6 Best Go Pro Cameras 2026 in the United States

The GoPro HERO13 Black is an impressive waterproof action camera that offers high-quality 5.3K video at 60 frames per second (fps) and excellent 27MP photo capabilities. This makes it ideal for capturing detailed and smooth footage, especially for adventurous creators and sports enthusiasts.

The camera's image stabilization ensures that your videos remain steady even in action-packed scenarios. With its legendary durability and waterproofing, you can confidently use it in rugged environments and underwater adventures without worrying about damage. The addition of HB-Series lenses compatibility further enhances its versatility and creative potential for different shooting conditions.

The battery life has seen improvement, making it more reliable for prolonged recording sessions. The camera offers a wide field of view, which is great for capturing expansive scenes. Connectivity is straightforward with USB support and the camera's mount compatibility ensures that it can be easily attached to various accessories and surfaces. Despite the screen size of 2.27 inches possibly feeling small for some users, the camera maintains a relatively compact and lightweight design, weighing just 5.5 ounces.

The GoPro HERO9 Black is a feature-rich action camera designed to cater to both amateur and professional users. Its standout feature is the 5K video resolution, which ensures exceptional detail even when zooming in, thanks to the powerful 23.6MP sensor. This makes it ideal for capturing high-quality footage in various settings. The camera also boasts 20MP photo capabilities with SuperPhoto, allowing for crisp, professional-quality images with automatic image processing for ease of use. The front LCD and larger touch rear screens enhance user experience by making framing shots and controlling the camera intuitive and straightforward.

Additionally, the HERO9 Black benefits from a 30% longer battery life due to its 1720mAh battery, which is especially useful for extended shooting sessions without frequent battery swaps. HyperSmooth 3.0 technology provides advanced video stabilization, ensuring smooth footage even in dynamic environments. The camera's durability and waterproofing make it suitable for underwater adventures and harsh conditions. Connectivity options include Bluetooth, which facilitates easy sharing and remote control, while the various mounting options allow for versatile usage scenarios.

However, the camera’s weight of 11.2 ounces might be considered heavy for some users, and the price point may also be a factor for budget-conscious buyers. Despite these minor drawbacks, the GoPro HERO9 Black remains a top choice for those seeking high-resolution video, excellent photo quality, and robust performance in an action camera.

The GoPro Hero12 Black is a strong choice for anyone looking for a rugged, high-quality action camera. It offers impressive video resolution with up to 5.3K at 60fps, which means your footage will be very sharp and detailed, far exceeding standard 4K cameras. The 27MP photos and HDR support also help capture vibrant, true-to-life images, even in tricky lighting. Its Emmy award-winning HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization and 360° horizon lock make it easy to get smooth, steady video without extra gear, which is great for active or extreme sports. The camera’s waterproof design up to 33 feet (10 meters) and durable build make it reliable outdoors.

Battery life has improved significantly, offering up to 70 minutes of continuous shooting at high resolution, thanks to the Enduro battery. The extra-large field of view lets you capture immersive scenes from your point of view, and Bluetooth audio connectivity allows for wireless microphone use, enhancing sound quality. While the camera performs well, 70 minutes of battery life might still be limiting for extended shoots without backup batteries or charging options. Also, it has a relatively small 2.3-inch screen for previewing shots, which may be less comfortable for framing video compared to larger displays.

Mounting options included are standard and adequate but not extensive; if you need specialized mounts, you might have to buy extras. This camera is well suited for adventurers, sports enthusiasts, and content creators who want top-tier video quality and reliable stabilization in a compact, tough package.