Opinion: The GoPro Hero14 is (probably) coming, but as a camera expert, that’s not the new GoPro that I’m most excited for

GoPro broke tradition when it didn’t launch the Hero14 Black last fall – but the update to the popular action camera series isn’t the GoPro that I’m most excited for as a camera expert. A new generation of GoPros is coming later this month – and as a camera expert, I’ve never been more excited for a new GoPro.

GoPro will launch “next generation” cameras later this month with a new processor capable of powering larger sensors – and no, that’s not an April Fools prank. GoPro has already confirmed that it’s launching next-generation cameras at the end of April. Official company teasers and press releases indicate that the company is working on a vlogging camera and a compact cinema camera, along with a confirmed launch date for the end of April.

GoPro has been steadily dropping hints as to what’s launching next month since announcing its latest processor, the GP3. The company has hinted that the processor will power cameras – yes, cameras plural – with larger sensors and CEO Nicholas Woodman has been saying that GoPro will be entering more advanced camera categories beyond action cameras since 2025.

GoPro’s teasers have not explicitly named the Hero14. But, it would be a terrible move for the action camera giant to not launch the expected Hero14 Black, so along with the teasers for entering into an advanced camera category, I’m expecting the Hero14 will come along as well.

As a professional photographer and GoPro user, I’m hoping the mysterious next-generation GoPros blend everything that GoPro is known for with the benefits of an advanced camera with a larger sensor. Specifically, my wishlist includes:

• GoPro-level stabilization: Shaky video is a pet peeve of mine, but stabilization is something that GoPro does well. If GoPro is targeting the vlogging market that’s in between novices and pro filmmakers, I think good stabilization is a must.
• GoPro-level durability: The teasers have already shown underwater footage, as well as shots in dusty locations. If GoPro’s advanced camera doesn’t at least withstand rain, I’m going to be majorly disappointed.
• New flexibility: One of the things that I don’t love about the action camera category is that it’s really just designed for POV and action shots. One of the teasers shows a close-up of the moon and some macro shots through, so I’m hoping the next-gen GoPro will have far more versatility.
• At least a Micro Four Thirds sensor (for the advanced camera): While GoPro’s official statements confirm that the GP3 processor will be able to handle larger sensors, “larger” isn’t very specific. I’m hoping for at least a Micro Four Thirds sensor for the more advanced vlogging camera, though at the right size and price, I would be okay with a one-inch sensor. That's for the "advanced" vlogging camera that's coming though, I'm expecting a smaller bump in sensor size – if at all – for the Hero14.

One of the biggest challenges that I think GoPro will face with these next-gen cameras is autofocus. GoPros use fixed focus; it’s a type that works well for action cameras when everything should be in focus. But a fixed focus won’t work on a larger sensor. GoPro is going up against camera brands that have a lot of experience building fantastic autofocus systems, so I think autofocus performance will be a key factor in just how well the upcoming camera(s) do.

I’ve never been more excited for a GoPro launch. But, I won’t have to wait long. GoPro says the next-gen cameras will be unveiled during the NAB show in Las Vegas, which is scheduled for April 19-22.

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