Looking for a GoPro camera but don’t have the budget for the 2021 line-up? Good news…
GoPro update their range; A LOT! And when they do, the older models get discontinued, but, they’re still available online. That means you’ll be able to get a top quality action camera, for a fraction of the original MSRP.
Want to know something even better? Most discontinued GoPros are available new, used and even reconditioned. The used and reconditioned models for sale offer further savings, compared to the MSRP.
Ready to check out the discontinued GoPro cameras?
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GoPro HERO4 Black
If you’re checking out the 2021 action camera range, you’re going to need a budget of around $300-700. For the HERO4 Black? You’ll need somewhere in the region of $200 (slightly less for used and reconditioned models).
At the time it was launched, the HERO4 was revolutionary, to a point where it even won an Emmy Award. Why? It was GoPros most powerful camera to date.
It allowed amateur videographers to capture better footage than they ever had before, on a budget. And, that’s partly thanks to the 2x extra processing power compared with other models, and 4K30/2.7k60 video that they were able to utilize.
Oddly, the waterproofing on the HERO4 is better than anything in the current GoPro range; there’s just no comparison. You’ll get 10m/33ft from a typical GoPro these days. The HERO4? You’ll get 141ft. Yup. You heard us. 141ft or 40m!
And, the quality of stills is impressive too. You’ll get 12MP for photos.
All that combined, in our opinion, makes the GoPro HERO4 Black one of the best discontinued GoPros for the money.
GoPro Session
The GoPro Session is perfect for those on a budget.
It allows amateurs to capture footage ready for the web. You’ll be able to create slow motion sequences, although zoom in post-production is minimal.
Adjusting settings for stills and video is limited.
It’s a simple camera designed for those that want to just get out there and play, rather than perfect their videography skills.
But that comes at a price, resolution is down to 8MP for stills and 1440P for video.
GoPro HERO5 Session
With the GoPro HERO5 session, footage improves to the semi-pro mark. Wind noise reduction is improved in comparison to the Session.
Settings adjustment here is improved over the Session too, and that means you’ll be able to shoot some real cool stuff.
But, you’ll need to install the GoPro App to get the best out of the camera and adjust settings.
The stills increase in quality, up from 8MP in the Session to 10MP here.
The deal maker is you can shoot 4K. Although, it’s limited to 2.7K in SuperView, but standard mode (and 4K) can be used in most scenarios.
GoPro HERO5 Black
If you don’t want to tweak settings, and want a robust camera to shoot basic video, the HERO will do the trick.
More experienced action camera users are going to want more functionality. And, that means tweaking settings.
Improved stills and video stabilization will make the HERO5 Session the best choice on a budget.
If you refuse to compromise on video stabilization and quality, grab the HERO5 Black – the best value GoPro and the action cam we’d be aiming for.
GoPro HERO5 Black Review
Let’s face it. For those that have the budget, the GoPro HERO5 Black is only topped by the HERO6 in the action camera world.
It might not be the cheapest camera, but what it offers for the price is more than exceptional.
It’s an action camera for every sport. Whether you’re diving up to 33ft/10m (it’s waterproof up to this depth), hitting muddy trails or mountaineering, it’s robust enough to deal with it all.
And, the end-result is nothing short of spectacular. The quality of the footage alone, is worth the cost.
Enter, Touch Display
If you’re using an old HERO4, there’s a big feature you’re going to be missing out on; a 2-inch touch screen display.
Unlike previous GoPros, this touchscreen doesn’t need a waterproof housing to keep it safe. And, that means it’s sleeker and lighter than ever.
Particularly important if you plan to mount it on a helmet. The extra weight makes a lot of difference here.
Scrolling Menu
You’re cold, wet, and you’ve been navigating the clickable display for minutes. That’s hassle. And, that’s the old GoPros.
Adios.
This is where the GoPro HERO5 Black beats its predecessors with the new scrollable menu.
Menu items are larger and that makes navigation an absolute breeze.
And, as an additional bonus, you can edit footage on the move.
Yup, straight from the touch screen.
Battery Life
Battery life isn’t set in stone. Start switching on Bluetooth, GPS and WIFI, and you’ll notice the battery drain speed up. Even the heat can affect how fast the battery dies. On an average day, you’ll get 1.5-2 hours of footage.
Battery is again where the HERO5 Black, trumps the Session.
Finally, a removable battery.
The non-removable battery of the Session are almost a deal breaker. It means carrying battery packs and sitting around waiting for a charge.
Who has time for that?
Voice Activation
If you use a stick or chest mount, operating a GoPro isn’t exactly difficult.
But, mount it on a board or helmet, and it’s almost a 2-person job. And, that’s why GoPro have introduced voice activation. Just shout out “GoPro, start recording” and you’re good to go.
You’ll hear beeps as you shout out your commands, and that’s a sign the command has been accepted.
Video Quality
This is where the HERO5 Black earns its price tag.
So, you get the same 4K as you do in the HERO5 Session, but this is extended to their SuperView filming mode.
The HERO5 Session drops to 2.7K here. And, the HERO5 Black it shoots 4K at 30fps which is considerably better than any competitor products.
You’ll get a wide-angle lens to compliment the 4K and that’s what enables you to grab footage like the video above.
But, more impressive of all, is the quality holds for low-light scenarios. If you plan to film in the evening, or maybe even in a cave, this is the camera for you.
Video Stabilization
GoPro have realized that a lot of their customers are a lil’ crazier than they thought. And, for extreme footage, a camera needs extreme video stabilization.
They’ve given the HERO5 video stabilization below 4K and it’s a significant improvement on older HERO4 models.
Of course, there’s only far video stabilization can go. There’s going to be some movement in the picture for exceptionally bumpy rides.
But, with improved stabilization comes much better sound quality too.
The stabilization helps to stop the wind reduction system kicking in, which is notorious for muffling sound, making sound inconsistent throughout a video.
Image Quality
You’re not short of ability when it comes to taking stills either.
Using 12MP, you’ll be able to get some excellent shots. That’s a full 4MP higher than the original Session.
Like video, there’s image stabilization available which helps to improve the quality of stills.
Wind Noise
There’s a noticeable difference between the wind noise on the Session and the HERO5/HERO6 models. But, that doesn’t mean it’s not still a problem.
If you’re a surfer, long boarder, cyclist, motorcyclist or even a paraglider, your videos are going to be overpowered by wind noise.
And, that’s why we’d recommend getting some foam to protect from wind noise. GoPro produce their own foam called the “Wind-Slayer”.
Who Should Buy The GoPro HERO5 Black?
You want quality footage, but don’t have an unlimited budget. You don’t want to take amateur footage, but something that’s border-line pro.
The HERO5 Black has everything the average person needs in terms of:
- Video stabilization
- Quality of stills and video
- Wind noise reduction
So, that’s where we’d be putting our money.
