero7 Black, as well as the Hero7 Silver and Hero7 White, more economical.

The Hero7 Black retains the same look as the Hero6 and Hero5 models, but GoPro has remodeled the internal components, with what might be the company's best features to date: improved video stabilization, such as a gimbal, live streaming; new modes of shooting; redesigned user interface; and a better sound. While last year's Hero6 only had the Black version, GoPro is back with a Black ($ 399) and a Silver ($ 299) for the Hero7, as well as, for the first time, a White model at $ 200. The White is at the same price level as the camera called Hero, which was launched earlier this year in March and will most likely replace this model. The three new models are easily identifiable by their different colors.

Hero7 Black

At the top of the flagship Hero7 Black product is HyperSmooth, the new name for the video stabilization system. He uses the same GP1 processor introduced in the Hero6 Black, but he goes further in the Hero7 Black to create videos more fluid than his predecessor. GoPro says that HyperSmooth can track and anticipate movements, and even call cardan-type stabilization and the best video stabilization available for any camera. Our first hands-on experience with the Hero7 Black bolsters the company's claims, with a little downhill bike shake and a significant improvement over the stabilization inside the Hero5 and Hero6 models with stabilization.

Regarding the operation of HyperSmooth, GoPro did not disclose any information, but could possibly use a combination of sensors and software. When introducing the Hero6 Black in 2017, CEO and founder Nicholas Woodman told Digital Trends at a news conference that the company had barely exceeded the expectations of the GP1 processor; it is obvious that GoPro has refined the processor since then. Although GoPro-compatible gimbals can still work better, they are not practical in all situations – for example, in underwater environments or under heavy shocks.

The Hero7 Black also incorporates a native live streaming feature (earlier models could use applications like Periscope and Livestream), with support for Facebook, Twitch, YouTube, Vimeo and other platforms. The camera also records streaming video on the SD card so that users can simultaneously have live video and recorded video.

The video and photo shooting modes are also new. The TimeWarp video looks like a "magic carpet ride" through the video, says GoPro. The mode mixes HyperSmooth stabilization with a time-lapse of up to 30x, to create smooth but fun clips that you can add to your videos (see below the example we've taken). For still images, SuperPhoto analyzes the scene to automatically apply settings such as high dynamic range, local tone mapping, and noise reduction. The Hero7 can also shoot vertical videos for Instagram Stories and platforms like IGTV.

The Hero7 Black incorporates face, smile and scene detection – again, things are now possible thanks to the GP1 processor. The audio equipment also receives an update to reduce vibration noise when mounting the camera, while expanding the dynamic range of audio.

Like the Hero6, the Hero7 captures video footage up to 4K at 60 fps, as well as stills of 12 megapixels. Ultra Slow Motion records in 8x slow motion at 1080p240. Voice control, automatic smartphone transfers and GPS overlays are also included.

And, like the models since the Hero5, the Hero7 does not need housing to dive up to 33 feet and uses a form factor similar to previous models, including a two-inch touch screen on the back. However, the user interface has been completely revised for easier navigation. We liked the user interface introduced in the Hero5, but the Hero7 is even more intuitive.

Hero7 Silver and Hero7 White

The Hero7 Silver and White has the same robust voice and body controls as Black's flagship model (we are really looking for the lighter color of white), but omits some of the more advanced features to reduce the price. The Hero7 Silver draws 4K but at 30 frames per second, 2x slow motion (compared to 8x) and 10-megapixel (against 12 megapixels). Stabilization is included, but it is not the latest HyperSmooth system; it is the oldest technology.

The Hero7 White also incorporates video stabilization, but again, not the same HyperSmooth on the flagship product. Stabilization in the white is an improvement over the previous hero. The 1080p camera only also has a touch screen, native vertical shooting and automatic transfer to a smartphone.

Like the Silver, the White supports the same accessories as the flagship product because of its almost identical design. The secondary background with details such as battery life and shooting mode, a common feature in previous Hero models, is noticeably lacking in both versions.

Celebrating the launch, GoPro is creating a contest for owners of the new Hero7 Black for a $ 1 million reduction. The first users are invited to submit their sequence with the new camera, and the selected clips for the highlighted reel will receive a cut of the price.

Pre-orders for all three models are launched today. International orders will be launched on September 27th and shipments to the United States will be held on September 30th. We are currently testing the Hero7 Black and we will have a complete review before launch, to help you make a purchase decision. Although it is no different from the Hero6 Black, Hero7 Black's HyperSmooth stabilization alone could make it an interesting upgrade.

The Shu and Julian Chokkattu contributed to this article.