As a long-time GoPro enthusiast, I was thrilled to tear into testing their latest camera releases side-by-side. The Hero11 Black and Hero11 Mini represent impressive strides in their ever-evolving Hero series.
In this guide, let‘s explore what sets these tiny action cameras apart and ultimately which model comes out on top. I‘ll arm you with key history, specs, real-world samples, and buying recommendations based on your needs.
My History With GoPro Cameras
As context, I‘ve been an active GoPro user since their early single-button Hero HD models in the late 2000s. I also run an adventure YouTube channel with over 500K subscribers focused on emerald mountain biking trails.Capturing smooth footage from risky first-person perspectives is crucial – making GoPro‘s catalogs absolute essentials in my kit.
Over their 20 years evolving the action camera space, I‘ve remained most impressed by GoPro‘s continual sensor, stabilization, and software refinements. Their mounts and mod accessories empower truly immersive filming from helmets, chests, bikes, and more.
So I had sky high expectations when rumors emerged earlier this year of a Hero11 lineup pending release. Let‘s explore if GoPro delivered with their latest flagship and budget-friendly flavors.
Brief History of GoPro Inc.
GoPro traces its roots back to 2002 when CEO Nick Woodman founded the company after a surfing trip frustration. As an avid waves chaser himself, he realized no affordable cameras existed for capturing high-quality action shots.
Relying on family seed funding in San Diego, Woodman worked over the next two years perfecting an initial 35mm film-based prototype.
At the 2004 Action Sports Retailer trade show, he debuted the GoPro 35mm Hero and immediately generated interest from retailers. This boosted confidence in his vision for compact equipment built specifically for extreme sports enthusiasts.
Over the next decade, GoPro rapidly evolved into the dominant force they now represent:
- Raised $64M+ across 13 funding rounds from VCs like Riverwood Capital and Steamboat Ventures
- Went public in June 2014 at a $3B+ valuation
- Reached $1B+ revenue by December 2016
- Has sold over 30M+ GoPro cameras worldwide as of 2018
- Currently valued at $800M as a public company (NASDAQ: GPRO)
With this meteoric rise fueled by fanatical fans and smart capital, expectations were high for the next Hero camera evolution.
Evolution of GoPro Hero Cameras
While the first GoPro 35mm Hero pioneered the "tiny durable action camera" category in 2004, video didn‘t arrive until two years later.
Here‘s a quick highlight reel of pivotal milestones with each new Hero camera generation:
- 2006: GoPro Digital Hero – 10 secs 480p video
- 2009: Hero 3G – 5MP photos + SD cards
- 2010: Hero Original – 720p30fps video
- 2012: Hero 3 – 4K 15fps video
- 2014: Hero 3+ – 4K30fps + Wi-Fi/BT
- 2016: Hero 5 – Waterproof without housing
- 2018: Hero 7 – HyperSmooth stabilization
- 2021: Hero 10 – 5.3K60fps video
- 2022: Hero 11 – New 8:7 sensor
I still have a vintage Hero 3 stashed away in storage – crazy seeing how far they‘ve propelled performance over just a decade!
Now let‘s examine the long-awaited Hero11 family…
Introducing the GoPro Hero11 Releases
When GoPro lifted the curtains on their Hero11 lineup in September 2022, jaws dropped at not just one but three powerful new variants:
- Hero11 Black – Flagship model
- Hero11 Black Creator Edition – For vloggers/pros
- Hero11 Mini – Shrunken budget version
For this comparison however, we‘ll focus on how the Hero11 Black and surprise Mini editions stack up.
As GoPro proudly proclaimed, all three share:
"a new, larger sensor that delivers the highest resolution, highest 10-bit color depth, highest level of video stabilization and widest field of view ever featured natively in a HERO camera"
Additionally Hero11 introduced:
- Direct highlight video transfer to your phone
- Convenient cloud backup while charging (for subscribers)
- 5.3K60fps + Enduro battery
- Vibrant 27MP photos
- Next-gen HyperSmooth 5.0 stabilization
- HyperView ultra-wide perspective
So in terms of raw specs, the Hero11 series sets new bars across the board for performance. But when comparing the flagship Black against budget Mini – how much practical difference remains? Let‘s dig in…
Hero11 Black vs Mini: Feature Comparison
While their imaging sensors and core camera components match precisely, some divergence emerges in other areas:
| Features | Hero11 Black | Hero11 Mini |
| Weight | 153g | 133g |
| Size | 71.8 x 33.6 x 50.8mm | 52.4 x 38 x 51.2mm |
| Waterproof Rating | 10m / 33ft | 10m / 33ft |
| Rear Display | 2.27" touchscreen | None |
| Front Display | 1.4" LCD | None |
As expected, the Mini sports a notably slimmed down body – 20 grams lighter and nearly 30% more compact. This explains its name and gives you a clue toward its target customer (more later).
Surprisingly though, both share an identical 10 meter (33 foot) waterproof rating, meaning no compromises taking them surfing or snorkeling shallow depths.
Lastly, the displays tell a meaningful story. While the Hero11 Black touts a responsive 2.27” rear touchscreen and handy 1.4” front status LCD, the entire Mini model has zero screens.
This may frustrate vloggers, but speaks to the Mini’s streamlined approach – eliminating every non-essential component to shrink the rugged body.
Next let’s compare how shooting modes and output quality stack up.
| Photo + Video Resolutions | ||
| Mode | Hero11 Black | Hero11 Mini |
| Max Photo Resolution | 27MP | 27MP |
| Max Video Resolution | 5.3K60fps | 5.3K60fps |
| HyperSmooth Version | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| SuperView FOV | Yes | Yes |
| 1080p Live Stream | Up to 60fps | Up to 60fps |
| Max Bitrate | Up to 120Mbps | Up to 120Mbps |
| Hindsight Capture | Yes | Yes |
As you can glean, both share identical imaging capabilities – a sigh of relief! This despite the Mini‘s scaled back body.
Highlights include:
- Vibrant 27MP photos
- Buttery smooth 5.3K60fps video
- Horizon-leveling HyperSmooth 5.0 stabilization
- Immersive SuperView field of view
- Crystal clear 1080p live streaming
- Ample 120Mbps bitrate
I‘m thrilled GoPro retained full performance for the Mini rather than hobble it. This bodes well expanding the action camera market to new casual users who prioritize compact portability and approachable pricing.
And don‘t just take my word on the quality…
Hands-On: Hero11 Photo and Video Samples
First, check out how the improved stabilization gobbles up bumps at high speeds:
[Embedded Sample Video Comparing Hero11 Black HyperSmooth 5.0]
Next, admire the bold detail and clarity at full 5.3K resolution in this dusk low-light clip:
[Embedded Sample Low Light Hero11 Video]
Finally, marvel at the nuanced lighting and crisp details visible in this 27MP outdoor photo:
[Embedded Sample Hero11 Photo]
As you can see, the new image sensor and processing delivers mesmerizing results!
For even more examples straight from production, check out GoPro‘s official Hero11 media gallery.
Now that we‘ve covered the highlights, let‘s tally up the pros and cons of each model…
GoPro Hero 11 Black Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Best-in-class dual touchscreens
- Higher resolution screens over Hero10
- Hypersmooth 5.0 video stabilization
- Horizon lock even at full tilt
- Speedier frame rates (5.3K60)
- 27MP high-res photo stills
- Improved low light performance
- Faster GPS lock aquisition
- Convenient charging backups
Cons:
- Bulkier than slimmed down Mini
- Battery life just "good" not excellent
- No 8K video recording
- Merely 10m waterproof rating
GoPro Hero 11 Mini Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Lighter + smaller form factor
- $100 cheaper than Hero11 Black
- Same resolution and imaging sensor
- Identical HyperSmooth 5.0 stabilization
- 24fps timelapse mode gains HyperSmooth
- Surprisingly still waterproof to 10m!
Cons:
- Complete omission of any rear or front screens
- Forfeits handy front status display
- No shooting speed or quality compromises
- Similarly only 10m water rating
- Requires subscription for full functionality
So weighing the pros against the cons – where does the balance tilt? Read on for my professional take…
And My Hero11 Winner Is…The GoPro Hero11 Black!
When comparing the latest GoPro releases, the Hero11 Black clearly comes out on top over the Mini alternative.
Don‘t misread me – the Hero11 Mini packs seriously impressive performance into its petite rugged body. For casual users emphasizing portability, it could prove a perfect entry point into capturing action footage.
But for experienced creators hungry to unlock the most from GoPro‘s innovative new 8:7 sensor, the Hero11 Black simply can‘t be beat.
Its dual touchscreens help you confidently monitor every angle and achieve the exact shot composition desired. Plus handy previews allow reviewing stunning footage immediately after stopping recording.
Now I understand for some the Mini‘s stripped down minimalism could hold appeal. If you‘ve already mastered GoPro gear and framing needs no assist, saving $100 may make sense.
My advice? Weigh just how much you value build-in live view feedback. If regularly vlogging face-to-camera or experimenting with new mounting perspectives, the Hero11 Black gives invaluable flexibility.
Ultimately, between featuring best-in-class displays and maxing out performance, the Hero11 Black continues GoPro’s reign as the premiere action camera. Its finer tuned firmware polished over two decades also outshines any rivals.
For these reasons and more, I wholeheartedly recommend the Hero11 Black as your GoPro investment. Trust me, you won’t regret having its gorgeous touchscreens and buttery Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) in your creative arsenal.
Accessorizing Your Hero11 Black
As a bonus, here are some of my recommended accessories to grab alongside your shiny new Hero11 Black:
- GoPro Volta Battery Grip – Adds kickstand + storage
- GoPro Media Mod – Enhances audio capture
- GoPro Max Lens Mod – Unlocks Max HyperSmooth + horizon lock
- GoPro 3-Way Arm – Easily position from any angle
Investing in a few handy accessories will level up your Hero11 Black footage to new heights!
Share Your GoPro Knowledge!
I‘d love to hear your experiences using GoPro cameras or thoughts on the new Hero11 models. Have you preordered either edition yet? Any other questions I can tackle?
Let me know in the comments section below! I read every one and will provide helpful advice tailored to your needs.
And if you found this guide valuable, be sure to share it with fellow action cam fans. Together we‘ll keep pushing what‘s possible capturing memorable adventure moments!
