If you’re interested in recording your snowboarding adventures with a GoPro camera, choosing the right GoPro can be difficult. With over 20 GoPro models to choose from, each GoPro offers unique features and recording settings.
Hey, it’s fantastic to meet you. My name is Larry, and I’m your neighborhood GoPro expert who’s gone snowboarding with GoPro cameras for nearly 10 years. In my opinion, nothing is better than spending a day on the mountain with your best friends.
What makes each trip even more memorable is recording myself and my friends as we fly off ramps and grind rails. In today’s guide, I’ll share the top 5 GoPros for snowboarding based on my own experiences and discussions with various snowboarding professionals.
Let’s jump right in!
Contents
Key Takeaways
- Newer GoPro cameras have built-in waterproofing capabilities and don’t need protective housing for snowboarding.
- There are many ways to mount a GoPro to your body for hands-off recording while snowboarding.
- Video resolution, camera quality, and waterproofing are the most important factors when buying a new GoPro for snowboarding.
- The GoPro HERO10 Black is the best overall GoPro for all snowboarders.
- The GoPro HERO8 Black is the best budget-friendly GoPro for snowboarders who go a few times a year.
What GoPro is best for snowboarding?
The GoPro HERO10 Black is the best GoPro for snowboarding. This camera features the brand-new GP2 GoPro processor and HyperSmooth 4.0 electronic image stabilization (EIS). Furthermore, the GoPro HERO10 Black has a large and responsive LCD touchscreen, so you can easily change your settings or view your footage.
Where do you put your GoPro when snowboarding?
The most common place to put your GoPro when snowboarding is on your helmet. You can attach your GoPro to your helmet with a helmet mount or strap. In addition, you can use a chest mount to attach the GoPro to your chest. I also recommend bringing a gimbal and selfie stick so you can easily record your friends or family during their runs.
How do I keep my GoPro warm while snowboarding?
Since all GoPro cameras are miniature, you can place your GoPro into your jacket pocket with a few hand warmers. This way, your GoPro won’t freeze when you’re not using it during your snowboard trip. If you don’t have hand warmers, you can put the GoPro in an inside pocket and keep the GoPro warm with your body heat.
You can also take it one step further by attaching a hand warmer to the GoPro with a rubber band to ensure heat transfer. Furthermore, I recommend keeping a hand warmer strapped to the spare battery packs you bring onto the mountain.
How do you attach a GoPro to a snowboard helmet?
Since most GoPro mounts use a sticky mount, which is an adhesive sticker, you can attach your GoPro to any flat surface on your snowboard helmet. However, I recommend attaching the mount to the front of your GoPro helmet. In my experience, this provides the most beautiful shots since the point-of-view (POV) is near your eye level.
Is a GoPro MAX good for snowboarding?
The GoPro MAX is an excellent action camera for snowboarding if you want to record 360-degree shots. This lets you rewatch and share your adventures in a brand new way to offer your viewers a more immersive experience. However, if you don’t want to shoot 360-degree videos, I recommend purchasing a GoPro from the HERO line of cameras.
What Makes the Best GoPro for Snowboarding
GoPros are designed for action sports. Since snowboarding is an action sport, GoPros compliment the sport perfectly. However, choosing the right GoPro for your snowboarding adventures can be difficult.
Here are the key factors to consider when choosing the best GoPro for snowboarding.
- Max Video Resolution: The newest GoPro cameras feature high-resolution video recording capabilities such as 5.3K, 5K, and 4K. You need a GoPro camera with your desired video quality.
- Max Photo Resolution: Even though GoPros are designed for shooting video, the best GoPros can still take high-quality snowboarding images. Therefore, you can use your GoPro flexibility as a camcorder and photography camera.
- Electronic Image Stabilization: The newer GoPro camera models have a built-in electronic image stabilization technology called HyperSmooth. There are four different versions of HyperSmooth, from HyperSmooth 1.0 to HyperSmooth 4.0. This technology automatically smoothens shaky snowboarding footage through complex algorithms.
- Battery Life: Since you will spend a lot of time on the mountain, you might not be able to charge your GoPro camera. Therefore, the best GoPros for snowboarding offer an extended battery life.
- LCD Touchscreen: The latest GoPro camera models feature a large LCD touchscreen you can use to change your settings, view footage, delete clips, and clear memory for new snowboarding videos.
- Waterproofing Capabilities: Since snow is essentially frozen water, you need a GoPro with built-in waterproofing capabilities to prevent water damage. Fortunately, the newer GoPro cameras are waterproof up to 10 meters or 33 feet, which is perfectly fine for snowboarding.
The Top 5 Best GoPros for Snowboarding
Now it’s time to dive into my list of the top 5 best GoPros for snowboarding. This list is a compilation of 10 years worth of GoPro filming and snowboard experience. Therefore, I know exactly what to look for when it comes to the best GoPros for snowboarding.
Let’s get started!
1. GoPro HERO10 Black (Best Overall)
- Max Video Resolution: 5.3K at 60fps
- Max Photo Resolution: 23 MP (Megapixels)
- Electronic Image Stabilization: HyperSmooth 4.0
- Waterproofing Capabilities: Waterproof up to 10 meters or 33 feet
GoPro released the GoPro HERO10 Black in September of 2021. As the latest camera from GoPro, the GoPro HERO10 Black offers the most advanced recording settings and camera technology. Therefore, this is the best overall GoPro for snowboarding.
There are a few unique traits of the GoPro HERO10 Black. Firstly, it features the new GP2 processor. This processor has nearly double the performance and frame rates at higher resolutions than previous GoPro models.
Since the camera’s processor is essentially the heart and brain of the camera, the GP2 processor offers better footage quality, quicker camera speeds, and a better LCD touchscreen experience. The GoPro HERO10 Black is the only GoPro camera with the GP2 processor.
In addition, the HERO10 Black features HyperSmooth 4.0, GoPro’s newest electronic image stabilization technology. I was blown away when I used my GoPro HERO10 Black for the first time in 2021. It automatically stabilizes your shaky footage and produces a smooth effect, making it look like I recorded my footage using a gimbal.
However, it’s important to note that this GoPro is relatively more expensive than other GoPro cameras in the HERO line. That being said, the small price difference is entirely worth it if you plan on using your GoPro for snowboarding on a regular basis.
My Verdict: The GoPro HERO10 Black is the best of the best in terms of action cameras for snowboarding. This camera is perfect for beginners and professionals alike since it features GoPro’s top recording settings and camera technology.
2. GoPro HERO9 Black (Best Older Generation GoPro)
- Max Video Resolution: 5K at 30fps
- Max Photo Resolution: 20MP
- Electronic Image Stabilization: HyperSmooth 3.0
- Waterproofing Capabilities: Waterproof up to 10 meters or 33 feet
The GoPro HERO9 Black is the second best GoPro for snowboarding. Since it’s only one generation older than the GoPro HERO10 Black, the HERO9 Black offers more than enough features for all snowboarders.
You can picture the GoPro HERO9 Black as a slightly less competent version of the GoPro HERO10 Black. That is because the HERO9 features the older GP1 processor and HyperSmooth 3.0 EIS technology.
Nonetheless, the GoPro HERO9 Black offers incredibly detailed video quality with the ability to record 5K resolution at 30fps. You can even take high-quality photos using the built-in 20MP camera sensor.
Even though HyperSmooth 3.0 is the previous generation of GoPro’s image stabilization technology, it’s still more advanced than more image stabilizers seen on other action cameras. As a result, you can effortlessly record smooth footage even if you’re shaking around and moving the camera a lot while snowboarding.
Just like the GoPro HERO10 Black, the HERO9 features a bigger LCD touchscreen, better footage quality, and a stronger battery than previous GoPro models. The HERO9 is also waterproof up to 10 meters or 33 feet without protective housing.
The only downside with the GoPro HERO9 Black is that it’s not the GoPro HERO10 Black. If the price difference between the two cameras is a considerable amount for your budget, you can’t go wrong with the GoPro HERO9 Black despite its slight inferiority to the HERO10 Black.
My Verdict: The GoPro HERO9 Black offers a similar experience to the GoPro HERO10, with a few less advanced settings and features. However, this action camera is still suitable for any level snowboarder since it outshines the majority of action camera competitors.
3. GoPro HERO8 Black (Best Budget 4K)
- Max Video Resolution: 4K at 60fps
- Max Photo Resolution: 12MP
- Electronic Image Stabilization: HyperSmooth 2.0
- Waterproofing Capabilities: Waterproof up to 10 meters or 33 feet
The GoPro HERO8 Black is the best budget-friendly action camera on the market. With 4K recording settings and HyperSmooth 2.0 image stabilization, you can record fantastic snowboarding videos with the GoPro HERO8 Black.
Although the max video resolution on the GoPro HERO8 Black is 4K at 60fps, you can record at 4K wide or 4K linear at 60 fps, 2.7K at 120fps, 1080p at 240fps, and much more. This way, you can set your preferred resolution to capture as much detail as you want during future snowboarding trips.
Keep in mind that higher fps lets you put a slow-motion effect on the video during your editing process. For example, 30fps is the standard frame rate, while 60fps lets you slow the video down to 0.5x speed. Furthermore, 120 fps lets you slow down the footage into a high-quality slo-mo at 0.5x speed.
In addition to this camera’s comprehensive set of recording options, it also features HyperSmooth 2.0. This electronic image stabilization technology produces smooth footage during shaky snowboarding situations.
Compared to even older GoPro camera models, the HERO8 Black features built-in mounting flaps, double the shock resistance, and a longer-lasting battery.
However, it’s important to discuss the drawbacks of choosing this camera. The only drawback you should be concerned about is that the GoPro HERO8 Black doesn’t have the same features as the GoPro HERO10 Black or GoPro HERO9 Black. Although this camera is perfect for all snowboarders, it doesn’t offer top-notch video recording settings.
My Verdict: The GoPro HERO8 Black is the most valuable action camera because of its relatively low price point compared to the recording features it offers. Even though it’s two generations older than the GoPro HERO10 Black, it has everything you need to enhance your future snowboarding trips.
4. GoPro HERO5 Session (Best Compact and Lightweight)
- Max Video Resolution: 4K at 30fps
- Max Photo Resolution: 10MP
- Electronic Image Stabilization: In-camera video stabilization
- Waterproofing Capabilities: Waterproof up to 10 meters or 33 feet
The GoPro HERO5 Session is one of the smallest action cameras in the world, with dimensions of 1.5 inches wide, 1.5 inches tall, and 1.4 inches deep. As a comparison, you should know that 1.5-inch is the same length as a safety pin or sewing needle.
Furthermore, the GoPro HERO5 Session weighs an astounding 74 grams, which is less than four AA batteries. Therefore, you can easily bring, carry, and mount the GoPro HERO5 Session during your snowboarding trips.
Just because the camera is small doesn’t mean it doesn’t pack a punch. The GoPro HERO5 Session can record footage in 4K at 30fps, 2.7K at 48fps, 1440p at 60fps, and 1080p at 90fps. Pretty impressive for a tiny GoPro action camera, right?
However, since the camera is so small, there are a few disadvantages to consider before purchasing the GoPro HERO5 Session. Firstly, this camera features a built-in battery. Since the camera’s battery may run out during long snowboarding trips and you can’t swap batteries, I recommend bringing a portable charger and cable.
Furthermore, this is the only camera on today’s list without an LCD touchscreen. That means you need to pair the camera with your phone to review footage while you’re on the slopes. This drains your camera and phone battery, so you may want to bring additional chargers and cables.
My Verdict: The GoPro HERO5 Session is the best option for snowboarders who want the smallest and most lightweight GoPro available. Even though this camera can fit inside a toddler’s hand, it can still shoot 4K video and capture beautiful moments during your snowboarding adventures.
5. GoPro MAX (Best 360° Action Camera)
- Max Video Resolution: 5.6K at 30fps
- Max Photo Resolution: 16.6MP
- Electronic Image Stabilization: HyperSmooth 2.0
- Waterproofing Capabilities: Waterproof up to 5 meters or 16 feet
The GoPro MAX is the most unique action camera on today’s list because it can record 360-degree videos. It records 360-degree video by stitching together footage from the 180-degree forward and rear-facing lenses that simultaneously capture everything from its point of view.
This means you can rewatch the footage and crop it to your desired angle. However, the best way to watch 360-degree videos is through a virtual reality (VR) headset. This offers the most immersive viewing experience possible. Nonetheless, you can also convert the 360-degree videos to flat videos using GoPro editing software.
The GoPro MAX is an excellent snowboarding camera because it features HyperSmooth 2.0. This is the same electronic image stabilization featured on the GoPro HERO8 Black. That means you can expect highly stable footage even during the shakiest recording conditions.
A few negatives to consider before choosing the GoPro MAX is that it’s the most expensive camera on today’s list. Since this camera features innovative 360-degree camera technology, it has a higher price point than the GoPro HERO10 Black. For this reason, you should only purchase the GoPro MAX if you intend to record 360-degree videos.
My Verdict: The GoPro MAX is a unique action camera because it records 360-degree videos. This is the best GoPro for snowboarders that want to record innovative shots and know how to edit 360-degree footage during post-production.
Final Thoughts
I hope you found my guide on the best GoPro for snowboarding helpful. This guide shares nearly a decade’s worth of snowboarding and GoPro camera experience. If you want the best overall GoPro for snowboarding, the GoPro HERO10 Black is a no-brainer.
However, the GoPro HERO9 Black and HERO8 Black are excellent alternatives if you want a more budget-friendly action camera. Furthermore, the GoPro MAX is the best GoPro for 360-degree snowboarding videos. I also highly recommend purchasing a GoPro helmet mount and selfie stick along with your new GoPro, so you’re prepared for your next snowboarding trip.
But now I really want to hear from you.
So, which camera from today’s guide will you choose? Do you have any other questions about snowboarding and GoPros? Either way, drop a comment down below, and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
