The Gopro Hero 7 is physically identical to the Gopro Hero 6, with the exception of the black paint, a new microphone, and a bit more memory. The processor and sensor are exactly the same. Some of the features of the GoPro 7 could have been provided to GoPro 6 users through a free firmware update, but GoPro ignored them.
Also, the so called “gimbal like” stabilization is misleading. A gimbal stabilizes rotation around three axes. As a result, the camera is always held level to the horizon. The GoPro does not do that. If you tilt the GoPro Hero 7, the horizon will be tilted in the final video. Not good for snowboarding or mountain biking. You end up with nauseating videos. Anti-shake is not enough to film those sports no matter how good it is. When you look at the promotional videos from GoPro, it’s obvious there was extensive post-prod work done to smooth them out.
If you own a GoPro 6, this is not a worthwhile upgrade. You’re basically buying the same camera with updated firmware. I think GoPro missed the boat on the Hero 7. A new processor, new sensor, and optical stabilization would have made it a great buy. I guess considering the fact that their stock, which once sold for over $100 per share, has been selling in the $6 a share range, they had no funds to develop a knockout camera. I think GoPro will eventually file bankruptcy or be bought out by Xiaomi Yi early next year.
Very disappointed with Gopro on this camera. I’ll stick with my Yi 4K+ and my older GoPro Hero and a gimbal for much better stabilized video. I had some hopes that Sony would update their FDR-X3000, but it looks like Sony may be getting out of the small action cam market.
