Long-term reviews of budget photo & video gear.

KIT PLAN RECOMMENDATION:
GoPro HERO7 Black
This image is 100% REAL, and no A.I. (or Photoshop compositing) were used to make it, and I know because I took it myself.
Quality?
LIGHT USE OK
Yes
MEDIUM USE OK
Yes
HEAVY USE OK
Yes
Portable?
Yes
CAMERA BAG
Yes
Yes
Common?
ON AMAZON
Yes
ON EBAY
Yes
Easy To Use?
SKILL LEVEL
EASY
OVERVIEW:
Putting a GoPro on top of your "real" camera is a really easy way to get a #2 shot...
MAIN POINTS:
PART 1: IS IT PORTABLE?
PART 2: IS IT AFFORDABLE?
PART 3: IS IT COMMON?
PART 4: HOW’S THE QUALITY?
PART 5: IS IT EASY TO USE?
PART 6: NEEDS ADD-ONS?
PART 7: WHERE DO I BUY?
PART 1: IS IT PORTABLE?
Yes, it's portable (it's a GoPro)!
PART 2: IS IT AFFORDABLE?
This version (HERO7 Black) seems to be overpriced, on both new and used markets, but that could change.
PART 3: IS IT COMMON?
The HERO7 Black doesn't seem as common (especially compared to the HERO8) but that's probably a good thing, and I recommend getting the HERO8 instead anyway.
PART 4: HOW’S THE QUALITY?
Regarding the image & video quality, the image on the HERO4 Silver is better...but the HERO4 is really good (for some reason). My theory is that the NOISE REDUCTION on the HERO7 Black is too aggressive. I've tried to fix it by setting the ISO MIN. and MAX to the same thing (ISO 200) and what I've been finding with this camera is that it seems to create the most non-processed image. One reason is it seems to keep the auto exposure (which is a combination of auto ISO and auto SHUTTER) from changing too abruptly, and this looks more smooth and natural. Also, I only use 2.7K on this camera (not 4K) so I can both shoot using the "Linear" FOV (Field of View) mode, and because shooting in 2.7K allows using "HyperSmooth" stabilization, which is essential, in my opinion.
PART 5: IS IT EASY TO USE?
It is and is not easy to use, but mostly because I lock the ISO at 200 (but that doesn't always work well in low light situations). Also, if you want good stabilization, you can only use 2.7K (not 4K) so that's another thing to remember...that makes this version not as easy to use (get the HERO8 Black).
PART 6: NEEDS ADD-ONS?
Yes, the HERO7 Black needs an OEM mounting frame (because it wasn't until the 8 they were built into the body).
PART 7: WHERE DO I BUY?
I bought mine used, on OfferUp.
RECOMMENDATION:
I don't think the HERO7 Black is worth buying, because for the price you can get a HERO8 Black which doesn't have a soft image like the HERO7 Black.
These reviews are just my opinion and are focused on my Q.P.A.C.E. packing method, so they're not comprehensive. I wrote these mostly to help me remember what items worked for my KIT PLANS (and which didn't). If I said anything negative I apologize, as these products still may work well for you in your situation, but they were not Q.P.A.C.E (Quality, Portable, Affordable, Common, Easy-to-Use) enough for my budget filmmaking KIT PLANS.
