When it comes to video, there are two main types of cameras: DSLRs and GoPros. Both have their own unique benefits and drawbacks. If you’re not sure which one is right for you, then keep reading! In this article, we will compare and contrast GoPro vs DSLR video footage to help you make the best decision for your needs.
A GoPro vs. DSLR debate may have seemed a bit one-sided a few years ago. However, especially since the release of the Hero5 Black, GoPros are quickly becoming a favorite camera among professional videographers who value their size and adaptability.
Key features to consider before we step into GoPro vs DSLR
GoPro HERO10 Black - Waterproof Action Camera with Front LCD and Touch Rear Screens, 5.3K60 Ultra HD Video, 23MP Photos, 1080p Live Streaming, Webcam, Stabilization
$249.00
GoPro Hero 10
- Image Formats: 23MP + SuperPhoto, HDR, RAW
- Video: 5.3K60 / 4K120
- Slo-mo: 8x at 2.7K
- TimeWarp + Time-Lapse Video: TimeWarp 3.0, Time/Night Lapse
GoPro Hero 5 Session (Low-End)
- Image Formats: JPEG
- Sensor Size: 10MP (364×2736).
- ISO Range: Auto, 100-800
- Bursts up to 30 photos/second
Nikon D7200 (Mid-Range)
- Image Formats: JPEG & Raw
- Sensor Size: 24MP (6000×4000).
- ISO Range: Auto, 100-25600
- Bursts: 6 photos/second
Nikon D3400 (Low End)
- Image Formats: JPEG & Raw
- Sensor Size: 24MP (6000×4000).
- ISO Range: Auto, 100-25600
- Bursts: 5 Photos/second
As with still photos, the best video system for you will be determined by what sort of subjects you shoot. The better size and advanced capabilities of the GoPro Hero10 Black will make it a superior option.
This may seem like blasphemy to those who have been utilizing a DSLR for some time. We are completely serious! Let’s go through the checklist of things that every video maker should do before filming. We’re confident you’ll agree with us that a GoPro is a superior form of video to a DSLR.
Couple of important elements to consider to choosing a travel camera
Stabilization
The past several years have seen significant progress in in-camera image stability technology. Many interchangeable lens cameras now include 5-axis image stability, allowing users to shoot handheld photos at shutter speeds that were previously unimaginable.
Despite these improvements, filming a video in professional-looking, smooth form is still the finest approach to get it.
The Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) image stabilization in GoPros provides a slightly cropped appearance to the footage, which helps with stability. It’s gotten better over time. GoPro’s enhanced EIS HyperSmooth, which is essentially in-camera EIS with more headroom, enables for larger cropping of the picture to enable electronic image stabilization at 4K.
TimeLapse Video
Built-in timelapse modes are available on a number of DSLRs, from entry-level versions like the Canon EOS 250D/SL3 to top-of-the-line models such as the Nikon D850. You may also save your time-lapse sequence as a batch of images or as one movie file that creates a video, which is particularly helpful with Nikon cameras.
You could opt for a collection of photos rather than having the camera produce a time-lapse automatically. You have more control, and you can even get rid of frames that were erased by your kid. A DSLR is ideal for this purpose.
You have four choices for time-lapse with a GoPro when it comes to video: TimeWarp movie (video), TimeLapse Video (photo), Night Lapse Photo (photo), and TimeLapse Video.
TimeWarp, which is new to GoPro cameras beginning with the Hero7 Black, is a timelapse mode. However, when used with HyperSmooth, you get an ultra-smooth motion timelapse that’s quite hard to believe. TimeWarp is a timestamping function accessible in the Hyperlapse app on both iOS and Android devices.
Comparison Table for GoPro vs DSLR
What is a GoPro?
GoPro HERO10 Black – Waterproof Action Camera with Front LCD and Touch Rear Screens, 5.3K60 Ultra HD Video, 23MP Photos, 1080p Live Streaming, Webcam, Stabilization
Over time, GoPro has established itself as the gold standard for action cameras. A GoPro is a tiny waterproof camera with a large lens that captures still pictures and video. It’s ideal for adrenaline junkies who want to capture both still images and video with its wide-angle lens.
Pros of GoPro for travel Photos & Videos
Size and easy to carry: GoPro’s small size is one of its finest features. All GoPro versions are tiny cubes. They take up practically no room in luggage and may easily be brought with you on a day trip without requiring the use of an additional camera bag.
Robust build: GoPros are known for their durability. They may film action-packed days out of doors, even if they’re smaller than standard cameras. A DSLR camera, on the other hand, might be severely damaged when dropped.
The Underwater king: If you want to spend a lot of time in the water on your trip, GoPros come with an added benefit: they are completely waterproof. This enables you to shoot and record videos that would otherwise be impossible with a DSLR.
Cons of GoPro for travel Photos & Videos
Display screen size: Although some GoPro cameras do not include a display, even the ones that do have considerably less display area than a DSLR. One of the drawbacks of having such a compact and portable camera is that you won’t be able to view pictures or video on it. Small displays on GoPros may be tough because they are limited.
Lack of proper shutter speed or aperture control: If you want complete control over your camera’s aperture and shutter speed, but also high-quality travel photographs, a GoPro may not be the best option. While they do have a lot of pixels, the GoPro’s settings are far more limited than those on a DSLR. Many GoPro users may become frustrated by the limited options available in the camera’s menu.
Check out some interesting videos on Go Pro Hero 10 and Sony A7
What is a DSLR?
Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens | Built-in Wi-Fi | 24.1 MP CMOS Sensor | DIGIC 4+ Image Processor and Full HD Videos
A digital single-lens reflex camera (DSLR) is a type of camera. Because of their interchangeable lenses, DSLRs differ from conventional point-and-shoot cameras. Professional photographers like them because of the numerous lens choices and big, high-resolution sensors available on them.
Pros of DSLRs for travel Photos & Videos
Better Photos: There’s no getting around the fact that DSLRs produce superior images than GoPros. If you know what you’re doing, you can take excellent photographs with DSLRs, but even if you leave them to automatic and pray for the best, you may still get some amazing shots. There’s no better way to capture your trip’s beauty.
More control over photos: You’ll like the control you have over your images using a DSLR rather than a GoPro if you understand how to work with camera settings. You may alter the aperture, shutter speed, white balance, and other parameters to perfectly suit your needs. This allows skilled shooters to obtain results that they couldn’t do with a GoPro.
Interchangeable lenses: A DSLR camera’s lens can be swapped out, which significantly expands the types of images that can be taken. A short, fixed-length lens allows more light into the image, making it perfect for low-light photography. You may shoot distant objects with a telephoto lens or capture stunning close-ups of tiny flora and fauna with a macro lens. This adaptability is what makes DSLRs so unique; they allow users to take far more pictures than other cameras.
Cons of DSLRs for travel photos
Heavy and not easy to carry
The size and weight of a DSLR compared to a GoPro puts them at a disadvantage when it comes to travel. They take up extra room in your luggage, and you have to carry them all day along with any extra lenses you might require.
Not Robust compared to GoPro
DSLRs aren’t very durable, so you might be hesitant to take them to locations where they may be easily damaged. They aren’t waterproof, so underwater shooting is out of the question. Unlike GoPros, they are not extremely durable.
Should I get a GoPro or a DSLR camera?
The finest camera for travel photographs is based on the sort of photos and videos you wish to capture, as well as your type of trip. We believe a GoPro is an ideal choice for adventure seekers looking for an action-packed holiday or backpackers searching for a lightweight camera that’s easy to carry. A DSLR, on the other hand, would be ideal for traveling because it produces stunning, crystal clear landscape or portrait photographs and videos of your journeys. However, if you don’t move around as much and want to snap perfect captures of your travels, a DSLR will suffice.
