GoPro HERO Series

Manufacturer: GoPro
Type: camera (action camera)
Year introduced: 2010 (HD HERO, first appearance on Wetpixel), 2011 (HD HERO2), 2012 (HERO3), 2013 (HERO3+), 2014 (HERO4), 2015 (HERO4 Session), 2016 (HERO5), 2017 (HERO6), 2018 (HERO7), 2019 (HERO8), 2020 (HERO9), 2021 (HERO10), 2022 (HERO11)

Overview

The GoPro HERO series of wearable, mountable action cameras transformed underwater video by making high-quality HD capture accessible to a broad audience of divers, snorkelers, and water sports enthusiasts. Their compact size, rugged waterproof housings, and ultra-wide-angle lenses made them particularly well-suited for underwater use, though their small dome ports initially caused focus problems that required third-party solutions. The cameras became ubiquitous in the underwater photography community, spawning a large ecosystem of housings, filters, lenses, and mounting accessories from manufacturers including Backscatter, Inon, Ikelite, Hugyfot, Recsea/Seatool, Subal, Isotta, and others.

Eric Cheng was an early adopter of GoPro cameras underwater, using them on Wetpixel expeditions as early as 2010 and publishing one of the first comprehensive housing round-ups in 2012 (^[1]). Backscatter named the GoPro HERO 2 the best entry-level underwater camera in their 2012 compact camera survey (^[2]).

Camera Generations

HD HERO (Original)

The original GoPro HD HERO was the camera that established GoPro in the underwater world. It offered 1080p video and a 170-degree fisheye lens in a compact, waterproof polycarbonate housing rated to 180 feet (60m). However, the built-in small dome port would not focus underwater, requiring third-party flat-port modifications from companies like Eye of Mine for sharp underwater footage (^[3]). Eric Cheng used one with an Eye of Mine housing on the 2010 Wetpixel Bahamas expedition to capture shark footage (^[4]). At DEMA 2010, ULCS debuted a prototype mounting bracket for attaching GoPro cameras to still camera housings (^[5]).

In January 2011, GoPro announced a 3D expansion kit at CES, allowing two HD HERO cameras to be combined into a single synchronized housing for stereoscopic 3D video (^[6]). The kit shipped in April 2011 for $99.99, with a waterproof housing rated to 180 feet and bundled GoPro CineForm Studio 3D editing software (^[7]). Eric Cheng published what was likely the first user review of the 3D system, noting that the standard housing still would not focus underwater and required flat-port modifications (^[8]).

The LCD BacPac, released in February 2011 at $79.99, was the first of several expansion modules, adding a detachable LCD screen for framing shots and navigating menus. It shipped with new backdoors for use with existing waterproof housings (^[9]). Reviewer Steve Douglas called it a welcome solution that “married GoPro owners’ wishes to a low-cost solution” (^[10]).

GoPro footage from 100 meters depth was captured in August 2011 during Alon Rivkind’s attempt on the Israeli free diving record, with one camera in a UK-Germany aluminum housing attached to the descent sled (^[11]).

HD HERO2 (October 2011)

The HD HERO2 featured a 2x faster processor, an 11-megapixel sensor delivering double the image detail, and a redesigned wide-angle lens that was 2x sharper. It offered 1080p30, 720p60, and 960p48 video, plus 10-photo-per-second burst mode and 0.5-second timelapse intervals. The camera retailed at $299.99 in three editions (Outdoor, Motorsports, Surf), all backwards-compatible with existing GoPro mounts (^[12]).

In a detailed review, Steve Douglas praised the HERO2’s improved menu system, faster sensor, and superior low-light performance compared to competitors. He found the underwater housing’s new flat port “greatly reduces the distortion” of the original, and noted the housing was rated to 180 feet. He described the HERO2 as beating “all competitors in this niche of camcorder/cameras hands down” (^[13]).

A major firmware update called Protune, developed in partnership with Technicolor, was announced at NAB 2012 and released in October 2012. It increased the data rate from 15Mbps to 35Mbps, added a 24fps frame rate, a CineStyle neutral color profile, log curve encoding, and reduced sharpening and noise reduction — significantly improving the camera’s integration into professional workflows (^[14], ^[15]). On the Wetpixel forum, Senior Moderator Paul Wags noted that the higher data rate would enhance blue water shots (forum thread, topic 48082).

HERO3 (October 2012)

The HERO3 was 30% smaller and 25% lighter than the HERO2, offered in three tiers: Black ($399), Silver ($299), and White ($199). The Black Edition was capable of capturing 4K video at 15fps — a first for any consumer camera at this price point — plus 2.7K at 30fps, 1080p at 60fps, 1440p at 48fps, 960p at 100fps, and 720p at 120fps, with 12MP stills. Both Silver and Black editions featured manual white balance control, and the standard housing included a “Dive Lens” for underwater use. The HERO3 received an Emmy Award from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for its contributions to filmmaking (^[16]).

HERO3+ (October 2013)

The HERO3+ refined the formula with a 20% smaller and lighter design, 30% better battery life, 4x faster Wi-Fi, and a new sharper lens. The Black Edition added SuperView (an immersive wide-angle mode) and Auto Low Light (intelligent frame rate adjustment). The Silver Edition gained 1080p60 and 720p120 capabilities. Black was $399.99, Silver $299.99 (^[17]).

HERO4 (September 2014)

The HERO4 was GoPro’s most ambitious release to date, with the Black Edition delivering cinema-quality 4K video at 30fps, 2.7K at 50fps, and 1080p at 120fps. The Silver Edition was the first GoPro with a built-in touch display. Both models introduced expanded Protune controls for Color, Sharpness, ISO Limit, and Exposure, plus Night Photo and Night Lapse modes with up to 30-second exposures. A new HiLight Tag feature let users mark key moments during recording. The HERO4 Black was $499, Silver $399, and a new entry-level HERO debuted at $129. Philip Bloom published an early “real world evolving review” confirming the specifications (^[18], ^[19]).

HERO4 Session (July 2015)

The HERO4 Session was 50% smaller and 40% lighter than the standard HERO4, waterproof to 33 feet (10m) without a separate housing, and featured a simple one-button design. It captured 1080p60, 720p100, and 1440p30 video with 8MP stills. A dual-microphone system dynamically switched between mics to reduce wind noise. Originally priced at $399.99, it represented GoPro’s first housing-free waterproof design (^[20]).

HERO5 Black & Session (September 2016)

The HERO5 marked a significant design shift: both the Black and Session models were waterproof to 33 feet (10m) without a housing. The HERO5 Black featured a 2-inch touch display, 4K30 video, 12MP photos, voice control in 7 languages, electronic video stabilization, a new distortion-free Linear View setting, RAW and WDR photo modes, and GPS. The cloud-connected GoPro Plus subscription service launched alongside, enabling auto-upload of footage while charging. HERO5 Black was $399.99, Session $299.99 (^[21]).

GoPro also launched the Karma drone alongside the HERO5, but was forced to recall all 2,500 units sold after discovering the drone could lose power and fall from the sky. GoPro’s stock had fallen dramatically from $80 to $10 per share by November 2016 (^[22]).

HERO (2018 Entry-Level)

In March 2018, GoPro released a new entry-level HERO at $199, recording 1440p and 1080p60 video with 10MP stills, waterproof to 30 feet, with a 2-inch touch display and video stabilization (^[23]).

HERO6 Black (September 2017)

The HERO6 Black introduced GoPro’s custom-designed GP1 processor, enabling 4K60 and 1080p240 video, dramatically improved video stabilization, better dynamic range and low-light performance, and 3x faster Wi-Fi (5GHz). GoPro also launched the Fusion 5.2K spherical camera alongside it. The HERO6 was $499.99 (^[24]).

HERO7 Black / Silver / White (September 2018)

The HERO7 Black introduced HyperSmooth, described as “the best in-camera video stabilization ever featured in a camera,” delivering gimbal-like stabilization without a gimbal — and importantly, working underwater where motorized gimbals typically fail. Other innovations included TimeWarp (stabilized time-lapse video), live streaming to Facebook/YouTube/Twitch/Vimeo, SuperPhoto with automatic HDR, and Portrait Mode for vertical capture. The HERO7 Black was $399, Silver $299, White $199 (^[25]).

HERO8 Black (October 2019)

The HERO8 Black featured a streamlined frameless design with built-in folding mounting fingers, HyperSmooth 2.0 (working in all resolutions and frame rates with a new Boost mode), TimeWarp 2.0 with automatic speed adjustment, four digital lenses (Narrow, Linear, Wide, SuperView), and a new modular accessory ecosystem including Media Mod ($79.99), Display Mod ($79.99), and Light Mod ($49.99). The Light Mod was waterproof to 33 feet. GoPro also launched the MAX dual-lens 360 camera ($499). The HERO8 was $399 (^[26]).

HERO9 Black (September 2020)

The HERO9 introduced a new sensor delivering 5K30 video and 20MP photos, HyperSmooth 3.0 with in-camera horizon leveling, a new 1.4-inch front-facing color display, a larger 2.27-inch rear touch display, and 30% longer battery life. A new Max Lens Mod accessory ($99.99) brought 360-degree horizon lock. GoPro eliminated plastic packaging in favor of a reusable travel case. The HERO9 was $449.99 ($349.98 with subscription) (^[27]).

HERO10 Black (September 2021)

Powered by the new GP2 processor, the HERO10 delivered 5.3K60, 4K120, and 2.7K240 video with 23MP photos. HyperSmooth 4.0 increased the horizon leveling tilt limit to 45 degrees. The GP2 processor also enabled improved local tone mapping and 3D noise reduction for better low-light performance. Cloud-connected auto-upload was a key feature. The HERO10 was $499.99 ($399.98 with subscription) (^[28]).

HERO11 Black (September 2022)

The HERO11 shipped in three versions: HERO11 Black, Creator Edition, and Mini. All featured a new 1/1.9-inch sensor capturing 10-bit color video (over 1 billion colors, a 64x increase over 8-bit), 5.3K60 video, and an 8:7 aspect ratio enabling the largest vertical field of view ever on a HERO. New features included HyperView (the widest native 16:9 FOV), HyperSmooth 5.0 with full 360-degree horizon lock, Night Effect time-lapse presets, and the high-performance Enduro battery extending recording times up to 38%. HERO11 Black was $499.99 ($399.98 for subscribers) (^[29]).

The Underwater Focus Problem

A defining issue in GoPro’s underwater history was the focus problem. The standard GoPro housing used a small curved dome port that could not focus underwater due to the change in refractive index between air and water. Alex Mustard noted that GoPro’s original housing was marketed as allowing underwater shooting “until everyone pointed out it wouldn’t actually focus underwater” (^[30]). Eric Cheng observed that “it’s become common knowledge in the SCUBA diving community that a flat-port lens is necessary for sharp videos and still pictures” and warned that many topside cameramen discovered their footage was blurry only after surfacing (^[31]).

This problem spawned a cottage industry of third-party flat-port solutions:

• Eye of Mine was the first flat-port housing ($79), also available as a 3D version ($149) — the only flat-port 3D solution without vignetting at full wide (^[32])
• Backscatter Custom Housing ($119) featured a glass lens and removable filter mount, plus a 3D version ($199) (^[33])
• Snake River Prototyping BlurFix placed a flat 55mm filter adapter in front of the OEM housing lens, available as a self-install kit ($75) or pre-mounted ($130). It also accepted URPro color correction filters (^[34])
• GoPro Dive Housing ($49.99) was GoPro’s own solution, featuring a large rectangular glass flat lens rated to 197 feet (60m), though it initially lacked filter compatibility — which Alex Mustard called “another underwater fail for GoPro” (^[35])
• Backscatter Flip Filter solved the GoPro Dive Housing’s filter limitation with a flip-up color correction filter that could be raised or lowered during a dive (^[36])
• Snake River Prototyping Dome was a slip-over cyan filter for the Dive Housing, tested in Tahiti with effective color correction between 8-30 meters depth (^[37])

Housing Ecosystem

Beyond the focus issue, a wide range of underwater housings were developed for GoPro cameras:

Aluminum Housings (Recreational Depth)

• UK-Germany released a machined aluminum housing rated to 100 meters (330 feet) in July 2011, priced at €420 ($598). Community response was that the price was too high for a camera costing $299 (^[38])
• Hugyfot announced an aluminum housing for the GoPro HERO3 in January 2013 (499 Euros), with unique features including an extended battery pack for up to 6 hours of use, an external waterproof monitor on a 3-meter cable, and external microphone capability. Both camera and monitor housings were rated to 100 meters (^[39])
• Hugyfot Vision HERO5 followed for the HERO5 generation (^[40])
• Hugyfot Vision Xs for the HERO8 featured an integrated HD IPS monitor with peaking (^[41])
• Isotta shipped aluminum housings for the HERO7 (^[42]) and HERO8 Black (^[43])
• Subal announced an aluminum housing for the HERO5 (^[44])
• Carbonarm (Easydive) shipped a 250-meter rated aluminum housing for the HERO8 (^[45])

Deep-Sea Housings

• Recsea announced aluminum housings for the HERO3 (^[46]) and shipped a 300-meter rated housing for the HERO5 (^[47])
• Seatool/Recsea offered a range of deep housings for HERO5/6/7 cameras at ratings from 300m to 3,000m (9,842 feet), with models featuring extended battery compartments for 4-8 hours of recording (^[48])
• Anglerfish announced a custom aluminum 1,000-meter housing for the HERO9, constructed of 7075 T6 aircraft aluminum with sapphire glass lens and AR coating. A 3,000-meter version was available on request. The housing supported GoPro MediaMod for HDMI out and external power, with M14 bulkheads for high-voltage power supply enabling deployment with 2km cables (^[49])

Other Housing Accessories

• Hero Armor offered crowdfunded housings for the GoPro HERO (^[50])
• DeepPro released GoPro housings in 2014 (^[51])
• Easydive shipped a “Comby” system combining smartphone and GoPro (^[52])

Accessory Ecosystem

Lenses and Filters

• Inon designed a comprehensive GoPro lens system including the UFL-G140 SD semi-fisheye conversion lens (restoring the camera’s native 151-degree air FOV underwater, where refraction reduces it to 94 degrees) and the UCL-G165 SD wide close-up lens (enabling focus at 2.8 inches for HERO3 or 2.0 inches for HERO3+/4). Both were wet-mountable and paired with Inon’s SD Mount Cage (^[53], ^[54])
• Inon also shipped SD Front Masks for the HERO5 (^[55]), color filter sets (^[56], ^[57]), front masks for HERO8/9 (^[58]), a new lens mount system (^[59]), a selfie attachment (^[60]), and confirmed HERO11 compatibility for their accessory line (^[61])
• KNECT released a KSD6 dome port for GoPro, pressure-tested to 135 feet (^[62])
• Backscatter developed Flip Filters for GoPro housings (^[63])

Mounting and Stabilization

• ULCS released GoPro mounting options including a ball mount cage (preventing loss if the housing’s plastic tab breaks) and an AD-GO tripod adapter, first shown at DEMA 2010 (^[64]). They later released a polecam system for GoPro cameras (^[65])
• Ikelite launched a full range of GoPro accessories in January 2014 including a Steady Tray ($45), Pistol Grip ($15), Quick Release Handles ($35 each), a DSLR top mount kit ($40) for capturing video while shooting stills, and a Gamma light mounting kit ($55) (^[66])
• Light & Motion launched the GoPro Sidekick on Kickstarter in January 2015, a 600-lumen light designed to clip directly onto GoPro cameras (^[67])

Software

• GoPro acquired CineForm in March 2011, incorporating the professional video codec company’s technology into the 3D HERO system and future products. CineForm’s 444 Codec was used in Hollywood films including Slumdog Millionaire. CineForm became a division of GoPro, with the codec renamed “GoPro CineForm” (^[68])
• CrumplePop developed plug-ins specifically for GoPro POV footage editing (^[69])

Reviews & Discussion

• ^[70] — Eric Cheng’s shark footage from the Wetpixel Bahamas expedition using an Eye of Mine flat-port housing. Article (editorial source).
• ^[71] — Steve Douglas reviews the LCD BacPac, praising GoPro for fulfilling user requests. Article (editorial source).
• ^[72] — Eric Cheng’s early review of the 3D expansion kit, noting underwater focus limitations. Article (editorial source).
• ^[73] — Eric Cheng’s comprehensive comparison of Eye of Mine, Backscatter, and GoPro Dive Housing options, with community commentary from Alex Mustard. Article (editorial source).
• ^[74] — Steve Douglas’s in-depth review, declaring the HERO2 beats all competitors. Article (editorial source).
• ^[75] — Fabrice Charleux’s Tahiti field review of the SRP Dome color correction filter. Article (editorial source).
• ^[76] — Professional filmmaker Philip Bloom’s early “real world evolving review.” Article (editorial source).
• ^[77] — Adam Hanlon reviews the Inon SD Cage, conversion lenses, arms, and lights during the Wetpixel Tiger Sharks 2015 expedition. Article (editorial source).

Community Discussion

• Gopro Dual Hero 3D Thread (57 replies, topic 55553) — Extensive community discussion of 3D filming with dual GoPro setups.
• GoPro Hero2 Protune Firmware (35 replies, topic 48082) — Community excitement over the Protune firmware update increasing bitrate from 15Mbps to 35Mbps, with Senior Moderator Paul Wags noting improved blue water shot quality.
• Gopro Hero3 vs Hero2 (28 replies, topic 49088) — Community comparison of the two generations, helping users decide on upgrades.
• Video tests of GoPro HD underwater housing (30 replies, topic 37243) — Early community testing and discussion of GoPro underwater housing performance.
• GoPro HD Housing (27 replies, topic 39832) — Discussion of housing options and underwater focus issues.
• GoPro experiences & tips (14 replies, topic 47503) — Community sharing of tips for underwater GoPro use.
• GoPro 2 fogging remedy? (21 replies, topic 51636) — Troubleshooting the common fogging issue with GoPro housings.
• GoPro close-up mod for underwater (13 replies, topic 50191) — Discussion of close-up lens modifications for underwater macro.
• Hugyfot GoPro housing (8 replies, topic 49580) — Discussion of Hugyfot’s aluminum housing, battery pack, and external monitor.
• GoPro Acquires Cineform (3 replies, topic 40801) — Community reaction to GoPro’s acquisition of CineForm codec company.
• First Underwater 360 Video with GoPros (11 replies, topic 48529) — Early exploration of 360-degree underwater video using multiple GoPros.
• Critters Of Sulawesi - GoPro Macro Video (18 replies, topic 54553) — Demonstrating GoPro macro video capabilities.
• Sony RX100 VA vs GoPro Hero 7 (topic 64072) — Community comparing the GoPro to Sony’s compact camera for underwater use.
• Stepping up from GoPro 11 - Suggestions Please (9 replies, topic 70442) — Users seeking to graduate from GoPro to more capable underwater camera systems.
• AOI UH-GP GoPro housing announced (16 replies, topic 71415) — Discussion of newer GoPro housing options.

Timeline

• 2010-09: Eric Cheng posts shark footage shot with GoPro HERO in Eye of Mine housing during Wetpixel Bahamas expedition (^[78])
• 2010-10: DiveFilm HD podcast features shark bite GoPro footage (^[79])
• 2010-11: ULCS debuts GoPro mounting bracket prototype at DEMA 2010 (^[80])
• 2011-01: 3D expansion kit announced at CES (^[81])
• 2011-02: LCD BacPac released at $79.99 (^[82])
• 2011-04: GoPro acquires CineForm codec company (^[83]); 3D HERO system ships at $99.99 (^[84])
• 2011-07: UK-Germany releases 100-meter aluminum housing at €420 (^[85])
• 2011-08: BlurFix flat-port adapter released by Snake River Prototyping (^[86]); GoPro footage captured at 100-meter free dive depth (^[87])
• 2011-10: HD HERO2 announced at $299.99 (^[88]); 48-camera GoPro array used for Rip Curl surf film (^[89])
• 2012-04: Protune/CineStyle firmware announced at NAB 2012 (^[90])
• 2012-05: Eric Cheng publishes GoPro underwater housing round-up (^[91]); Backscatter announces Flip Filter for GoPro Dive Housing (^[92])
• 2012-10: Protune firmware released (^[93]); HERO3 announced with 4K capability (^[94])
• 2012-12: Recsea announces housing for HERO3 (^[95])
• 2013-01: Hugyfot announces aluminum housing with 6-hour battery pack for HERO3 at 499 Euros (^[96])
• 2013-10: HERO3+ released (^[97])
• 2014-01: Ikelite launches full GoPro accessory line (^[98])
• 2014-09: Inon releases GoPro lens system with semi-fisheye and wide close-up lenses (^[99]); HERO4 announced with 4K30 (^[100])
• 2015-07: HERO4 Session released — first housing-free waterproof GoPro (^[101])
• 2016-09: HERO5 Black and Session announced, both waterproof without housing; Karma drone launched (^[102])
• 2016-11: All 2,500 Karma drones recalled; GoPro stock at $10 (down from $80) (^[103])
• 2016-12: Recsea ships 300m rated housing for HERO5 (^[104])
• 2017-01: Subal announces HERO5 housing (^[105])
• 2017-04: GoPro launches trade-in program offering $100 off HERO5 Black for any older model (^[106])
• 2017-09: HERO6 Black announced with GP1 processor, 4K60 and 1080p240 (^[107])
• 2018-03: Entry-level HERO (2018) at $199 (^[108])
• 2018-09: HERO7 Black introduces HyperSmooth stabilization (^[109])
• 2018-10: Isotta ships HERO7 housing (^[110])
• 2019-07: Seatool/Recsea offers HERO5/6/7 housings at 300m to 3,000m depth ratings (^[111])
• 2019-10: HERO8 Black and MAX announced; modular Mods ecosystem launched (^[112])
• 2020-09: HERO9 Black ships with 5K video and 20MP sensor (^[113])
• 2021-06: Anglerfish announces 1,000-meter (with optional 3,000m) housing for HERO9 (^[114])
• 2021-09: HERO10 Black ships with GP2 processor, 5.3K60 video (^[115])
• 2022-09: HERO11 Black ships with 10-bit color, 1/1.9-inch sensor, HyperSmooth 5.0 (^[116])
• 2022-11: Inon confirms HERO11 compatibility for their GoPro accessory line (^[117])

References