For professional photographers, videographers, and photography enthusiasts in general, GoPro is not a new name. Their cameras and photography gadgets are well-known worldwide for their up-to-date features and technology with incredible built-in.
GoPro is among industry leaders in the cameras category with its high-quality software and camera hardware.
There are many products from GoPro, and one of the recent addition to this family is GoPro Hero 6. Using its predecessor, Hero 5, people can barely differentiate, but there are some excellent software revamps for this version of the Hero series.
Faster processor, better video quality, excellent images result, touch zoom, ease of use, and many more are in this camera for discussion.
GoPro Hero 6 Black Review:
Here are details about some of this camera’s features that might interest you and might help if either you should buy it or not.
Design
The design of Hero 6 is pretty similar to Hero 5. There aren’t any visible updates in the structure of the camera. The body’s dimensions are 2.44 x 1.75 x 1.26 inches, and the weight is 4.16 ounces. There is only one color available for the device – black.
The shape of the device is very compact and durable, which is easy to handle. Being lightweight, you can carry it around everywhere easily to capture the memories which you make. Another plus point for this camera is its waterproof structure.
There is water resistance up to 33 meters or 10 feet, and there is no need for any additional cover for underwater photography. You don’t need to worry about water damage to the device until or unless you are using it deep inside the water.
For deep under-water use, it is highly recommended to use additional cover to ensure safety. There is also Optional Super Suit Housing. This can also offer protection down to 196 feet or around 60 meters.
The power buttons, shutter, flaps, connections, and slots of the Hero 6 are at the same place as Hero 5. The power button is at the top right-hand side, and below that, there are HDMI and USB Type-C ports. Little below them are battery and Micro-USB slots.
The display is 2 inches LCD. It is used to change settings and frames. This display is not a very appealing one, just as in Hero 5 case. It is small and often unresponsive. Especially for underwater use, this touchscreen is so annoying because of being unresponsive.
GP1 Processor
Hero 6 is way faster than its previous generation, and the reason behind this is the GP1 processor. This brand-new processor visibly enhanced the video results and general performance. Because of this processor, Hero 6 is capable of capturing 4k videos at 60fps. This results in remarkably smoother images.
This processor also powers super slow-motion videos footages. You can get 1080p full high definition images at 240fps as well as 2.7k at 120fps. Already brilliant image stabilization of Hero 5 is enhanced furthermore in this device.
Even if you’re shooting at 4k resolution, the GP1 processor makes sure the image stabilizes. This makes images and videos sharp even when you shoot them in bumpy conditions, such as hiking or cycling, etc. The new processor also enhanced the frame rates.
Besides, just like Hero 5, Hero 6 can also capture 12MP pictures in three modes; single, live and burst mode. New addition with these three modes is HDR.
HDR or High Dynamic Range mode is designed for scenes with high contrast levels. It focuses on shadows and highlights of the image and delivers better and sharper results.
Night mode
To capture your late-night ventures, this camera is the right choice. Specifically designed night mode lets you capture low-light images better than ever.
High-Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC)
One of the updates in the software of Hero 6 is new high-efficiency video coding. HEVC is the built-in system that can compress audio and video files and reduce their size up-to half. This codec enables the fast and effortless transfer of data to other devices. Also, lower records to half of their original size, free up storage can save further images and videos.
Wi-Fi support and Mobile App
It supports the 5GHz wireless frequency. This Wi-Fi support triple the size of data sharing from Hero 6 compared to the transfer speed of previous generations. It captures 4k videos, which are relatively more significant, and uploading them is time taking. Thanks to 5GHz support, your uploads are going to be pretty fast.
You can control this camera via your phone too. All you need is the GoPro App on your phone and a Wi-Fi connection. Install the GoPro App on your smartphone, connect it to the internet, and then run the app.
Now all the controls and settings of Hero 6 are accessible from your phone. I highly recommend you get this app for better control of the device. Usually, it is very exasperating and challenging to enjoy all features via 2 inches screen.
Controlling using a smartphone is going to be more effective than managing the camera with hands. With this app, captured videos can also be previewed on a relatively bigger screen of your smartphone.
The Quik
The Quik by GoPro is a footage compiler. It compiles footage and turns them into an automatic video collage. Several transitions and music are also added in these videos automatically. You can always edit these videos and also choose the music of your choice for these videos.
These videos are almost ready for “quick” sharing on your social media accounts.
Battery Life
There is no improvement in the battery life of Hero 6 as compared to Hero 5. Same as before, around three hours charging time and one hour to 70 minutes ideal battery life. For the 1440p video shooting at 60fps, the maximum battery life is 55 to 60 minutes.
For the price tag of the camera, this battery life is not a click at all. Besides, if you start using additional features during shooting, such as voice control, Wi-Fi, etc., the battery starts dropping more rapidly.
Audio quality
There is no significant improvement for Hero 6 in the average audio quality of GoPro devices. But it seems that this generation can suppress the background sounds, i.e., wind and other noticeable sounds, a little better.
But still, this won’t eliminate the need for an external microphone if you want sound recording on your GoPro Hero 6.
Voice Commands
Earlier, when we talked about waterproof the structure of this camera, we discussed the slow and sluggish response of the touchscreen. Right? If there is a problem, the solution is ale. There are 12 signature voice commands to control Hero 6 via voice.
You can use these commands to go hands-free. These commands will cover pretty much everything you want to do with your camera.
In-Camera editing
To increase the quality of the optical results, several in-camera editing options are there. Some are those which we explained earlier. These editing options are Pictures, Raw Data Edit, Videos, Movie Mode Create, Movie Mode Edit, HiLight Tag, Auto Low Light, Protune, Night Photo, Looping, Time Lapse Photo, Time Lapse Video, Night Lapse Photo, Voice Control, Wake on Voice.
GoPro Hero 6 Black Specifications:
- Weight: 4.16 ounce
- Dimension: 2.44 x 1.75 x 1.26 inches
- Video: 4K
- Sensor: CMOS Sensor
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, HDMI
- Battery: Rechargeable, Li-Picturesery
- Resolution: 12 MP
- Available resolutions: 3840×2160 Pixels (2160p),1920×1080 Pixels (1080p HD),1280×720 Pixels (72TimeD)
- FPS: 2160p Frame rate : 60,
- 1080p Frame rate : 24, 25, 30, 60720p Frame rate : 60
- Slow-motion effect: Yes
- Memory card type: Micro SD card
- Lens type: Prime
- Lens cover: No
- Battery: Rechargeable(proprietary)
- Battery Type: Lithium-ion
- Battery capacity: 1220 mAh
- Cameras best operations: Sports and Action
- Title / full name: GoPro Hero 6 CHDHX-601 Sports & Action Camera
- Other Connectivity Features: class 10 or UHS-I rating
- WIFI: Yes
- Bluetooth: Yes
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- USB: Yes
- HDMI: Yes
- NFC: No
- Pictbridge: No
- Exposure lock: No
- Exposure modes: Automatic Mode, Program Mode
- Available color options: Black
- Rugged: Yes
- Waterproof: yes (up to 33 meters)
- 3D: No
- Touch focus: Yes
- HDR shooting mode: Yes
- Drive mode: Yes
- ISO: Auto
- Burst mode: Yes (Max Burst: 30 fps)
- White balance type: Auto
- Iris control: yes
- Microphone: Yes
- Image stabilization: Yes
- Stabilization type: Software
- In-Camera Editing: Pictures, Raw Data Edit, Videos, Movie Mode Create, Movie Mode Edit, HiLight Tag, Auto Low Light, Protune, Night Photo, Looping, Time Lapse Photo, Time Lapse Video, Night Lapse Photo, Voice Control, Wake on Voice
- Image file formats: JPEG, RAW
- Warranty period from the manufacturer: 2 Years
- Sensor type: CMOS Sensor
- Effective resolution: 12 MP Resolution
- Display Type: LCD
- Display size: 2 Inch
- Movable display: No
- Touch screen: Yes
- Brightness adjustment: No
- Built-in flash: No
- Hot shoe flash mount: No
Pros:
- Durable
- Waterproof up to 30 meters without any extra casing
- 4k video at 60fps
- Wi-Fi transfer speed is improved
- Capable of capturing super slo-mo videos
- Touch Zoom
- High quality results even in low lighting
Cons:
- No improvements in operation and battery timings. Battery timings and performance almost identical to Hero 5
- Lagging issues for some users
- Options with same features available in lower price
Final verdict:
If there is a tag of GoPro on some product, without any doubt, the product has a lot to offer. The same is the case with Hero 6. This camera is a bit expensive, <- Affiliate Link 🙂 but this cost also brings you an excellent photography experience.
The user of Hero 5 can barely differentiate between these two cameras from the outlook of both of the devices and core features. Still, there are some significant software updates for this version of the camera, making it worth spending.
There is better image quality for this camera, 4k at 60fps, better than before image stabilization for any GoPro, ultra-slow motion full high definition 240fps video, waterproofing, ease of use, and a lot more.
It is the complete package if you’re thinking of updating your Hero 5. If you’re not so into brand tags, then we want you to know that quality-wise and feature-wise better options are available in the market at a relatively lower price tag.
