The GoPro Hero11 Black is the top model, and there will also be a Hero11 Black Creator Edition plus a lower-cost Hero11 Black Mini. Key upgrades include a new, larger sensor, 10-bit color depth, a “widest ever” field of view on a GoPro Hero and the best stabilization yet.
The Hero11 Black will be available both on its own and as part of the Hero11 Black Creator Edition, adding in a one-handed camera grip with controls and over four hours of recording on a single charge. There’s an optional directional mic, external mic input, HDMI for an external display (on a GoPro!), an LED light and two cold shoe mounts for accessories.
The GoPro Hero11 Black Mini is an interesting alternative. It’s smaller, lighter, cheaper and simpler but offers, GoPro says, all the performance of the regular Hero11 Black. The key difference is that there are no screens on this model, either front or back.
GoPro Hero11 key new features
The main update is the new 1/1.9-inch sensor, which is pretty big for an action camera and can also capture 10-bit video – this should allow for more flexibility and better results if you do any color grading later.
One of the key features of this new sensor is its unusual 8:7 aspect ratio, which allows for multiple aspect ratio choices (or ‘open gate’ filming) without sacrificing resolution. It should make the Hero11 Black ideal for vertical filming for social media as well as regular horizontal footage.
Better still, the new sensor size has made it possible to include a full 360° ‘horizon lock’ feature so that your footage stays level however the camera is tilted and rotated. Previously, this was only possible with gimbal cameras or 360 cameras in post-production.
Video can be captured at up to 5.3K resolution at 60fps, and the TimeWarp 3.0 mode can also capture 5.3K video – a massive increase over previous versions. The new sensor also allows the capture of 27MP stills.
The Hero11 Black includes GoPro’s HyperSmooth 5.0 stabilization and GoPro’s Enduro battery for recording times up to 38% longer.
GoPro Hero11 Black prices
The GoPro Hero11 Black on its own will cost $399.98 for GoPro subscribers or $499.99 on its own. The Hero11 Black Creator Edition will cost $579.98 for GoPro subscribers or $$699.99 on its own. The simplified GoPro Hero11 Black Mini won’t be available until October 25, when it will cost $299.98 for GoPro subscribers or $399.99 on its own.