Its new processor increases its performance tenfold

American GoPro today presents its tenth generation action camera with the Hero 10 Black. One camera was designed based on its predecessor Hero 9 – same cabin, same image sensor, same optical – but the electronics accommodate a new processor, the GB2. Without a second part, the processor of these cameras is an important element: since Hero 6, Cobro has left its former supplier Umbrella to build its own SoC.

Also read: Made in France, the new GoPro application beats the rhythm of blue-white-red algorithms

The first GP1 was not only GoPro long-term storage – one chip served for four generations! – But enhance its technologies – 5.3 K, Hypersmouth, etc.

But after four years of good and loyal service, the GP1 is old, and the next generation is here with the GP2. A chip that can turn Hero 9’s electronics into a new camera.

GP2: Twice as many frames per second

The image sensor of Hero 10 is similar to that of Hero 9. Still, photo definition is increasing and video bit rates are actually doubling.
“Extra power allows us to process twice as many pixels per second”, Explains Michael Crack, who is responsible for the development of the area dedicated to the image (ISP) on the GP2 processor.

These are not empty promises: 5.3K goes from 30 to 60 fps, 4K from 60 to 120 fps, and 2.7K from 120 to 240 fps. Enough to create smoother clips than in the past, and enjoy even slower motion in 4K (x4) and 2.7K (x8).

The power gain of the GP2 has allowed engineers to make full use of the photo sensor in pixels – from 19.6 Mpix on the H9 to the full 23 Mpix on the Hero 10 sensor. But it’s time to process the method to minimize the biggest super photo.

Power for image quality

In the photo, as in the video, the image quality is on three pillars: the optics, the sensor and the image processor. Although the first two components are similar from generation to generation, GoPro promises to improve the quality of the image in both stalls and video. Again, thanks to the power of its GP2.

⁇ The extra power of GP2 allows you to use more efficient and better algorithms based on image processing. So using the same sensor / optical pair to provide significant gain in quality », Details Michael Crack.

Also read: The French DNA of Cobro’s technological prowess

To get an accurate idea of ​​what this new image processing really brings (100% made in France) it is necessary to compare the lines in equal proportions. If we expect a surge in daylight, we are curious to see if this will have a significant impact on digital noise.

More efficient HyperSmooth stabilization

Hypersmooth Electronic Stabilization also benefits from this added power: Introduced in version 1.0 with Hero 7, which comes in 4.0 in this Hero 10 Black version. What is the use of this new version? Maintaining the stability of the horizon is still crazy when you have to really hold the camera square to capture it. Be careful though, super stabilization is not accessible in high-level rating systems: Hypersmooth 4.0 is limited to 5.3K30p, 4K60p and 2.7K120p.

On the link side, the action camera is even more powerful. In streaming mode, a standardized stream (Hypersmooth, therefore) can now be broadcast with enhanced status summary.
Now there are three ways to save your queues: automatically when you recharge it at home (automatic wifi connection), wifi via your phone, and wired (your imported queue will be saved if you sign up for the annual service).

More (good) pixels in the photo

We have already raised the promise of improving the quality of the photo image, but it is necessary to note the additional definition: we go from 20 to 23.6 MB. However, this improvement over “normal” stills is accompanied by an improvement in the quality of video sequence captures ( “Hold the screen” In English).

Also read: Cobro Hero 9 Black Review, almost perfect action camera

The GP2 processor (again) cannot reconstruct a complete frame from a video display (necessarily compressed), but its extra power, in addition, has allowed the company’s engineers to apply highly efficient algorithms, especially on a digital basis. Noise reduction and Tone mapping (Local adjustment of color tones). We always use RAW mode, SuperPhoto mode, one night mode and one burst.

The same optics, a little better

The optical unit is similar to the Hero 9 Black. But GoPro has further improved its scores on two fronts: water management and resistance to elements.
H page₂Oh, a new hydrophobic coating should further reduce the lines in wet areas (showers, dives, etc.).

On the resistance side there is a new front lens that is less sensitive to scratches and shocks under this surface treatment, but also has higher resistance to effects CombustionThis visual interference is caused by incident rays of powerful light sources

Always a small sensor, right?

Competitors like the Chinese Insta 360 have landed on the field Large 1-inch sensors With some models of action cameras, the GoPro easily justifies its small 1 / 2.3 “sensor usage.
In addition to the excessive energy consumption imposed by such a sensor, it is necessary to zoom in on the camera, magnify the optics and the risks of losing focus.

⁇ The advantage of our small sensor is that it can maintain sharpness in all areas without integrating the autofocus system. “, We explain in Cobro.

However, in the case of shocking camera cuts, any mechanical autofocus setting should be avoided.

For now we hope that if the choice of portable sensor is easily understood it will bring a real plus in terms of GB2 noise. Also GoPro and its sensor suppliers work on more sensitive models.

One last important detail: The Hero 9 Black is compatible with all parts, including batteries, using the Hero 10 Black cabin.

Cobro Hero 10 Black is already available in stores and on Cobro.com

It starts at 530 euros without a subscription or 430 euros with a one-year subscription to Cobro Plus – not to mention that we recommend taking it with a subscription after 364 days if you do not want to subscribe. In service next year!

The arrival of this new camera reduces the prices of older models: last year the Hero 9 Black was added to the Cobro Plus subscription for 430 euros or 380 euros.

Still on the list, Hero 8 Black continues its life with a one-year subscription to Cobro Plus for 30 330 or 0 310.

A strategy for maintaining non-Apple model models!