New GoPro HERO11 packs a punch – but can it take one too?

The HERO11 is the size of two Tim Tams and promises some of the best action footage on the market for $799, but it’s facing some stiff competition. So we put it to the test.

The newest camera to join GoPro’s action line might not be “the world’s most versatile action camera” as the company claims but the two Tim Tam-sized device does handle well under pressure and is able to stabilise itself while undertaking some serious impact.

The HERO11, released last Thursday ($799.95), is a level up from the previous model now filming in 5.3K at 60 frames per second.

The action camera comes with an impressive 27 megapixel resolution and a larger 1/1.9 sensor which GoPro says can film up to 1 billion colours in 10-bit colour video.

Amping up its action ability, the HERO11 can film 10m under water and with a new “enduro” battery it can record up to 38 per cent longer than previous models.

In a bid to test the new camera, The Australian’s technology team took a HERO11 to a kickboxing class in inner Sydney to measure its stability under impact.

A snorkeller takes the new GoPro HERO11 underwater.

Using a head strap and wrist strap, the camera held up surprisingly well, and was able to stabilise itself even as boxers were punched and kicked around the room.

While the quality isn’t quite what you’ll see on the promos, the resolution is noticeably clearer than the HERO10 and at a whole new level to the HERO9.

GoPro’s HERO11 model’s stability was put to the test Picture: Supplied

The camera’s ability to be moved quickly and maintain a clear picture signals the HERO11 might just be the best camera on the market for full-contact sports.

Throughout the session, the camera took quite the beating and even copped a couple of blows from tired boxers who slipped. GoPro calls this auto-stabilisation HyperSmooth 5.0.

Another new feature is the ability to record in an 8:7 aspect ratio, which almost appears as a game like when filming from a point-of-view angle via the head strap.

While the camera might be designed for action sports, the battery lasted just around an hour while filming. When filming for more than five minutes consecutively the camera got quite warm. The same happened when transferring files to a computer.

The GoPro HERO11 works with motorcycle helmets via a mount.

GoPro’s new HERO11 model. Picture: Supplied

For purchase options, the HERO11 is available on its own, in a square-shaped miniature version which is available from October 25 and a “creator” edition which includes a microphone, flash, tripod and spare battery for $454.80 more.

All three editions include a one-year GoPro subscription which offers unlimited cloud storage and automatic uploading, site discounts, a live streaming function and camera replacement for 12 months ($69.99).

Without a subscription, users are left to edit video on GoPro Quik mobile app which might appear convenient, but glitched several times under test.

The app, which connects to the camera directly via a Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connection, often disconnected when the app was minimised. This makes the subscription-based option more appealing in the interest of time.

In saying that, the ability to crop snippets of video on the go is handy, especially when storage is an issue. This functions allows video and photos to be uploaded to social media within minutes.

At $799.95, the HERO11 is facing some serious contenders in the action camera range.

Upcoming competitors include the DJI Osmo Action 3 ($519) which can record for up to 150 minutes in temperatures as low as -20° C; the Insta360 X3 Action Camera ($799) which can record in 5.7k with up to 72MP resolution; and the Zero-X ZX-40 4K UHD Action Camera which can record in 4K and 12MP at a fraction of the price ($219).