If you decide to purchase the 2021-released GoPro Hero 10 in 2024, these are features that you will and won’t miss out on compared to the newer models.
GoPro Hero 10 is now 50% off, still worth buying?
By Naila Syifa
Updated May 2024
GoPro Hero 10, first released in 2021, is now priced at US$249. That's a 50% price drop from its original launch price of US$499. The Hero 10 may not feature the latest and greatest specs as the latest GoPro Hero 11 and Hero 12 models, but such a significant discount makes it an attractive option for those looking to capture high-quality video on a budget.
In this article, we'll help you consider whether the three-year-old GoPro Hero 10 is still worth buying in 2024. First, we'll take a look at features that have stayed the same over the years. These are features that the Hero 10 and the newer Hero 11 and Hero 12 share in common, which still make the Hero 10 a capable action camera even today.
Then, we'll explore the newer features that the Hero 11 or Hero 12 introduced. These are the latest features you'll miss out on in exchange for the discounted price of the GoPro Hero 10. After weighing the pros and cons, you can make an informed decision on whether the GoPro Hero 10 is still a worthwhile purchase in 2024.
On our list
Features that have stayed the same
#1 Overall video quality
#2 Compact design and ruggedness
#3 Recording modes and other features
Newer features you'll be missing out on
#1 Improved performance in difficult lighting conditions
#2 New 8:7 aspect ratio
#3 Improved image stabilization
#4 Enduro battery
#5 Professional post-production features
#6 Bluetooth audio support
Conclusion: Is GoPro Hero 10 still worth buying?
GoPro Hero 10
Best Action Camera in 2021
✓ 5.3K Video, 23 MP Photo
✓ Rugged & Waterproof to 10m
✓ HyperSmooth 4.0
✓ 1720 mAh Battery
Features that have stayed the same
#1 Overall video quality
GoPro Hero 10
In 3 years, GoPro has not made any significant improvements to the overall imaging capabilities of its Hero line action cameras. The 2023-released Hero 12 and 2022-released Hero 11 still offer a maximum video resolution of 5.3K/60 fps that the 2021-released Hero 10 already provided, meaning that the Hero 10 can still capture high-quality video that is on par with the latest model.
In terms of maximum photo resolution supported, the Hero 10 is indeed losing out a bit. While it can capture 23MP photos, the Hero 11 and 12 have upped the ante to 27MP. However, a 4MP difference in photo resolution is not very significant, so you can still expect a similar level of image quality from those models.
#2 Compact design and ruggedness
GoPro Hero 10
In terms of design and durability, the GoPro Hero 10 and the newer Hero 11 and Hero 12 models are nearly identical, offering the same compact and rugged form factor that can withstand extreme outdoor conditions.
GoPro Hero 11 and Hero 12 models still retain the same boxy design with a rear touchscreen, preview front screen, and waterproofing capabilities of up to 10 meters without a housing, all of which were also present in the Hero 10. These similarities mean that the Hero 10 can still deliver the same level of durability and portability as the latest models.
#3 Recording modes and other features
Voice Control
GoPro Hero 10 supports recording modes that the newer models support, such as Scheduled Capture, Duration Capture, TimeLapse, TimeWarp, and HindSight, which are highly useful features for capturing various types of video content. For example, HindSight allows you to capture up to 30 seconds of video before you press the record button, so you don't miss unexpected but important moments like catching a fish or scoring a goal.
Other features that have remained consistent across the GoPro Hero 10, 11, and 12 models include voice control, live-streaming capabilities, webcam support, editing capabilities with the Quik app, and even more with subscriptions. This makes the GoPro Hero 10 still a capable and feature-rich action camera in 2024.
Newer features you'll be missing out on
#1 Improved performance in difficult lighting conditions
GoPro Hero 12
GoPro Hero 10 has similar imaging capabilities as the newer Hero 11 and Hero 12 models, but the latest models offer improved performance in difficult lighting conditions, such as low light or high contrast scenes. In these situations, the Hero 11 and Hero 12 can produce noticeably better-quality footage with less noise and improved dynamic range compared to the Hero 10.
This is because the Hero 11 and 12 models boast a 1/1.9" CMOS sensor, which is significantly larger than the 1/2.3" sensor used in the GoPro Hero 10. A larger sensor is able to capture more light, resulting in better image quality in low-light conditions, such as low-light indoor scenes or night-time outdoor shots.
In addition, GoPro Hero 12 introduced High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode for videos, which helps preserve details in both highlights and shadows and is useful for capturing high-contrast scenes like sunrises, sunsets, or backlit subjects. Meanwhile, the older Hero 10, along with Hero 11, only supports HDR for photos, so you can't get the same level of dynamic range in video recordings that the Hero 12 offers.
#2 New 8:7 aspect ratio
8:7 Aspect Ratio
A new social media-friendly 8:7 aspect ratio was introduced first in the Hero 11, which then the Hero 12 also supports. This new aspect ratio allows you to use the same footage to create both horizontal and vertical videos, offering flexibility for social media content creation. That means, you don't have to decide in advance which platform you want to share your content on.
With the Hero 10, you will miss out on this versatile aspect ratio. However, you can still create vertical videos optimized for social media, as all Hero models support portrait orientation in the (3:4) and (9:16) aspect ratios.
#3 Improved image stabilization
GoPro Hero 12
GoPro Hero 12 offers GoPro's latest image stabilization technology, the HyperSmooth 6.0, an improvement from the HyperSmooth 5.0 in the Hero 11 and HyperSmooth 4.0 in the Hero 10. During actual tests, we notice very little difference across the three cameras in terms of smooth and steady video capture.
What's more noticeable is that the GoPro Hero 11 and Hero 12 can capture a wider field of view while keeping the video smooth, while Hero 10 crops the footage more to achieve the same level of stabilization. This is because both the Hero 11 and Hero 12 have AutoBoost, which dynamically adjusts the field of view to maximize stabilization without significantly cropping the footage.
In addition, GoPro Hero 10 only supports horizon leveling up to 45°, while the Hero 11 and Hero 12 offer a Horizon Lock feature that keeps the horizon level up to 360°. This makes the newer models better suited for capturing stabilized footage in extreme situations, like when riding a roller coaster or backflipping during skis.
#4 Enduro battery
GoPro Enduro Battery
GoPro Hero 10, 11, and 12 are all powered by a rechargeable 1720 mAh battery, but the Hero 11 and 12 models have an Enduro battery that provides up to 40% longer recording time compared to the standard lithium-ion battery in the Hero 10. Enduro battery is also high-performing and able to withstand colder temperatures better than the standard battery in the GoPro Hero 10, making it more suitable for shooting in extreme outdoor conditions.
To give you a better idea of the battery life differences, the GoPro Hero 10 can record up to 83 minutes of 1080p video on a single charge, while the GoPro Hero 11 and 12 with the Enduro battery can respectively record up to 120 minutes and 155 minutes for the same resolution.
For long recording sessions, the new Enduro battery is a big deal. However, while the Hero 10 doesn't come with an Enduro battery, it is compatible with it, so you can purchase the Enduro battery pack separately.
#5 Professional post-production features
Timecode Sync
GoPro Hero 12 introduces some features that can be valuable for professional video post-production, including Timecode Sync and 10-bit Log Encoding.
Timecode Sync is useful for people who record footage using multiple cameras, as it allows the cameras to be perfectly synchronized during editing.
Meanwhile, 10-bit Log Encoding allows color correction during post-processing to fine-tune the footage. It provides greater flexibility and control over the final image quality compared to the GoPro Hero 10.
#6 Bluetooth audio support
GoPro Hero 12
GoPro Hero 10, 11, and 12 all have support for external microphones, but the latest Hero 12 model goes further with Bluetooth audio support for wireless earbuds and headsets like Apple AirPods, Samsung Galaxy Buds, Jabra Elite, Pixel Buds, and more. You can even use these wireless audio devices to give remote voice commands to control the camera.
This compatibility offers more flexibility and convenience for capturing high-quality audio on the go, which the GoPro Hero 10 lacks.
GoPro Hero 10 is now 50% off, still worth buying?
GoPro Hero 10
Best Action Camera in 2021
✓ 5.3K Video, 23 MP Photo
✓ Rugged & Waterproof to 10m
✓ HyperSmooth 4.0
✓ 1720 mAh Battery
Is GoPro Hero 10 still worth buying?
GoPro Hero 10
GoPro Hero 10 offers similar overall image and video quality as the newer Hero 11 and Hero 12 models, as well as similar core features, design, and ruggedness. This makes the Hero 10 still a capable action camera in 2024 that can save you a significant amount of money compared to the latest models.
However, it is also missing out on some important features offered by the newer models, including a larger sensor and HDR video for improved performance in difficult lighting conditions, the versatile 8:7 aspect ratio, AutoBoost and 360° Horizon Lock for improved image stabilization, the Enduro battery for longer recording times, professional post-production features like Timecode Sync and 10-bit Log Encoding, as well as Bluetooth audio support for wireless headphones and earbuds.
If any of the newer features are very important for your specific needs and use cases, then the GoPro Hero 11 or Hero 12 may be a better investment in the long run. However, if all you need is a tough, capable action camera that can capture high-quality video, GoPro Hero 10 is a worthwhile purchase that you can get for two times cheaper.
If you would like to read more about Action Camera, check out our other relevant guides here:
GoPro Hero 10 vs 12
GoPro Hero 10 vs 11
GoPro Hero 11 vs 12
Best GoPro for Fishing
Best GoPro Alternatives
Best Action Cameras
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