GoPro Hero 10 review for kite surfers

We recently exchanged our GoPro Hero 9 for the GoPro Hero 10. Not because we were dissatisfied with the Hero 9. Not even at all. Of course, the differences are greatest when you switch from a Hero 5 to a Hero 10, so to speak. Yet for kitesurfers we see a number of major advantages of the Hero 10 compared to the Hero 9. In this kitesurfing blog you can read everything about the similarities and differences between the models.

Compare GoPro Hero 10 with GoPro Hero 9

Hero 10: same size, different logo color

The size and appearance have remained the same. That in itself is nice because the accessories of the Hero 9 can also be used on the 10. For example the 'bite mount' in combination or without the 'floaty'. This is the combination we use the most on the water for kitesurfing. View the images on us Youtube Channel. You can recognize the appearance of the GoPro Hero 10 by the blue logo. We have not seen this before on a GoPro model.

Hero 10: hydrophobic coating

The HERO 10's interchangeable lens cover has a special coating. One that sits on the cockpit of the most advanced fighter jets. As a result, the drops of water fall off faster and you are less bothered by annoying drops on your lens.

For us kite surfers, the hydrophobic coating on the lens is very handy. Where we were always working with the Hero 9 with Rain-X or saliva, this would no longer be necessary with the Hero 10.

Our first experience with the hydrophobic coating on the lens is amazing. It's working. Of course we will experience whether the effect remains 100% after the next kitesurfing sessions. We will update our GoPro Hero 10 review on this point. Precisely because this would be a wonderful improvement for kite surfers. Watch the last seconds of the video below to see how well it worked in the first session. This special water-repellent lens can also be purchased separately and mounted on a Hero 9.

Hero 10: new processor. Ideal for kitesurfing

The Hero 10 has a new processor and as a result a number of major improvements have become possible. You can read them below.

Resolution up to 5.3k, frames doubled

Both GoPro cameras film in 5.3K resolution. The difference is mainly in the number of frames per second in which they record. This is doubled with the Hero 10. This makes images even smoother. The high frame rates also make it easier to slow down images to slow-motion images that look very smooth and very sharp. In our video we experiment with it twice. As can be seen in the images, you can highlight a cool piece of film in this way.

Faster processing images

The new processor significantly improves the loading time of images on the Quick app. Making videos in the app is also very easy and fast. Even slowing down images or a part of a clip, as described above, is now a piece of cake via the app.

Hyper Smooth 4.0

The hypersmooth was still 9 with the GoPro Hero 3.0 and this has been increased to 10 with the GoPro Hero 4.0. This means that the image stabilization has again been improved. This is clearly noticeable by the smooth images without shocks.

Boost mode and optional Max Lens Mod

Because image stabilization slightly shrinks the image, we almost never use it on the highest 'boost' setting. This is because we also like to see the kite on the image while kitesurfing. That is why we often keep the image zoomed out. Perhaps we will soon purchase a GoPro Max Lens Mod lens. The GoPro Max Lens Mod is a wide-angle lens that increases the angle of view and shows more of the environment.

Horizon stabilization improved

With the Hero 10, the camera can rotate up to 45 degrees while the horizon remains straight in view. With the Hero 9 this was only up to 27 degrees. If the camera tilts further, the image will rotate to the position of the camera.

Selfie screen rate of 30 frames

The selfie screen was also on the Hero 9. The so-called refresh rate of the screen has improved enormously. Namely from 5 frames to a rate of 30 frames. This means that the image looks smoother.

Conclusion GoPro Hero 10 review for kite surfers

The step from a GoPro Hero 9 to a Hero 10 does not seem big. However, for kite surfers it is a very good progress. The lens has a hydrophobic coating, so that water drops disappear faster than with the Hero 9. As stated, both cameras film at 5.3K resolution. But the doubling in frames per second is beautiful. With the Hero 10 you can film with twice the number of frames per second. This gives a smoother result. This is also more suitable for delay in clips. For example during a beautiful kite surf trick or kitesurfing in the waves. In addition, the GoPro Hero 10 has better horizon stabilization. As a result, the camera can be tilted further while the image remains horizontal. Great if you want to extract photos from your clips.