GoPro Hero 7 Black
Announced September 20, 2018
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
GoPro Hero 7 Black delivers exceptional electronic image stabilization and a suite of intuitive creative tools, making it a highly capable action camera for active users. While its design and core specifications remain largely unchanged from the previous generation, the addition of HyperSmooth and live streaming features marks a significant functional leap forward.
Weighted from 41 reviewer scores
Pros
- Highly effective electronic image stabilization
- Creative features like TimeWarp and live streaming
- Versatile video recording options including 4K 60fps
- Improved user interface and intuitive touch controls
- Rugged and waterproof construction without needing a case
Cons
- Limited battery life during intensive use
- Performance limitations in low-light environments
- Occasional software glitches and unresponsive interface
- HyperSmooth stabilization not supported across all resolutions and frame rates
- Cumbersome requirements for external microphone adapters
- Launch price $399.99 (USD)
- Sensor 12MP Smaller than 1-inch CMOS
- Video 4K 60p
- Stabilization In-body IS
What the Reviewers Say
All 41 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
Is this product missing a reputable review? Share a link to a review article or YouTube video for consideration.
-
With the exception of the card failure, the short battery life, and the bare bones packaging, this is a LOT of fun.
- WIRED 8/10
The Hero6 Black was our number one recommended action cam last year, and the Hero7 Black is the same camera, but better.
-
It might only be a relatively small step forward from its predecessor, but the Hero 7 Black’s excellent video quality, stabilisation, usability and range of mounts make it the best all-round action cam you can buy.
-
The GoPro Hero7 Black adds stabilization to 4K60 video, and is the lone Hero with live streaming support.
-
The GoPro Hero 7 Black might no longer be the most advanced action camera you can buy – that's the GoPro Hero 9 Black – but it does now offer excellent value.
-
If all the GoPro Hero7 offered included the new SuperPhoto and TimeWarp features, audio improvements and the ability to livestream, it'd still be a fine upgrade over past GoPro cameras.
-
The stabilization on the HERO7 Black is electronic, but it’s the best in-camera electronic stabilization we have ever seen.
-
Without a doubt, the Hero 7 has a lot more to offer than the Hero 6. With the price remaining at $399, it's an easy decision if you were already considering plunking down some cash on a flagship GoPro.
-
There’s no doubt that GoPro has improved upon the Hero 6 lineup. While the top-level specs may not sound like a lot has changed, as you can see, there’s actually more than meets the eye.
-
The GoPro Hero7 Black initially seemed like a marginal update, the same sensor and processor as the Hero6, the same top resolutions and frame rates, and headline new features that sounded like things already available elsewhere.
-
GoPro's latest camera is undoubtedly its best yet. The advanced stabilisation works well in most conditions, improving massively on the Hero 6. It might not be enough for Hero 6 owners to upgrade, but anyone with any previous camera should consider it.
-
At time of release, the GoPro HERO 7 Black was the most powerful action camera in the world. It's since been surpassed by the HERO 8 Black and then the HERO 9 Black, but the HERO 7 Black is still an excellent action camera.
-
It might be a tad pricey, but if you want the very best in video recording quality, the Hero 7 Black is the action camera you want.
-
It’s great to see a company like GoPro continue to innovate in ways that are genuinely valuable to its main customer base, and the Hero7 Black feels like the best camera GoPro has made in years.
-
In my opinion, the HERO7 Black defines what the GoPro is all about. Talking with Nick at length about the updates, features and improved usability, he said that he hasn’t been this excited about a product release since the original HD HERO.
-
I actually think that the stills from the GoPro Hero 7 Black look pretty decent.
-
[T]he GoPro Hero 7 is a camera worth your consideration.
-
So the GoPro Hero 7 Black isn’t hugely different from the last model. In fact, when it comes to design and core specs, it’s pretty much the same.
-
Bottom line though, its better stabilisation than I’ve seen in any other camera.
-
As a small nifty gadget on the go, the Hero 7 Black isn’t perfect. However, it does do what it does very well, even when faced with competition from other devices today.
-
Professionals will always want more control over their cameras. But for the general consumer who wants super smooth video and doesn't want to spend a crapload of time editing and post-processing their footage? The Hero 7 Black is the right camera for the job.
-
[T]he GoPro Hero 7 continues to be a great action camera.
-
In terms of an upgrade a single number bump here almost doesn’t seem enough to represent the dramatic step in functionality.
-
The Hero 7 Black has several features such as live streaming, gimbal like video stabilisation and improved microphone, which will lift the action camera experience significantly.
-
So the HyperSmooth stabilization in this camera is a big win and I think that one thing alone is well worth you upgrade for me.
-
[T]he GoPro Hero 7 Black is one of the most sophisticated portable cameras on the market.
-
An already good camera just got even better, setting itself firmly in the position as the best action camera on the market. With the addition of HyperSmooth image stabilization, GoPro made the next big leap forward in action cam technology.
-
It's a great action camera but it is also just a great tool for videographers, filmmakers and just a really good camera to just have in your bag.
- Offroad 9/10
I didn’t really have the camera long enough to get to the bottom of everything it can do, but the headline features – great quality footage and best-in-class stabilisation – are easily enough on their own to recommend it, provided you can stomach the top-end price tag.
- KelbyOne Insider 90%
The HERO 7 is certainly different in that it has useful, effective, digital stabilization.
-
Married to the new stabilised footage and creative new modes and features makes it the most compelling the product the firm has launched.
-
If you're active, if you're gonna be involved in a lot of motion, then this is the camera to do it.
-
Despite my Hero 7 having a few glitches on the LCD screen and issues with saving files to the micro SD card (these issues were resolved by updating the software), the Hero 7 has performed relatively well.
-
For me, I think this camera is superb. Like I said in the video, the Hero 6 wasn't enough to sway me from the Hero 5 but the Go Pro Hero 7 is everything it promised to be.
-
You get what you pay for and with the GoPro HERO7 you are easily getting the best action camera on the market.
-
GoPro have continued to innovate with not just their camera but perhaps more importantly the software, and the launch of the Hero 7 Black showed that they were ready to remind people why they’re at the top of the action camera game.
-
[T]his camera offers some amazing features like HyperSmooth stabilization, 4K 60 video, HDR photos in both normal and vertical mode, direct live streaming to social media, voice commands, and it's also rugged and 33 feet waterproof.
-
[...] I can tell you definitely the GoPro Hero 7 Black is the best GoPro ever made.
-
I think the everyday user will probably be happy with the GoPro 7 now. It simply has features that make it easier to use.
-
So far it's a great camera, I haven't had any issues with it, it's definitely gonna be the best GoPro camera out at the moment and they're definitely making improvements with each GoPro.
-
If you've got a Hero 5, the in-camera stabilization has gotten a lot lot better, so if you don't have a gimbal, you got a Hero 5, well then this could be a pretty compelling offering, especially if you still find yourself using a GoPro a fair bit.
