Choosing the best GoPro for hunting can significantly enhance your hunting trips by allowing you to review footage and capture cherishable moments. However, finding the right GoPro camera can be tricky since they all have different features and advantages.
Hi, my name is Larry. I’ve been using GoPro cameras for nearly 10 years and have tested all 20+ GoPro camera models. As an outdoor enthusiast, I have recorded a handful of hunting trips in Alaska, Colorado, and Montana.
In today’s in-depth guide, I’m going to discuss what makes the best GoPro for hunting, answer a few common questions you may have, and share my list of the best GoPros for hunting.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly which GoPro to use for your next exhilarating hunting trip.
Keep reading to learn more!
Contents
Key Takeaways
- GoPro is not the only brand that’s good for hunting, there are also some action cameras, such as the Tactacam 5.0 and the DJI Action 2, that are also a great fit.
- Battery life and footage quality are the two most important factors when choosing a GoPro for hunting.
- If you only hunt once or twice a year, I don’t recommend investing in a GoPro or any other action camera.
- The GoPro HERO10 Black is the best overall GoPro for hunting.
- The GoPro HERO8 Black is the best option for budget-conscious hunters.
How do you use a GoPro when hunting?
There are several ways to mount a GoPro camera to your body so you can use both of your hands while hunting. My favorite options are the head mount that clamps directly to my hunting cap or a chest mount that goes around my body. I also recommend using a hand mount for times you need to take a specific shot while you’re hunting.
What GoPro is best for hunting?
The GoPro HERO10 Black is the best GoPro for hunting because it features the latest recording and camera technology from GoPro. This camera is also waterproof and has the largest LCD screen on a GoPro camera. Furthermore, the HERO10 Black features the new GP2 processor, which enhances its speed and recording capabilities.
Can you use a GoPro as a wildlife camera?
GoPros are excellent wildlife cameras because they are small and compact. Best of all, they’re waterproof and can take high-quality videos and pictures. GoPros can capture detailed videos and photos at a close distance, and you can mount them directly near a feeding area to shoot maximum activity. I recommend using an extended pole to capture closer distances.
Is GoPro good for deer hunting?
GoPros are great introductory action cameras for deer hunting because they are affordable, lightweight, and compact. In addition, they allow you to capture immense detail through their wide-angle lens. I recommend starting with a GoPro camera and then upgrading to a professional video camera once you have experience filming your deer hunting trips.
Does GoPro have motion detection?
GoPros have a motion detection feature that uses a high-resolution image sensor to detect when to start and stop recording. However, your camera should be mounted so that it’s not moving, so the GoPro only records once the subject moves. The best video resolutions to use are 4K at 30fps, 2.7K at 60fps, or 1080p at 120fps for the motion detection feature.
What Makes the Best GoPro for Hunting
There are many various factors that you should consider when choosing the best GoPro for hunting. Most of all, you need to ensure you know why you want to buy one and what you will use it for.
For hunters, a good action camera can be the difference between hitting your shots and missing your shots. Since you can upload your GoPro footage to a computer and play it back in slow motion, GoPros are incredible tools for bettering your accuracy and enhancing your hunting trips.
That being said, let’s discuss five criteria to use when choosing the right GoPro for hunting.
- Footage Quality: In truth, there is no use in having a GoPro that doesn’t capture crystal-clear videos. Any video resolution lower than 1080p is suboptimal for today’s technological world. However, GoPro cameras can record up to 5.3K video footage on the newest models, producing breathtaking image quality.
- Mounting Flexibility: Mounting options are just as important as video quality when it comes to hunting. Since hunting is an action sport with unique movements and requirements, you need a GoPro camera with the best mounting options for your specific situation and setup. If you can’t mount your GoPro properly, you won’t be able to use it to capture the best footage possible.
- Weight and Size: You will want a lightweight and compact action camera during hunting trips since you’re likely carrying a heavy load already. Fortunately, GoPro cameras are lightweight and small enough to comfortably bring on long hunting trips.
- Waterproofing: As a hunter, you may need to traverse through creeks, streams, or rivers. Therefore, you need a GoPro that’s waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about breaking the camera if it gets wet. Luckily, the newer line of GoPro cameras is all waterproof as-is without the need for protective housing.
- Image Stabilization: You may be prone to shaky movements during hunting escapades as you’re chasing your prey. For this reason, you need a GoPro with the best image stabilization possible for your situation. While all GoPros have built-in image stabilization, newer GoPros have better stabilization technology.
The Top 5 Best GoPros for Hunting
It’s time to dive into my list of the 5 best GoPros for hunting. Remember, this list is based on my personal experiences as a GoPro expert for the last decade. Since I’ve used and heavily tested every GoPro camera available, I know exactly what features make the best GoPro for hunting.
Let’s dive right into the list.
1. GoPro HERO10 Black (Best Overall)
- Max Video Resolution: 5.3K at 60fps
- Max Photo Resolution: 23MP (Megapixels)
- Image Stabilization: HyperSmooth 4.0
- Dimensions (W x H x D) and Weight: 2.8 x 2.2 x 1.3” / 5.6 ounces
The GoPro HERO10 Black is the newest GoPro action camera and features the all-new GP2 processor. A camera’s processor is the engine that powers and operates it. Therefore, the GP2 processor offers better footage quality, faster camera speeds, and a more responsive LCD touchscreen.
Since the GoPro HERO10 Black is the only GoPro camera with the GP2 processor, it has nearly double the performance capabilities and frame rates compared to older GoPro models. This lets you capture immensely high-quality footage when you’re hunting. Furthermore, the GoPro HERO10 Black offers the highest photo and video resolutions out of every GoPro camera.
This camera is also the only GoPro with HyperSmooth 4.0 image stabilization technology. HyperSmooth is GoPro’s electronic image stabilization (EIS) technology introduced in the GoPro HERO7 Black. This technology lets the camera deliver gimbal-like stabilization to create smooth video footage during shaky hunting adventures.
Compared to HyperSmooth 3.0, 2.0, and 1.0, HyperSmooth 4.0 improves the built-in horizon feature of the camera by raising the tilt angle limit from 27 to 45 degrees. This gives the camera the maximum opportunity to smooth out the biggest shakes while hunting prey.
However, the main reason you may be hesitant about purchasing the GoPro HERO10 Black is how much it costs. Because it’s the latest GoPro camera release, it’s relatively more expensive than other GoPro cameras. Nonetheless, the small increase in price is worth the investment if you want the best GoPro for hunting.
My Verdict: The GoPro HERO10 Black is an ultramodern action camera perfect for amateur and experienced hunters. This is the best action camera for hunting because of its high-quality footage quality, image stabilization features, and overall compactness and durability.
2. GoPro HERO9 Black (Best Previous Generation)
- Max Video Resolution: 5K at 30fps
- Max Photo Resolution: 20MP
- Image Stabilization: HyperSmooth 3.0
- Dimensions (W x H x D) and Weight: 2.8 x 2.2 x 1.3” / 5.6 ounces
The GoPro HERO9 Black is another amazing GoPro action camera for hunting. However, you can think of the GoPro HERO9 Black as a slightly less capable version of the GoPro HERO10 Black. This is because it features the GP1 processor and HyperSmooth 3.0, which are older versions of GoPro technology.
Nevertheless, the GoPro HERO9 Black delivers on all ends as a hunting camera. It has the ability to record 5K footage at 30 fps to capture highly detailed shots. Furthermore, the 20MP camera lets you take high-quality pictures.
As I mentioned earlier, this camera uses HyperSmooth 3.0. Although this is an older version of GoPro’s electronic image stabilization, it’s still better than most image stabilizers on the market. Therefore, you can easily record buttery smooth footage despite shaking around and maneuvering the camera while running and hunting.
Similar to the GoPro HERO10 Black, the HERO9 Black features a better battery, a bigger LCD touchscreen, and higher footage quality than older GoPro models. This camera is also waterproof by itself up to 10 meters or 33 feet.
The only drawback to the GoPro HERO9 Black is that it isn’t the GoPro HERO10 Black. Knowing there’s a better option available may make you think twice before purchasing the HERO9 Black. However, this is still a perfectly capable action camera for 99% of hunters who want an action camera to upgrade their hunting trips and skill level.
My Verdict: The GoPro HERO9 Black is the best older generation GoPro for hunting because it’s relatively similar to the GoPro HERO10 Black. Although it doesn’t have the same recording settings, it still outclasses most action cameras on the market. The HERO9 Black offers more than enough for most hunters.
3. GoPro HERO5 Session (Best Compact)
- Max Video Resolution: 4K at 30fps
- Max Photo Resolution: 10MP
- Image Stabilization: In-camera video stabilization
- Dimensions (W x H x D) and Weight: 1.5 x 1.5 x 1.4” / 2.6 ounces
The GoPro HERO5 Session is one of the most miniature action cameras available since it’s only 1.5 inches long and 2.6 ounces heavy. This means you can carry this action camera in the palm of your hand or jacket pocket without any hassle. Keep in mind that 1.5-inch is the same length as a sewing need or safety pin. This paints a picture of how small the camera actually is.
Weighing in at only 74 grams, or the same as four AA batteries, you can easily mount the camera to your body without the weight affecting your movements. This is key for hunters who travel at a rapid pace as they’re chasing their prey.
The video settings on this camera are no slouches either. Even though this camera came out in 2016, it can record video in 4K at 30fps, 2.7K at 48fps, 1440p at 60fps, and 1080p at 90fps. This gives you many options to record at your preferred video resolution for the best shots possible.
However, there are a few downsides due to the camera’s size. First of all, this camera has a built-in battery. Unfortunately, this means you can’t bring extra batteries to swap in once the HERO5 Session’s battery dies. Therefore, I recommend bringing a portable charger and cable to keep your GoPro powered during long hunting trips.
Secondly, the GoPro HERO5 Session doesn’t have an LCD screen. So to quickly view your GoPro footage, you must connect the GoPro to your phone.
My Verdict: The GoPro HERO5 Session is the best GoPro for hunters who want the smallest and most lightweight action camera. Even though the camera is tiny, it can still record 4K video resolution at 30fps, allowing you to capture incredibly detailed footage during your adventures.
4. GoPro HERO8 Black (Best Budget)
- Max Video Resolution: 4K at 60fps
- Max Photo Resolution: 12MP
- Image Stabilization: HyperSmooth 2.0
- Dimensions (W x H x D) and Weight: 2.4 x 1.3 x 1.8” / 4.13 ounces
The GoPro HERO8 Black is an impressive budget-friendly action camera with 4K video recording settings and impressive electronic image stabilization technology. In fact, you can choose to record at 4K wide or 4K linear at 60fps, 2.7K at 120fps, 1080p at 240fps, and much more.
Recording at higher fps settings lets you put high-quality slo-mo on the video during post-production editing. Since 30fps is the standard frame rate setting, 60fps lets you slow the video to 0.5x speed, and 120fps lets you slow the footage to 0.25x speed.
In addition to excellent video resolution settings, the GoPro HERO8 Black also features HyperSmooth 2.0. Although this EIS technology is two generations older than HyperSmooth 4.0, it can still produce unbelievable smooth footage during shaky situations. I was impressed at my HERO8 Black’s video quality as I shook my camera while chasing a deer.
In comparison to even older GoPro camera models, the HERO8 Black offers a built-in mount, twice the shock resistance, and a better battery. This means you can use the camera for extended hunting trips, drop it without damaging it, and easily attach mounts and accessories.
However, since the GoPro HERO8 Black is an older generation GoPro camera, it doesn’t feature the same advanced technologies seen on the GoPro HERO10 Black. It also has a smaller LCD screen size at only 2 inches, while the HERO9 and HERO10 Black have a 2.27-inch screen.
My Verdict: The GoPro HERO8 Black is the best budget-friendly option because it’s two generations older than the GoPro HERO10 Black and has a lower price tag. Even though it’s more affordable than the HERO10 and HERO 9 Black, it has all the recording and camera settings you need to enhance your hunting trips significantly.
5. GoPro MAX (Best 360° Shots)
- Max Video Resolution: 5.6K at 30fps
- Max Photo Resolution: 16.6MP
- Image Stabilization: HyperSmooth 2.0
- Dimensions (W x H x D) and Weight: 2.7 x 2.5 x 0.94” / 5.4 ounces
The GoPro MAX is a 360-degree camera with 180-degree forward and rear-facing lenses that captures everything around itself at the same time. Recording a hunting trip with a standard GoPro wide-angle lens is one thing, but 360-degree cameras get the entire view. Therefore, you can rewatch the footage and crop it from any angle.
In terms of electronic image stabilization, the GoPro MAX features HyperSmooth 2.0, the same EIS on the GoPro HERO8 Black. As such, you can expect sturdy and stable video footage when recording unsteady hunting footage.
However, the only reason to purchase the GoPro MAX is if you want to use a 360-degree camera. If a 360-degree camera doesn’t sound appealing to you, I recommend choosing another option on the list.
Furthermore, the best way to view 360-degree videos is through VR and a VR headset. Even though you aren’t required to push your videos into VR experiences, you can use GoPros software tools to convert your 360-degree videos to flat videos. You can choose from aspect ratios of 1:1, 16:9, 4:3, or 9:16.
My Verdict: The GoPro MAX is a unique action camera because it features a 360-degree lens, allowing you to capture unique shots. The GoPro MAX is a no-brainer if you want to take advantage of 360-degree video capabilities for your hunting trips.
Final Thoughts
A GoPro is an outstanding tool that I highly recommend getting to level up your hunting experiences. Not only does it help you capture incredible memories, but it will also let you review your footage to improve for future hunting trips. I’ve shown you the top 5 best GoPros for hunting, depending on your preferences.
By now, you should have decided which GoPro to purchase. Go for the GoPro HERO10 Black if you want the best overall action camera for hunting or the GoPro HERO8 Black if you want a budget-friendly option with competent recording features.
But before you go, I really want to hear from you! Which GoPro from today’s list are you going to use for your next big hunt? Do you have any additional questions about GoPros or hunting?
Either way, let me know by dropping a quick comment down below!
