6 reasons to use a GoPro instead of a smartphone to record videos

TechCamerasGoPro & Action Cameras6 reasons to use a GoPro instead of a smartphone to record videosBreak through the limitations of your smartphone with cinema-ready resultsWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

Break through the limitations of your smartphone with cinema-ready results

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: GoPro)

under embargo until 2pm BST on 6th September, when the news embargo lifts./ GoPro launches HEro 12 Black Action Camera

(Image credit: GoPro)

Today’s smartphones go way beyond the basic remit of keeping us connected to friends, family and workmates - they are also gaming devices, video streamers, MP3 players and, perhaps more importantly, pocket digital cameras.

The temptation to ignore the incremental updates occurring in the digital photography world and simply snap away with a smartphone is real and ever-present, especially seeing as the modern smartphone is nearly always in a pocket, and it saves you the faff of lugging around additional equipment.

But despite the modern smartphone proving an extremely capable capturer of still images and high-resolution video, it still has its limitations, and this is where purpose-built, diminutive devices like thebest GoProscome into their own.

And when we say GoPros, we meanaction camerasin general, as althoughGoProis synonymous with action cameras the same way Fitbit is with fitness trackers, there are other brands to consider before buying an action camera than just GoPro (although GoPros are pretty good).

With that in mind, we have mulled over six reasons why you should leave the smartphone behind and get creative with GoPro. Lights, camera, extreme action!

(Haven’t got a GoPro yet? Check out T3’sbest cheap GoPro dealsroundup to find an offer today.)

1. A GoPro is more rugged

The bottom line is that GoPros are built tough. Think about it, these cameras are designed to be attached to a helmet as that helmet (and human) jump out of a plane, ski off a cliff or leap over several buses on a motorcycle. The latestGoPro Hero 12 Blackis pretty much indestructible straight out of the box, with things like a hydrophobic lens cover ensuring water shots remain crystal clear. All without the need to purchase additional cases and cover.

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GoPro HERO10: How to Make the Most of GoPro Photo Modes - YouTubeWatch On

GoPro HERO10: How to Make the Most of GoPro Photo Modes - YouTube

2. There are lots of shooting modes to choose from

The GoPro as we know it is in its 12th iteration, and over that time, the company has tweaked and added features that make capturing the best shots easier.

For example, Hindsight captures up to 30 seconds of footage before you start recording so you don’t miss a moment, while bespoke Night Effects make it simple to snare star trails and get creative with light painting.

Cleverly, GoPro also offers a number of lens angles and orientations, with everything from super-wide HyperView to more cinematic widescreen options and even vertical capture for direct posting to social media accounts.

3. It captures pro level image and sound

Even professional camera crews resort to GoPro when capturing the action, as the latest devices offer top-level frame rates and resolutions, as well as the ability to record video in 10-bit colour with GP-Log encoding.

It might sound like word soup, but it allows pro creators to make the most of advanced colour grading features in post-production. Similarly, still photography can be captured in RAW and at crazy resolutions, resulting in more detail and scope when getting creative in Lightroom, PhotoShop and other digital image manipulation software.

How to use Bluetooth Audio With HERO12 Black | GoPro Tips - YouTubeWatch On

How to use Bluetooth Audio With HERO12 Black | GoPro Tips - YouTube

4. There’s fewer distractions with a GoPro

While a smartphone is the last word in convenience when it comes to grabbing and snaring the shot, it can also be very annoying when notifications come in and you get sidetracked with an email chain rather than capturing the moment.

A GoPro is designed to work alongside your smartphone, which should act as a secondary camera or the perfect place to throw together a quick video and/or stills image edit, leaving capturing duties solely to the action cam.

So, no more missing the moment while replying to an Instagram message or having a video ruined, thanks to an incoming call.

5. Editing masterpieces is Quik and easy

What’s more, an Auto Highlight feature will bundle together what it determines as your best clips, making for a very quick and easy social share or a great starting point for your next masterpiece.

6. You can wear it

Have you tried attaching your precious smartphone to the handlebars of a motorcycle and shredding several laps of a motocross course? You have to be either very brave or very daft to attempt such an endeavour, as not only will the resulting footage probably look rubbish, but it will also likely result in a very smashed phone.

We’ve already mentioned the robustness of a GoPro, but its other USP is the vast array of mounts (both official and third-party) that are on offer. Extension poles, floating grips, bite mounts, chest straps and all manner of suction points make it easier to stick a GoPro anywhere you desire.

Today’s best cheap GoPro dealsGoPro Hero12 Black$399.99$349.99ViewSee all pricesDeal endsTue, Jan 21, 2025GoPro Hero11 Black$349.99$249.99ViewSee all pricesGoPro Hero 11 Black Mini$249ViewSee all pricesGoPro Hero10 Black$249ViewSee all pricesGoPro Hero9 Black$209ViewSee all pricesGoPro Hero 8 Black$355.99$319ViewSee all pricesGoPro Max$724.95ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices

Today’s best cheap GoPro deals

GoPro Hero12 Black$399.99$349.99ViewSee all pricesDeal endsTue, Jan 21, 2025GoPro Hero11 Black$349.99$249.99ViewSee all pricesGoPro Hero 11 Black Mini$249ViewSee all pricesGoPro Hero10 Black$249ViewSee all pricesGoPro Hero9 Black$209ViewSee all pricesGoPro Hero 8 Black$355.99$319ViewSee all pricesGoPro Max$724.95ViewSee all prices

GoPro Hero12 Black$399.99$349.99ViewSee all pricesDeal endsTue, Jan 21, 2025

GoPro Hero12 Black$399.99$349.99ViewSee all prices

GoPro HERO13 and 12

GoPro Hero12 Black

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Deal endsTue, Jan 21, 2025

GoPro Hero11 Black$349.99$249.99ViewSee all prices

GoPro HERO11 Black

GoPro Hero11 Black

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$349.99$249.99View

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GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini$249ViewSee all prices

GoPro HERO11 Black Mini -…

GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini

Amazon

$249View

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GoPro Hero10 Black$249ViewSee all prices

GoPro HERO10 Black

GoPro Hero10 Black

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$249View

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GoPro Hero9 Black$209ViewSee all prices

GoPro HERO9 Black -…

GoPro Hero9 Black

Amazon

$209View

$209

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GoPro Hero 8 Black$355.99$319ViewSee all prices

GoPro HERO8 Black Bundle:…

GoPro Hero 8 Black

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$355.99$319View

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GoPro Max$724.95ViewSee all prices

GoPro MAX — Waterproof 360 +…

GoPro Max

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1. A GoPro is more rugged#

Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox#

2. There are lots of shooting modes to choose from#

3. It captures pro level image and sound#

4. There’s fewer distractions with a GoPro#

5. Editing masterpieces is Quik and easy#

6. You can wear it#

1. A GoPro is more rugged

Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox

2. There are lots of shooting modes to choose from

3. It captures pro level image and sound

4. There’s fewer distractions with a GoPro

5. Editing masterpieces is Quik and easy

6. You can wear it