Overview
The GoPro HERO+ LCD Action Camera sits in an interesting spot in the action camera market — it's an older model, released back in 2015, but still holds up well for buyers who don't need cutting-edge specs. What set the HERO+ LCD apart from the stripped-down base models was its built-in 2.5-inch touchscreen, which made framing shots and reviewing footage far less frustrating. The body is compact, rugged, and waterproof without any housing, so it's genuinely ready to take a beating. Just set realistic expectations: this is a camera built for active, casual adventurers — not for cinematic productions or professional shoots.
Features & Benefits
This touchscreen action cam handles video well for its age — shooting at 1080p60 keeps motion looking fluid during fast-paced activities, and SuperView wide-angle mode adds an immersive feel to helmet or handlebar footage. The 2.5-inch touch display lets you frame shots and trim clips on the spot without pulling out your phone. Stills are solid at 8MP, with Burst mode capturing up to 5 frames per second for action sequences. Auto Low Light adjusts automatically when lighting drops, and HiLight Tag lets you flag key moments mid-action. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth round it out for app control and remote shooting.
Best For
The HERO+ LCD makes the most sense for casual outdoor adventurers — think hikers, cyclists, surfers, and snorkelers who want reliable footage without wrestling with complex settings. If you're stepping up from a very basic action cam and want a touchscreen without paying current flagship prices, it fits that role well. Travel vloggers who need something compact, mountable, and waterproof will also find it practical. That said, if 4K video or built-in stabilization is on your must-have list, you're better served by a newer model from GoPro's current lineup. This one is for capable but uncomplicated use in the field.
User Feedback
Across close to 5,000 reviews, this GoPro HERO+ LCD earns a strong overall rating — a sign that it consistently delivers on what it promises. Buyers frequently praise how easy it is to use straight out of the box, and many back up the waterproofing claims with real-world stories from the water. The criticisms are worth heeding, though. Short battery life is the most common complaint: extended shoots drain it quickly, and experienced users suggest always keeping a spare on hand. The touchscreen can also turn unresponsive in cold or wet conditions — somewhat frustrating for an adventure camera. A handful of reviewers flag that it feels dated compared to GoPro's newer lineup, but for the price tier, most seem satisfied with the trade-off.
Pros
- Built-in 2.5-inch touchscreen makes framing shots and reviewing footage far more intuitive than app-only alternatives.
- Waterproof to 131 feet without any extra housing — genuinely ready for diving, rain, and rough water.
- Compact and lightweight at 4.5 ounces, easy to clip onto helmets, handlebars, or backpack straps.
- 1080p60 video keeps fast-motion footage looking smooth and sharp in good outdoor lighting.
- SuperView wide-angle mode delivers an immersive, expansive field of view well-suited to action sports.
- Simple one-button capture means beginners and kids can start shooting almost immediately.
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth allow wireless control and clip sharing directly from a smartphone.
- Nearly 5,000 buyer reviews consistently back up its reputation for reliability in real-world conditions.
- Burst mode at up to 5fps and Time Lapse shooting add versatility well beyond basic video capture.
- Auto Low Light mode quietly adapts to shifting lighting without requiring any manual intervention.
Cons
- Battery life is notably short — extended shooting sessions will almost certainly demand a spare on hand.
- The touchscreen can turn sluggish or fully unresponsive in cold or wet conditions.
- No 4K recording puts it behind even many mid-range cameras released in recent years.
- Being a 2015 model, it lacks voice control, electronic stabilization, and auto cloud upload.
- Replacement accessories and compatible mounts are increasingly harder to source as the model ages.
- Wind noise in outdoor recordings is a recurring issue the built-in audio struggles to manage.
- Low-light video quality is noticeably softer compared to what current-generation sensors produce.
- No memory card is included, adding an easily overlooked extra purchase on top of the camera itself.
Ratings
The scores below are generated by our AI engine after analyzing thousands of verified buyer reviews for the GoPro HERO+ LCD Action Camera worldwide, with spam, incentivized posts, and bot activity actively filtered out. Both the consistent strengths — like waterproofing and ease of use — and the genuine pain points — particularly battery life and aging hardware — are fully reflected in the results. What you see here is an honest snapshot of what real owners experience in the field, not a polished marketing summary.
Build Quality
Ease of Use
Video Quality
Waterproofing
Touchscreen
Battery Life
Photo Quality
Audio Quality
Connectivity
Low-Light Performance
Value for Money
Portability
Mounting Versatility
Suitable for:
The GoPro HERO+ LCD Action Camera is a practical pick for active, casual users who want a capable wearable camera without the complexity or cost of GoPro's newer flagships. It fits particularly well with hikers, cyclists, snorkelers, and surfers who need something that can handle rough conditions straight out of the box — no extra housing required. The built-in touchscreen is a real advantage for beginners and travel vloggers who want to frame shots and review footage on the go without fumbling through the GoPro app. Parents documenting family adventures or first-time action cam buyers will appreciate the one-button simplicity and the fact that it just works without a steep learning curve. If your shooting mostly happens outdoors in daylight and you want reliable 1080p footage with minimal setup, this camera delivers exactly that.
Not suitable for:
Anyone chasing 4K video, advanced image stabilization, or voice control should look past the GoPro HERO+ LCD Action Camera and consider a more current model — the technology here is from 2015, and the gap with today's lineup is real. Content creators who need smooth, cinematic footage for professional work or social media will likely find the image quality and feature set insufficient for their standards. Cold-weather adventurers or anyone regularly shooting in wet, rainy environments should know that the touchscreen can turn unresponsive exactly when you need it most. If battery life on long shooting days is critical — think multi-hour hikes or full-day events — the limited runtime will become a genuine problem. This model is also worth skipping if you plan to invest long-term, since accessories and ecosystem support are less readily available compared to GoPro's current generation.
Specifications
- Video Resolution: Records video at up to 1080p60 or 720p60, delivering smooth, fluid footage during fast-paced activities.
- Photo Resolution: Captures still images at 8 megapixels via single shot, Burst mode, or Time Lapse.
- Burst Mode: Shoots continuous stills at up to 5 frames per second to freeze fast-moving subjects mid-action.
- Display: Features a built-in 2.5-inch touch LCD for live framing, footage playback, and basic on-camera clip trimming.
- Waterproof Depth: Waterproof as a standalone unit to 131 feet (40m), with no additional protective housing required.
- Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for pairing with the GoPro mobile app or a compatible Smart Remote.
- Storage: Uses removable Micro SD cards for saving video and photo files; no card is included in the box.
- Audio: Records audio via a built-in microphone and outputs files in AAC format.
- Image Sensor: Equipped with a CMOS sensor built for high-motion outdoor capture across a range of lighting conditions.
- Lens Aperture: The fixed wide-angle lens has a maximum aperture of f/2.0, supporting adequate light intake under bright to moderate conditions.
- Video Format: Outputs footage in HD video format, compatible with standard editing software and media players.
- Dimensions: Measures 2.81 x 1.42 x 2.80 inches, compact enough for helmet, handlebar, or chest harness mounting.
- Weight: Weighs 4.5 ounces without a mount, keeping physical load minimal during extended wear.
- Battery: Powered by an included rechargeable lithium-ion battery; a compatible spare can be purchased separately for longer outings.
- App Support: Compatible with the GoPro mobile app on both iOS and Android, and also operable via the GoPro Smart Remote.
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