GOPRO HERO 10 Black test: everything you need to know

GoPro arrives at version 10 in a sector that always seems to be growing, namely that of action cameras, and in fact the US brand has had to run for cover over the years given the fierce competition. Here is our video test and, to follow, the complete text.

VIDEO

In the last Hero 9 test, we had noticed how GoPro had worked a lot on sensors and algorithms, going to "fatten" it in weight and size.

With Hero 10 this evolution continued with a new processor, the GP2, but fortunately without further increasing the structure and weight. In fact, in the aesthetic side, the new GoPro model has remained unchanged and is identical to the 9 in all aspects, even in the display and in the battery.

Possibility to replace the glass of the lens in case we were to scratch it (not remote situation in an action cam). Of course, the coupling systems have not changed, so all the kits of the previous versions can be reused.

We recall the salient features (unchanged compared to 10):
- water resistance up to 10 meters without the need for extra watertight cases;
- 1720 mAh battery;
- dual front display with 1.4 '' main panel and 2.27 '' LCD touchscreen rear display.

NEW GP2 PROCESSOR

Let's talk about the GP2 processor: the new GP2 processor has double the bandwidth and this means getting to record, on a fast card, 5K at 60 fps and 4K at 120 fps. Another indirect aspect is, in fact, the speed of the processes that improves: certainly data is difficult to show at an objective level, but the experience of use in general improves: from the speed of the touch to the speed of the processes when you click on certain options in the menu , or simply to the fact that the framerates have increased even with very high resolutions (for example 60fps at 5.3k or 2.7ka 240fp).

But the most important aspect is the performance in low ambient light: here you can see the difference. The processing algorithms work better and make the images brighter and more detailed, limiting that "jerky" effect that you had with previous GoPro.

Video settings and resolutions (16: 9)

The Hero 10, like the 9, can be used vertically with relative change of the "standards", from 16: 9 to 4: 3. Here are the related GoPro Hero 10 settings:

Video settings and resolutions (4: 3)

HYPERSMOOTH 4.0

Another novelty, again thanks to the new processor, is an improvement in stabilization that GoPro has wisely called Hypersmooth 4.0 (instead of the 3.0 of the previous version). In terms of stabilization itself, there are no clear changes, but the advantage is that it can be used at higher resolutions. In fact, it can now also be activated in 4K at 60 fps and 5.3K at 30 fps, as well as in 2.7K at 120 fps.

The alignment of the horizon is always present which this year is able to compensate for an almost double inclination compared to the last model. In fact, it goes from 27 to 45 degrees of maximum inclination. The downside is that the field of view (inevitably) is greatly reduced with linear framing but of course it's up to you to decide when to use a certain effect or when not to use it.

Photo side: the maximum resolution rises to 23 megapixels and the whole sensor is finally exploited.

AUTONOMY

The battery, as previously mentioned, remains at 1720 mAh and we have not noticed any changes compared to the previous model in terms of duration. The fact that a more powerful processor is used, however, remains an excellent result being able to not drop performance.

PRICE AND CONCLUSIONS

Sore note: price increase for the Hero 10 which now reaches € 529 (Black edition) against the € 479 of the previous version (and the € 429 of the 8). Even if, to be picky, in the 8 there was no rigid "free" package: in fact the sales package is actually a hard case that you can then reuse for transport and which, purchased separately, has a value of € 40. .

This GoPro Hero 10 Black is definitely among the best (if not the best) in terms of quality, with a sharpness in the shots and a quality that few action cams have. Too bad that all this power turns into a product that makes itself felt on the head: if you use it with an open helmet it is not very comfortable and it is very uncomfortable in case of use with a Cross Country or road helmet. With the full-face helmet of course no problem. The weight is 153gr, 5gr in the hand compared to 9gr.

I keep dreaming of a Session (do you remember the Cube pattern?), with a 2.7ka 60fps as the maximum mode, but half the weight and size. Maybe without the double display in order to increase autonomy. Utopia? No, perhaps GoPro is just short of rumors.

The improvements in this 10 are many but, like any technological product, evaluate well if you are able to take full advantage of it: the 9 is always on sale for about € 100 less.