What is the standard GoPro sensor size? Until the Hero11 models, every GoPro used a standard 1/2.3″ image sensor size in all their cameras. And they had a standard f stop (aperture) of f/2.8 in every model, except the Hero10 Black (f/2.5).
The new Hero12 Black and Hero11 (Black and Mini) have a 1/1.9″ image sensor and an f/2.5. The aspect ratio also changed from 4:3 to 8:7. This gives a 13% taller field of view.
In this post, we’ll cover what this all means. And share the GoPro crop factor and equivalent mm measurement.
GoPro Sensor Size and Aperture Comparison
Because GoPro regularly releases new models, we’ve built this comparison chart to show the sensor size and f-stop of each model. We include the current Hero12 and back to the classic Hero4.
Because GoPro cameras are tiny, they are limited in the possible sensor size that can easily fit in the body. As you’ll notice in the chart, every GoPro uses the smallest, standard-sized image sensor.
| Model | Sensor Size | Aperture | Video Resolution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hero12 Black | 1/1.9″ | f/2.5 | 5.3K60 |
| Hero11 Black | 1/1.9″ | f/2.5 | 5.3K60 |
| Hero11 Black Mini | 1/1.9″ | f/2.5 | 5.3K60 |
| Hero10 Black | 1/2.3″ | f/2.5 | 5.3K60 |
| Hero9 Black | 1/2.3″ | f/2.8 | 5K30 |
| Max 360 | Dual 1/2.3″ | f/2.8 | 5.6K30 |
| Hero8 Black | 1/2.3″ | f/2.8 | 4K60 |
| Fusion 360 | Dual 1/2.3″ | f/2.8 | 5.8K24 |
| Hero7 Black | 1/2.3″ | f/2.8 | 4K60 |
| Hero7 Silver | 1/2.3″ | f/2.8 | 4K30 |
| Hero7 White | 1/2.3″ | f/2.8 | 1440p60 |
| Hero (2018) | 1/2.3″ | f/2.8 | 1440p60 |
| Hero6 Black | 1/2.3″ | f/2.8 | 4K60 |
| Hero5 Black | 1/2.3″ | f/2.8 | 4K30 |
| Hero5 Session | 1/2.3″ | f/2.8 | 4K30 |
| Hero4 Black | 1/2.3″ | f/2.8 | 4K30 |
| Hero4 Silver | 1/2.3″ | f/2.8 | 4k15 |
| Hero Session | 1/2.3″ | f/2.8 | 1440p30 |
Here’s a breakdown of sensor size and aperture by model. This post will be updated as new models are released.
GoPro Hero12 Black Sensor Size
- Sensor Size: 1/1.9″
- Aperture: f/2.5
- Max Video Resolution: 5.3K60
- Ratio: 8:7, 16:9
- Photo resolution: 27MP
GoPro Hero11 Black Sensor Size
- Sensor Size: 1/1.9″
- Aperture: f/2.5
- Max Video Resolution: 5.3K60
- Ratio: 8:7, 16:9
- Photo resolution: 27MP
GoPro Hero11 Black Mini Sensor Size
- Sensor Size: 1/1.9″
- Aperture: f/2.5
- Max Video Resolution: 5.3K60
- Ratio: 8:7
- Photo resolution: 24.7MP (Effective resolution – doesn’t have a photo mode). Still are photo-frame grabs from video.
Note: With the release of the new Hero11 Black cameras, both the sensor size and the ratio changed. Prior to this release in 2022, the standard sensor size was 1/2.3″ and the standard ratio was 4:3.
GoPro Hero10 Black Sensor Size
- Sensor Size: 1/2.3″
- Aperture: f/2.5
- Max Video Resolution: 5.3K60
- Photo resolution: 23MP
GoPro Hero9 Black Sensor Size
- Sensor Size: 1/2.3″
- Aperture: f/2.8
- Max Video Resolution: 5K30
- Photo resolution: 20MP
GoPro Max Sensor Size
- Sensor Size: 1/2.3″ (Dual)
- Aperture: f/2.8
- Max Video Resolution: 5.6K30
Hero8 Sensor Size
- Sensor Size: 1/2.3″
- Aperture: f/2.8
- Max Video Resolution: 4K60
Fusion 360 Sensor Size
- Sensor Size: 1/2.3″ (Dual)
- Aperture: f/2.8
- Max Video Resolution: 5.8K24
Hero7 Black Sensor Size
- Sensor Size: 1/2.3″
- Aperture: f/2.8
- Max Video Resolution: 4K60
Hero7 Silver Sensor Size
- Sensor Size: 1/2.3″
- Aperture: f/2.8
- Max Video Resolution: 4K30
Hero7 White Sensor Size
- Sensor Size: 1/2.3″
- Aperture: f/2.8
- Max Video Resolution: 1440p60
Hero (2018) Sensor Size
- Sensor Size: 1/2.3″
- Aperture: f/2.8
- Max Video Resolution: 1440p60
Hero6 Black Sensor Size
- Sensor Size: 1/2.3″
- Aperture: f/2.8
- Max Video Resolution: 4K60
Hero5 Black Sensor Size
- Sensor Size: 1/2.3″
- Aperture: f/2.8
- Max Video Resolution: 4K30
Hero5 Session Sensor Size
- Sensor Size: 1/2.3″
- Aperture: f/2.8
- Max Video Resolution: 4K30
Hero4 Black Sensor Size
- Sensor Size: 1/2.3″
- Aperture: f/2.8
- Max Video Resolution: 4K30
Hero4 Silver Sensor Size
- Sensor Size: 1/2.3″
- Aperture: f/2.8
- Max Video Resolution: 4k15
Session Sensor Size
- Sensor Size: 1/2.3″
- Aperture: f/2.8
- Max Video Resolution: 1440p30
GoPro Crop Factor
All GoPro Models to Hero10 (2021)
Based on the standard GoPro sensor size of 1/2.3″, use a crop factor of 5.62.
What is crop factor? Crop factor is used to calculate the “equivalent” focal length of a lens when compared to a 35mm (full-frame) camera.
Crop factor is also known as focal length multiplier.
Update: September 2022 With the release of the Hero11 Black and Black Mini in 2022, the sensor size changed to 1/1.9″.
How many mm is GoPro? (Equivalent)
When compared to a full-frame camera, a GoPro has a focal length of 16.4 mm. And an f-stop of f15.7.
Here’s the math:
- GoPro focal length: 2.92 mm
- GoPro Aperture: f2.8
- Crop factor: 5.62
These specs give us the following equivalent measurements for GoPro cameras.
- Equivalent focal length: 16.4 mm (actual focal length X crop factor)
- Equivalent aperture: f15.7 (actual aperture X crop factor)
Note: aperture is also known as f stop.
A 16 mm lens is very wide and will capture almost everything in front of it. For detail, you’ll want your subject to be quite close. Probably not much further than the length of a standard selfie stick.
The beauty of an f stop of f15.7 is that almost everything will be in focus. This is important in a GoPro – because there isn’t any real way to adjust focus. This is especially true when used in actual action photography – like mountain biking or surfing.
From what I can tell, these specs should be true for every model since 2014. This includes Hero4 to the current Hero8 and Max cameras. Of course, depending on your math – and how you take the measurement – your focal length and aperture might vary slightly. But only by a fraction – not enough to change anything meaningful.
Sensor Size Basics
What is an image sensor? This is an electronic sensor device that detects, collects, and conveys light information used to make an image.
Types of Image Sensors: CMOS and CCD are the two primary types of digital image sensors.
What type of image sensor does GoPro use? GoPro cameras use CMOS image sensors.
Here are some common image sensor sizes:
- 1/2.3″ This is the standard image sensor size in GoPro cameras.
- 1/1.9″ New image size in Hero11 Black and Black Mini
- 1/1.7″
- 2/3″
- CX (Nikon)
- APS-C
- 35 mm (Full frame) This is the standard sensor size that all others are compared against. The crop factor (see above) is used to compare other sensors against this size.
Does sensor size matter? It depends.
“Think of a sensor like the sail on a boat. The larger the sail, the greater the surface area, the more wind it will catch.” ~ Dave Morrow
So according to Dave, “the larger the sensor, the greater the surface area, the more light ( photons ) it will catch.”
The best sensor size really is a balance of image quality, cost, and function. For action cameras, manufacturers generally choose the smallest image sensor to allow for a compact and durable camera.
Interested to learn more about camera image sensors? This guide by Dave Morrow covers this in-depth.
Using a small image sensor allows GoPro to keep their cameras lightweight and portable.
Trying to sort out the differences between all the GoPro models? Check out our GoPro Comparison Chart
Your Turn
Have a question or comment about this post? Join me in the comments!
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Hey, I’m Bryan! I’m a content creator and co-founder of Storyteller Tech.
Experienced GoPro Videographer: I’ve been shooting with GoPro cameras for over 11 years. My first GoPro was the Hero3 Silver, bought for a Galapagos work trip in 2012. Today I own 20+ action cameras, including GoPro, DJI, and Insta360 cameras.
Professional Creator: Dena and I have developed video and content marketing plans for numerous international travel brands. And we also run several content businesses.
Bryan also creates at Storyteller.Travel and is co-founder of Storyteller Media, a Canadian-based publishing company.
gb4au
Tuesday 5th of December 2023
I do a lot of videos of bands in dark clubs. The action cameras are the best for the money, but aren't as good in low light. I wish someone made a comparably priced camera that was just a little larger, with bigger sensor, better low light, and better audio. It seems to get a bigger sensor and better camera there is a big jump in price. I guess there is little market in that middle space.
Bryan Haines
Sunday 17th of December 2023
It sounds like you're describing the Ace Pro by Insta360. It has a larger sensor than GoPro and exceptional low light capture. Here's my full review.
Netti
Tuesday 2nd of March 2021
very good analysis ive learnt alot. kindly update with hero 9. i wanted to know about its sensor size since its got a different megapixel. and how it stack up to these. and i heard bigger megapixel is not always good. kindly eloborate.
Travis
Friday 22nd of January 2021
I'm looking to buy an full spectrum lens (allows IR light through) for a gopro hero 7. How would I know what dimensions for a new lens to buy? I get the sensor is 1/2.3 and f/2.8 but are all ccd lenses the same physical diameter?
Alex
Tuesday 8th of December 2020
It’s worth noting that that crop factor when applied to focal length only changes the angle of view. The lens focal length and aperture are physical characteristics of a lens. Consequently the GoPro has an equivalent angle of view to a 16mm wide angle lens on a full frame sensor, it’s actually due to its focal length of 2.92mm and physics that everything is in acceptable focus. Hope this helps.
Tom
Sunday 3rd of May 2020
Great to the point useful info on sensor size. Others should follow your example. Thanks Tom
Bryan Haines
Monday 4th of May 2020
Thanks Tom!