GoPro’s Latest Flagship Action Camera: HERO7 Black

Now with internal livestream, and HyperSmooth feature that promises the company’s best in-camera video stabilization.

The GoPro HERO6 Black, announced as flagship to the company’s lines of diminutive action cams a little less than a year ago, has now been updated to the $399 HERO7 Black. Joined in release by two other models, the $299 HERO7 Silver and $199 HERO7 White, the HERO7 Black is the first model from GoPro to offer direct livestreaming to support such platforms as Facebook, Twitch, YouTube and Vimeo.

Designed to compete with the latest class of advanced gimbal systems by providing in-body, “gimbal-like” image stabilization, GoPro has also introduced the HyperSmooth mode as the keynote feature of the HERO7 Black. The HERO7 Silver and HERO7 White do not have HyperSmooth, however, they have been given enhanced image stabilization over previous models, as well. 

The HERO7 Black is capable of up to 4K60 video plus 12-megapixel photos and 8x slow motion at 1080p240. Packing similar features, but removing livestreaming, variable frame rates and HyperSmooth, the HERO7 Silver has 10-megapixel photos. The 1080p HERO7 White further lacks GPS.

With basic menu verbal commands in 14 languages, GoPro points out that the waterproof rating for the HERO7 series goes to depths of 10m (33'), without housing. Targeting the deficiencies of gimbals, HyperSmooth is also workable for capturing smoother underwater footage, or during high shock and high wind situations, where gimbals can find themselves struggling.

They’ve also introduced an intelligent photography mode with HDR capabilities, though it cannot be used during RAW capture, and a new form of video called TimeWarp, which applies high-speed “magic-carpet-ride”-esque effects. The GoPro app will unlock several other features, like the autotmatic transfer of photos and videos to a phone.

Audio has also been improved in the HERO7 Black for an increase to dynamic range and reduction to vibrations in the internal microphone. 

The camera became available in the U.S. on September 30 and internationally on September 27. The company is currently running a Million Dollar Challenge to promote the HERO7 Black.

Last year, GoPro invited American Cinematographer to San Francisco to attend the introduction of the HERO6 Black as well as the 5.2K GoPro Fusion 360-degree camera and gimbal at the California Academy of Sciences’ Morrison Planetarium, where they displayed newly captured footage on the world’s largest digital dome.

For timecode and multiple camera stabilization, Timecode Systems’ SyncBac Pro was updated to the HERO6 Black model last December. Find available specifications for all three HERO7 models here.

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