If you’re still rocking the original GoPro Hero 1, you’re a true pioneer of action videography! While it’s an older model, a few key accessories can still significantly enhance your filming experience, and perhaps you’re even thinking about an upgrade to today’s incredible tech. This guide dives into the best accessories for GoPro Hero 1 users, covering essential gear that’s either directly compatible or fantastic for anyone in the GoPro ecosystem – including a look at the latest and greatest upgrade option.
Even with classic gear, having the right mounts, reliable storage, and necessary cables can make all the difference. We’ve handpicked a selection that offers versatility, durability, and a genuine boost to your action camera setup. Let’s dive into our top picks!
1. GoPro HERO12 Black – The Ultimate Upgrade Option
While not an accessory for your Hero 1, the GoPro HERO12 Black stands as a monumental leap in action camera technology, making it the best upgrade for GoPro Hero 1 users considering a new camera. Imagine the original Hero 1’s spirit, but turbocharged with features you wouldn’t believe. If you’ve been pondering stepping up your game from your trusty first-gen model, this is where you land. It redefines image quality and stabilization, letting you capture stunning footage that was simply impossible years ago, perfect for taking your adventure content to the next level.
-
Key Features:
- High Dynamic Range (HDR) for 5.3K/4K video and 27MP photos.
- Unbelievable 5.3K video resolution (91% more than 4K).
- Emmy Award-winning HyperSmooth 6.0 Stabilization for silky-smooth footage.
- Rugged and waterproof down to 33ft (10m).
- Includes Enduro Rechargeable Battery for extended power.
-
Pros:
- Industry-leading video and photo quality.
- Unmatched in-camera stabilization.
- Extremely durable and waterproof design.
- Excellent for professional-grade content creation.
-
Cons:
- Significant investment compared to accessories.
- May be overkill for casual users.
- Requires modern, high-speed memory cards.
-
User Impressions: Users rave about the HERO12 Black’s incredible image quality and the magical smoothness of HyperSmooth. Many consider it the ultimate action camera for adventure, sports, and travel, highlighting its robust build and the crispness of its 5.3K video. It’s truly a game-changer for those upgrading from older models.
2. Appolab 61 in 1 Action Camera Accessories Kit
This comprehensive kit is a goldmine for any action camera enthusiast, making it a fantastic collection of accessories that work across a wide range of GoPro models, including elements that would have been the best for GoPro Hero 1 back in its day, and certainly useful for general mounting. From chest harnesses to suction cups, it provides an array of tools to capture unique perspectives, whether you’re biking, surfing, or just exploring. It’s a great value pack to get almost every mount you could possibly need.
-
Key Features:
- Chest Harness for immersive first-person POV shots.
- Floating Hand Grip for water sports safety.
- Selfie Stick Monopod for expanded reach and unique angles.
- Car Suction Cup Mount for dynamic vehicle footage.
- Bike Handlebar Holder Mount for secure bike or motorcycle filming.
-
Pros:
- Extremely versatile with 61 different accessories.
- Great value for money, covering multiple filming scenarios.
- Allows for creative and diverse shooting angles.
- Easy to install and adjust.
-
Cons:
- Some components might be basic in quality compared to official GoPro accessories.
- Not all 61 pieces might be essential for every user.
- Compatibility with Hero 1 for all items might require adapter screws (generally included).
-
User Impressions: Customers love the sheer variety and value offered by this kit. It’s frequently praised as an excellent starter pack for new GoPro owners or for those looking to expand their mounting options without breaking the bank. The versatility for different activities stands out.
3. 60 in 1 Camera Accessories Kit Compatible with GoPro Hero
Another excellent multi-accessory bundle, this 60-in-1 kit is designed for sports lovers and adventurers looking to get the most out of their GoPro, whether it’s a modern model or even if you’re still making memories with your Hero 1. It focuses on essential straps and mounts for dynamic activities, ensuring your camera is secure while you capture those thrilling moments. This kit focuses on practical, user-friendly items that truly enhance the action camera experience.
-
Key Features:
- 360° Rotatable Wrist Strap for dynamic wrist-mounted shots.
- Head Strap and Chest Strap for hands-free POV filming.
- Flexible Tripod for stable shots on uneven surfaces.
- Adjustable Selfie Stick Monopod (7″ to 29″ extension).
- Floating handle and car suction cup mount included.
-
Pros:
- Comprehensive selection for various sports and activities.
- Straps offer comfort and secure camera placement.
- Portable and easy to use accessories like the selfie stick and tripod.
- Good customer service and quality assurance.
-
Cons:
- Similar to other kits, individual accessory quality can vary.
- Some accessories might be less useful for Hero 1 users specifically if they lack certain mounting points.
-
User Impressions: Buyers appreciate the practicality of this kit, especially for activities like skiing and cycling. The inclusion of durable straps and a flexible tripod gets high marks for making unique shots easier to achieve. It’s seen as a solid investment for active GoPro users.
4. SCOVEE Mini USB Cable for GoPro Hero 4, 3, 2, 1
This is perhaps the most directly compatible and arguably the best for GoPro Hero 1 accessory on this list! The SCOVEE Mini USB Cable is a lifesaver for anyone still using older GoPro models like the Hero 1, Hero 2, Hero 3, or Hero 4. Given that older cables can fray or get lost, having a reliable replacement for charging and data transfer is absolutely essential. It’s specifically designed to fit the mini USB port found on these legacy cameras, ensuring you can keep your vintage GoPro powered up and transfer those classic clips.
-
Key Features:
- Specifically compatible with GoPro Hero 1, 2, 3, 3+, and 4 models.
- Supports up to 480 Mbps data transfer for USB 2.0 devices.
- Quick charging capability for your GoPro camera.
- Durable stainless steel connector heads for a secure fit.
- 3 ft cable length for convenient use.
-
Pros:
- Direct and explicit compatibility with GoPro Hero 1.
- Essential for charging and data transfer for older models.
- Durable construction ensures longevity.
- Offers reliable and quick charging/syncing.
-
Cons:
- Only useful for older GoPro models with Mini USB ports.
- No fast charging for newer devices (as it’s Mini USB 2.0).
-
User Impressions: Customers who own older GoPro models highly value this cable for its perfect fit and reliable performance. It’s often praised as a necessary replacement for lost or damaged original cables, allowing them to continue using their cherished older GoPros without issue.
5. SanDisk Micro 1TB Extreme Memory Card Works with GoPro Hero 12 Black
While a 1TB card is certainly overkill and likely incompatible with the original GoPro Hero 1 (which typically supports much smaller SDHC cards, usually up to 32GB), this SanDisk Micro 1TB Extreme card is an absolute powerhouse for modern GoPros like the Hero 12 Black. If your journey with the Hero 1 has inspired you to upgrade, this is the kind of high-capacity, high-speed storage you’ll need for capturing hours of 5.3K footage without a hitch. It’s arguably the best for GoPro Hero 12 Black and other new action cameras, ensuring you never miss a moment due to storage limits.
-
Key Features:
- Massive 1TB storage capacity.
- UHS-I U3 and V30 rating for fast data transfer and smooth 4K/5.3K video.
- Reliable SanDisk brand known for durability and quality.
- Includes a MicroSD card reader for convenient data transfer.
- Designed for extreme conditions.
-
Pros:
- Enormous storage for extended shooting sessions.
- Blazing fast read/write speeds for high-resolution video.
- Rugged and durable, perfect for action camera use.
- Comes with a useful card reader.
-
Cons:
- Not compatible with the original GoPro Hero 1.
- Higher price point due to capacity and speed.
- Overkill for casual photography/videography.
-
User Impressions: Users with modern GoPros praise this card for its vast storage and unwavering performance, especially for recording high-bitrate 4K and 5.3K video. The reliability of SanDisk is a recurring positive, and many find the included card reader a handy bonus.
6. SanDisk 1TB Extreme MicroSDXC Card Compatible with GoPro Hero
Similar to the previous entry, this SanDisk 1TB Extreme MicroSDXC card is optimized for cutting-edge action cameras like the GoPro Hero 13, making it an excellent choice for anyone who has moved on from their GoPro Hero 1 to a newer model. It’s engineered for peak performance, ensuring quick file transfers and flawless recording of Full HD and higher-resolution videos. While it won’t directly serve your Hero 1, it represents the kind of robust storage that current-gen GoPro users demand, ensuring your adventurous spirit is never held back by storage concerns.
-
Key Features:
- 1TB capacity, optimized for GoPro Hero and Hero 13.
- Up to 190MB/s read speeds for quick file transfers.
- Rugged durability: shockproof, temperature-proof, waterproof, X-ray-proof.
- A1-rated and UHS-I V30 for fast app loading and smooth video recording.
- Includes Everything But Stromboli MicroSD card reader.
-
Pros:
- Exceptional performance for high-resolution video capture.
- Built to withstand extreme environmental conditions.
- Rapid data transfer speeds enhance workflow.
- Reliable for long recording sessions.
-
Cons:
- Not suitable for the original GoPro Hero 1.
- Premium price point.
-
User Impressions: This card receives high marks for its reliability and speed, especially from users recording intensive 4K footage. Its durability is a common point of praise, with many feeling confident that their precious footage is safe in challenging environments. The included card reader is often cited as a convenient extra.
7. NEEWER 50 in 1 Action Camera Accessory Kit
The NEEWER 50-in-1 Action Camera Accessory Kit is another fantastic all-rounder, offering immense value and versatility for GoPro users across many generations, including potential compatibility with “earlier models” which might make some items best for GoPro Hero 1 general use if you still have that original mount. This kit arms you with a wide array of mounts and straps for virtually any adventure, from head-mounted POV shots to flexible tripods for stable time-lapses. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to expand their creative possibilities without investing in official, often pricier, individual accessories.
-
Key Features:
- Wide compatibility, including “earlier models” and various action cameras.
- Head, Chest & Helmet Straps for diverse POV filming.
- Wrist Strap with 360° rotatable mount.
- Floating Handle Grip for water activities.
- Handlebar Mount for bikes and motorbikes, and a Suction Cup for cars.
- Flexible Tripod and Selfie Stick for versatile shot framing.
-
Pros:
- Extremely comprehensive kit for various activities.
- Offers great value for the number of accessories included.
- Versatile mounting options enhance creative freedom.
- Good for both beginners and experienced users.
-
Cons:
- Quality of some smaller accessories may vary compared to official brands.
- You might not use every single item in the kit.
-
User Impressions: Reviewers are consistently impressed by the sheer volume and utility of the accessories. It’s often recommended as a great starter kit or for those needing a broad range of mounts for different sports and travel scenarios. The “everything you need” aspect is a recurring compliment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I still use my original GoPro Hero 1 today?
A1: Yes, absolutely! While it lacks the advanced features of modern GoPros, your Hero 1 can still capture decent video and photos, especially in good lighting. It’s perfectly fine for casual use, nostalgic projects, or as a secondary camera.
Q2: What kind of memory card does the GoPro Hero 1 use?
A2: The original GoPro Hero 1 uses standard SD (Secure Digital) cards, specifically SDHC (High Capacity) cards up to 32GB. It does not support the newer, larger capacity SDXC cards (like 64GB, 128GB, or 1TB cards) or MicroSD cards without an adapter, so be sure to check compatibility before buying.
Q3: Are accessories for newer GoPro models compatible with the Hero 1?
A3: Many universal mounting accessories (like basic tripod mounts, chest straps, head straps, and handlebars mounts) that use the standard three-pronged GoPro mounting system are often compatible. However, specialized accessories like batteries, cases, or specific cables will usually only work with the exact model they were designed for. Always check product descriptions for “Hero 1” or “older models” compatibility.
Q4: Is it worth upgrading from a GoPro Hero 1 to a newer model?
A4: Definitely! Modern GoPros like the HERO12 Black offer vastly superior video quality (4K, 5.3K vs. 1080p), incredible image stabilization (HyperSmooth), better low-light performance, longer battery life, and more advanced features. If you’re serious about action videography, an upgrade is a game-changer.
Q5: What’s the main difference between Mini USB and USB-C for GoPro cameras?
A5: Mini USB is an older, smaller version of the standard USB connector used on older devices, including the GoPro Hero 1-4. USB-C is a newer, reversible, and much faster standard found on most modern devices, including newer GoPro models. USB-C supports faster charging and data transfer speeds.
Q6: Can I control my GoPro Hero 1 remotely?
A6: The original GoPro Hero 1 did not have built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for remote control via a smartphone app. Some very early models had an optional accessory called the “GoPro Wi-Fi BacPac + Wi-Fi Remote” which could add remote control capabilities, but this accessory is rare and largely obsolete now.
Q7: How do I transfer footage from my GoPro Hero 1 to my computer?
A7: You typically transfer footage from a GoPro Hero 1 by removing the SD card and inserting it into a computer’s SD card reader. Alternatively, you can connect the Hero 1 directly to your computer using a Mini USB cable (like the SCOVEE one reviewed) and access the files as you would from an external drive.
