17 Sep
Blog

GoPro Hero 10 Black Review: An Excellent Evolution

GoPro Hero 10 robust.

GoPro Hero 10 Black Review: An Excellent Development

RRP $ 499.00

"Don't judge a camera by its housing, this new hero is full of hidden talents."

advantages

  • 5.3K 60 fps video recording

  • Improved stabilization

  • Automatic cloud storage integration

  • 2.7k 240 fps slow motion

  • The touchscreen interface is remarkably useful when it is wet

disadvantage

  • Image quality and stabilization deteriorate significantly in low light

  • Short battery life

Often challenged but never conquered, GoPro has dominated the action camera scene since it existed. The GoPro Hero 10 Black shows why this product line is so successful. I'll get right out of it and say that this is certainly the best action camera out there right now, as well as the best action camera ever.

If you're looking to buy a new action camera, this is almost certainly the one you should get. So the question here is really whether existing GoPro owners of the Hero 9 or even the Hero 8 will find the tenth generation or not a convincing upgrade.

draft

If you put the Hero 9 Black and Hero 10 Black side by side, the only notable design change you will notice is that the logo is now blue. Otherwise, it has the same selfie screen on the front and the same touchscreen that spans almost the entire back of the camera. It has the same premium weather resistance and ruggedness, the same fold-out bracket, the same placement of the power and mode buttons, and the battery / microSD card slot.

However, this is actually a good thing as I don't see how it could be improved and it allows the Hero 10 Black to be compatible with all the accessories that worked with its predecessor. This includes things like the GoPro Media Mod and the Max Lens Mod, though compatibility with the latter will have to wait for the firmware update scheduled for November 16, 2021.

GoPro Hero 10 front view.Andy Zahn / Digital Trends

Despite its similar appearance, the Hero 10's lens cap actually received some pretty significant upgrades that I really appreciated. The glass now has a hydrophobic, water-repellent coating that made for much clearer shots when swimming with the camera, and it's more scratch-resistant and less prone to ghosting.

I have to praise GoPro for the packaging, which is plastic-free and has a pretty nice travel case. It is clear that a lot of emphasis has been placed on reducing waste, which is both good for the environment and saves the disposal of a mountain of unnecessary waste.

GoPro Hero 10 case.Andy Zahn / Digital Trends

power

With any camera, the most important factor is the quality of its pictures and / or videos. For the most part, the Hero 10 knocks out of the park in this regard. The Hero 10's improved image quality comes from its new GP2 processor, which allows it to take full advantage of its 23 MP sensor. In the Hero 9, the resolution of still images was limited to 20 MP and video to 5K with 30 frames per second (fps). The Hero 10 can take full 23MP still photos and record 5.3K videos at up to 60 fps.

The Hero 10 beats it out of the park in terms of image / video quality.

Although the increase in resolution is not noticeable in practice, video recording at 60 fps is a big upgrade. This means that it is now possible to do slow motion with resolutions greater than 4K. It might well be debated whether 5.3K is useful at all for most videographers, but an important factor is that if you shoot at 5.3K, you can pull 15.8MP stills out of the video (19.6MP stills with 5K ). I was very happy with these stills and found them to be a huge step up over stills from 4K video.

Of course, 5.3K is just the tip of the iceberg of the Hero 10's video capabilities. For me, the most exciting aspect of this camera is the leap forward it makes for slow motion video at lower resolutions.

GoPro Hero 10 sample treesAndy Zahn / Digital Trends

The frame rate compared to the Hero 9 has not only doubled at 5K, but also at 4K and 2.7K. That is 120fps 4K video and Super-Duper-Slow-Mo 240fps at 2.7K. With the right subject, some really stunning footage can be captured, and with a lot more detail than the 1080p slow motion I'm used to from other cameras. The disadvantage is that at super high frame rates, especially at 240fps, artifacts definitely occur.

It's by far the best digital image stabilization I've ever used.

Another major upgrade that solidifies my love for the Hero 10 is the new Hypersmooth 4.0 video stabilization. It's by far the best digital image stabilization I've ever used, and it really gave results comparable to a mechanical gimbal in many situations. As I rode my bike down a gravel road with the camera in hand, I was able to capture usable footage from the rough ground without noticeable tremors.

Walking on the Hero 10 also gave stable results, although running on a bumpy path through the forest turned out to be a little too much. The tilt limiter has been increased from 27 degrees to 45 degrees, which means that the camera can hold the horizon better when activated.

GoPro Hero 10 tripod.Andy Zahn / Digital Trends

Although the new, more powerful processor improves performance in poor lighting conditions, there is no getting around the laws of physics. Image quality degrades a lot in low light, although I have to say the results were better than some other cameras I've used that have similarly small image sensors.

I was very impressed with the audio. Even on a windy bike ride on a busy road, the Hero 10 delivered usable recordings. It's good enough that I want to have it fully incorporated into the production of my own videos.

I was very impressed with the audio.

I also have to emphasize the time lapse functions of the Hero 10. In addition to the more traditional standard time laps, they also include Hyperlapse and Nightlapse. This is one of the things I use action cameras for the most. The small size and durable, waterproof properties of the Hero 10 make it the perfect device for leaving the weather outside to capture long time-lapses in changing weather or traffic on a city street.

software

The onboard software of the Hero 10 is quick and easy to use via the touchscreen and the mode selection button. The new processor makes everything from booting to menu navigation faster, and the rear screen runs at higher frame rates so the live view better matches the footage being captured.

The Hero 10 can also be controlled remotely via the Quik app, which also includes some very handy editing functions. I honestly said that I preferred some aspects of editing footage with this app on my phone over using Adobe Premiere on my PC.

Connectivity

I am very impressed with the seamless connection between my phone and the Hero 10. Just open the app and turn on the camera and the two will automatically connect with no fuss once you've enabled all permissions in your phone setup. This ease of use has made me much more likely to use the app with the Hero 10. Most other camera companion apps are so cumbersome to connect devices that the effort is usually not worth it.

The Hero 10 goes one step further because with a GoPro subscription you get free, unlimited cloud storage for photos and videos taken with the device, and the Hero 10 can do this automatically when it is charged. Simply connect the camera to your home WiFi via the app and you no longer have to worry about transferring recordings from your camera to your computer via USB (although you can instead if you prefer or if you have a weak internet have connection). Once in the cloud and again with a strong internet connection, your footage can be quickly downloaded to any device.

I was very impressed with the seamless connection between my phone and the Hero 10.

For me, this ability was more of a tempting vision of the future than reality, as my internet connection at home runs at around 10 Mbit / s on good days. For those who have decent, modern broadband internet, the automatic cloud storage is a very valuable feature.

Another feature worth mentioning is that the Hero 10 now enables live streaming in 1080p with Hypersmooth enabled. The front display can be used for framing, making the Hero 10 a compelling option for various live streaming applications.

GoPro Hero 10 LCD screen.Andy Zahn / Digital Trends

battery

When I first started using the Hero 10, I was a bit shocked at how quickly the battery drained. Just a short session with it will burn off most of the juice, but it's important to put this in the context of the device. I use action cameras to capture short clips, typically less than a minute long, and while the battery pack has a remarkably short lifespan, I never really felt limited by it. That said, you'll want to use a few extra batteries, especially if you want to record in 5.3K or high frame rates.

Price and availability

With an MSRP of $ 499, the GoPro Hero 10 Black seems quite expensive at first, especially when you consider that this is $ 50 more than the Hero 9, which was launched a year ago however, it helps reduce this significantly if you choose to subscribe to GoPro. With the subscription, the total cost is only $ 399, which is much easier to swallow, and you can enjoy all the benefits of the GoPro subscription for a year.

After your first year, this subscription will cost you $ 5 a month or $ 50 a year, and for that price, I would personally consider it a bargain, especially if you have an internet connection that allows high-resolution footage to be automatically uploaded. The subscription offers other benefits such as discounts and the replacement of damaged cameras.

An accessory pack is also available with the Hero 10 for $ 50 and includes a shorty tripod, magnetic rotating clip, additional battery, and a 32GB microSD card.

GoPro Hero 10 top down view.Andy Zahn / Digital Trends

Our opinion

the GoPro Hero 10 Black may on the surface look like a clone of its predecessor, but once you get under the hood, you'll find that almost everything about this camera has undergone a drastic upgrade. At a time when everyone carries a powerful camera in the form of a smartphone, it is difficult to develop a compelling dedicated camera. The Hero 10 does this by being tough where your phone is fragile and by offering an amazing level of versatility, making it suitable for a wide variety of different uses. Action may be where it shines, but the truth is that if you are creating videos of any kind, this is a tool that should be in your kit.

Is there a better alternative?

No, there is no camera like the Hero 10 that outperforms it. However, if you need something that fits into a smaller budget, the Hero 9 Black is available for $ 349 and the Hero 8 Black is available for just $ 279. Both are still great options, though I'd recommend the DJI Osmo Action for $ 200 on the Hero 8. Alternatively, you can opt for a 360-degree camera such as the GoPro Max or the Insta360 One X2.

How long it will take?

A new GoPro Hero is as much a fall season staple as pumpkin spice, but each new iteration remains a relevant and powerful tool for years to come. Of course, that depends on how roughly you handle these sturdy little cameras. However, if you choose the GoPro subscription, you can get a replacement camera (two per year) for a fraction of the cost of a new camera. This is a great advantage with cameras that are designed to be at risk.

Should you buy it?

If you are looking for a new action camera this is the clear and obvious choice. For owners of existing Hero cameras, the enormous increase in slow-motion functions alone can make the upgrade worthwhile.

Editor's recommendations



01 Apr
Blog

Amazfit T-Rex Pro Review: Waiting for Evolution

amazfit t rex pro evaluation bag

Amazfit T-Rex Pro Review: Far from extinct, but having difficulty evolving

"A shorter than promised battery life and the same design as the old version dampen the craze for the Amazfit T-Rex Pro, but a reasonable price, reliable software and strong activity tracking keep it from extinction."

  • Comprehensive activity tracking

  • Reliable, easy to use software

  • Acceptable price

  • Robust and waterproof

  • The battery life is not as advertised

  • No design changes compared to the previous model

Amazfit has made a name for itself with a range of affordable, attractive and easy-to-use smartwatches like the GTR 2 and is now back with the Amazfit T-Rex Pro. It's sort of a successor to the T-Rex as of early 2020, but it's not the big evolutionary leap that we'd like to see after a year of waiting.

Repeating the same designs over and over again (the Amazfit GT series basically all look the same too) is not what we expect these days and while this may help keep the price down, it doesn't really generate much interest or concern Excitement. Let's take a closer look at the T-Rex Pro to see if we should ignore the lack of imagination or if Amazfit needs inspiration.

design

Have you seen the Amazfit T-Rex? Good, because the T-Rex Pro looks almost identical. One minor change has changed the impression the watch makes and that is the different bezel treatment. The bezel on the T-Rex on my test unit was made of black plastic and looked cheap and nasty. The bezel of the T-Rex Pro has a contrasting gray color and has been given a “metal spray” effect. It has a slightly more elegant style than the old version.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Otherwise the shape, size and design are the same. The metal buttons have the same texture, the watches basically weigh the same at 59 grams, the Pro's 22mm silicone rubber strap has more texture but the same design, and the 1.3-inch AMOLED screen is the same size and the same 360 ​​x 360 pixel resolution. They are equal.

The T-Rex Pro is built to be tough and can withstand high and low temperatures, moisture, salt and shock. It passed 15 different tests compared to the T-Rex's 12 tests, and is 10 ATM water resistant compared to 5 ATM on the old T-Rex. This all means that the Amazfit T-Rex Pro is a bit of a Casio G-Shock watch, complete with button protection and the oversized 13.5mm thick polycarbonate case, plus some G-Shock-like dials. It is also similar to the Honor Watch GS Pro, but it doesn't look or feel that expensive either.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

I hate it no The strap is comfortable and can be adjusted for all wrist sizes (although the 48mm case isn't suitable for small wrists at all). As someone who really likes G-Shock watches, I don't completely oppose the choice of style, but many will see it as big, ugly, and unsightly. The class that goes with everything is definitely missing, the GTR 2.

What I really disagree with is that the T-Rex Pro is the T-Rex, just with a different color bezel, and even the most optimistic will struggle to label it "brand new". I appreciate that repeating the same design keeps development costs down and therefore the final price is low. Repeating this ad nauseam doesn't create any fuss, however, and that's a serious problem in the competitive world of wearables.

Fitness and activity characteristics

Now I moaned about the design. Surely we get to what makes the T-Rex Pro an upgrade over the T-Rex and maybe see what makes it a Pro. Although the hardware contains the most important upgrades compared to the old smartwatch, these are hardly any massive changes. The heart rate sensor was converted to the optical PPG sensor BioTracker 2 from Amazfit. The watch now has a 3-axis gyroscope that matches the 3-axis accelerometer and a barometer.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The updated BioTracker 2 sensor also measures Sp02 blood oxygen and Amazfit has a clock that supports 100 different training modes. However, this seems to be a software update function that can also be found on the GTR 2e and is not only specific to the T-Rex Pro. Thanks to the sensor upgrades, Amazfit was able to integrate some excellent new functions of the fitness tracking software, which are described in surprising detail on the watch and in the associated Zepp app.

When you track a 30-minute training session, it returns the expected elapsed time, calories burned, and average heart rate. However, you also get more specific data like cadence, average stride, speed, changes in altitude, and heart rate zones. Once done, a recommended recovery time will be provided along with VO2 Max data and data obtained using FirstBeat algorithms. It's comprehensive and for the most part easy to understand, and I love that everything can be viewed on the watch without visiting the app on your phone.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The FirstBeat training effects data highlights a common problem with the fitness tracker. It contains graphs showing your aerobic training effect and anaerobic training effect, as well as your training load. This is all very interesting, but there is very little information about what to do with the data or how to correctly interpret it. When I was forced to look for more information, I was directed to FirstBeat's own website, but found that after reading the information, I really wasn't the wiser.

It is likely that this data would be more helpful, or perhaps just more familiar, to athletes or those engaging in specific sports, but it goes too deep for occasional use without adequate explanation. Otherwise, the T-Rex Pro's activity-related upgrades would have been better than the old model, but would have to come with other improvements to make for a highly desirable upgrade.

Using the T-Rex Pro

The T-Rex Pro uses Amazfit's RTOS software rather than Google's Wear operating system. It is quick to respond, scrolls smoothly for the most part, and the menu system is logically structured. It works by tapping and swiping the screen as well as the very sensible physical buttons. There are four labeled Up, Down, Back, and Select. They do exactly what you'd expect and are big enough to handle gloved fingers.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Notifications are more reliable than Wear OS, although the text is simple and there is no way to reply to or interact with messages on the watch. For each watch face there is an effective screen that is constantly displayed. I like the comprehensive weather reports, and I'm sure climbers will appreciate the barometric pressure data too. It also controls the music on my phone. Best of all, I haven't had any instability or software issues.

The heart rate measurement appears to be accurate. The results from the T-Rex Pro are in line with the numbers from the Apple Watch Series 6. However, it's not as fast as the Apple Watch to measure your heart rate. It also takes longer to get an Sp02 blood oxygen reading, but it mostly gave the same result as the Apple Watch Series 6, but this information is not very helpful for someone who is not halfway up a mountain and worried about altitude sickness.

amazfit t rex pro rating workoutsAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

Notifications from amazfit t rex pro reviewAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

Settings for checking amazfit t rex proAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

amazfit t rex pro rating appsAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

I compared the T-Rex Pro to the Apple Watch on a 30-minute walk, where it matched the average heart rate, but there was a discrepancy of about 200 steps, with the T-Rex counting fewer steps than the Apple Watch. A higher calorie consumption was also estimated. While both are probably not exactly right, the Apple Watch is considered to be one of the most accurate for heart rate and step count data, but the T-Rex Pro's difference isn't drastic.

The Zepp app is the same as the Amazfit GTR 2 and GTR 2e and works with both Android and iOS. It collects your activity data, allows you to customize the functions of the watch, choose apps to send notifications, and perform software updates. It's stayed tightly linked throughout my reporting period. Overall, the software of the Amazfit T-Rex Pro and therefore the owner experience is very good.

battery

If the software is good, what about the battery? It's not that good, and it definitely doesn't keep Amazfit's promises, at least if you intend to take advantage of the features it contains. The company says the 390 mAh battery – unsurprisingly the same as the one in the T-Rex – will last 18 days with typical use and nine days with heavy use. With the screen always on, heart rate and stress monitoring, two 30-minute workouts, and general notifications via notifications, the T-Rex Pro's battery lasted six days. I don't think this is heavy use as I haven't started GPS or exercised for hours.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

I could turn off the constantly on screen and heart rate monitoring which would save battery life (although I would be very surprised if it could suddenly hit 18 days), but what is it about? You buy the watch to use the features, not pretend they don't exist. The claims made by Amazfit about such a long battery life are extremely optimistic in my experience with the T-Rex Pro and other wearables from Amazfit.

Price and availability

The Amazfit T-Rex Pro costs $ 180 or £ 139 and can be purchased through Amazfit's own website. It is covered by a one-year warranty and a 30-day trial period is also granted.

Our opinion

The total lack of imagination in the design of the T-Rex Pro is frustrating. It doesn't have to look exactly like the previous model released over a year ago, especially if the original was hardly a design classic and the hardware upgrades here are just modest. It's a rather lazy update from a company that isn't interested in attracting new buyers. If you didn't like the look of the T-Rex – and anecdotally, a lot of the people I've spoken to didn't – you won't like the T-Rex Pro either.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

There's nothing at all to say "Oh it's the new T-Rex Pro" from the outside and it's a shame as the software, performance and activity tracking is very good. In many ways, the T-Rex Pro gives a Wear OS smartwatch a superior overall experience, and the low price makes it very tempting. Style aside, the main negative point here is battery life. Six days that I think will be widely used isn't bad, but it doesn't live up to what Amazfit claims or it doesn't go well with smartwatches like the Huawei Watch GT2 Pro or most fitness trackers.

Perhaps you're not as into the design aspect as I am and are looking for an inexpensive, outdoor-oriented smartwatch. In this case, the T-Rex Pro does whatever you want with just more visits to the charger than Amazfit tells you to.

Is there a better alternative?

The price of the T-Rex Pro is very cheap. For example, the Honor Watch GS Pro weighs £ 250 and has very similar functionality, although the materials used give it a sense of higher class. Our recommended smartwatches cost a lot more without the toughness. The Apple Watch SE is $ 279, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 is $ 330, and the Mobvoi Ticwatch Pro 3 is $ 300.

If you're not concerned about the rugged exterior, Amazfit's GTR 2e packs most of the same features in a more fashionable, sleeker body and costs just $ 140. If the smartwatch features are less important, a fitness tracker might be better for you. If you like the G-Shock look, just get yourself a G-Shock watch. The G-Shock Move GBD-H1000 is priced at $ 400 and has extensive activity tracking features. It is also very robust.

After all, the T-Rex can still be put up for sale online. It costs around $ 140 but is available for less money. Yes, the hardware additions are welcome, but if you just want a rugged smartwatch and aren't spending too much on it, it's very similar otherwise.

How long it will take?

The T-Rex Pro's toughness means it can withstand significant punishment. So if you wear it in harsh environments, it shouldn't break at the first sign of water or dust. Assuming Amazfit continues to support the Zepp app and software on the watch, this will take a few years.

However, I think the design is quickly dated and the polycarbonate case is likely to pick up scratches and scrapes over time if used as intended, meaning you may feel the need to replace it sooner.

Should you buy it?

Yes, the T-Rex Pro is very similar to the old model, but still an inexpensive, feature-rich smartwatch.

Editor's recommendations