Comparison GoPro HERO11 vs GoPro HERO9

The ability of the camera to shoot QuadHD video.

This standard includes an extensive set of resolutions — from 1440 to 3456 pixels horizontally and from 1440 to 2160 pixels vertically, with almost two dozen intermediate options. It is a rather specific transitional option between the relatively inexpensive FullHD 1080p and the demanding UltraHD 4K, allowing you to shoot higher resolution video than 1080p without significantly increasing the cost of equipment. Note that pure QuadHD resolutions are rare in TVs and monitors, but modern technologies make it possible to comfortably watch videos of this format on any high-resolution screen.

Another important parameter given in this paragraph is the frame rate. The higher it is, the smoother the movement in the frame will be, and the details in dynamic scenes will be visible clearly. For example, a filming speed of 25 fps or 30 fps approximates the standard frame rate in film and television; such an image is quite viewable, but fast-moving objects in the frame will look blurry. With an increase in speed to 60 fps, this effect becomes almost imperceptible. The highest QuadHD frame rate found in modern action cameras is 120 fps; this frequency is used when shooting slow-motion video (as well as models with a frequency of 100 fps) because at a n...ormal playback speed, 60 fps is enough.

The ability of the camera to shoot Ultra HD 4K video.

This format covers several resolutions in which the horizontal frame size is approximately 4K pixels. The most popular in action cameras is 3840x2160 (twice the FullHD frame on each side), but there are other options — for example, 3840x1920, corresponding to an aspect ratio of 2:1. In general, 4K is a kind of successor to Full HD: among HD standards that surpass Full HD, UltraHD is the most popular, in particular, many advanced TVs are produced with 3840x2160 screens. On the other hand, this format is quite demanding in terms of processing power and memory, so it is relatively rare in action cameras, mainly among premium models.

Another important parameter given in this paragraph is the frame rate. The higher it is, the smoother the movement in the frame will be, and the details in dynamic scenes will be visible clearly. However, in UltraHD mode, most modern action cameras produce a very low frame rate — most often 30 fps, and in some models 24 fps or even 15 fps. This video is quite viewable, but fast movement in the frame may look blurry. There are cameras capable of shooting UltraHD at a solid speed of 60 fps — the blurring effect during such shooting is almost imperceptible. However, such a model cost is high.

The maximum resolution and frame rate of video taken by the camera in a standard higher than 4K. Since such formats have not yet become widespread, the number of devices with the corresponding resolution is not so large.

The number of built-in microphones provided in the camera.

This parameter is indicated only for models that have more than one microphone. This design provides additional capabilities, but the range of these capabilities depends on the number of microphones and the features of a particular model. So, most often such devices have two microphones; this can be a pair for recording stereo sound, or one microphone can work to record sound, and the second one can act as a sensor for the noise reduction system (see above). A larger number - 3 or 4 microphones - is found mainly in 360-degree cameras (see “Product type”), where such equipment is used to record “surround” multi-channel sound.

The number of megapixels in the action camera sensor, in other words, the resolution of this sensor(1 megapixel is 1 million photosensitive points).

There is an opinion that the higher the resolution, the better the image quality. It is true from the point of view that manufacturers are trying to install high-resolution sensors in advanced cameras. At the same time, there are no strict dependencies here, and from the technical point of view, the number of megapixels determines only the maximum image resolution that can be captured using this sensor. The quality of this picture will depend both on several features of the sensor itself (size, type, special design solutions), and the specs of the camera. So when choosing, you should focus not so much on the resolution of the image sensor, but on the general class of the camera and reviews with examples of footage.

Additional information regarding the sensor installed in the lens. This item can specify both the diagonal size (in inches) and the sensor model, and sometimes both parameters at once. Anyway, such data is provided only if the device is equipped with a high-class image sensor. With the model, everything is quite simple: knowing the name of the sensor, you can find detailed data on it.

The diagonal of the image sensor is traditionally indicated in fractions of an inch — accordingly, for example, a 1/2.3" sensor will be larger than 1/2.6". Larger sensors are considered more advanced, as they allow for better image quality at the same resolution. This is because due to the larger sensor area, each pixel is also larger and receives more light, which improves sensitivity and reduces noise. Of course, the actual image quality will also depend on several other parameters, but in general, a larger sensor size usually means a more advanced camera.

— Diagonal. The larger the screen, the more convenient it is to watch (and also to control if the display is touch-sensitive). On the other hand, the diagonal of the built-in display directly affects the size of the case, and action cameras should be quite compact. Thus, there are practically no screens larger than 2.5" in modern action cameras.

— Resolution. Theoretically, the higher the resolution, the clearer and better image the screen produces. On the other hand, displays in action cameras are designed mainly for menu operation and footage preview — and for these purposes, especially high resolutions are not needed. For models with two screens, the rear display is considered the main display.

— Touch screen. Display equipped with a sensor and responsive to touch like in smartphones/tablets. Control through such a display is simpler and more intuitive than using buttons, rotary knobs, etc. On the other hand, for more or less convenient control, the touch screen must be quite large, which affects the dimensions of the entire camera.

— GPS module. Built-in satellite navigation module that allows you to determine the current coordinates of the device. Options for using data from GPS can be different: geotagging footage, recording travelled routes, determining the speed of movement, or even full-fledged navigation on the map.

— Wi-Fi module. The Wi-Fi wireless module in action cameras can be used in different formats: in some models, it is responsible for connecting to the Internet, in others it is for communicating with a smartphone or other gadget, in others both options are available at once. Anyway, the main use of this connection is to transfer footage to an external device or to the Internet (including broadcasting in the online streaming format, see “Filming capabilities”). In addition, more specific functions can be provided, for example, using a smartphone as an external viewfinder and remote control. Specific features of the use of Wi-Fi in each case should be clarified separately.

— Bluetooth. Direct wireless communication technology for exchanging information between two electronic devices. In action cameras, it is most often used to connect remote controls, selfie sticks and smartphones, which can also act as a remote control. Unlike the Wi-Fi module, it consumes battery power more economically, but at the same time, the range of wireless communication is reduced to 10 m...etres.

— NFC chip. NFC is a wireless communication technology over short distances (up to 10 cm). In action cameras, this technology is mainly used as an auxiliary one, to facilitate connection with a smartphone or other gadget via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. If such a gadget is also equipped with NFC, just bring the camera to it and confirm the connection — it's easier than fiddling with the settings.

— USB-C. A relatively new type of USB interface that uses a miniature double-sided connector, slightly larger than microUSB. Most often used for similar purposes — as a universal connector through which you can charge the battery and connect the camera to a computer (for copying photos and videos, updating software, etc.). P.). At the same time, USB-C provides a higher data transfer rate than microUSB, supports more power supply, and also has a more convenient plug. Occasionally, there are more specific ways to use this interface — for example, direct connection to a smartphone or tablet that has a USB-C port.

— HDMI output. HDMI is a digital interface specially designed for high-definition video and multi-channel audio. With this output, you can connect the camera to a TV, monitor or other device as an external player and play the footage directly. The convenience of HDMI is that almost all modern video equipment with support for HD standards is equipped with such inputs.

Note that the cameras can be equipped with a smaller version of the connector — miniHDMI or microHDMI; however, finding an adapter cable is usually not a problem, it can even be supplied in the kit.

— Microphone connection. Almost any modern action camera has a built-in microphone that allows you to record sound. However, the quality of its sound is often quite low. Thus, many models can connect an external microphone — you can fix it, for example, on the helmet strap and record the comments of the athlete in the process of movement. Note that different types of connectors can be used for such a connection. As a result, the specific connector type and supported accessories depend on the action camera model, and some devices are only compatible with branded microphones.

The largest memory card capacity supported by the camera model.

This limitation is due to two points. First, the larger the drive, the more computing power is required to use it. Secondly, each type of memory card has its maximum capacity. For example, the capacity of an SD HC card cannot exceed 32 GB, larger drives already belong to the SD XC standard, and if it is not supported, the maximum card capacity cannot exceed 32 GB.

It is strongly not recommended to exceed the maximum allowable capacity: even if the card is recognized by the device, its normal operation is not guaranteed.