When it comes to cameras, the most prominent brands that come to our mind would be the major brands like Nikon, Sony, or Canon. However, GoPro has been one of the manufacturers who has carved a name for itself with a focus on action cameras, a category which never existed before. They recently announced their new range of cameras in the Hero 7 series. Let us check out the two promising options available in the series – the GoPro Hero 7 Black and GoPro Hero 7 Silver. We will compare the two siblings (GoPro Hero 7 Black vs Silver) in finer detail in this post.
GoPro Hero7 Black vs Silver – The differences
One may as well get confused that the Black and Silver are the color options available for the cameras available in the Hero7 series. They aren’t. The Black and Silver refer to the different models with a few changes in the design, features, and functionalities.
Comparison Table: GoPro Hero 7 Black vs Silver
| Features |
GoPro Hero7 Black [amazon_link asins=’B07GDGZCCH’ template=’PriceLink’ store=’foi04-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’3c95e72f-53a2-4ed8-ba63-3c422645799f’]
|
GoPro Hero7 Silver [amazon_link asins=’B07GDGZCCJ’ template=’PriceLink’ store=’foi04-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’312a13fe-7cd8-439c-9b94-b991ee61c3ae’]
|
| Physical Dimensions | 62.3 x 44.9 x 33 mm | 62.3 x 44.9 x 28.3 mm |
| Weight | 116 grams | 94.4 grams |
| Weather sealing | Yes, available | Yes, available |
| Maximum Resolution | 4K / 60
4K (4:3) / 30 2.7K / 120 2.7K (4:3) / 60 1440p / 120 1080p / 240 960p / 240 720p / 240 |
4K / 30
1440p / 60 1080p / 60 |
| Stabilization | HyperSmooth | Standard |
| FOV options | Wide
Medium Linear SuperView |
Wide |
| Video File format supported | MP4 (HEVC / H.265)
MP4 (H.264 / AVC) |
MP4 (H.264 / AVC |
| Digital Zoom | Yes, available | Yes, available |
| Maximum Bitrate supported | 78 MB per sec | 60 MB per sec |
| Audio Codecs supported | WAV and AAC | AAC |
| HDMI compatibility | Yes, available | No |
| External Microphone support | Yes, available | No |
| Live Streaming | Yes | No |
| Maximum Image size | 12 MP | 10 MP |
| Image file format | RAW and JPG | JPG |
| USB Port type | USB Type C | USB Type c |
| Battery Capacity | 1220 mAh | 1220 mAh |
| Protune function | Yes | No |
| Digital Zoom | Yes, available | Yes, available |
| Time-lapse video options | Yes | No |
| WiFi and Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
Design and Build
Well, this is where they look almost similar and do not differ much. Except that the Silver model is slightly lighter in comparison, they share virtually the same features and looks. Both of them are rated waterproof and have a 33 feet water resistance.
The silver model has only two microphone ports when compared to the Black model which has three microphone ports. It has a lighter shade of gray (not precisely silver colored) and has the engraving that says 7 Silver in comparison to 7Black on the Black model.
The Black model comes with a small LCD screen at the front, while the Silver model lacks it.
The lens cover on the Black model protrudes a bit towards the outside, while it does not rely on the Silver. The cover can be replaced in case of the GoPro Hero7 Black, while this will not be possible on the Silver model.
The Silver model offers you a nonremovable battery and thus has only one opening. The Black gives you a USB and HDMI connectivity, while Silver model only offers you USB port option.
The Batteries
You have a Li-ion battery with a capacity of 1220 mAh on both the devices. GoPro Hero 7 Black features a removable battery, whereas the battery pack on the Silver model cannot be removed. The recording times are similar given the same battery capacity.
The significant difference lies in how you charge and use the battery. Since the Black model comes with a removable battery, you can use a spare battery so that your shooting spree goes on unhindered. The Silver model, however, does not offer you this liberty. The charging option remains same across both the devices. Both of them rely on USB Type C port for charging.
Shooting
The shooting capabilities remain almost similar across both the devices. Both can shoot videos in 4K. However, the video parameters are a little different across the two models.
The Black Model offers you a better combination of resolutions and frame rates to choose from. The following table should provide a good provide a good idea –
| Resolutions | GoPro Hero7 Black
[amazon_link asins=’B07GDGZCCH’ template=’PriceLink’ store=’foi04-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’3c95e72f-53a2-4ed8-ba63-3c422645799f’]
|
GoPro Hero7 Silver
[amazon_link asins=’B07GDGZCCJ’ template=’PriceLink’ store=’foi04-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’312a13fe-7cd8-439c-9b94-b991ee61c3ae’]
|
| 4K | Yes | Yes (16:3) Wide |
| 4K in 4:3 | Yes (Linear, Wide) | No |
| 2.7K | Yes | No |
| 2.7K in 4:3 | Yes | No |
| 1440p | Yes | Yes (4:3) Wide |
| 1080p | Yes | No |
| 960p | Yes | No |
| 720p | Yes | No |
The Black model also provides a higher framerate. This can be quite helpful in slow motion shooting as well. The Silver model offers a maximum frame rate of 60 FPS, while the frame rates available on the Black model extends up to 240 FPS in 1080p, 960p and 720p resolutions. There is a difference concerning Bitrates as well. The Silver maxes out at 60 Mb per sec, while the corresponding figure for the Black model is 78 Mb per sec.
The use of video codecs again is a huge differentiator. The Silver model works with the H. 264 codec for all its video recordings. The Black model on the other hand invariably uses the H.264 as the default codec but also features an option to go for the newer standard H.265, also known as HVAC. This can help you improved performance and smaller file sizes for the same quality available on H.264.
The Stabilisation
Both the black and Silver models come with an electronic stabilization functionality. There is a slight degree of difference between the stabilization method employed in the two models.
For the Black model, GoPro has opted for a new standard of in-camera stabilization and calls it ‘HyperSmooth.’ The one used in the Silver model is standard. However, there should be not much of s difference in the functionalities of either of those options.
The Images
Once again, both the Black and Silver models come with good shooting capabilities when it comes to shooting images. Of course, there is a difference in the resolutions.
The Black has a resolution of 12 MP as compared to the 10 MP resolution on the Silver model. There are a few additional functionalities included in the Black Model like the ability to shoot in RAW and an enhanced HDR feature. The pictures shot n the Black model come up somewhat crystal clear and are available with a faster burst mode in sharp contrast to the Silver model.
The Black saves a JPG version automatically if you are shooting in RAW for an occasional fall-back. The Silver version cannot shoot in RAW and JPG is the only option. So, from a professional photographers’ point of view, the Black version carries more weight.
The resolution difference will make the images shot on the two models slightly different. The Black model shoots in 12 MP, and thus offer you a 4000 x 3000 pixels. The corresponding figures for the Silver which captures in 10 MP are 3648 x 2736. However, for printing an 8 x 10 print, that should ideally be a minor difference.
Timelapse
Well, this is an important area that needs consideration for professional photographers. Again, the black model offers you multiple options to choose from while shooting a time-lapse video. The significant difference would be the time lapse interval. The Silver model has a fixed time-lapse intervals of 0.5 sec, while the Black version offers you the options of 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 30, or 60 seconds.
There are a few differences regarding the saved format of the time-lapse video. The Silver model always keeps it in 4K MP4 file, and the Black model offers you the options of 4K, 2.7K, 1440p, or 1080p file.
Audio
The audio recording on the GoPro Black model will be in Stereo, while the same on the Silver model is in Mono. As we found out while discussing the physical features of the models, the Silver version has only two microphones, while the Black variant has three mics.
However, if you are about to create a movie on your GoPro camera, you cannot rely on the built-in microphones as the quality will always be not up to the mark. However, the black model offers you an option for using an external microphone whereas the Silver model does not come with this benefit.
Additional features
Apart from the key parameters we studied, there are a few other features that may interest you as well. Some of these features can be summed up as here below.
- As for GPS, both the Black and Silver models support the functionality.
- If you are looking for the Live Video streaming while you shoot, it will not be available on the Silver version, but the Black version provides you the feature.
- The Black model supports the advanced metadata features when compared to the Silver model that does not come with the feature enabled.
Both the Black and the Silver models are available on Amazon. The models are priced at $ [amazon_link asins=’B07GDGZCCH’ template=’PriceLink’ store=’foi04-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’3c95e72f-53a2-4ed8-ba63-3c422645799f’] and [amazon_link asins=’B07GDGZCCJ’ template=’PriceLink’ store=’foi04-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’312a13fe-7cd8-439c-9b94-b991ee61c3ae’] respectively.
So Which One Should You go For?
It depends upon the profession you are in or the features you are looking for. From the first glance, it would be evident that the Black model takes the lead when compared to the Silver. That should not mean that the Silver model is inferior in any case. Black may have a few advanced features, but do you use them? You may need to analyze your needs before you make a decision.
The advanced features come with a premium. Yes, the GoPro Hero7 Black is expensive. If you are not interested in those advanced features and do not use most of them, we do not see any point in opting for the higher price tag.
Of course, there are a few professional requirements like Time-lapse recording, numerous slow-motion recordings, and a need for excellent sound quality. These situations will indeed demand a full-fledged camera, and only GoPro Hero7 Black can fulfill those needs.
So, ultimately it is a call you need to take depending upon the exact requirements that you may be having. Choose the one that best matters to you and shares your thoughts, experiences, and opinions with us.