If you’re looking for a rugged action camera to capture your adventures, the GoPro Hero 10 Black still packs a punch even in 2025. I’ve personally used this camera extensively for motorcycle riding, and today I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about this reliable action cam.
Price and Availability
Initially launched in September 2021 at around $499 (£479), the Hero 10 is now priced significantly lower - typically around $349 (£349) if you bundle it with GoPro’s subscription service. Given the subscription offers unlimited cloud backup, substantial accessory discounts, and a no-questions-asked camera replacement, it’s definitely worth considering.
The 2nd hand market price for this camera is a steal, providing you don’t mind someone else’s pre-loved camera! The pre-loved price at the time of writing on eBay is around $212 (£160), seriously tempting for bargain hunters!
The GoPro HERO 10 Black: Features at a Glance
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Weight | 153 g |
| Dimensions | 71.8 mm × 50.8 mm × 33.6 mm |
| Video Capture Resolution | 5.3 K @ 60 fps, 4 K @ 120 fps, 2.7 K @ 240 fps |
| Photo Capture | 23 MP |
| Battery | 1 720 mAh |
| Waterproof | Up to 10 m (33 ft) |
| Stabilization | HyperSmooth 4.0 |
| Other Features | 8× Slo-Mo, 1080 p Live Streaming, Webcam Mode |
Design and Build Quality
The Hero 10 closely resembles its predecessor, the Hero 9, with the same rugged body, dual screens, and waterproofing down to 10 meters (33 feet) without a protective case. One noticeable design update is the blue “GoPro” logo and model lettering. That one small visual tweak clearly sets the Hero 10 out from previous models.
A significant improvement is the hydrophobic lens cover. Previously, water droplets would ruin footage, forcing action camera enthusiasts (like me) to wipe or the lens if it got wet. The new coating repels water efficiently, which is great for rainy conditions or watersports.
Performance and Features
GP2 Processor: A Much-Needed Upgrade
The biggest upgrade in the Hero 10 is the GP2 processor. This new chip significantly improves responsiveness, eliminating the lag that was common in earlier GoPros. Booting up, changing settings, and navigating menus now feels much more responsive. But the real power of the processor is in video encoding, a task we love the GoPro range for.
Video and Photo Capabilities of the GoPro Hero 10 Black
Supported Video Resolutions
| Resolution | Frame Rates | Max Bitrate |
|---|---|---|
| 5.3K (16:9) | 60, 30, 24 fps | 100 Mbps |
| 5K (4:3) | 30, 24 fps | 100 Mbps |
| 4K (16:9) | 120, 60, 30, 24 fps | 100 Mbps |
| 4K (4:3) | 60, 30, 24 fps | 100 Mbps |
| 2.7K (16:9) | 240, 120, 60 fps | 100 Mbps |
| 1080p (16:9) | 240, 120, 60, 30 fps | 100 Mbps |
Supported Photo Resolutions
| Mode | Resolution | Aspect Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Photo | 23 MP | 4:3 |
| SuperPhoto | 23 MP (with HDR and auto enhancements) | 4:3 |
| RAW Photo | 23 MP | 4:3 |
| Photo from Video | Up to ~19.6 MP (from 5.3K video) | 16:9 |
| Time Lapse Photo | 23 MP | 4:3 |
The Hero 10 supports impressive video resolutions, topping out at 5.3K at 60fps, 4K at 120fps, and 2.7K at a massive 240fps, a framerate that enables capture of stunning slow-motion footage.
Photos also receive a boost to 23 megapixels for crisp and detailed shots. While image quality is excellent in bright conditions, GoPro’s sensor struggles somewhat in low-light scenarios where it typically yields dark, grainy and low detail results.
HyperSmooth 4.0: Stabilization Magic
GoPro’s HyperSmooth 4.0 is unmatched. On a motorcycle, where vibration and quick movements are constant, the stabilization on the Hero 10 is astonishing. Footage remains stable even in extreme conditions, and the horizon-leveling feature, which corrects angles up to 45 degrees, ensures your shots always look professional. This feature just makes the GoPro perfect for my use case.
Other Features
8x Slo-Mo: 240fps recording in 2.7k and 1080p enables the user to capture those heart stopping moments in ultra slow-motion. The footage is sharp, vibrant, and handles motion incredibly well.
1080P Live Streaming You can live-stream directly from the Hero10 in 1080p to platforms like YouTube, Facebook, etc., with HyperSmooth stabilization enabled.
Webcam Mode After updating to the latest firmware and installing GoPro’s Webcam Desktop Utility, the Hero10 can function as a 1080P webcam over USB-C on Windows and macOS.
Battery Life and Thermal Management
Battery performance is decent but not groundbreaking, I’ve found that recording lasts around 40 minutes at higher resolutions. For all-day adventures, carry spare batteries or invest in GoPro’s Enduro battery, which significantly boosts recording time, particularly in colder climates.
The Hero 10 can heat up during extended high-resolution shoots. While this is not a problem on a motorcycle due to the relative wind cooling the camera, but this issue, which affects even full frame 4k cameras, should be taken into consideration if you intend to use camera indoors or in hot temperature conditions. This is an action camera, intended for adventure sports like skydiving, skiing, motorcycling etc. A practical tip: record shorter clips or providing airflow all but eliminates this issue.
Software and User Experience
The touchscreen interface is smooth and responsive, but still takes a little bit of patience to use. In any case, I prefer to dial in my settings ahead of time and just use the start / stop button when filming, preferring to avoid tweaks while I’m out riding.
I’m sorry GoPro, but I find that the GoPro Quik app just gets in the way of file transfer. I prefer plugging my GoPro into a PC and copying the footage to the PC using Windows Explorer. I do use the camera menu to format the SD card once I’ve grabbed the footage. GoPro Quik also supports editing footage, but I’m so used to Adobe Premier Pro that I don’t care for anything else.
Voice commands are another oft touted feature that I routinely disable. I prefer to ensure all my battery juice goes towards recording footage, so I just press the record button and start riding, I don’t give the camera another thought.
Accessories: Official vs Budget Options
GoPro accessories are fantastic but they can also be pricey. Fortunately, there’s a thriving third-party market providing affordable, reliable alternatives. Personally, I’ve found third-party helmet mounts, handlebar clamps, and chest harnesses offer excellent value. However, investing in the Enduro battery is worthwhile for the extended recording duration.
Long-Term Durability: A Real-World Perspective
Having used the Hero 10 extensively for motorcycle rides and travel over a period of two years, I can vouch for its durability. It’s survived multiple drops, high-speed rain exposure without issues. The lens and screens have proven robust against scratches, though I always use a lens and screen protector for added peace of mind. They’re inexpensive and I can be a bit…up tight about getting my screens / lenses scratched!
Unique Tips for Motorcycle Riders
The Hero 10 is a little powerhouse of a camera and is really great for us motorcycle riders. But I really wish this camera had external mic bluetooth connectivity, as sound recording requires a complex arrangement of cabling and GoPro’s media mod for high quality sound recording. And you need plenty of sellotape to ensure the cabling doesn’t constantly smash into the exterior of your helmet while riding!
A picture is worth a thousand words as they say, so if you’re a rider and want to include audio while riding, check out the video below!
- Mount Placement: I find a chin mount provides the best POV, capturing both the bike’s handlebars and the road ahead.
- Footage Settings: Shooting in “Linear + Horizon Leveling” mode removes distortion, providing professional-looking footage straight out of the camera.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional stabilization (HyperSmooth 4.0)
- Improved responsiveness (GP2 processor)
- Durable, rugged build
- Strong video capabilities (5.3K60, 4K120)
- Waterproof without additional casing
Cons:
- Overheats with prolonged high-resolution filming
- Moderate battery life (carry spares)
- Average low-light performance
FAQs
Is the Hero 10 waterproof? Yes, waterproof up to 33 feet without additional housing.
Does it overheat? It can during prolonged high-res filming; keep clips short or provide airflow.
Are Hero 9 accessories compatible? Yes, fully compatible, including batteries and mounts.
How good is stabilization on the Hero 10? Excellent, best-in-class with HyperSmooth 4.0.
Can it livestream? Yes, even with stabilization enabled.
Conclusion: Still a Worthy Buy?
Absolutely. The GoPro Hero 10 Black remains a fantastic choice, especially at its current discounted prices. It delivers excellent video quality, unmatched stabilization, and robust durability - perfect for adventure enthusiasts. While newer models might offer incremental improvements, the Hero 10 provides superb value, performance, and reliability that’s hard to beat even in 2025.
Whether you’re capturing weekend rides, epic travels, or everyday adventures, the Hero 10 still ticks all the right boxes.