Best GoPro for Vlogging and YouTube

GoPro exploded onto the amateur filmmaking scene as the go-to choice for action and adventure sports enthusiasts recording their sports and hobbies.

However, there are also thousands of vloggers using GoPro for vlogging in both the lifestyle and travel niches.

Should you buy a GoPro for Vlogging?

GoPro’s can take a heck of a lot of abuse. Give great picture quality and are super light

The one thing that truly sets them apart from other cameras is just how versatile and durable they are.

Although a big, expensive DSLR will take crystal clear pictures/video with lots of light settings and features, the one thing that lets them down is just how fragile they can be if you are not careful with how you treat them.

You can play pretty fast and loose with how you treat your GoPro, especially if it is enclosed in one of the protective casings available(which can make them waterproof to roughly 190ft or 60m).

Not only are they built tough they are also a fairly cheap way to get your hands on a good camera with 4K recording capabilities.

Best GoPro for Vlogging and YouTube

1. GoPro Hero 9 Black

The GoPro Hero 9 is the top camera in the GoPro Hero lineup. It is powerful, and it has a new sensor and a front display.

The new sensor offers 23.6 MP and shoots 5K video, so it can give you more detail than its predecessor. It has electronic stabilization in all shooting modes, and the front display is useful for bloggers.

Design Differences

GoPro did change the design quite a bit. It has a 1.4-inch color display screen on the front as well as a 2.27-inch rear touchscreen. It is bigger and has a bigger battery, so it is a more substantial camera.

The front display is not a touchscreen, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally changing the settings.

It is important to note that the new battery is larger and this camera is not compatible with older GoPro batteries. However, it is a reliable action camera that still fits in your pocket, and it is waterproof to 10 meters.

Features

The GoPro Hero 9 has a lot of the features of the Hero 7 and Hero 8, but it improves on them. For example, the sensor is 23.6MP, and it gives you 5L/30p video and 20MP still photos.

It has better electronic image stabilization for this reason, and there are new features that are built into the camera.

It has enough pixels to support the HyperSmooth Boost image stabilization, and TimeWarp 3.0 allows you to slow the video down while you add audio.

This improves the editing process. The Hero 9 is a great camera, and it offers some improvements over earlier models.

Features:

• 4K @ 60fps
• 1080p @ 240fps
• 720p @ 60fps
• Wifi and Bluetooth enabled
• Voice control
• LCD touch screen display

2. GoPro Hero 8 Black

The GoPro Hero 8 was made to replace the Hero 7, and it came with some improvements. This camera has a lot of features, and it works well for a lot of people.

It is a step above the Hero 7 and a step below the Hero 9. It performs well and gives you great value.

What’s New with the GoPro HERO 8?

The GoPro Hero 8 improves on the Hero 7 in several different ways, including the following:

• Slimmer form factor
• Wind-resistant, front-facing microphone
• Folding built-in mount
• Twice the shockproof rating
• New software to improve video

In addition, it is compatible with some of the Mod accessories, including Light Mod, Display Mod, and Media Mod.

The Display Mod helps to make up for the fact that it doesn’t have a front-facing screen. They also allow you to improve the visibility, lighting, and sound of the camera so you can use it professionally.

Features

The Hero 8 offers new features, including the following:

• Improved HDR
• Live burst photos
• RAW photos
• Improved low-light image processing
• Capture presets
• 100Mbps bitrate for 2.7K and 4K
• HyperSmooth 2.0 stabilization
• TimeWarp 2.0 for time lapse

While the GoPro Hero 8 isn’t their most advanced camera, it offers a combination of function and value.

The improvements combine to make it usable for amateurs and professionals alike, and the Mods allow you to use it for video production.

The improved HDR for streaming is beneficial to live streamers, and it is an improvement over the GoPro Hero 7.

Features:

• 4K @ 60fps
• 1080p @ 240fps
• 720p @ 60fps
• Wifi and Bluetooth enabled
• Voice control
• LCD touchscreen display

3. GoPro Hero 7 Black

The top-of-the-range GoPro Hero 7 Black is for those vloggers that want the very best.

The Black models have always had the most up-to-date tech and this generation is no exception.

It boasts a brand new image stabilization technology called ‘HyperSmooth’.

Using a combination of hardware and software HyperSmooth attempts to predict your movements and responds by correcting small amounts of camera shake.

GoPro is confident in its technology they claim it is one of the most advanced image stabilizers available, not just for small adventure cameras but for any camera regardless of price.

You get a full 4K video recording and 12 MP pictures.

Not only do you have the ability to record full HD video at 240 frames per second for super slick action shots, but you can also create super cool slow-motion recordings at 8 times slower.

If Facebook or Instagram stories are your thing there is also a LiveStreaming mode that allows you to live stream at 720p via wireless connectivity.

All of the above make the Hero 7 the Best GoPro for Vlogging and YouTube, and it is all of these features that really set it apart from the other models in the range.

Features:

• 4K @ 60fps
• 1080p @ 240fps
• 720p @ 60fps
• Wifi and Bluetooth enabled
• Voice control
• LCD touch screen display

4. GoPro Hero 7 Silver

The mid-range Hero 7 Silver is a pretty solid performer for the money. You still get 4K but at 30fps and 1080 at 60fps.

Picture wise it has a 10 MP camera. Which is good enough for most applications.

The one major drawback of the Hero 7 Black is the built-in battery pack means that you cannot swap out a run-down battery for a freshly charged one.

This can be a bit of an issue especially if you are doing a lot of traveling and may not have access to a charge point regularly.

Just like the black model above you can control the silver via the touch screen on the rear or using voice commands.

A simple tap or swipe on the screen allows you to change modes. And once you have mastered the simple voice commands you can start/stop recording in an instant.

Features:

• 4K @ 30fps
• 1080p @ 60fps
• Photo burst 10Mp @ 15fps
• Has Wifi and Bluetooth
• Non-removable built-in battery

5. GoPro Hero 7 White

The base model Hero 7 White records a video of 1440 @ 60fps and 1080p @ 60fps.

The feature levels are mostly on par with the Silver model except for a reduction in the recording quality.

The White makes a great introductory GoPro for vlogging if you are just starting out and are on a budget.

It is also just as easy to use as both the silver and black models thanks to the built-in touch screen and voice activation.

Features:

• 1440 @ 60fps
• 1080p @ 60fps
• 10MP photo burst @ 15fps
• Built-in battery

GoPro for Vlogging

Like any camera choice, there will always be pros and cons when it comes to what camera is best suited to a certain situation.

If you are still on the fence as to whether you should choose to use a GoPro for vlogging check out the following features that may sway your opinion.

Can You Vlog with a GoPro?

1. Film in 4K

For their size and price point, it is amazing that the GoPro has the ability to record in true 4K.

One thing is for certain a high-quality 4K production of your next vlog combined with some slick editing to give it your personal touch is the quickest way to make your vlogs look as though a seasoned professional has recorded them.

2. Extremely Portable

Looking for something that records in 4K and can easily fit in the palm of your hand?

Yep, the GoPro is the camera of choice.

It is amazing how so much tech can be crammed into such as small form factor.

You can literally place them anywhere. Combined with a small gorilla pod camera stand a GoPro can be mounted onto just about anything from trees to chairs, car doors, and even the side of a boat.

You can mount your camera right when you need it without the need for a perfectly flat and level surface.

3. Tough Construction

The GoPro range of small cameras was originally used by outdoor adventurers and extreme athletes because they came enclosed in a hard plastic shell that could take a real beating.

If you need to waterproof them just slip them into one of the many water-tight cases that are available.

Not many cameras can be taken down to 50m or so with such ease.

If you are starting a vlog in the travel or adventure vlogging niches then the GoPro is a must. No more worrying about sand or seawater damaging your pride and joy camera.

4. Decent Microphone

Let’s face it for the majority of the cameras out there sound is usually an afterthought.

The built-in microphone is almost always sub-standard.

However, it may come as a surprise that the GoPro has a pretty decent onboard mic, assuming you are of course standing in front of them, which for a vlogger is probably where you will be most.

The earlier models didn’t fare too well in windy situations but the latest models have made a significant improvement in that regard.

Vlogging with a GoPro – Pain Points

Most cameras when put under intense scrutiny will always have a few flaws and issues and the GoPro range is no exception.

To some people some of these issues may be minor to others they may be deal breakers.

Battery Life

Yep, this is usually the first thing someone will look at especially if they are a travel vlogger.

GoPro’s are small, and although that may make them really convenient to travel with it also means that their battery life is a little on the low side.

You can of course carry extra just be careful when buying after-market non-branded batteries as some of them especially the really cheap ones don’t tend to last long before they reach their end of life.

The Hero 7 White and Silver have a built-in battery so unfortunately you only get one use of the battery before it must be recharged.

The Hero 7 Black however does have a removable battery allowing you to carry as many charged spares as you require.

Not All Have Image Stability

Some models especially the earlier ones do not have a built-in image stabilizer. So if you are looking to buy one of the earlier models in the range be aware of this especially if you do a lot of hand-held shooting.

For those with shaky hands, the newer model HERO 6’s and 7’s have a pretty decent built-in stabilizer to help steady the picture.

With the newer model 7’s replacing the 6’s availability of the 6’s is becoming less and less so the chances are you will probably end up purchasing a Hero 7.

All models in the Hero 7 range have some form of image stability so this is no longer a major issue.

Lacks a Flip Screen

The lack of a flip screen can be a deal breaker for a lot of vloggers out there especially those that favor a very front-one interview-type of format for their videos.

A vlogging camera with a flip screen gives you the best kind of feedback; real-time feedback.

Being able to judge where you are in the shot and just how exactly you look is a major bonus.

GoPro Accessories for Vloggers

Let’s face it most camera junkies love their accessories. If you are using a GoPro however they are not that many available.

You don’t really need too many except of course for a bunch of SD cards and maybe an extra battery.

The type of accessories you buy will normally be governed by your needs.

Those that will film solely indoors will probably need a traditional tripod.

However, if you tend to vlog a lot whilst traveling or in the outdoors then a smaller more portable monopod might be more suitable, combined with a waterproof camera casing.

Monopod

The Monopod camera stand can make life so much easier than carrying around a more traditional tripod that you would normally associate with larger, bulkier cameras.

The Gorilla Pod is probably the most famous brand available among monopod-type camera stands.

They can be used as a static camera mount on a normal surface when you are filming in a stationary position.

Although if a dedicated tripod will allow you to get the perfect shot without having to rely on having a table or chair at roughly the right height.

So why use a monopod over a regular tripod?

Because they are quick and easy for almost any location and then are super easy to transport given their size and weight.

Where they really shine is the outdoors! You can quickly mount your GoPro to a tree, railing, car, or just about anything you can twist the legs around.

Waterproof Case

The official GoPro waterproof case is called the  ‘Super Suit’. This case can turn your camera into a dive camera in an instant.

GoPro has rated the Super Suit down to 60m in depth which is more than sufficient for most recreational divers and snorkelers.

Saying that there is a huge range of non-branded GoPro waterproof cases available so you really do have a massive choice and most are cheaper than the GoPro official case.

Do you really need a case?

Well if you are into taking action shots or stories anywhere near the sea or if you like being up a mountain where there is lots of snow around then the answer is a resounding yes.

A quality waterproof case will give you the peace of mind that your camera is protected from pretty much any weather and the corrosive nature of saltwater.