Is the GoPro Hero 10 a viable option to make hiking videos? Absolutely. I’ve been using GoPro’s to make short hiking films since the GoPro Hero 7. Although it’s not my primary camera for film making anymore, it’s definitely a good option in certain situations.
Hiking Distance
My main camera body, lens and tripod weigh around 8 pounds. On long hikes up tall mountains in Colorado this can get tiresome. This is where GoPros can come in handy. Saves weight and still produces nice 4k footage for short films.
GoPro Hero 10 Reviewed
What better place to take the new GoPro for a test drive than the Mount Massive Wilderness. This was a 8 hour hike covering 16 miles and 4,700 ft of total elevation gain.
Battery Life
One of the main new improvements on the GoPro Hero 10 is that it can shoot 120fps at 4k resolution. This is going to drain your battery life significantly faster than shooting at 24fps or even 60fps. For this hike I brought along 4 batteries and drained them all. Shooting stats.
- 120fps at 4k (55 clips)
- 60fps at 4k (12 clips)
- 24fps at 4k (60 clips)
- 30fps at 5.3k (14 clips)
- 60fps at 5.3k (3 clips)
- 240fps at 2.7k (4 clips)
- 5second timewarp (8 clips)
- 30 photos jpeg
There were some instances where I had the front facing screen on. I also used the GoPro Quik app a lot. Both which will significantly impact battery life. Just keep in mind if you are going to be shooting at high frame rates you are going to drain your batteries extremely fast.
Video Quality
I’ve always been pleased with the 4k video quality produced by GoPros since the Hero 7. They have always struggled in low light situations though. With the new processor in the Hero 10 low light performance has improved. Doing a side by side video comparison with the Hero 9 you can also see the Hero 10 has more contrast. While the video quality is a clear upgrade over the Hero 9, it may not be significant enough to make it worth upgrading.
Favorite Features
My favorite new feature on the GoPro Hero 10 is the 120fps at 4k resolution. Sure the 5.3k at 60fps is awesome but I don’t think its a game changer for my filming style. I don’t have a lot of experience shooting and editing 120fps but after I get a few hikes in this is going to change. I’ve been leaving my GoPro’s at home a lot when hiking and just bringing my main mirrorless full frame camera. With the 120fps at 4k though, this will be my go to B-roll camera when hiking.
Problems
Every GoPro is going to have it’s problems and there’s already a big one with the Hero 10. Overheating. But for me I don’t think I experienced this as the temperature outside was in the low 30’s. Every time the battery level was less than 50% and I was filming at 120fps 4k, it would record for 6 seconds and shut off. It did the same thing with all 4 batteries. I’m using a 128gig v/30 memory card so I don’t think that’s the issue. If this continues after the next firmware update I’ll probably contact GoPro about it and see if I can get another camera.
Worth Upgrading from the Hero 9 to Hero 10?
Lot’s of youtubers are saying no. I’m saying YES. The 120fps at 4k is a game changer for my filming style when out hiking. Improved video quality, pictures and touchscreen are also bonuses. I can sell the previous camera versions and now use the Hero 9 as a back up. I always keep a few older GoPros with me as backups and to do crazy stuff with.
Leave a Reply