The GoPro HERO7 Black is a compact camera that's designed for action video. It isn't meant for handheld use, but it can easily be mounted on a helmet rig or a chest mount, and you can also use the GoPro app to control most of its functions. It's also advertised to be waterproof. It does a fantastic job smoothing out camera shake whether you're recording in 4k or in FHD, which is ideal for recording footage while moving around a lot. Unfortunately, video quality is limited by the camera's small sensor but still good relative to other action cameras.
Our Verdict
The GoPro HERO7 Black is sub-par for travel photography, though it isn't really intended for this use. This camera is portable and well-built, and it also offers great image quality. However, it lacks an autofocus system, which makes it hard to track moving subjects and keep them in focus. Also, it isn't designed for handheld use, and its small size can make it very uncomfortable to shoot with. Its battery performance is also mediocre, and while this can vary depending on usage, it may not last through long days on-the-go.
-
Great image quality.
-
No autofocus system.
-
Not designed for handheld use.
The GoPro HERO7 Black is satisfactory for landscape photography. Though this isn't its intended use, it still offers impressive image quality, even at high ISO levels. It has a portable and well-built design, and its screen is bright enough to be readable even if you're in bright sunlight. Unfortunately, it lacks an autofocus system, and it isn't meant for handheld use, which can be inconvenient for some users.
-
Portable, well-built design.
-
Great image quality.
-
No autofocus system.
-
Not designed for handheld use.
The GoPro HERO7 Black is unremarkable for sport and wildlife photography. It isn't designed for this usage, but it does offer an impressive image quality, so your photos are sharp and detailed. It can shoot in bursts of 30 frames in one second, which helps you capture clear images of fast-moving subjects. However, it lacks an autofocus system, which makes it difficult to track moving subjects and keep them in focus.
-
Great image quality.
-
No autofocus system.
The GoPro HERO7 Black is acceptable for vlogging. This portable camera is easy to bring with you on the go, and its fantastic video stabilization performance helps smooth out camera shake if you record while walking. However, its fixed screen means that you can't see yourself while you record, which can be disappointing if you want a selfie-style video. Also, video quality in 4k and FHD isn't amazing relative to larger-sensor cameras, but it's still fine for vlogging and online content.
-
Incredible video stabilization performance.
-
Portable, well-built design.
-
Video quality is limited by its small sensor.
-
Fixed screen can't be flipped or rotated.
The GoPro HERO7 Black is middling for studio video, though it isn't designed for this use. Video quality is mediocre in both 4k and FHD, especially if you're recording in low-light settings and compared to larger-sensor cameras. It lacks an autofocus system to help track moving subjects, and it doesn't have inputs for common videography accessories like headphones or a microphone. That said, it does offer a wide range of frame rate options in both 4k and FHD, so you can record everything from slow-motion video to films with a more cinematic look.
-
Lots of frame rate options in FHD.
-
Video quality is limited by its small sensor.
-
No autofocus system.
The GoPro HERO7 Black is amazing for action video. This well-built, portable camera can easily be mounted on a helmet rig, and it's even advertised to be waterproof. Its video stabilization feature offers incredible performance, so your footage is free of camera shake even if you're moving a lot while you record. It supports lots of frame rates in FHD, allowing you to record slow-motion clips. While video quality in both 4k and FHD is solid for an action camera, it's unremarkable overall due to its small sensor.
-
Incredible video stabilization performance.
-
Portable, well-built design.
-
Lots of frame rate options in FHD.
-
Video quality is limited by its small sensor.
- 5.8 Travel Photography
- 8.2 Landscape Photography
- 7.0 Sport & Wildlife Photography
- 5.4 Vlogging
- 5.8 Studio Video
- 8.9 Action Video
- Updated Dec 21, 2022: Converted to Test Bench 0.12.
- Updated Dec 20, 2022: Converted to Test Bench 0.11.
- Updated Nov 25, 2022: Updated intro and verdict boxes for clarity.
- Updated Oct 03, 2022: Converted to Test Bench 0.10.
- Updated Sep 02, 2022: Converted to Test Bench 0.9.
- Updated May 18, 2022: Converted to Test Bench 0.8.
- Updated Jan 04, 2022: Updated 'Max Aperture (Full Frame Equivalent)' and 'Max Focal Length (Full Frame Equivalent)' to 'N/A'.
- Updated Nov 09, 2021: Updated 'Sensor Size' to show 'Unspecified' since GoPro doesn't officially advertise sensor size.
- Updated Oct 25, 2021: Corrected error in previous update about Sample Gallery photos.
- Updated Oct 14, 2021: Added additional information to 'Screen' section about the second front-facing screen.
- Updated Oct 13, 2021: Updated score to show N/A for 'Image Stabilization' test due to limits in test methodology for this camera.
- Updated May 06, 2021: Competed retests in 'Body', 'Sensor', 'Lens', 'Shooting Speed', 'Image Quality', 'Luminance Noise', 'Sample Gallery', '4k Video Quality', and FHD 'Video Quality' boxes.
- Updated Mar 25, 2021: Review published.
- Updated Mar 23, 2021: Early access published.
Check Price
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We tested the GoPro HERO7 Black, and you can see the label for the model we tested here.
GoPro also sells the HERO7 Silver and the HERO7 White. However, those aren't just options for the color of the case. They're all different camera models that shoot in different image sizes and have slightly different designs. The Black is the flagship model, and it offers more premium features such as Protune and an enhanced photo mode called SuperPhoto. The White is the simplest, and the Silver sits in the middle. However, we haven't tested these other models, so we can't confirm their performance.
If you come across another version, let us know in the discussions so we can add it to our review.
Compared To Other Cameras
The GoPro HERO7 Black and the DJI Osmo Action perform similarly overall, though each has its advantages over the other for action video. Both are incredibly portable, waterproof, and easy to use, but the DJI has a longer battery life and a front-facing screen that you can use to monitor yourself. The GoPro, on the other hand, has better stabilization performance and has a Micro HDMI port built-in for easy external playback.
Test Results
- Materials feel robust and durable
- Grippy rubber around the camera has a soft touch
- Sturdy hinged doors cover the battery, SD card, and inputs
- Outputs door can be hard to open
- GoPro HERO7 Black camera body
- User manual
- Stickers
- GoPro AABAT-001 battery
- USB-A to USB-C cable
- Plastic frame mounting accessory
- Silicone case with lanyard
- Adhesive mounting plates
- It's intended to be used as an action camera, but can be used to take photos/videos handheld
- Can change settings using the touchscreen or via the GoPro app on your smartphone, though the Protune settings such as shutter speed and ISO aren't available on the app
- Buttons are hard to press due to waterproofing
- Small body can be uncomfortable to hold
This camera has a small additional screen on the front that displays information like shooting mode, battery life, and remaining SD card storage space.
- Menu is simple, responsive, and easy to navigate
- Menus are the same on the camera and the GoPro app
- Guide Mode is available for additional information about settings and features
- Small screen size can make it difficult to select menu items
