Are Gopros Waterproof, or will you have to give up your plan of filming exciting underwater adventures? Well, the answer is more nuanced because it depends on the model.
Older GoPro models didn’t use to be waterproof. This meant that if you wanted to take your GoPro diving, you had to buy an external case to protect them. Are things different now? Let’s find out.
Are Gopros Waterproof Out the Box?
The short answer is yes! Most GoPros nowadays are waterproof for up to 10 meters (or 5 in some cases) and don’t require housing to resist underwater. However, older models, before GoPro Hero 5, require external housing for protection.
Are All GoPros Waterproof?
No, models older than the GoPro Hero 5 aren’t waterproof or water-resistant. The only way to make an older GoPro waterproof is to put it in an underwater case called a housing. However, newer models are waterproof at 10 meters, with GoPro MAX only diving as deep as 5 meters.
Is GoPro Hero11 Black Waterproof?
GoPro has made it clear that they don’t play around when it comes to capturing action. The GoPro Hero11 allows vertical videos and better color grading, making it particularly appealing for social media creators.
Released on 25 October 2022, it also comes with waterproof and water-resistant capabilities and can be immersed up to 33 feet (10 meters) underwater.
Is GoPro Hero 10 Waterproof?
The GoPro Hero 10 supports 5.3K video recording at up to 60fps and 4K video at up to 120fps for ultra-smooth slow motion. You can also capture 2.7K video at up to 240fps for super-sharp action shots and 23-megapixel stills.
This camera is a beast when it comes to handling water – it’s waterproof up to 33ft (10m) without requiring housing for protection!
Is GoPro Hero 9 Waterproof?
GoPro HERO 9 supports 5K video recording and can capture 20-megapixel photos. Some features include HyperSmooth 3.0 stabilization to ensure everything goes smoothly.
See also: GoPro Hero 9 Battery Life
And you don’t have to postpone your underwater adventure because this camera is waterproof and water-resistant and has a durable shell that can go as deep as 33 feet (10 meters).
Is GoPro Hero 8 Waterproof?
The GoPro 8 is a great action camera that can shoot 1080p videos and has HyperSmooth 2.0 stabilization.
The outside of the camera is waterproof up to 33 feet (10 meters), but you can supplement that with an additional layer of protection by purchasing protective housing.
Is GoPro MAX Waterproof?
The GoPro max includes great features like a video resolution of up to 5.6k and HyperSmooth 2.0 stabilization.
While most new GoPros are waterproof up to 33ft (or 10 meters), GoPro MAX is a notable exception, being able to reach only 16 feet (5 meters) in depth.
Besides that, GoPro hasn’t yet created protective housing for the Max model yet.
Is GoPro Hero 7 Waterproof?
The GoPro HERO 7 is the first HERO model that allows you to live stream right from the camera. It can also shoot 4k videos and photos. Like most contenders on this list, it features a sturdy body that is waterproof up to 33 ft (10 meters).
Is GoPro Hero 6 Waterproof?
The GoPro HERO 6 is the first HERO model to shoot 4K footage at 60fps (not 30fps, like previous models). It can also shoot Full HD 240fps video in very slow-motion.
The GoPro HERO 6 can go underwater up to 33feet (10 meters) without any risks so you can take it on any adventure you can think of.
Is GoPro Hero 5 Waterproof?
The Hero 6 is the first HERO model to protect against water damage. It’s waterproof down to 33 feet (10 meters), so you won’t have to worry about getting it wet while swimming or snorkeling. Some of its features include 12mp photos and video capabilities up to 30fps in 4k.
Is GoPro Hero 4 Waterproof?
This model can still be an excellent and cheap option for beginners, featuring 30fps in 4k, 50fps in 2.7k, and 120fps in 1080p.
Unfortunately, GoPro HERO 4 is the last model ever produced by GoPro that doesn’t protect against water damage. The following cameras were exclusively waterproof. But if you want to take it with you when diving or snorkeling, you can do it if you buy protective external housing.
Is GoPro Hero 3 Waterproof?
No, the GoPro HERO 3 is not waterproof. You can change that only by purchasing protective dive housing to ensure it’s up for anything.
But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have some “good bones.” The HERO3 can shoot at 12fps in 4k, 30fps in 1080p, 48fps in 960p and 60fps in 720p and can capture 11MP photos.
FAQs
Can Gopros go in salt water?
Absolutely! You can immerse all the new models of GoPro in any kind of water, including salt water. But it is advisable to put your GoPro in fresh water right after to remove salt residue.
How long can a GoPro be underwater?
You can typically expect a GoPro to survive being submerged in water, but there’s no exact number of seconds or minutes before it starts to malfunction.
Newer models will typically last 10 meters underwater – as long as you consider their limit, you can submerge the GoPro in water. However, make sure to check for damage to the seals and doors. If water reaches the interior of the camera, it may cause permanent damage.
To be sure, you can always add extra protection by buying additional waterproof housing for your camera.
What happens if GoPro gets wet?
As long as your GoPro only gets wet on the outside, you’re in the clear; this usually happens when rain droplets reach the camera.
But if the water ever gets inside, you may be in trouble. You can avoid this by constantly checking the rubber seals for signs of wreckage.
If the water does get inside, it’s essential to know how to act:
- First, you must remove any accessories attached to the camera – like the battery and SD card.
- Next, you’ll have to dry it off immediately with a clean cloth or towel.
Are GoPro Session Models Waterproof?
YES, they are! The GoPro HERO4 Session is the first ever model to be waterproof.
GoPro Session Models are all waterproof up to 10 meters. However, ensuring the side door is always completely closed is good practice. Another good idea is to hold the camera straight when filming underwater.
Are Gopros Waterproof? | Final Thoughts
Despite what many people think, not all GoPros are waterproof. Only certain newer models have waterproof capabilities right out of the box. Hero4 and Hero3 are some models that don’t have this feature.
The best way to make these models water-resistant is by purchasing waterproof housings, so you can easily keep your GoPro safe from splashes or moisture. And yes, you can buy external housing even if your camera is already waterproof!
Happy diving!
