GoPro recently unveiled its newest action cameras – the Hero11 Black and Hero11 Mini. As the two latest additions to GoPro‘s legendary Hero lineup, these cameras boast impressive specs and exciting new features. But with such similar naming, many wonder – how exactly do they compare?
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll analyze the key differences between the Hero11 Black and Hero11 Mini across all factors – from image quality and performance to design, features and value. By the end, you‘ll have all the details needed to decide which of these powerful new GoPros is right for your needs and budget.
Hero11 Black and Mini – The Key Specs
First, let‘s examine some of the core specs side-by-side:
Resolution and Frame Rates
- Both shoot up to 5.3K60, 4K120, 2.7K240 video
- 27MP photo resolution
Image Stabilization
- HyperSmooth 5.0 with Horizon Lock for steady shots
Size and Design
- Hero11 Black – Larger form factor at 1.8 x 1.3 x 2 inch
- Hero11 Mini – Petite 1.38 x 2 x 2 inch design
Screens
- Hero11 Black – Front 1.4" display + rear touch screen
- Hero11 Mini – No screens
Waterproof Rating
- Safe underwater up to 33 feet
As we can see, the core camera specs and features are nearly identical. The differences come down to the Mini‘s smaller form factor and lack of a display screen.
Unrivaled Image Quality
Thanks to a new, larger sensor, both the Hero11 Black and Hero11 Mini capture stunning 5.3K video at 60 fps and 27MP photos. Key image quality upgrades include:
- Larger sensor enables over 1 billion color shades
- 10-bit color for richer, more vibrant visuals
- Widest field of view ever on a Hero camera
- Dramatically improved low light performance
Image quality remains uncompromised between the two models – They utilize the same groundbreaking new sensor. According to GoPro, it‘s "the highest resolution, highest 10-bit color depth, highest level of video stabilization and widest field of view ever featured natively in a HERO camera."
Footage is tack-sharp and incredibly immersive. Colors pop with striking accuracy and realism. All told, it‘s a big step up from previous Hero models and what GoPro calls their "biggest leap in image quality ever."
Smoother Video Than Ever
The Hero11 series also introduces HyperSmooth 5.0 with Horizon Lock – GoPro‘s most advanced video stabilization yet. It delivers gimbal-like steadiness by correcting for camera shake on all axes. Horizon Lock keeps the horizon perfectly level, even during intense motion.
The result is ultra-smooth, professional-looking footage across activities like mountain biking, skiing, surfing and more. Compared to HyperSmooth 4.0, there‘s an additional 67% less vertical and horizontal shaking. It‘s perfectly stable footage that makes you feel like you brought a Hollywood camera crew along for the ride.
Faster Upload Speeds with Auto-Highlight Reels
Another major upgrade is significantly faster transfer and upload speeds, thanks to Quik app connectivity improvements. Upon plugging in your GoPro to charge, uploads begin automatically over WiFi.
But it goes beyond simple file transfers. The Quik app‘s new Highlight feature edits your best moments together into share-ready highlight reels. It then pushes these ready-to-go videos straight to your phone.
Now catching epic shots and posting them online happens easier and quicker than ever. Friends and followers get to relive your most heart-pumping adventures moments after they happen.
Introducing HyperView Digital Lens
GoPro also unveiled HyperView, a game-changing new digital lens available on both cameras after launch. It utilizes GoPro’s immense amounts of image data to pull out an even wider perspective.
HyperView provides the ultra-immersive, engaging point of view GoPro is famous while revealing more of the scene around you. It’s ideal for activities like mountain biking, skiing, surfing and more where taking in your epic surroundings is just as important as the action.
Breaking Down the Design Differences
Now let‘s explore the physical design differences between the Hero11 Black and Mini:
Hero11 Black
- Larger, premium body design
- Front + rear display screens
- Familiar GoPro form factor
Hero11 Mini
- Petite, pocketable body
- No display screens
- Integrates directly into mounts
The Hero11 Black retains the familiar size and shape GoPro users expect, plus handy display screens for framing shots and reviewing footage.
The Hero11 Mini impresses with an incredibly compact, durable new frame built directly into GoPro‘s versatile mounts. It‘s roughly 30% lighter while still delivering flagship performance.
Without a touch screen, the Mini isn‘t quite as convenient to navigate. However, GoPro will release a smartphone app providing full remote control over all shooting modes and settings.
Pricing Breakdown
Here is how GoPro‘s subscription plan impacts Hero11 Black and Mini pricing:
| Camera | With Subscription | Without Subscription |
|---|---|---|
| Hero11 Black | $399.98 | $499.99 |
| Hero11 Mini | $299.98 | $399.99 |
GoPro‘s subscription service offers expanded cloud storage for uploads, damaged camera replacement, and up to 50% discounts on mounts and accessories.
Without a subscription, the Hero11 Black costs $100 more than the Mini. With a subscription, this gap widens to $100.
Depending on your budget and whether you plan to subscribe, the Hero11 Mini provides stellar value.
Hero11 Black vs Mini – The Pros and Cons
Hero11 Black
Pros
- Front + rear displays for shot framing & playback
- Larger battery for longer shooting
- Familiar, premium body and interface
Cons
- Higher price tag
- Bulkier than the Mini
Hero11 Mini
Pros
- $100-200 less expensive
- Super portable and mountable design
- Identical image quality to Hero11 Black
Cons
- No integrated display screen
- Lower battery life
Which GoPro Hero11 Should You Buy?
For max portability and value – The Hero11 Mini packs flagship performance into a tiny rugged frame at the lowest price. It‘s the perfect set-and-forget camera for capturing your most exciting adventures. Lack of a display screen is easier to work around than you may expect.
For convenience and familiarity – The Hero11 Black brings refined upgrades like the front display, improved software tricks like highlight reels and Horizon Lock in a classic GoPro form factor. Serious content creators will appreciate its versatility, while new users benefit from its approachable design.
Both deliver identical best-in-class image quality and smooth stabilized video. Either provides a stellar blend of pro-caliber creative controls with extreme ruggedness.
In the end, it comes down to size needs and budget preferences. The Hero11 Mini squeezes top specs into the smallest possible body, while the Hero11 Black keeps things familiar for seasoned users.
With a clearer understanding of how they compare, you can confidently decide whether the compact Mini or full-featured Black is the right new GoPro for you.
