{"id":5158,"date":"2020-10-12T13:41:32","date_gmt":"2020-10-12T09:41:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/actiongadgetsreviews.com\/?p=5158"},"modified":"2021-02-08T17:10:00","modified_gmt":"2021-02-08T13:10:00","slug":"gopro-hero9-black-vs-hero8-black","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/actiongadgetsreviews.com\/gopro-hero9-black-vs-hero8-black","title":{"rendered":"GoPro Hero9 Black vs Hero8 Black"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you are looking to upgrade from a Hero8 to a Hero9, then you should read this comparison of GoPro Hero9 Black vs Hero8 Black action cameras.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to the action camera industry, you must have heard about GoPro as a leading brand in this space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In October 2019, GoPro released the Hero8 Black action camera<\/a> alongside the GoPro Max<\/a> which is a 360\u00b0 camera. GoPro has now made the Hero9 Black<\/a> release in its line of action cameras.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SEE ALSO<\/strong>: GoPro Max vs. Hero8 Black<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both cameras are powered by GoPro’s proprietary GP1 Processor although the Hero9 Black has a 23.6-megapixel sensor that is capable of capturing 20MP stills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A major upgrade that has been seen with the GoPro Hero9 Black<\/a> is the introduction of a front-facing color screen that replaces the traditional LED status screen that rocked the GoPro cameras for a long time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The front screen means that you can now get a smoother vlogging experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We now have HyperSmooth 3.0 and TimeWarp 3.0 with the new Hero9 Black.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

HyperSmooth 2 was a nice EIS that gave out almost wobble-free footage from rugged actions. We expect HyperSmooth 3 to deliver even better results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Hero9 Black has a detachable lens, something that was not there with the Hero8 Black.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This feature has made it possible for GoPro to introduce an accessory named Max Lens Mod which will give you a very wide FOV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GoPro Hero9 Black has improved pixels, capable of recording videos with a maximum resolution of 5K at 30 frames per second. Hero8 Black only managed 4K at 60 frames per second.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GoPro Hero8 Black<\/a> comes with the advantage of having a lower price tag because it is a year old now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are stuck in a dilemma of choosing between these two cameras, continue reading my comparison post because I will touch on all important aspects of the two cameras.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have a GoPro older than Hero8 then you can check my ultimate GoPro comparison article<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let me start with a detailed comparison table that highlights the technical specifications of both cameras side by side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

GoPro Hero9 vs Hero8 Comparison Table<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Specs<\/strong><\/td>Hero9 Black<\/strong><\/td>Hero8 Black<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Video<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Lens aperture<\/td>f\/2.8<\/td>f\/2.8<\/td><\/tr>
Video Resolution & Frame Rates<\/td>Video 5K30 + 4K60, Wide FOV<\/td>Up to 4K60fps<\/td><\/tr>
Video Stabilization<\/td>HyperSmooth 3.0<\/td>HyperSmooth 2.0<\/td><\/tr>
TimeWarp Video Speed<\/td>Auto, 2x, 5x, 10x, 15x, 30x<\/td> <\/td><\/tr>
Time Lapse Video Intervals<\/td>0.5s, 1s, 2s, 5s, 10s, 30s, 1m, 2m, 5m, 30m, 60m<\/td>0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 30, 60 seconds<\/td><\/tr>
Video File Format<\/td>MP4 (H.264\/AVC), MP4 (H.265\/HEVC)<\/td>MP4 (H.264\/AVC), MP4 (H.265\/HVEC)<\/td><\/tr>
Max Video Bitrate<\/td>100Mbps (2.7K, 4K, 5K)<\/td>100Mb\/s in 2.7K & 4K<\/td><\/tr>
Digital lenses <\/td>Superview, Wide, Linear, Linear + Horizon Leveling, Narrow Lens<\/td>SuperView, Wide, Linear, Narrow<\/td><\/tr>
ISO Video<\/td>100 to 1600<\/td>100 to 1600<\/td><\/tr>
Photo<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Megapixels<\/td>20MP + SuperPhoto With Improved HDR<\/td>12MP + SuperPhoto With Improved HDR<\/td><\/tr>
LiveBurst<\/td>Yes<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Burst Rates<\/td>Yes (up to 30fps)<\/td>Yes (up to 30fps)<\/td><\/tr>
Continuous Photo Capture <\/td>Yes<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
SuperPhoto <\/td>Yes, with Improved HDR<\/td>Yes, with Improved HDR<\/td><\/tr>
Photo Timer <\/td>Yes<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
RAW Photo Capture <\/td>Yes<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Exposure Control <\/td>Yes<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
ISO Photo<\/td>100 to 3200<\/td>100 to 3200<\/td><\/tr>
Night Photo <\/td>Yes<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Shooting Modes<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Looping <\/td>Yes<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Time Lapse Photo <\/td>No<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Time Lapse Video <\/td>Yes<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
TimeWarp Video <\/td>Yes, TimeWarp 3.0<\/td>Yes, TimeWarp 2.0<\/td><\/tr>
Night Lapse Photo <\/td>Yes<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Slo-Mo <\/td>8x<\/td>8x<\/td><\/tr>
Design<\/strong><\/td><\/td> <\/td><\/tr>
Dimensions<\/td>71.0 W x 55.0 H x 33.6 D (mm)<\/td>66.3 W x 48.6 H x 28.4 D (mm)<\/td><\/tr>
Weight (Camera + Battery)<\/td>126g<\/td>126g<\/td><\/tr>
Removable Lens<\/td>Yes<\/td>No<\/td><\/tr>
Lens<\/td>1<\/td>1<\/td><\/tr>
Rear Screen<\/td>2.5 inches touch screen display<\/td>Touch screen<\/td><\/tr>
Front Screen<\/td>Yes<\/td>No<\/td><\/tr>
Chip <\/td>GP1<\/td>GP1<\/td><\/tr>
HDMI Port<\/td>No. Media Mod for Hero9 Black needed<\/td>No. Media Mod for Hero8 Black needed<\/td><\/tr>
USB Port<\/td>USB-C<\/td>USB-C<\/td><\/tr>
3.5 mm Audio Mic In<\/td>No. Media Mod or USB-C to 3.5mm adapter needed<\/td>No. Media Mod or USB-C to 3.5mm adapter needed<\/td><\/tr>
Memory Storage<\/td>1 microSD<\/td>1 microSD<\/td><\/tr>
Microphones<\/td>2<\/td>3<\/td><\/tr>
Battery<\/td>Removable and Rechargeable with a capacity of 1720mAh<\/td>Removable and Rechargeable with a capacity of 1220mAh<\/td><\/tr>
Rugged + Waterproof<\/td>Yes. Waterproof up to 10 meters \/ 33 feet.<\/td>Yes. Waterproof up to 10 meters \/ 33 feet.<\/td><\/tr>
Features<\/strong><\/td><\/td> <\/td><\/tr>
Voice Control <\/td>Yes<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Wake on Voice <\/td>Yes<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Live Streaming <\/td>Yes<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
GPS <\/td>Yes<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Advanced Metadata <\/td>Yes<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Protune <\/td>Yes<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Compatible Housing<\/td>Yes<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Auto Cloud Backup<\/td>With GoPro PLUS Subscription<\/td>With GoPro PLUS Subscription<\/td><\/tr>
Advanced Wind-Noise Reduction<\/td>2-mic processing. Foam Wind cover for the Media Mod mic<\/td>3-mic processing<\/td><\/tr>
Stereo Audio<\/td>Yes<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
RAW Audio Capture <\/td>Yes<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Wi-Fi + Bluetooth\u00ae<\/td>Yes<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Damaged Camera Replacement<\/td>Included with GoPro PLUS Subscription (US Only)<\/td>Included with GoPro PLUS Subscription (US Only)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

From the comprehensive table above, we can see that both cameras share a lot of specifications and features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GoPro Hero9 Black has more improved features thanks to the new 23.6-megapixel sensor and firmware version.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Improved Unboxing Experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Hero9 Black has an improved unboxing experience since GoPro ships the camera with a little bag case that can be used to store the camera later or when you are on your trips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hero8 Black only came in the traditional box that is disposable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Design & Components<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Weight and Dimensions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Putting both cameras side by side, you will immediately notice that the Hero9 Black<\/a> is slightly bigger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hero8 Black has a body dimension of 66.3 W x 48.6 H x 28.4 D (mm)<\/strong> whereas the Hero9 Black measures 71.0 W x 55.0 H x 33.6 D (mm)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"GoPro
GoPro Hero8 Black Dimensions<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
GoPro Hero9 Black Dimensions<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Hero9 Black has more measurements in all the body aspects compared to the previous model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having that in mind, the Hero9 Black will feel chunkier in the hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The camera weighs 158 grams<\/strong> against Hero8’s 126<\/strong> grams. The new Hero9 is even heavier than the GoPro Max which has a weight of 154 grams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This does not however mean that the new GoPro is not portable, far from it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I was able to keep it in my jacket pocket without any inconveniences. Mounting the camera on your body will therefore not present a challenge in your actions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dual Screen vs. Single Screen<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Hero9 Black has a dual-screen set-up featuring a small front color screen whereas the Hero8 Black<\/a> has one rear display touchscreen with the traditional status screen on the front.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unlike other action cameras that have introduced this set-up, both screens on the Hero9 can function at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Akaso Brave 7 LE<\/a>, Campark V40<\/a>, and DJI Osmo Action are among the first action cameras to rock a front screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The front screen on the Hero9 camera is good for framing your shots which makes it a perfect choice for webcam and vlogging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are various options that you can choose for the front screen display.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"GoPro
GoPro Hero8 Black Touchscreen<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"GoPro
GoPro Hero9 Black Touchscreen<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

You can have it on Full Screen, Actual Screen, or Status Screen. If you need to save some battery power, you have the option to put the front screen OFF.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just like we expected, the front display is not touch-sensitive. However, the rear screen on the Hero9 Black is touch-sensitive similar to what we have seen with previous models.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The touch sensitivity on both cameras is great, I have not experienced any major lagging issues concerning the responsiveness of touch control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This makes controlling the camera more enjoyable and less cumbersome than using the physical buttons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Detachable vs Fixed Lens<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another huge difference between these cameras is in the lens system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Hero9 Black<\/a> has a detachable lens setup while the lens on Hero8 Black is fixed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A removable lens is always good because it gives you a leeway of the kind of lens you may wish to attach to your camera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On that note, GoPro has introduced a Max Lens Mod<\/a> which is compatible with the Hero9 Black and will give you an ultra-wide 155\u02da Field of View.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"GoPro
Source: GoPro.com<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Check my Hero 9 Max Lens Mod review<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other than that, having a removable lens is also good because you can detach the lens from the camera and store it in a safer place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Hero9 Black has five digital lenses, namely; SuperView, Wide, Linear, Linear + Horizon Leveling, Narrow Lens whereas the Hero8 Black has four; SuperView, Wide, Linear, Narrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both cameras have an f\/2.8 lens aperture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ports and Sockets<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Both cameras use a USB Type C port for charging and data interface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This port is also used to connect the camera to the Media Mod. Please note that each camera has its own Media Mod version.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both cameras have a memory card slot which is enclosed by the battery door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

None of these cameras have an HDMI output port nor an external microphone jack. If you intend to make use of the two features, you need to purchase the Media Mod.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SEE ALSO<\/strong>: GoPro Hero9<\/strong> Black Media Mod Review<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

SEE ALSO<\/strong>: GoPro Hero8<\/strong> Black Media Mod Review<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I was a bit disappointed that the Media Mod for Hero8 Black<\/a> is not compatible with Hero9 Black camera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is mainly because the Hero9 Black is slightly bigger than its predecessor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Microphones<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Both cameras have a total of three microphones strategically located around the camera’s body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Microphones are key in capturing stereo audio which gives some sort of immersive experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How does the Audio Compare?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Both cameras produce the same audio quality. I have not noticed any difference comparing audio from Hero9 and Hero8 Black<\/a>. GoPro did not make any upgrade to this department.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can attach an external microphone to both cameras although there is no dedicated audio input port.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You will need to purchase the GoPro USB C to 3.5mm adapter<\/a> or the Media Mod for either cameras to use an external microphone<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"gopro
USB-C to 3.5mm adapter<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Waterproof<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Both Hero9 Black and Hero8 Black are waterproof without the need for a waterproof housing<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cameras can withstand water up to 10 meters \/ 33 feet<\/strong> in depth. This rating is good enough for an average diver. You don’t need to worry about accidental splashes and rain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are a deep diver and you intend to film your actions in more depths, then you can consider getting the dive case for each camera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"GoPro
GoPro Hero8 Black Waterproof Case<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"GoPro
GoPro Hero9 Black Waterproof Case<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Both cameras have waterproof housing that will push the depth limit to 60 meters \/ 196 feet<\/strong>. That is more than enough rating for most people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A nice feature that has been added to the Hero9 Black is a Microphone drain which will be used to drain off water from the microphone after your underwater adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This means that you can start recording audio in a shorter time after underwater adventures compared to the Hero8 Black.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Controls and Buttons<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Both cameras can be controlled by the touchscreen, buttons, smartphone App, and GoPro Smart Remote.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please note that the previous GoPro Smart Remote will not work with the Hero9 Black. I hope GoPro will fix this with a new firmware update.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Voice control can be used in both cameras; this is a good feature to use when your hands are engaged e.g. when cycling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is a Mode\/Power button that is located on the right side of both cameras. This button is used to power the camera ON\/OFF as well as change modes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The other is the Shutter button which is used to start\/stop recording as well as capture stills. This button is located on the top side of both cameras.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The touchscreen on both cameras has good sensitivity to touches and it is bright enough to be used on a sunny day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Accessing Menus and Modes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Accessing modes in both cameras is straightforward by a single swipe. You can swipe right or left to switch between Photos, Videos, or TimeLapse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"GoPro<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

You can simply tap on the touch display to select an item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can adjust exposure on both cameras by tapping on the area you wish to do so on the touch screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Voice Control<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You can use your voice to control both cameras following the predetermined voice commands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are 2 types of commands in both cameras, action commands & mode commands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The following action commands are available for both cameras.<\/p>\n\n\n\n