GoPro Hero Camera: Black vs Silver

Although almost all GoPro cameras are versatile and compact, variations across the models might affect your real estate photography results. This GoPro Hero black vs silver guide will help you understand the differences between black and silver GoPro camera variations and which one might suit your photographer's needs.

GoPro Hero Black vs Silver General Overview

GoPro has 21 different camera models, from GoPro Hero 3 to Hero 10. However, there are still variations in these models, such as GoPro Hero 4 black and silver or GoPro Hero 7 black, white, and silver. 

Keep in mind that the black and silver variation applies to some models in the lineup and not all. In most cases, the variations result from minor upgrades in the camera that are not significant enough for the next model in the lineup to be released. 

GoPro Hero Camera (Black)

GoPro Hero black variation is the flagship variation of any GoPro camera model in the lineup. It was released as the flagship variation of GoPro H3 in 2012, the flagship variation of GoPro H4 in 2014, and the flagship variation of GoPro H7 in 2018. 

GoPro Hero Camera (Silver)

In most cases, the GoPro Hero silver variation is the mid-range variation of any GoPro camera model, with the white or session variation being the entry-level. However, some models have GoPro Hero silver as the entry-level camera.

For instance, the GoPro H3 silver is the mid-range camera for H3 model released in 2012, entry-level camera for Hero3+ released in 2013, mid-range camera for H4 released in 2014, and mid-range camera for H7 released in 2018.

Comparing GoPro Hero Black and Silver

In most cases, the silver and black variations of any model are released in the same year. The small period between their respective releases and the lack of a shift to the next model in the lineup means there are no major upgrades, so you can’t expect major differences.

However, the differences between GoPro H7 silver and H7 black are significant and can impact the quality of your real estate interior and exterior photos. Therefore, the following similarities and differences in physical design and shooting capability primarily focus on GoPro H7 silver and black.

Similarities

Although the black variation might have some extra features and capabilities over the silver version, the two cameras have the following similarities in their sturdiness, control, resolution, and speed.

• You can control both cameras remotely using the GoPro mobile app with a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection or the GoPro voice commands. However, the black version comes with the Wake on Voice command that can help to turn the camera on 
• Both cameras allow you to embed GPS coordinates into your images
• Both cameras feature a rugged design, and you can immerse them up to 33 feet underwater. However, if you intend to dive deeper than 33 feet, the H7 silver supports the newer GoPro Protective Housing, while the H7 black supports the GoPro Super Suit dive housing.
• Both H7 black and silver support continuous capture and burst mode. 

Differences

Keeping in mind that the black version is the flagship variation, it has a superior video and photo shooting capability. The improvements and additional features in H7 black make the two cameras have the following differences in their physical design and performance. 

Physical Design and Build

One of the most noticeable differences between H7 silver and H7 black is the lighter shade of gray in the silver version compared to the black exterior of an H7 black. Also, the silver version has two microphone ports compared to the three microphone ports in the black version. 

The H7 silver comes with the back LCD without the front LCD screen. On the other hand, the H7 black comes with the back LCD and a black-and-white front LCD screen, where you can check the status information such as the memory card storage left, the shooting mode, and the amount of battery charge. 

However, you cannot use the H7 black LCD screen to change the camera settings. Also, the screen isn't a live view display, so you can't use it for selfies. Keep in mind that this is an additional display that uses some power, making the H7 silver have a better battery life than the H7 black.  

Video Resolution 

Although both cameras can shoot 4K videos, the silver version offers a maximum of 30 frames per second, while the H7 black offers a maximum of 60 frames per second. Typically, this allows H7 black to show detailed images, making the videos smoother and high quality, especially when shooting in slow motion. 

Video Codecs 

Although both cameras mainly save their videos as MP4s, the H7 silver can only compress and encode the video using the older H.264 codec. Although this codec is highly compatible with platforms such as Facebook or YouTube, it is not efficient in terms of space and quality. 

On the other hand, H7 black can compress and encode its videos using the older H.264 codec or, the newer H.265 (HEVC). Typically, this allows H7 black to shoot and save high-quality videos in smaller file sizes than H7 silver.

Image Size and Quality 

Although the image size difference might not be impactful if you want to post your real estate photos on websites and social media platforms or print them as standard 8 x 10 prints, there can be a significant quality difference if the images are for large format printing. 

Typically, the GoPro H7 silver produces photos that are 10 megapixels and measure 3648 by 2736 pixels. On the other hand, the GoPro H7 black shoots larger images that are 12 megapixels and measure 4000 by 3000 pixels. This makes images shot using H7 black suitable for large format printing.

Major Distinguishing Factor 

The major distinguishing factor between a GoPro H7 black and a GoPro H7 silver is the image stabilization system. The H7 silver uses the standard in-camera electronic stabilization mechanism introduced in 2016. 

On the other hand, the H7 black uses the modern and advanced HyperSmooth image stabilization system. This system allows you to capture sharp and crisp stills, as well as smooth and stable videos even when shooting handheld. 

When to Use GoPro Hero Silver

Considering that the Hero silver is more of an entry-level version that lacks the bells and whistles of the black version, it can be the best choice in the following situations:

• If you're a beginner and you want a camera with a minimalistic design and simple features 
• When you have a limited memory card space and you want a GoPro camera that can shoot smaller sized photos 
• The lighter weight makes it ideal for use if you're doing a walk through and a shooting handheld for an extended time 
• If you're trying out the GoPro cameras and you don't want to invest in a high-end version

When to Use Hero Black

Considering that Hero black is the flagship version, it comes with extra features and capabilities that make it suitable for use in the following circumstances:

• When you want to capture crisp photos or shoot smooth videos handheld
• If you're on a tight schedule and you want a camera that can support fast charging
• When you want to control your camera exclusively using the voice command 
• When you want to shoot photos for large format printing 

Which Camera Is Better?

The Hero black is better as it's a flagship version with superior features. It is more versatile with better slow motion recording capabilities and onboard microphones for recording stereo audio. However, the silver version might suit a beginner who is just trying out GoPro cameras.  

Verdict 

This GoPro Hero black vs silver reveals the strengths and weaknesses of each version, helping you choose the right variation depending on your needs. The Hero black is superior with extra features and capabilities. On the other hand, the GoPro Hero silver is minimalistic and offers a better battery life.