GoPro Hero 14 Black
VERDICT
GoPro finally addressed the thermal issues. The new heatsink design allows for continuous 5.3K recording without overheating. But the real star is the HB-Series Lenses. Being able to switch from standard action shots to professional-looking macro close-ups makes this a versatile tool for vloggers, not just adrenaline junkies.
The Big Picture
Ruggedness is standard, but intelligence is new. The Hero 14 Black automatically detects which lens mod you attach and adjusts the settings instantly. No more menu diving. It also brings back GPS (which was removed in the Hero 12), allowing you to overlay speed, altitude, and G-force stickers on your videos.
🔍 Macro Lens Mod
The Upgrade: Focus closer than ever.
Performance: Standard action cams have a fixed focus (everything past 1 meter is sharp). The new Macro Lens lets you focus on objects just 11cm away. It’s perfect for product reviews, cooking videos, or capturing tiny details in nature.
🏃♂️ HyperSmooth 7.0
Physics-defying stability.
AutoBoost: The camera dynamically crops the image only as much as needed to stabilize the shake. If you are standing still, you get the widest view. If you start running, it crops in slightly to smooth out the bumps. It’s seamless and magical.
✅ The Pros
- Lens Mods: Auto-detection is a massive workflow improvement.
- Burst Slo-Mo: Can shoot 400fps at lower resolutions for insane slow motion (13x slower).
- Mounting: Has both the classic folding fingers AND a 1/4-20 tripod thread built-in.
- Audio: Enhanced Bluetooth support allows connecting AirPods as wireless mics.
❌ The Cons
- Low Light: Still noisy at night compared to the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro.
- Battery: While improved, 5.3K recording still drains it in under an hour.
- Price: The lenses are sold separately, increasing the total cost significantly.
🤔 Should you buy it?
YES if you need a camera that can survive being dropped off a cliff and still capture 5.3K video.
NO if you primarily vlog at night or indoors (the DJI Osmo Pocket 3/4 is much better for low light).
See the showdown: GoPro Hero 14 vs. DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro Comparison