Externally, the camera is almost unchanged, but covered in soft plastic for extra protection. Usually there is only a little product care when changing models - but not this time! The improvements over the previous models are impressive. First and foremost, GoPro has integrated a very effective image stabiliser. Like a bulldozer, it irons out every shaky trail and works so well that expensive external stabilisers become completely superfluous. It even works perfectly at Full HD resolution.
The image and video quality also makes a huge leap forward. There is a choice of three modes: normal, wide-angle and super-wide-angle. Practical: the normal focal length eliminates the typical fisheye effect that distorts the image. Very good: the slow motion and time-lapse functions. The Hero7 is operated using a touchscreen. This is not immediately intuitive, you have to familiarise yourself with it a little in order to guarantee quick use - and not keep your buddy waiting forever at the drop.
Annoying: The touchscreen doesn't always respond. Sometimes the camera comes on, then again it doesn't - for inexplicable reasons. Action: Remove the battery, plug it in - and it works again. Fiddly: The touchscreen is a little awkward to lock; without it, the camera can move unintentionally.
The Hero7 can also be controlled by voice commands: "GoPro, take photo!", and it clicks! The camera is waterproof to ten metres - all the apnoea aces among you can go even deeper with an additional housing - to 60 metres. The sound quality has been slightly improved - but the Hero7 is still not a sound miracle. The disadvantage of the touchscreen display and image stabilisation is that the functions drain the battery. This shortens the battery life, especially in winter (if you want to film yourself skiing). Tip: Buy an extra battery to be on the safe side. In short: the criticism is meagre, the improvements to the new Hero7 have been successful and the weaknesses of its predecessors have been largely eliminated. The action cam can do everything extremely well.
STRENGTHS Image stabiliser, image & video quality
WEAKNESSES Does not always respond, battery life
Price: 430 €. gopro.com
Conclusion: excellent action camera with effective image stabilisation and impressive image and video quality.
