You love traveling and going on adventures, and you wish you had a camera that will capture all of your wonderful memories, yet will not take much space in your backpack. You also don’t want to worry about it getting scratched or damaged. If this is the case, then get yourself a GoPro camera, pronto.
GoPro’s line of products is leading the race in the action camera market. They are tiny, weigh practically nothing, can handle all kinds of tough conditions, and provide high quality images. Elevate your journeys and experiences by adding a GoPro in your travel arsenal!
Which GoPro Type Is Ideal?
Before you start shopping, here is what you need to know.
GoPro HERO5 Black
This is currently the most expensive option, priced at $399.99 and can be purchased directly from the official GoPro website or from other retailers. The Hero5 also serves as the most recent flagship product, offering everyone the wonders of 4K video and 12MP resolution in its 62 x 44.6 mm body. Naturally, it is waterproof and can become your trusted camera for mountain and sea adventures, and everything in between.
Just because the Hero5 is tiny doesn’t mean it isn’t packed with camera features we’ve all come to expect these days. It can take photos from different field of views–narrow, linear, medium, wide, and SuperView–and has a great wind-noise reduction capability. Expect super sharp image quality and dependable video stabilization, even in low lighting conditions. This shooter can also take time-lapse and continuous photos to chronicle the play-by-play of your adventures.
It can be controlled via voice and through a smartphone app, and can be attached to a selfie stick. Of course, it offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity to make sharing those photos and videos a breeze.
GoPro HERO5 Session
This version has most of the important features found in the Hero5 Black, but it is smaller in size and simpler in design. At $299.99, it is more budget friendly, too. Unlike GoPro’s flagship camera, however, the 10MP Hero5 Session doesn’t come with location capture and Raw + WDR photos. Its low-light performance is only at “consumer grade” compared to the “professional grade” the Hero5 Black offers. If you don’t really need all of the professional features, then this is, overall, a solid camera option.
GoPro HERO Session
The Hero Session is best for anyone who wants to enjoy the portability of GoPro cameras without spending too much. Buying this will only net you $199.99 but you will still be able to capture awesome images and videos of those mountain treks, dives, surfing sessions, and more.
Since it is a dialed down version, it only provides 8MP and no 4K video capability. Still, it will let you take 1440p and 1080p videos without trouble. Other features that were skipped for the Hero Session include voice control, video stabilization, touch display, automatic uploading of photos to the cloud, location capture, and Raw + WDR photos.
Older Models
If you visit other retailers, such as Amazon, you will still find older GoPro models like the GoPro HERO4. These will cost even less, but the features are outdated as well. However, if you travel less frequently, are only after the basic functions, or if budget is a priority – then these models are great options.
Shop According to Your Adventure Style
Are the above specifications not enough to tell you which GoPro camera to take with you during your trips? How about considering your travel style and which types of adventures you prefer?
Beginner / Light Wanderer
If your trips mostly involve camping with the family, fishing, or going to the beach to snorkel – the starter GoPro camera (Hero Session) or older models are more than enough. These are also great for beginner divers, mountain climbers, trekkers, and bikers. Basically, if your activities aren’t so hard core, do not involve loads of movement or greater underwater depths, then the basic GoPro will easily meet your needs.
Adrenaline Junkie
Fond of riding the big waves or wind surfing? Perhaps rock climbing or diving gets your blood pumping? If you are always looking forward to the next thrill and make it a point to go on an adventure at least twice or thrice a month, then get the mid-range Hero5 Session. It has better photo and video functionalities and has video stabilization, which is perfect for motion-heavy itineraries, such as surfing, kayaking, rock climbing, mountain biking, cliff jumping, and diving.
Extreme and Hard-Core Road Warrior
You are perpetually in search of an adventure and go on amazing trips every week. Perhaps you host a YouTube channel or blog that details all of your local and international travels. You are ready to try anything, from skydiving to open water diving. Extreme mountain biking, rock climbing, skating, or skateboarding gets you going.
In this case, go for the top-of-the-line GoPro. With the Hero5 Black, you will never miss documenting the amazing details of all your thrilling exploits – all in high quality. You will have a professional-grade camera, too, that will help you publish exciting travel content!
Don’t Forget the Accessories
Whichever action camera you decide to purchase, make the most out of it by buying the right accessories. Aside from the very handy selfie stick, GoPro also sells mounts, straps, cases, waterproof remote controls, screen protectors, superchargers, card readers, and a bunch of other accessories.
For those who love documenting their motorcycle rides, there are even helmets ready for a GoPro to be mounted. Want to take photos and videos of your beach escapades? Buy a floaty. Excited to create a video with a bird’s eye view of a stunning location? Get yourself a drone camera!
Truly, no matter what type of activity you wish to engage in and record, GoPro cameras and accessories have you covered!