Is a GoPro Good for Vlogging?

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Are you on the hunt for a new vlogging camera and considering buying a GoPro? You’ve come to the right place!

In this article, I will teach you all about action cameras, share my favorite GoPro accessories, and answer the big question everyone wants to know: Is a GoPro good for vlogging?

I will break down the pros and cons of vlogging with a GoPro and even give some recommendations about which GoPro to buy depending on your budget and what you like to shoot. Let’s get to it!

What are Action Cameras?
Are GoPros Good for Vlogging?
Essential Accessories for Vlogging With a GoPro
Which GoPros are Best for Vlogging?
Final Thoughts About is a GoPro Good for Vlogging

What are Action Cameras?

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Action cameras are small, lightweight, durable cameras designed for adventure, action, and travel photography/filmmaking. They can be used handheld or mounted onto literally anything using the endless different mounts.

The chest, head, and wrist are the most popular places to install action cameras on the body. Additionally, they are frequently mounted onto tripods, bicycles, surfboards, backpacks, and even dogs!

While many companies have started producing their own action cameras in recent years, GoPro is, without a doubt, the king of the market. Whereas other camera brands sell action cameras as complimentary items to their signature products, action cameras are the heart and soul of GoPros business and the only cameras they manufacture.

Due to their compact bodies and attractive price points, one frequently asked question is: Are GoPros good for vlogging? Let’s find out next!

Are GoPros Good for Vlogging?

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In the past, GoPros were specialized cameras only used for adventure sports. However, that is no longer the case because of significant technological advancements. The newest GoPros boast high-end vlogging features such as 4K video (5K in select cameras), in-body image stabilization, and excellent low-light performance.

Thanks to these premium features, they are now serious competitors of DSLR and mirrorless cameras. So much so that more and more vloggers and YouTubers are deciding to make GoPros their primary cameras for everyday use.

Personally, I love shooting videos and pictures with GoPros and find they are excellent vlogging cameras, especially when traveling or hiking. I have owned multiple models throughout the years and bring them with me everywhere!

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So, is a GoPro good for vlogging? For me, the answer is, heck yeah, it is! But is it the best option for you? That depends on exactly what you are looking for from a camera. Let’s check out a detailed list of the pros and cons of vlogging with a GoPro and find out if it’s the perfect option for you!

Pros:

Incredibly compact and lightweight
Cheaper than most DSLR and mirrorless cameras
Fast, easy to use interface
Dual screens on the front and the back of the camera
Fully waterproof without a case
In-camera image stabilization technology
4K or 5K video capabilities
USB charging from anywhere
It can be used while charging
Durable, rugged body built for extreme conditions
Wide-angle shooting is excellent for vlogging
Versatility and mounting options
Built-in Wi-Fi for quick sharing
Dedicated time-lapse mode
Slow-motion recording in camera

Cons:

No interchangeable lenses
Older versions aren’t great in low light conditions
Buying extra GoPro brand batteries is expensive
Battery life leaves room for improvement
Photo quality can’t match DSLR and mirrorless cameras

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Essential Accessories for Vlogging With a GoPro

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One of the features that make GoPros so good for vlogging is their versatility and how many amazing compatible accessories there are for them. While the list is neverending, I want to highlight a few of my favorites here.

Hands down, my favorite piece of gear to pair with a GoPro is the Octopad. It’s a small, portable stand ideal for any adventure. The first great feature that makes it stand out is its patented anti-skid base. It allows you to place the stand on nearly any surface (including slanted and uneven surfaces) and never slides or falls over.

More cool features that make it superior to other mini-tripods include a mini ball head, a cable strap for tucking away in-use cables under the base, and a clip grommet allowing you to carry it with a carabiner or lanyard. On top of that, it’s not only compatible with GoPros. It can hold lights, external microphones, monitors, and even larger cameras like DSLR and mirrorless cameras.

Here’s a list of other must-have GoPro accessories for vlogging I love to use:

Which GoPros are Best for Vlogging?

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The easy answer is the GoPro Hero 10 Black. It is GoPros most recently released and most advanced action camera to date. Video features include 5K video at 60 fps, 4K video at up to 120 fps, and 1080p video at up to 240 fps. It’s one of the only cameras in the world, action or otherwise, that can match all those different shooting speeds.

Furthermore, it boasts HyperSmooth 4.0 image stabilization, 23 megapixel still images, a new G2 image processor, and the longest-lasting battery of any GoPro.

My top two choices for those of you on a budget are the GoPro Hero 9 Black and the GoPro Hero 8 Black. They are both powerful vlogging cameras and have seen significant price drops since the release of the Hero 10 Black.

Another GoPro worth mentioning is the GoPro Max. It’s a unique camera capable of shooting stunning 360° footage. While it won’t be for everyone, if you want to record 360° video, it’s the top camera on the market.

Final Thoughts

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If size, weight, and portability are important to you, GoPros are the best cameras on the planet for vloggers. With GoPros, there’s no need for lugging heavy gimbals around to get smooth footage. Instead, pair them with awesome accessories like the Octopad!