{"id":5211,"date":"2020-10-19T10:03:30","date_gmt":"2020-10-19T06:03:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/actiongadgetsreviews.com\/?p=5211"},"modified":"2021-02-08T17:09:46","modified_gmt":"2021-02-08T13:09:46","slug":"gopro-hero-9-black-vs-gopro-max","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/actiongadgetsreviews.com\/gopro-hero-9-black-vs-gopro-max","title":{"rendered":"GoPro Hero 9 Black vs GoPro Max"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In this GoPro Hero9 Black vs GoPro Max comparison, I will talk about the differences and similarities of both action cameras so you have all the details you need to make a decision about which camera suits you the best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The GoPro Hero9 Black was released on 16th September 2020 and it is the successor to the GoPro Hero8 Black which was released in October 2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The GoPro Max was announced alongside the Hero8 Black in 2019 and it is the successor of GoPro Fusion<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check my GoPro Max detailed review<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check my GoPro Hero8 Black review.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As you already know, GoPro Max is a 360-degree camera but it can also be used to shoot standard videos in Hero Mode.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SEE<\/strong> ALSO<\/strong>: GoPro Hero8 Black vs. GoPro Max comparison article<\/a> & GoPro Fusion vs. GoPro Max Comparison<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GoPro Max<\/a> has received important software updates since its release and that has helped a lot in improving the user experience of the camera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You might wonder why I am comparing a 360-degree action camera to a regular one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, I also use the GoPro Max to shoot standard videos in Hero Mode. This comparison will help you know what to expect from both cameras in terms of performance quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The GoPro Hero9 Black<\/a> has a new 23.6 megapixels image sensor that captures photos with a maximum resolution of 20MP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check my GoPro Hero9 Black review<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GoPro Max on the other hand has an 18-megapixel sensor that is capable of taking 16MP photos both in 360 degrees and standard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GoPro has introduced HyperSmooth 3.0 to the Hero9 Black and it is a very good upgrade from HyperSmooth 2.0 that was there with the Hero8 Black.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We already know how Max HyperSmooth is, also adding to the fact that 360 cameras have good stabilization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I will give you more details about the stabilization later on in this post, be sure to check that out and see which one performs better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GoPro Hero9 Black has introduced a front-screen which is so handy for vloggers and Youtubers, GoPro Max has a one touchscreen display with no additional status screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many things to talk about in this post, follow along with me as I will highlight every important aspect of both cameras giving you my thoughts and takes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, let us have a look at the technical specifications of both cameras highlighted side by side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Specs<\/strong><\/td>Hero9 Black<\/strong><\/td>GoPro Max<\/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>HERO Mode 1440p60 \/ 1080p60<\/td><\/tr>
Spherical Video resolution<\/td>N\/A<\/td>Up to 6K30 Source. 5.6K30 Stitched<\/td><\/tr>
Video Stabilization<\/td>HyperSmooth 3.0<\/td>Max HyperSmooth<\/td><\/tr>
TimeWarp Video Speed<\/td>Auto, 2x, 5x, 10x, 15x, 30x<\/td>Auto (HERO Mode Only), 2x, 5x, 10x, 15x, 30x<\/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>Max 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>No<\/td><\/tr>
Burst Rates<\/td>Yes (up to 30fps)<\/td>N\/A<\/td><\/tr>
Time Lapse Photo Intervals<\/td>N\/A<\/td>HERO Mode: 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 30, 60 seconds<\/td><\/tr>
Continuous Photo Capture <\/td>Yes<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
SuperPhoto <\/td>Yes, with Improved HDR<\/td>No<\/td><\/tr>
Photo Timer <\/td>Yes<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
RAW Photo Capture <\/td>Yes<\/td>No<\/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>No<\/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>Max TimeWarp<\/td><\/tr>
Night Lapse Photo <\/td>Yes<\/td>No<\/td><\/tr>
Slo-Mo <\/td>8x<\/td>HERO Mode 2x<\/td><\/tr>
Design<\/strong><\/td><\/td> <\/td><\/tr>
Dimensions<\/td>71.0 W x 55.0 H x 33.6 D (mm)<\/td>64 W x 69 H x 25 D (mm)<\/td><\/tr>
Weight (Camera + Battery)<\/td>158 grams<\/td>154g<\/td><\/tr>
Removable Lens<\/td>Yes<\/td>No<\/td><\/tr>
Lens<\/td>1<\/td>2<\/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.<\/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. USB-C to 3.5mm adapter needed<\/td><\/tr>
Memory Storage<\/td>1 microSD<\/td>1 microSD<\/td><\/tr>
Microphones<\/td>3<\/td>6<\/td><\/tr>
Battery<\/td>Removable and Rechargeable with a capacity of 1720mAh<\/td>Removable and Rechargeable with a capacity of 1600mAh<\/td><\/tr>
Rugged + Waterproof<\/td>Yes. Waterproof up to 10 meters \/ 33 feet.<\/td>Yes. Waterproof up to 5 meters \/ 16 feet.<\/td><\/tr>
Features<\/strong><\/td><\/td> <\/td><\/tr>
Voice Control <\/td>Yes<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Wake on Voice <\/td>Yes<\/td>No<\/td><\/tr>
Live Streaming <\/td>Yes<\/td>Yes, 1080P<\/td><\/tr>
GPS <\/td>Yes<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Advanced Metadata <\/td>Yes<\/td>Yes (in HERO Mode only)<\/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>3-mic processing. Foam Wind cover for the Media Mod mic<\/td>6-Mic Processing<\/td><\/tr>
Stereo Audio<\/td>Yes<\/td>Premium<\/td><\/tr>
RAW Audio Capture <\/td>Yes<\/td>WAV formatHERO Mode Only<\/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
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What\u2019s in the Box?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You will get the following items stuffed in the retail package of the respective camera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GoPro Hero9 Black<\/strong><\/td>GoPro<\/strong> Max<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
A GoPro HERO9 Black Camera Unit
1 x Rechargeable Battery
1 x Curved Adhesive Mount
1 x Mounting Buckle
1 x USB Type C Cable
1 x Thumb Screw
1 x Camera Case<\/td>		A GoPro Max Camera Unit
1 x rechargeable battery
1 x USB-C charging cable
1 x microfiber camera box
MAX protective lenses
MAX lens caps
1 x curved adhesive mount
1 x quick-release mounting buckle
1x thumbscrew<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

GoPro has introduced a new box for the GoPro Hero9 Black. There is also a carrying case included where you will find the items packed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is a very noble step by GoPro because I will use the carrying case effectively when going around with my GoPro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

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

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

GoPro Hero9 Black<\/a> is heavier than the GoPro Max with a weight of 158 grams<\/strong> whereas the Max weighs 154 grams<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The GoPro hero9 Black has a body dimension of 71.0 W x 55.0 H x 33.6 D (mm) <\/strong>whereas the GoPro Max<\/a> has a dimension of 64 W x 69 H x 25 D (mm).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Despite the weight and dimension differences, both cameras are portable and will not offer a burden in mounting on the helmet\/chest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GoPro Hero9 Black is heavier mainly because of the additional hardware and increased screen size and form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GoPro Hero9 Black is bigger than its predecessor which is larger than the Hero7 lineup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both the Hero9 Black and the Max have folding fingers on the bottom of the camera hence they can be mounted easily without the requirement of an extra frame\/housing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Display<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Hero9 Black<\/a> has a dual-screen setup which features a small front display that replaces the traditional status screen for the GoPro Hero cameras.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The rear display is touch-sensitive and it is slightly bigger than that of the GoPro Hero8 Black. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

You can use the touchscreen display to control the camera by changing modes, accessing menus, and so on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The front-screen on the Hero9 Black is a good addition for people who love vlogging and taking selfies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can now frame your shots with ease thanks to the secondary display on the Hero9 Black.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are four options that you can select for the front display on the Hero9 Black, you can have it as Fullscreen<\/strong>, Actual screen<\/strong>, status only<\/strong>, or Screen OFF<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you intend to save battery power, it is prudent to put the front-screen OFF.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The GoPro Max has a single screen which is a touch-sensitive display. There is no status screen on Max.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

GoPro Max has the advantage of being a 360-degree camera because you can flip on either side of the camera on Hero Mode to make use of either lens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This gives you the leeway to use the camera’s display as a front screen when you are vlogging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lens<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

GoPro Hero9 Black has a single camera lens with an aperture of f\/2.8 sheltered with a replaceable lens cover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GoPro Max<\/a>, on the other hand, has a dual-lens set up that enables the camera to shoot spherical videos in 360 Mode.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lenses in GoPro Max do not have a replaceable lens cover hence you need to be more careful when handling the camera since you cannot replace the lens cover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GoPro Max has 4 Digital lenses \/ FOV, namely Max SuperView, Wide, Linear, Narrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The GoPro Hero9 Black has 5 Digital lenses namely Wide Lens, Linear Lens, Linear + Horizon Leveling, and Narrow Lens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Max Lens Mod is an accessory made by GoPro that will let you increase the Field of View on the Hero9 Black. You will have to buy it separately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Other than that, we expect many third-party replaceable lenses that will be on the market for use on the Hero9 Black.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

For both cameras, there’s a USB Type C port that will be used to charge the cameras’ batteries as well as for data transfer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The USB Type C port on the Hero9 Black will also be used to connect the camera to the Media Mod for Hero9 Black<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both cameras have a microSD card slot where you can insert a card up to a maximum capacity of 256GB. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

None of these cameras have an external microphone jack, you can use the USB to 3.5mm adapter to connect an external microphone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both cameras don’t have an HDMI out port, for the Hero9 Black, you can purchase the Media Mod and get access to HDMI connectivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

The GoPro Hero9 Black<\/a> has 3 microphones similar to its predecessor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the GoPro Max<\/a>, we have a total of 6 microphones dotted strategically around the camera’s body. The six microphones are to aid the GoPro Max in capturing 360 audio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both cameras have wind reduction technology that helps reduce the background noise in your recordings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I have found that the GoPro Max does an overall better job than the Hero9 in wind-noise reduction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Media Mod for the Hero9 Black has a foam wind cover for the microphone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Audio from the GoPro Max is less audible than that from the Hero9 Black.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is because the Max records with 9DB, you can bump that to 11DB in post to get louder and clearer audio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As I pointed out earlier, both cameras do not have a dedicated port for the external microphone but you can use the USB to 3.5mm adapter or the Media Mod (for Hero9 Black Only) to connect an external microphone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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

The difference is in the waterproof ratings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the Hero9 Black, you can go underwater up to a maximum of 10 meters \/ 33 feet<\/strong> whereas for the Max you can go up to 5 meters \/ 16 feet<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Hero9 Black has a new microphone drain knob that is used to drain off water from the camera’s microphone after underwater activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This means that you can resume recording your audio faster as opposed to the Max where you have to slowly wait for the microphone to dry before re-embarking on audio recordings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are a deeper diver and you intend to go further down in your underwater expedition, you can consider getting the protective housing for each camera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the GoPro Hero9 Black, you can get the official HERO9 Black Protective Housing + Waterproof Case<\/a> which will protect your camera down to 60 meters \/196 feet underwater.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

GoPro has not yet made a proprietary waterproof housing for the max, but you can get the case from Sruim Store<\/a> which will push your underwater depth limit to 30 meters \/ 98 feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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

It is an easy and straightforward task in controlling these cameras.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both cameras have a Mode\/Power Button which is used to change the modes as well as power ON\/OFF the camera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is also a shutter button on both cameras that are used to capture stills as well as start\/stop video recording.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can control both cameras in several ways. You can use the buttons and touchscreen, use the voice commands, use the Remote controls, or use your Smartphone via the GoPro App.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

For both cameras, you can select an item on the touchscreen by simply making a single tap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both cameras have three modes; Video, Photo, and TimeLapse modes. You can change the modes by using any of the aforementioned methods of controlling the cameras.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You will swipe the screen from the upper edge to access the dashboard. Swiping up from the bottom edge of the touchscreen will open the media gallery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also use the touchscreen to adjust exposure by tapping on the area of your photo\/video on the screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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

This feature is available on both the Hero9 Black and the Max.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Voice control is a good way of controlling your camera when your arms are fully engaged e.g. when riding a bike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both cameras have a series of predetermined voice commands that can be used to effect control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The GoPro Hero9 Black<\/a> has wake on voice command which is not available on the Max.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are 2 categories of voice commands, Action Commands<\/strong> and Mode Commands<\/strong>. The former is used to tell the camera to perform specific actions while the latter is used to switch between modes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The following Action Commands are available:<\/p>\n\n\n\n