Comparison GoPro HERO11 vs GoPro HERO10 Black

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 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.

— 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.

— AV output. Output for transmitting video and audio signals in analogue format. In action cameras, it most often has the form of a 3.5 mm mini-jack connector. The AV output capabilities are noticeably more modest than those of HDMI, which has a similar purpose: the analogue signal only allows standard definition video (not HD) plus mono or stereo sound (not multi-channel). On the other hand, often even such features are enough; and AV inputs are widespread and are found not only in modern but also in outdated technology like CRT TVs. In addition, many cameras have two video outputs at once — both HDMI and AV.

— 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.

— Protective case. A special container that provides additional protection against dust, moisture, shock, extreme temperatures and other similar “troubles”. The specific degree of protection in each case must be specified separately. In order not to interfere with the shooting, the box is made of transparent materials. In addition, we note that some cameras can only be mounted on mounts in a protective case (or in a mounting frame — see below), since the camera body may not have mounts for this.

— Curved mount(helmet). A mount designed to mount the camera on a helmet or other curved surface. The design of such a mount is based on a curved platform with an adhesive layer or hook-and-loop, the shape of which approximately corresponds to the shape of the surface of the helmet. Such a fixture can provide a more secure hold than the classic flat platform (see below).

— Flat mount. One of the basic and simplest mounts used to fix an action camera on almost any uniform surface: snowboard, skateboard, car hood, etc. It is a small flat platform, on one side of which the camera is attached, while the other is fixed on the desired surface (using hook-and-loop, special glue, etc.). Note that flat mounts are often used for mounting on a helmet. However, there is a separate type of mount for this, with a curved platform (see above).

— 3-axis mount. It differs from other types of mounting in the presence of three movable nodes that allow you to rotate the camera at an angle of up to 90 degrees in three axes. This allows you to choose the most interesting or successful shooting angle — on the side of the helmet, for example. Such options are usually compatible with many other mounts, so they can be used in conjunction with a handlebar, curved mount, etc.

— Bicycle/moto handlebar. Mount for installing the camera on a small pipe, such as the handlebars of a bicycle or motorcycle. Usually, it looks like a clamp, and the size of the fastening can be adjusted within a fairly wide range, adjusting it to pipes of different diameters.

— Suction cup(on glass). Camera mount, fixed in the right place with a suction cup. Allows you to install the device on flat and slightly curved surfaces. At the same time, note that such fasteners are not held as securely as flat or curved ones (see the relevant paragraphs). On the other hand, the suction cup is easy to attach and remove and leaves no marks. Therefore, mounts of this type are mainly used for installation on car glass when the camera works as a DVR.

— Clamp (clip). The clip-pin mount is quite versatile since it allows you to hang the camera on almost any suitable piece of equipment (backpack strap, unloading belt, belt, etc.). But at the same time, it is not very suitable for extreme shooting due to the relatively low reliability.

— Head mount. A device for fixing the camera on the head — usually on the forehead, like a headlamp. In addition to being hands-free, this placement has another advantage: the camera lens faces the same direction as the user. In this case, the mount itself is usually a system of elastic straps and is designed to be worn directly on the head, in contrast to the curved platform for the helmet. However, in some models, the possibility of putting on a helmet is also allowed.

— Chest mount. This mount is a system of elastic straps that allows you to fix the camera on the user's chest, shooting a little lower than the "eyeball". Like the head mount (see above), it easily adapts to the desired size.

— Mounting frame. A device designed to mount the camera on various mounts — helmet-mounted, on the handlebar, etc. The camera body itself often does not have mounts for such fixing, which is why you have to use additional equipment. Note that a similar function is often performed by a protective case(see above); the mounting frame, in contrast, provides almost no protection. However, in the frame, the camera body remains as open as possible. This provides additional features — in particular, it allows you to connect various cables and effectively use the built-in microphone, which is not possible with many protective cases.

— Monopod(selfie stick). It is a rod, usually folding, and sometimes adjustable in length; on one end of the rod is a mount for the camera and on the other — a handle for holding in your hand. By the name, such a monopod is intended mainly for filming itself — thanks to the length of the rod, the camera can be held at a convenient distance for this. However, other applications are also possible: for example, with the help of a monopod, you can “look” quite far over the edge of a cliff or around a corner. The main disadvantage of such a device is that one hand is constantly busy.

In addition to those mentioned above, other types of mounts may be included in the delivery package — for example, for musical instruments (for a guitar neck, a drum kit bar, etc.), for a surfboard, etc.

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.

The model name of the proprietary battery used in the camera. Knowing this name, you can easily find a spare or replacement battery for the device.