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Video and photo quality
- ProTune offers advanced control
- Impressive video footage
- Good image stabilization
This is where the GoPro Hero6 sets new benchmarks. We were able to shoot 4K video at 60fps, and dial the slow motion back to 120fps at 2.7K resolution and 240fps at 1080p.
The GoPro Hero6 Black is built for catching action incredibly fast.
The two videos above were shot in 4K at 25fps, while the below video was captured at 1080p Full HD, again at 25fps. All three videos have the built-in image stabilization active.
You'll benefit from the enhanced performance of the GoPro Hero 6 Black if want to record video at 'normal' frame rates too. The image stabilization has been beefed up, with footage slightly cropped to reduce shakiness. The effect is noticeable, but don't throw away your GoPro Karma Grip, as software-based stabilization can only correct so much.
Low light performance has always been a GoPro shortcoming, but the Hero6 Black delivers improved dynamic range courtesy of the new processor, resulting in better image quality both indoors and out.
Raw support is certainly welcome for still images, although because of the sensor's small size don't expect image quality to be any better than from a decent point-and-shoot compact. Nonetheless, it's still a handy feature to have when you want to capture decent-quality images, but don't want to risk your smartphone or main camera getting damaged.
Editing and apps
- New 5GHz wireless frequency
- New HVEC video codec
- Refined QuikStories app
The Hero6 Black takes uncompromised video, but offloading that raw GoPro footage has increasingly been a pain due to large file sizes, especially with older phones. GoPro is tackling this issue with a three-pronged approach.
First, this new camera, and updated mobile operating systems like iOS 11, support a new video codec: High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC). It can halve file sizes, and that's going to save both your iPhone's internal storage and camera-to-phone transfer time.
Second, the Hero6 Black utilizes the 5GHz wireless frequency, which can offer transfer speeds three times faster than the Hero5 Black could manage. We found transfer times were faster in our early testing.
QuikStories returns as a way to transfer and compile your footage into an automatic video collage
Third, QuikStories returns as a way to transfer and compile your footage into an automatic video collage, adding transitions and even music. The best part is that videos are fully editable if you want to make changes.
Shooting video with your GoPro isn't the hard part. Transferring hours of 4K 60fps video and 240 fps super-slow motion-movies, though, can feel like a chore.
The Hero6 Black does a good job at chipping away at the workload. But we still find that offloading and editing action camera footage takes practice and discipline; there's a reason why these devices have such a dedicated fan base.
