The GoPro HERO7 Black is GoPro's flagship action camera from 2018. Though it's been replaced by newer models that have refined the formula further, it still holds up well to newer competition. With 4k / 60 fps recording and HyperSmooth stabilization, along with mainstay features like waterproofing to a depth of 33 feet, the HERO7 is still a capable action cam in a fairly crowded market.
Our Verdict
The GoPro HERO7 Black isn't really intended for photography, but it can be a good tool to capture adventurous moments you may have while traveling. It's super portable, sturdy, and waterproof, so it's great for capturing underwater stills or mountain vistas while hiking or climbing. That said, image quality is severely lacking compared to dedicated photography cameras, and it's limited by its fixed focal length and fixed aperture lens.
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Highly portable.
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Not designed for handheld use.
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Image quality is limited by its small sensor.
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Built-in lens isn't very versatile.
The GoPro HERO7 Black isn't meant for landscape photography, but it's okay for taking photos in a pinch if you're hiking or rock climbing. Its wide-angle lens is well-suited for landscapes. However, image quality and dynamic range are very limited because of its small sensor.
The GoPro HERO7 Black isn't designed to take photos of sports and wildlife from afar, but it can be a good tool to capture stills from within the action. It can shoot in bursts of 30 fps, which helps you capture clear images of fast-moving subjects. However, image quality is limited by its small sensor. Its fixed focal length and fixed aperture lens aren't very versatile, either.
The GoPro HERO7 Black isn't really intended for vlogging, but it can be a good tool to capture and incorporate footage from unique points of view into your vlogs. Unlike newer GoPros, it doesn't have a front-facing selfie screen, so it's not the best choice for walk-and-talk style videos. Still, it's incredibly portable, and its stabilization feature lets you capture buttery smooth action footage.
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Incredible video stabilization performance.
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Portable, well-built design.
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Video quality is limited by its small sensor.
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Fixed screen can't be flipped or rotated.
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Built-in lens isn't very versatile.
The GoPro HERO7 Black isn't meant for studio video, but it can be a good tool to capture extra footage or B-roll from unique angles. Video quality is mediocre compared to larger sensor cameras, especially if you're recording in low light. 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.
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Lots of frame rate options in FHD.
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Video quality is limited by its small sensor.
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Built-in lens isn't very versatile.
The GoPro HERO7 Black is excellent for action video. This well-built, portable camera can easily be mounted on a helmet rig or other action cam mount. It's also waterproof down to 33 feet. Its video stabilization feature is highly effective at reducing camera shake, allowing you to capture smooth action footage. It also has plenty of high frame rate options in 1080p and records 4k video up to 60 fps, allowing you to record fast action and slow motion. That said, while video quality is fine in brighter conditions, the camera isn't really suitable for low light situations.
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Incredible video stabilization performance.
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Portable, well-built design.
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Lots of frame rate options in FHD.
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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 May 01, 2023: Added full text to review and rewrote existing text for clarity.
- 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.
- Updated Mar 04, 2021: Our testers have started testing this product.
- Updated Mar 03, 2021: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
- Updated Dec 19, 2020: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The GoPro HERO7 comes in three variants: the GoPro HERO7 Black, the GoPro HERO7 Silver, and the GoPro HERO7 White. We tested the flagship GoPro HERO7 Black, and you can see our unit's label here.
The three variants differ in color but also performance and features. The Black is the flagship model, with a higher-resolution 12MP sensor, and includes a front display to check your settings and battery life. The Silver model sits in the middle and the White model is the simplest of the three. Both the Silver and White lack a front screen and use a 10MP sensor. The White model is limited to 1080p recording, while the Silver model can record 4k video but only up to 30 fps. That said, we only tested the Black variant, so the results in this review are only applicable to that model.
If you come across another variant, let us know in the discussions so we can update our review.
Compared To Other Cameras
The GoPro HERO7 Black is an excellent action camera that still offers a lot of value, even as newer, more capable models, like the GoPro HERO10 Black, have entered the market. While it doesn't have the processing power as the latest GoPros, it can still record 4k video at up to 60 fps, with even higher frame rates in 2.7k and 1080p, giving you a lot of flexibility for action footage and slow-motion recording. HyperSmooth stabilization, waterproofing, and the sturdy build quality we've all come to expect from GoPro make this a very solid action camera overall, especially if you don't need a selfie screen or 5k video capability.
For more options, check out our picks for the best action cameras or the best GoPro alternatives. If you're looking for something to shoot the action from the sidelines, you can also check out the best sports video cameras we've tested.
The GoPro HERO8 Black replaced the GoPro HERO7 Black. It offers a few improvements, but the cameras perform quite similarly overall. The HERO8 offers better battery life and slightly upgraded internal recording capability. However, unlike the HERO7, it doesn't have a Micro HDMI port.
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
The GoPro HERO7 Black is highly portable. It has slightly smaller dimensions than newer models like the GoPro HERO9 Black and the GoPro HERO10 Black. You should have no trouble mounting it to a helmet or other equipment.
Build quality is excellent. The materials feel robust and durable, and the rubber around the sides feels soft but still grippy. The camera's also rated to be waterproof down to 33 ft (10m). The hinged doors that cover the inputs and the battery/Micro SD compartment feel sturdy too, though they can be somewhat hard to open.
- GoPro HERO7 Black camera
- GoPro AABAT-001 battery
- USB-A to USB-C cable
- Plastic frame mounting accessory
- Silicone case with lanyard
- Adhesive mounting plates
- Stickers
- User manual
This camera isn't meant to be used handheld, but if you do use it that way, it's fine to hold. The grippy texture feels secure. However, the camera's small size makes it somewhat uncomfortable to hold. You can adjust settings via the touchscreen, though it's quite small, or the GoPro app on your phone. That said, you can't change some settings, including shutter speed and ISO, through the app.
The back touchscreen isn't very large, but it does get bright enough to combat glare on sunny days, which is great. The camera also has a small additional screen on the front that displays information like shooting mode, battery life, and remaining SD card storage space.
The menu is simple, responsive, and easy to navigate using the touchscreen or the GoPro app. It includes a help function that gives you additional information about settings and features, if needed. That said, the small size of the touchscreen makes it a little difficult to select settings, especially if you have larger hands.
Battery performance is mediocre. It only lasts for about an hour of continuous video recording, which is significantly less than the battery life of newer models like the GoPro HERO9 Black. On the upside, you can continue to use the camera while charging via USB.
The GoPro HERO7 Black can record 4k video at up to 60 fps, which is good for capturing footage of smooth fast action. You can also slow down your videos slightly, but there aren't any higher frame rate options for super slow-mo.
Internal recording capability is good in 4k. There's no recording time limit, which is great, and the camera doesn't overheat even through longer recording sessions.
This camera doesn't have an autofocus system. The narrow aperture of its lens creates a very large depth of field, ensuring everything stays in focus.
Video quality is okay in more controlled lighting, but the camera isn't really meant for low light shooting. Video in low light is very noisy and lacking in detail. In bright conditions, you should have solid video quality relative to other action cameras.
Rolling shutter from panning is minimal, thanks to the cameras very wide field of view.
The camera can record 1080p video at up to 240 fps, which is fantastic for capturing action video and generating super slow-motion footage.
Internal recording capability is great in 1080p. There's no recording time limit, and the camera doesn't overheat even through longer recording sessions.
This camera doesn't have an autofocus system. The narrow aperture of its lens creates a very large depth of field, ensuring everything stays in focus.
1080p video quality isn't great, and the camera isn't really meant for low light shooting. Video in low light is very noisy and lacking in detail. In bright conditions, video quality is passable relative to other action cameras.
Rolling shutter from panning is minimal, thanks to the cameras very wide field of view.
The camera uses microSD cards. There's just a single card slot, located in the battery compartment on the bottom of the camera.
Unlike newer GoPro models, the HERO7 includes a Micro HDMI port, which is good if you want to connect the camera to an external display. Otherwise, there's just a USB-C port for charging.