GoPro Hero 10 GPS: the 18Hz to 10Hz change explained
Yes, the GoPro Hero 10 Black has GPS. A firmware update dropped its sample rate from 18Hz to 10Hz, which sounds like a downgrade but let the chip read more satellites at once for a steadier lock. It's still fine for lap times and sectors. You can roll back firmware for 18Hz if you really want it.
Yes, the GoPro Hero 10 Black has GPS, and it works well for lap timing. But there's a quirk worth knowing if you're researching this camera. GoPro changed its GPS sample rate partway through its life, and it confused a lot of people.
The 18Hz to 10Hz change
The Hero 10 launched recording GPS at 18Hz, matching the Hero 9. A later firmware update dropped it to 10Hz. Owners noticed and weren't happy, because on paper fewer readings per second sounds worse.
It wasn't a mistake. GoPro made the change on purpose. At 18Hz the chip could only track one satellite system at a time. Dropping to 10Hz freed it to read two at once, which gives a better lock and more reliable positioning, especially in tricky spots like tree cover or near buildings. So you trade raw sample rate for steadier, more accurate data.
Can you get 18Hz back?
Yes, if you really want it. Rolling back to the earlier firmware restores 18Hz recording. Honestly, for most racing use the 10Hz-with-a-better-lock setup is the smarter choice. Ten clean readings a second beat eighteen jumpy ones.
Does 10Hz matter for lap timing?
Not much. Ten position readings a second is enough to time laps, split them into sectors and draw a clean racing line. You'd notice the difference against a 25Hz dedicated logger, but not in a way that changes which corner you need to work on. More on what GoPro GPS accuracy actually means here.
Getting the most from a Hero 10
The usual rules apply, and they matter more than the firmware debate. Switch GPS on, give the camera a clear view of the sky, and wait for a solid lock before you record. Then upload to Race Ninja, which reads the GPS, detects your laps and splits them into sectors, draws your line and coaches you on where the time's going. It also cleans the GPS first, so the odd noisy point doesn't throw off your laps, whatever sample rate you're on.
So the Hero 10 is a perfectly good telemetry camera. Don't lose sleep over the 18Hz versus 10Hz thing. Clean data beats fast data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the GoPro Hero 10 have GPS?
Why did the Hero 10 GPS drop from 18Hz to 10Hz?
Can I get 18Hz GPS back on the Hero 10?
Is the Hero 10 good enough for lap timing?
How do I analyse Hero 10 footage?
Step-by-Step Guide
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1
Choose your firmware
For the best lock, stay on current firmware at 10Hz. For 18Hz, roll back to the earlier firmware.
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2
Enable GPS and lock on
Switch GPS on, then wait for a solid satellite lock outdoors before recording.
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3
Mount with a sky view
Keep the top of the camera clear so the GPS antenna can see the sky.
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4
Upload to Race Ninja
Send the footage in for lap times, sectors and racing-line analysis.
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