The GoPro Hero 11 Black was given a slimming treatment. The name says it all: the Hero 11 Black Mini is a lighter version of GoPro’s flagship product for 2022. Here is our comprehensive review and comment on this camera in the unusual position.
The GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini will be shown at the same time as the regular Hero 11 Black in September 2022, but it will take about two months to hit the market. The idea is simple: create a scaled-down version of the GoPro Hero 11 Black. Of course, the format has been reduced, but not the technological specifications, which is the objective of this new model.
Technical Sheet :
| Model | GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini |
|---|---|
| Price | 399 $ |
Design and Interface
A quick recap of the facts. The GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini is not the company’s first small camera. Some people recall with fondness the GoPro Session, which were offered between 2015 and 2017. The Sessions had a tiny mass and size, but they lacked some high-end capability from their bigger sisters, including as 4K at the time for the Hero 4 Session.
The Hero 11 Black Mini is a large cube. Yes, GoPro has modified its formula: the camera is still smaller than a standard GoPro, but it retains the great majority of The capabilities that we will return to throughout this test. Make room for design right now.
Design :
The GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini falls between between the previous miniature versions and the traditional GoPro models like the Hero 11 Black, Hero 10 Black, Hero 9 Black, and so forth.
The Hero 11 Black Mini measures 52.4 L x 51.2 H x 38 P, as opposed to 71.8 L x 50.8 H x 33.6 P for the Hero 11 Black. As a result, the Mini is substantially thinner while also being somewhat taller and thicker. The Hero 11 Black weighs 133 grams, which is only 21 grams lighter than the Hero 11 Black.
In summary, we’re not dealing with half a GoPro, nor with a drone-specific device akin to the GoPro Hero 10 Black Bones. If the camera impresses us with its small size when held in our hands, the word “Mini” immediately brings to mind the GoPro Session or the DJI Action 2, both of which are significantly smaller models than the Hero 11 Black Mini. You’ve probably figured out that the camera had to sacrifice certain aspects to achieve this format. Say farewell to the GoPro Hero 11 Black’s dual displays.
To further comprehend the modifications, let’s take a tour of the owner. As a result, there is no screen in the front. We obviously discover the sensor, which is normally located at the upper right of the camera. Good news: in the case of a shock, objective protection may be removed and replaced.
A GoPro camera is also included, as is a first microphone. Instead, take notice of the presence of a physical state button, which is normally located on the edge. We’ll return to this button very soon. Remember that it has the same texture as other GoPro buttons, which is a positive thing: you won’t have any trouble pushing it with Wearing ski or motorbike gloves, which isn’t the case with all action cameras.
The upper part has something special in store for us. In addition to the traditional recording button, the latter has a tiny 0.55 inch LCD screen. You will interact with him to change modes and access various options. We will not surprise you by stating that watching recorded videos is not possible on this monochromatic screen. The following section of this exam focuses on the screen interface, which is also ignored by a state witness.
The right side of the camera has the text “11 Black Mini,” while the opposite side conceals the microSD and USB-C ports behind a hatch. Looking for a spot to hide the battery? That of the Hero 11 Black Mini is unremovable. Because it is an issue, it is almost probably the outcome of a technological limitation.
To begin with, the inability to remove the battery from the Hero 11 Black Mini is a significant disadvantage. Aside from not being able to replace batteries during the day, this also prevents the user from escaping during a camera bug. GoPro is becoming increasingly trustworthy in this regard, although the occasional glitch is always unpleasant. All you have to do with the Hero 11 Black Mini is pray that no bugs occur. The camera did startle us once during our testing: GoPro refused to turn off after being fully charged, but eventually gave in after a few minutes.
Let’s have a look at the back of the camera. The latter has an amusing ribbed pattern that really works as a heat sink. We really like the articulated stems, which are little legs that retract and let you to attach the GoPro to various devices. This solution has been available since the Hero 8 Black and remains as useful: there is no need for a shell or other frame to connect the camera.
The Hero 11 Black Mini is the first GoPro to include two of these fixes. Yes, the camera’s bottom edge also houses two little legs. As a result, the camera is extremely simple to set up. This is also, in our opinion, his key point. Allow me to explain. Some attachments need a fast, but not insignificant, contemplation before installation — camera for perspective, practicality in use…
Having two hooks on a GoPro substantially simplifies the procedure. A few days on the slopes would have been enough to persuade me. Because of its format and two hooks, the Hero 11 Black Mini will be more readily hookable and manipulable on a motorbike or in any sport that requires a helmet. For example, using the camera with a harness is less difficult in terms of fastening.
Finally, the fixing paws at the rear of the camera are the most helpful. Because it is attached to an accessory in this manner, the GoPro requires less adjustment to be in front of the action. The standard GoPro does not have this option since this side of the camera is allocated for the rear screen. To be picky, a focus on one of the camera slices would have made installation on certain helmets easier.
The Hero 11 Black Mini’s rear legs are contained in the camera’s body, while those positioned under the camera barely exceed the frame.
The Hero 11 Black Mini may be little, but it is still a GoPro, with the same toughness and waterproofing to 10 meters as previous versions. I also found it easier to swing the camera at the bottom of my backpack than with the other Two models, and the lack of a screen in the front and rear comforted me. The Hero 11 Black Mini is meant to be functional in temperatures ranging from -10 to 35 degrees Celsius.
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It’s worth noting that the Hero 11 Black Mini lacks a GPS chip. Those who enjoy incorporating their layout and pace into videos are now aware.
Interface :
The Hero 11 Black Mini includes the GP2 CPU, which is also found in the Hero 10 Black and Hero 11 Black. Again, we see GoPro’s desire with its Hero 11 Black Mini: to provide an even smaller camera without sacrificing technological qualities. This CPU is capable of sustaining the camera’s hefty video settings, and it is certain that the Hero 11 Black Mini interface will not bring it to its knees. Given the size of the LCD panel, the latter could not be more concise.
Quick instruction. To switch on the assembly, press the status button on the front of the camera. This same button is used to browse through menus, and the shutter button (located on the upper portion) is logically used to authenticate the operations. There are two menu options:
- There are two recording modes and shooting parameters.
- Pro mode and Easy mode.
As you will see, the first option is used to select between the recording modes — Video, TimeWarp, Time Lapse, and others. Once in the selected mode, several basic options are shown ( image frequency, definition, fields of vision… ). Unfortunately, the camera’s stabilization mode cannot be altered. You must complete the application.
The navigation may appear to be tiresome, but the limited amount of options compels us to get to the purpose… and the experience is not unpleasant. At the very least, we don’t get lost. For example, switching from a 2.7 K 240 fps video mode with a linear field of vision to a 4K 30 fps video mode with a broad field of view requires a dozen clicks and the same number of seconds. We almost wish the old GoPro had the same simplicity.
The second menu allows you to pick the control mode. The one we just mentioned is Pro mode, whereas Easy mode is considerably simpler. It eliminates all video settings and replaces them with three distinct profiles with simple names:
- Maximum resolution: 5.3K 60 ips SuperView.
- Long-lasting battery life: 4K 60 ips SuperView.
- Longest battery life: 1080p 60 ips. SuperView.
This option is intended for newcomers and people who do not like to take the initiative. So why not?
The QuickCapture option, as usual, allows you to switch on the camera and start recording a video with a single click of the shutter button. Convenient to prevent wasting time and to conserve the camera’s battery, which runs out at the conclusion of the movie. Voice commands may also be used to control the Hero 11 Black Mini. This is a feature I seldom utilize, but it makes sense on this model.
From an energy-saving standpoint, the camera turns off on its own after ten seconds of inactivity. The concept is sound, however it is rather brief. Too brief. This term cannot be extended by the application, damage.
With the Hero 11 Black Mini, which lacks genuine displays to frame its plan and alter shooting modes accurately, the GoPro Quick application is gaining traction. All of this is possible using GoPro Quick. The latter is quite fluid nowadays, even though the connecting procedure, which is rather quick nowadays, may put some of them off. Although the tool allows you to visualize the plan before shooting, the preview becomes inaccessible as the recording begins. This aspect is considerably more troublesome with the Hero 11 Black Mini than it is with the standard GoPro. Pity.
In this aspect, the lack of displays on the Hero 11 Black Mini made me mistrust the video framing. Although GoPro cameras are known for their broad fields of view, some activities need a minimum of attention to record the scene adequately. That’s great; I recently went skiing and took the Hero 11 Black Mini with me. Although the SuperView field of view assisted me in not cutting off the person I was following at the framing, you should be aware that the footage shot by this camera will inevitably be less properly framed than those recorded by the other GoPro. The next section has a video example.
Video Quality :
The sensor in the Hero 11 Black Mini is identical to that in the Hero 11 Black. The same sensor, the same CPU… You saw it coming: the Hero 11 Black Mini has the same video features as his bigger sister. This is the entire goal of GoPro: to offer a smaller camera with no screen but the same video quality.
The most discriminating will hence prefer the high definition 5.3 K up to 60 pictures per second. 4K mode can attain 120 frames per second, whereas 2.7K can reach 240 frames per second.
We won’t go on and on about the video quality of the Hero 11 Black Mini. As a result, we invite you to read our full Hero 11 Black review, in which we compare the camera’s photographs to those of the Hero 10 Black. Here are some mountain videos shot using the Hero 11 Black Mini.
Let’s keep it brief. The photographs are, unsurprisingly, superb for such a small camera. The dynamic range hasn’t changed much since the Hero 10 Black, but it’s still one of the finest on this sort of device. Its major rival, the DJI Osmo Action 3, is not on the same level.
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Videos shot in good lighting continue to be favored. With the camera, everyone will find it difficult to miss appointments, and pros will have some alternatives for compensating for the inherent limitations of such a small sensor. Consider a 10-bit recording mode, which has a theoretical maximum recording throughput of 120 Mbps.
The Hero 11 Black Mini and Hero 11 Black sensor has a relatively new 8: 7 aspect ratio. Of course, shooting in the conventional 16: 9 format is always an option. The picture is higher in 8: 7, and the vertical field of view is 16% more than in the Hero 10 Black. Those who don’t want to read our Hero 11 Black review to learn more about this sensor should keep in mind that it allows:
- reframe in 16:9 or 9:16 ratio for social media.
- take use of HyperView, an unique ultra-wide field of view.
Stabilization :
Because the stabilization of the Hero 11 Black Mini is identical to that of the Hero 11 Black, we’re pointing you back to the latter’s test for various instances and comparisons with the stability of the Hero 10 Black.
The GoPro crews’ work is consistently bluffing. The HyperSmooth stabilization is now available in version 5.0. In addition to the standard yearly algorithmic fine-tuning, we are entitled to a new AutoBoost option, which is meant to automatically transition between traditional and Boost stabilization, which is more noticeable, but which messes up the image a little. Our advise stays unchanged: The HyperSmooth mode is more than enough.
Another innovation enabled by the new sensor is the automatic locking of the horizon at 360 degrees in a linear field of vision, which is now possible without the need of an extra accessory. In some cases, this is a significant advantage.
Other Modes :
The differences between the Hero 11 Black Mini and the Hero 11 Black are most noticeable here. Despite the fact that the two cameras use the identical sensor and CPU, the Mini version excels in the following modes:
- Photo ;
- Scheduled capture ;
- HindSight ;
- Duration of capture ;
- Loop ;
- Webcam.
While most of these settings aren’t necessary, the omission of a picture mode on the Hero 11 Black Mini is disappointing. She is certainly capable, but GoPro chooses to depend on the following argument: it is feasible to extract a 24.7 megapixel snapshot from a 5.3 K movie. It is not dumb, except that the inexperienced will almost surely lack motivation to do this operation.
Otherwise, all of the Hero 11 Black’s modes remain included, including the outstanding TimeWarp, the necessary Time Lapse, and the honestly quite realistic new night effects Light Painting, Star Trails, and Vehicle Light Trails – all of which we explain in our review of the GoPro Hero 11 Black.
Autonomy :
Hero 11 Black Mini battery employs the same Enduro technology as the Hero 11 Black battery, but has a little lesser capacity: 1,500 mAh vs 1,720 mAh.
The symbol implies that the Hero 11 Black Mini can record for more than 60 minutes in high quality and picture frequencies, or over two hours in 1080p at 30 frames per second. We conducted some theoretical experiments, that is, we let the camera film statically:
- 4K to 60 fps : 67 minutes ( against 69 minutes for Hero 11 Black ) ;
- 4K to 60 fps under -20 ° C : 72 minutes ( against 78 minutes for Hero 11 Black ) ;
- 1080p at 30 fps : 118 minutes ( against 129 minutes for Hero 11 Black ).
The Hero 11 Black Mini is performing well. It saves battery life due to the lack of actual displays, but it suffers from its small size: in our static testing, the camera grew nearly heated in the most demanding video settings. This is typical since the dissipator required to dissipate heat from the camera’s internal components cannot function without the presence of wind. The Hero 11 Black Mini warms up much faster than the Hero 11 Black, although our static tests are in no way representative of real-world use. So, in our opinion, this is not worth mentioning.
If you are unsure about purchasing the GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini, consider this real-world scenario. The camera was able to follow us on a four-hour ski excursion, during which we shot a total of 27 minutes of 4K footage at 60 frames per second with stabilization activated. We also asked the camera for ten minutes for a Time Lapse and another 20 minutes by connecting it to our phone to watch the footage.
We honestly expected worse with such a format, but the issue persists: the Hero 11 Black Mini battery is not detachable, rendering the camera inoperable once it is depleted.
Let’s not forget about a couac I met on my first day of skiing. After a single descent, the camera had been loaded all night and showed less than two-thirds of the available range. A few tracks later, the camera went out, possibly due to a lack of battery power and an unwillingness to relight the day. Perhaps she didn’t enjoy the -13 degree weather. Another ski session, even in more difficult weather, did not disrupt the camera.
In our tests, it took about 2 hours to completely reload the Hero 11 Black Mini.
Modules :
The GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini’s format inherently renders it incompatible with the following modules: media, display, and lighting. Nonetheless, the (Max Lens Mod) objective module may be installed to the camera.
Price and Date of Exit :
The GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini costs 399 dollars, or 349 euros for GoPro members. The mechanics are therefore the same as with the previous GoPro: acquiring the GoPro membership for one year on the official site lowers the overall price by 100 dollars— while benefiting from the benefits of the subscription sold initially for 50 dollars per year.
On paper, the Hero 11 Black Mini costs 100 dollars less than its bigger brother, the Hero 11 Black.
However, at the time of writing in mid-December 2022, the two cameras are available for the same price of 399 $ among certain merchants. The Hero 11 Black Mini costs 305 dollars on the GoPro website, while the Hero 11 Black costs 399 dollars.
