I recently acquired the GoPro Hero 10 Black. The GoPro Hero 10 Black was announced and released on the 16th of September 2021, and I had been eagerly anticipating this iteration. So as soon as it became available on the website, the Geek in me just couldn’t resist and snapped it up on release date!
I had been eyeing and salivating over the GoPro since the Hero 9 version came out, as it had the front facing camera. As you know, I’ve bought several action cameras over the years Jin lieu of a GoPro because while I was attracted to its small form factor and claims of durability, the fact that it used to not have a screen and the complicated accessories put me off it. More often than not, I am a solo traveler and a front-facing screen, or at least the possibility to add a front-facing screen was really important to me as I need to make sure that I am in the frame when I take my travel photos. Aside from the ability to have a front-facing screen, I needed a camera handy enough to be able to bring everywhere and small enough to be inconspicuous. Sure, my phone could do all of these, but I prefer to keep my phone separate as I use my phone as a communication and information device when I travel and I need to make sure that my phone battery lasts me the whole day. This is why I acquired the Sony Action Cam in 2016 and the the DJI Osmo Pocket in 2019.
But when I saw the reviews for the GoPro Hero 9, I wanted to pick it up immediately, I kept watching and watching YouTube videos for its reviews, set up, must-have accessories, etc. I was obsessed. The only thing that stopped me from getting the Hero 9 was that a lot of the reviewers complained about the processor not being strong enough for the software and specs of the Hero 9, resulting to the screen being laggy and a lot of issues related to freezing, overheating, and other headache I didn’t want to deal with. The common consensus amongst all these reviewers was to wait for the Hero 10, as it is sure to have a faster processor. And boy oh boy, did I wait!
I was ever so happy when it was finally announced and made available for release. Off I went to the GoPro website, bought the annual subscription (to get the discount!) and picked up the GoPro Hero 10 Accessories Bundle, along with some highly recommended GoPro branded accessories.
The GoPro Subscription benefits are all useful as it includes unlimited cloud backup (which can get very expensive, tbh), up to 50%off on certain accessories at GoPro.com and a no-questions-asked camera replacement.
The basic bundle includes:
- GoPro Hero 10 Black (DUH!)
- A rechargeable battery
- USB-C to USB-A charging cable
- Curved adhesive mount
- Mounting buckle
- Thumbscrew
- Carry Case (the actual box/packaging is also a carry case!)
- 32GB MicroSD Card
But I felt that the Accessories Bundle, would be more cost effective as I was planning on picking up everything in the Accessories Bundle separately anyway, so I might as well get the Accessories Bundle which includes:
- Magnetic swivel clip
- Spare battery
- Shorty
Between you and me, I had unknowingly taken advantage of what appears to be a glitch in the GoPro Website during release date, where if you buy the subscription, you get the same price whether you pick the Hero 10 Black basic bundle or the Accessories Bundle. So it was essentially as if the Accessories Bundle was ‘free’ for GoPro subscribers. I didn’t notice this at all as I had already decided on getting the accessories bundle anyway and didn’t realize the price discrepancy until after I paid for the online transaction and was browsing through Reddit. Sadly, GoPro had now rectified the glitch.
Anywho, regardless of the price discrepancy, I had already decided on getting the GoPro anyway so it didn’t make a difference to me (although I was happy for the additional “discount”).
The GoPro Hero 10 sports the following specs:
- GP2 Processor
- Video resolution of 5.3K60 + 4K120
- 23MP Photos
- Hydrophobic lens coating
- Front-facing display
- Back display: 2.27-inch touch display with improved sensitivity and higher refresh rate (thanks GP2 Processor!)
- Enhanced low-light performance
- HyperSmooth 4.0 video stabilisation in all modes
- 8x slow-mo
- Waterproof (33ft, 10m)
- Cloud connected
- Voice control
- Live-streaming at 1080p
And here she is! She pretty!!!! I was super obsessed with this!!!! I couldn’t stop filming the day I got it. I was super impatient that I was not able to take beauty shots before I ripped through the packaging!
I’ve also decked the GoPro Hero 10 Black with some choice accessories from GoPro such as:
- The Media Mod
- Light Mod
- Casey lite lightweight camera case
- Casey semi hard camera case
I have also gotten some third party accessories that I felt was really essential and I’m happy I got them. I will discuss them in another post. Also, I am planning on getting some more GoPro Accessories to complete the GoPro experience such as the remote, the max lens mod, and the display mod.
For now this is the set up I have, where I attach the Media Mod, so that I get to have access to better mic (or the ability to attach an external mic), as well as a mount for the Light Mod, which really helps when filming or shooting in low-light situations, and the Shorty, that I use as handle or small tripod, depending on how I need it to be.
I also like using the a lavalier microphone to cut through wind and background noise, especially when I am filming outside.
So this is my set-up so far and I couldn’t ask for anything else (no, i lie. I would want a better mic (saving up for the Rode Wireless Go II) and a remote). Considering that this GoPro will see very little “action” as an action camera, and I will use the GoPro mainly for memory keeping and personal consumption, I think this set up is very capable in handling my requirements.
Above is a sample shot of a photo I took using the GoPro in a low-light situation using the Light Mod. What do you think? Considering I am a total beginner, I am super happy with this.
Are you grabbing a GoPro too? Lemme know why, and tell me the accessories/rig you plan to have with it! Until then,
Stay wild, Moon child!
XXOO
The Geek
EllaLand 