GoPro is an American technology company well-known for its action cameras.
GoPro cameras are so tiny and one of the easiest cameras to transport.
However, some factors lead to the high pricing of GoPro, which is a worrying element for people who are passionate about capturing moments using this device.
Why Are GoPros So Expensive? (Top 10 Reasons)
One of the primary reasons behind the GoPro’s expensive pricing is the manufacturing of the camera.
The brand uses very tiny components to make it an action camera with a compact design.
Further, after manufacturing, these components undergo iterative testing to innovate the technology and design.
GoPro holds value as a pioneer of action cameras.
The brand awareness and the trust of its customers is also the reason behind its expensive pricing.
However, the pricing strategy not only depends on components or people’s trust.
Other factors lead to the expensive pricing of GoPro.
Let’s have a look at the top ten reasons for the expensive pricing of GoPro cameras.
1. Components
GoPro spends a good amount to place excellent quality components in their cameras, and the results their camera produce justifies its pricing.
They use a wide range of compact internal and external components that add to the overall pricing of GoPro.
Let’s have a look at some of the components of GoPro.
A. GP2 Processor
The GoPro embeds a GP2 processor in their high-end cameras that offer faster speed.
Its processor’s speed enables doubled frame rates to shoot a 5.3k video.
Additionally, it enhances the low light performance and allows to use in different modes.
The GP2 processor is the main component of GoPro cameras as it improves the quality with its fast processing speed.
B. Touchscreen
GoPro offers its camera with a touchscreen that allows you to access all the features and options of your camera with a single touch.
The difference that the touchscreen creates is that you can use several gestures on the screen.
The gestures help you open the menu and set ISO while taking a shot.
The brand offers a dynamic preview on the back of the camera.
The screen has become a center of attention for most people as they can toggle between different functionalities.
GoPro offers unlimited access with their touchscreen, which includes tapping for shoot and focus, writing on images, and self-timers, which most other brands don’t offer.
C. Sensors
GoPro places CMOS image sensors in their cameras.
The sensor uses optical technology, which machine vision uses for robotics.
The brand advances in CMOS technology to make it possible for them to compete with other high-end digital cameras.
CMOS comprises itself with transistors to actively use power to gather light.
It is beneficial in lowering image noise and increasing light sensitivity by making it less power-efficient.
GoPro embeds the above-listed excellent quality components to help their product stand out in the action camera market.
However, these components result in the expensive pricing of the GoPro cameras.
2. Research & Development
GoPro’s research and development teams are also one of the major factors behind the expensive pricing of its cameras.
In 2021, GoPro spent $141 million on its research and development sector.
The company hires a team of deep thinkers and researchers to look for continuous innovation in the technology.
The research team focuses greatly on technology advancements to innovate the previous technology.
The GoPro development team is responsible for the proper execution of implementing technologies and developing products according to the set of rules.
For this purpose, they hire high-end engineers to improve the quality of their products.
The brand spends a good amount on the development team to target key elements in producing better cameras.
Both the research and development team focuses closely on consumer feedback and keeps no margin of error in their new products.
GoPro also invests time in developing such technologies to reach the top in its segment.
3. Features
GoPro HERO8 Black + Lanyard - E-Commerce Packaging - Waterproof Digital Action Camera with Touch Screen 4K HD Video 12MP Photos Live Streaming Stabilization
GoPro offers rich features with advanced technology, which is one of the significant reasons behind the expensive pricing of GoPro cameras.
Their features offer several benefits to set them apart from their competitors and make them the most powerful action cameras.
Let’s have a look at the features of GoPro cameras.
A. Max Super View
GoPro cameras offer a super view mode to stretch the image edges.
It helps you take advantage of the 4:3 area by converting it to a 16:9 screen area, as most videos require a display of a 16:9 screen ratio.
Max super view provides essential capabilities to remove some restrictions regarding frame rate and screen resolution.
Additionally, the GoPro max super view feature enables you to shoot a video in 5.3k resolution at 60 frames per second.
B. 24 Frames Per Second
GoPro cameras can shoot a video at 24 frames per second.
This is the feature that captures the same frame rates as we see in movies.
Also, it brings a more cinematic look to your shot.
The camera also provides several benefits for shooting in low light as it can capture extra light at slower fps.
Additionally, it is also beneficial in recording time-lapse videos as it provides extra flexibility over duration and speed in post-processing.
This feature decreases the amount of space the video takes up for such time-lapse footage.
C. Max Lens Mod Support
The max lens mode support is one of the rich features of GoPro cameras.
GoPro provides good max lens support to its high-end cameras.
It offers an even wider view than the Super view field and enables you to shoot extra smooth video at an ultra-wide angle.
The brand enables you to have a horizon lock capability and a 155-degree field of view, making your horizon straight as the camera turns 360 degrees around.
D. Performance Boost
GoPro introduces a wide range of functionalities to boost the performance of their action cameras in multiple scenarios.
It uses maximum video performance mode to prioritize resolution, image quality, and frame rate.
Also, it uses an extended battery mode to limit its resolution and frame rate.
This mode allows you to manage the most recording time on your camera and further maximize it.
E. Stabilization
GoPro uses a technology known as Hyper Smooth to stabilize images and video recording.
Hyper Smooth technology process the shot through its advanced scene analysis and roller shutter correction algorithm.
It enables GoPro to analyze the movement in your shots and adjust the frame field to make it smoother.
The stabilization technology comes with a new feature known as In-camera Horizon Leveling.
It gives your shot a leveled horizon and a stable look for up to 45 degrees.
All these features and functionalities add a significant amount to the overall pricing of action cameras, making them expensive.
Apart from its expensive pricing, it is still the top holder in its segment because of its rich features.
4. Marketing Budget & Strategy
GoPro’s huge marketing budget is one of the major reasons behind the expensive pricing of their action cameras.
In 2021, GoPro spent more than 156 million U.S. dollars on global marketing and sales.
The brand focuses mainly on aggressive marketing strategies to counter-push sales and generate good revenue.
The marketing and sales expenditure of GoPro is much higher than any other brand in this segment.
GoPro also spends heavily on influencer marketing to showcase its products.
There is a list of famous people starring in ad campaigns, commercials, and collaborations.
The brand targets popular names in the vlogger category like Chris Rogers, Jordan Hetrick, Rob Hamilton, and many others.
All these budgets spent on building the brand are another major reason GoPro is so expensive.
Also, GoPro attracts most of its consumers through social media marketing campaigns.
The brand spends a good amount on advertising its product on social media platforms.
It helps the brand to showcase its product quality in a much better way, communicate with its consumers, and target new consumers.
5. Human Resource
GoPro hires a large number of individuals to control several operations.
It is because the brand mostly outsources components manufacturing and has set up huge distribution units worldwide.
For this reason, they have to spend an extra amount, and that results in the expensive pricing of the GoPro camera.
GoPro has huge sales and marketing teams to care for their production.
They have to strategize marketing according to their niche.
The brand plans onsite and offsite marketing to showcase its product and get sales on point.
6. Transportation & Distribution
GoPro mostly outsources its camera components from different manufacturers around the world.
They gather components and bring them to one point from where they are transported to different locations.
Another major reason that causes the expensive pricing for GoPro is transportation.
They utilize different channels like cargo planes, ships, and trains to transport components.
This transportation requires crude oil and fuels to move from one place to another.
However, the high fuel pricing adds up to the total pricing of GoPro action cameras.
After gathering components at one point, supply-chain and distribution elements take charge to handle the further operations.
It requires a large workforce of skilled individuals to carry out the process carefully, as the cost of raw components is too high.
Third-party distributors also require additional energy to distribute it to the different corners of the world.
GoPro sells to over 35 distributors in the world.
These distributors resell GoPro products in international and domestic markets.
The brand also hires a dedicated sales team to provide high-level facilities to these distributors.
7. Durability
GoPro spends a lot of money on the components of the camera to make it durable against rough and tough conditions.
The durability of the GoPro camera is unmatched by most of its competitors.
Their build quality and temperature resistance are the key elements to their durability.
GoPro camera can handle abuses even without using separate protective casings.
Their cameras can bear a beating relatively higher than most of the cameras available on the market.
A GoPro in its segment is much better for handling in-door drops and knocks.
Also, it is resistant to paralyzing or breaking.
GoPro, in looks, is not a cute little device.
Instead, they are robust, which is another reason behind the expensive pricing of these cameras.
The cameras are waterproof and can go as deep as 33ft without a casing.
It enables you to enjoy underwater adventures and capture the world beneath the surface of the water.
8. Manufacturing
GoPro manufacturing also leads to the expensive pricing of its cameras.
The brand plants machinery and hires laborers to operate them.
As these machines are expensive, the brand hires educated individuals to operate them.
GoPro outsources most of its camera component manufacturing, so they have to set up huge distribution units to handle the distribution.
Also, they have recently set up manufacturing units in Mexico, Thailand, and China.
Outsourcing components manufacturing enables GoPro to grow faster than its manufacturing facilities.
Outsourcing camera components manufacturing and setting up huge manufacturing units add up to GoPro cameras’ overall pricing.
GoPro recently invested a huge amount in setting up state-of-the-art factories in Mexico, China, and Thailand.
The brand holds a reputation and satisfies its investors by producing excellent quality products in its niche.
9. Compactness
The GoPro camera’s compact design is one of the primary reasons behind its expensive pricing.
The small size of the camera inspires many people around the world to shoot in public places.
GoPro removes all the bulkiness by using microchips and components.
The ease of use and the easy-to-carry camera body is the main reason behind the brand’s success worldwide.
The other major impact of its compact size is that these cameras provide superb stabilization as they don’t carry much weight as the traditional cameras have.
For the compact size, GoPro has to spend a lot of money to innovate technology for their microchips, which is why they charge so much for their cameras.
10. Accessories
GoPro HERO8 Black Digital Action Camera - Waterproof, Touch Screen, 4K UHD Video, 12MP Photos, Live Streaming, Stabilization - 128GB Card - with 50 Piece Accessory Kit - All You Need Bundle
Let’s discuss some add-ons that add up to the overall pricing of GoPro cameras.
There is a wide variety of different GoPro accessories you can purchase for your camera.
Take a look at some of them.
A. SD Cards
SanDisk 128GB Extreme microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card with Adapter - Up to 160MB/s, C10, U3, V30, 4K, A2, Micro SD - SDSQXA1-128G-GN6MA
GoPro cameras require a microSD memory card to save your stuff since the camera doesn’t have its own storage.
You have to spend a good amount to purchase a fast-processing memory card before you start recording video or taking photos.
If you go for a cheap memory card, then there’s most likely a chance that you’ll end up losing data as they get corrupted easily.
B. Spare Batteries
GoPro Rechargeable Enduro Battery 2-Pack (HERO11 Black/HERO10 Black/HERO9 Black) - Official GoPro Accessory
During a travel vlog, a vlogger must have spare batteries in case the camera battery drains.
For this reason, you have to spend a good amount on spare batteries to avoid missing out at any moment.
These spare batteries are crucial, but they are expensive as well.
C. Gorilla Pod
JOBY GorillaPod Action Video Tripod (Black and Red)- A Strong, Flexible, Lightweight Tripod for GoPro HERO6 Black, GoPro HERO5 Black, GoPro HERO5 Session, Contour and Sony Action Cam
The Gorilla Tripod is reliable and extremely versatile for any vlogger or filmmaker.
The key element of the gorilla pod is its shape-shifting capability.
It enables decent image stabilization when holding from one leg and the other two legs acting as counterweights to minimize shakiness.
D. Other Accessories
Chest Head Neck Mount for Gopro - 3-In-1 Action Camera Accessory Bundle Kit, Chest Harness Mount Quick Clip Head Strap Mount Selfie Neck Holder Compatible with GoPro Hero 5 6 7 8 9 10 Black Smartphone
Some other accessories are available to help improve your recording skills.
These accessories depend on your activity while recording, and help free your hands in most cases.
Also, many camera mounts and straps are beneficial in getting the shot right.
Take a look at the list of them.
- Body mounts
- Selfie sticks
- Helmet mounts
- Handlebar mounts
- Battery chargers
- Water accessories
The above-listed accessories come with great benefits and functionalities.
However, they come at expensive pricing, which adds to the overall pricing of GoPro cameras.
Are GoPro Cameras Worth Purchasing?
Yes, GoPro cameras are worth purchasing.
Their cameras are compact and offer great video quality for their price bracket.
Its small size makes it portable and easy to pack.
The camera offers amazing sound input and extremely smooth stabilization that are enough to keep up with your daily lifestyle.
Additionally, the camera is durable and waterproof despite its small size.
If you love going on underwater adventures or shooting in rough conditions, then the GoPro camera is definitely worth purchasing.
Which Is The Most Expensive GoPro Camera?
GoPro Max is the most expensive GoPro camera.
It offers a 5.6K 60 fps screen resolution with a 16MP sensor to produce great video quality.
Additionally, it has 360° capabilities that deliver amazing panoramic shots.
Apart from GoPro Max, there are other expensive GoPro cameras available on the market.
Let’s have a look at them briefly.
1. GoPro Hero 10 Black
GoPro HERO10 Black- E-Commerce Packaging - Waterproof Action Camera with Front LCD & Touch Rear Screens, 5.3K60 Ultra HD Video
The GoPro Hero 10 Black is well known for its super-smooth high-quality video.
It offers excellent image stabilization, a removable lens, and a fast, responsive user interface.
2. GoPro Hero 9 Black
GoPro HERO9 Black - E-Commerce Packaging - Waterproof Action Camera with Front LCD and Touch Rear Screens, 5K Ultra HD Video, 20MP Photos, 1080p Live Streaming, Webcam, Stabilization
The GoPro Hero 9 Black comprises of front-facing LCD screen that is effective for taking selfies and vlogging.
Also, the camera comprises 5k video resolution, built-in accessory mounts, and multiple media mods.
3. GoPro Hero 8 Black
GoPro HERO8 Black + Lanyard - E-Commerce Packaging - Waterproof Digital Action Camera with Touch Screen 4K HD Video 12MP Photos Live Streaming Stabilization
The GoPro Hero 8 Black offers great 4k video recording and a great range of frame rate options.
Additionally, it has a good audio quality and a sleeker accessory mounting system.
The above-listed products are the most expensive cameras from GoPro.
Apart from their high pricing, they deliver excellent results as per your imagination.
Conclusion
GoPro spends a lot in the manufacturing sectors to outsource micro components.
These microelectronic components result in the compact design of these cameras.
This contributes to the expensive pricing of GoPro cameras.
GoPro also spends heavily on technology to effectively make its cameras record in rough conditions, which is why its product stands out among its competitors.
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