{"id":5243,"date":"2020-12-06T12:13:07","date_gmt":"2020-12-06T08:13:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/actiongadgetsreviews.com\/?p=5243"},"modified":"2021-02-08T17:08:49","modified_gmt":"2021-02-08T13:08:49","slug":"gopro-hero-9-black-vs-gopro-hero-7-black","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/actiongadgetsreviews.com\/gopro-hero-9-black-vs-gopro-hero-7-black","title":{"rendered":"GoPro Hero 9 Black vs GoPro Hero 7 Black"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Welcome to my GoPro Hero9 Black vs Hero7 Black comparison post.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you skipped the Hero8 Black, I will help you figure out if you need to upgrade to the Hero9 Black or not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GoPro Hero9 Black<\/a> was launched in September 2020 whereas the Hero7 lineup was launched in September 2018.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As you might well know by now, GoPro Hero7 has three variants, the Hero7 Black<\/a>, Silver<\/a>, and White<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Hero7 Black<\/a> is the bigger and best in the lineup. It means that the Hero7 Black can do everything the other two versions do plus many more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this comparison post, I will focus mainly on the Hero7 Black but will mention the other two models where need be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GoPro re-introduced the detachable lens to the Hero9 Black similar to what we have in the Hero7.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I believe you already know that the Hero8 Black had a fixed lens cover and it is not possible to replace it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having a fixed lens cover has many disadvantages and users expressed their disappointment to GoPro via all the available channels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In terms of upgrade, the Hero9 Black comes with a new 23.6 megapixels image sensor that can capture 20MP stills and 5K videos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is an improvement from 12MP and 4K video recording supported by Hero7 Silver and Black and 10MP & 4K video recording for Hero7 Silver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is a new front color display on the GoPro Hero9 Black which is an upgrade that has received a good reception from the public.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you already own an action camera from the Hero7 lineup, is it necessary to upgrade to the Hero9 Black? If you own an older GoPro action camera, you can get the Hero7 cameras at a reduced price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Continue reading my comparison because I will give you every important detail about the cameras that will help you make the important decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See also: GoPro Hero 9 Black vs Hero 8 Black<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As usual, I will kick-off this comparison by giving you tabulated differences in the technical specifications of both cameras.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Specs<\/strong><\/td>Hero9 Black<\/strong><\/td>Hero7 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<\/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>78Mb\/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>No<\/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<\/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>62.3 W x 44.9 H x 33 D (mm)<\/td><\/tr>
Weight (Camera + Battery)<\/td>158g<\/td>116g<\/td><\/tr>
Removable Lens<\/td>Yes<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Lens<\/td>1<\/td>1<\/td><\/tr>
Rear Screen<\/td>2.5 inches touch screen display<\/td>2 inches 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>Yes<\/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 2.5mm adapter needed<\/td>No. USB-C to 2.5mm adapter needed<\/td><\/tr>
Memory Storage<\/td>1 microSD<\/td>1 microSD<\/td><\/tr>
Microphones<\/td>3<\/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>3-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
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The Unboxing experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You will get the respective items in each retail packaging of the action camera units;<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GoPro Hero9 Black<\/strong><\/td>GoPro Hero7 Black<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
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>		GoPro Hero7 Black Action Camera unit
1 x Camera Frame
1 x Rechargeable battery
1 x Curved Adhesive Mount
1 x Flat Adhesive Mount
1 x Mounting Buckle
1 x USB-C Cable<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Many people including myself have been impressed by the change in the packaging language for the Hero9 camera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The camera now comes in a newly designed box alongside a carrying case that can be used later as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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

A perceivable physical difference between these two cameras will come out in the body dimension and weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keeping in mind that the Hero9 Black has a larger battery than the Hero7 Black, it directly translates to having a chunkier camera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Hero9 Black has a dimension of 66.3 W x 48.6 H x 28.4 D (mm)<\/strong> whereas the Hero7 Black<\/a> measures 62.3 W x 44.9 H x 33 D (mm).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"GoPro
Hero 9<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"GoPro
Hero 7<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

In terms of weight, the Hero9 Black stands at 158 grams while the Hero7 Black is only 116 grams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite the physical differences, the Hero9 Black is still a very portable camera and you can still carry it along without necessarily worrying about the size and weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

One of GoPro’s major selling points for the Hero9 Black is the availability of a secondary display which is strategically located at the front side of the camera beside the lens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can use the front display effectively to frame up your shots as well as for vlogging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We have seen this kind of set up previously from Akaso Brave 7LE<\/a> and Campark V40<\/a>, but what I like about the Hero9 Black is that you can have both displays functioning at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The front display on GoPro Hero9 Black has several options including keeping it OFF. I recommend keeping it OFF if you are more conscious about saving some battery power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The other options are having the display as a Full Screen, Actual Screen, or a Status Screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For those who are completely used to GoPro’s traditional status screen, worry no more because you are covered here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On both cameras, the rear screen is also a touch-sensitive display that is used to control the camera by using the finger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Hero9 Black has a slightly bigger rear display compared to what the Hero7 Black has.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"GoPro
Hero 9<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"GoPro
Hero 7<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A bigger touch screen is good especially for people who cannot see small wordings and those who have huge fingers that require a larger interactive area for touch screen control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The front side of the Hero7 Black<\/a> has the status screen that displays important information such as video resolution, recording time, and battery level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Both cameras have detachable lenses which is a very nice thing to have in any action camera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the Hero7 White and Silver don’t have replaceable lens capabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Those who own the Hero8 Black<\/a> will tell you how devastating it was not to have the option to change the lens cover whenever you need to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GoPro has introduced a Max Lens Mod for the Hero9 Black that will increase the FOV to 155\u00b0 as well as make the HyperSmooth 3.0 even better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

The Max Lens Mod is not compatible with the Hero7 Black because of the size difference and software issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Both camera lenses have an aperture of f\/2.8<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

This is where the Hero7 Black gets more interesting because it has an HDMI out port whereas the Hero9 Black does not have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To use an HDMI for the Hero9 Black, you will have to purchase the Media Mod for Hero9 Black<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other than that difference, the cameras have similar ports and slots for external media connectivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both cameras have a USB Type C port which can be used for charging up the battery as well as for media transfers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both cameras have a memory card slot that supports microSD cards of up to 256GB of storage capacity for Hero9 Black and 128GB capacity for the Hero7 Black.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are a heavy user of action cameras, I recommend you choose the one with a bigger memory card capacity support since you will have much more space to store your recordings and photos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before using a new memory card, please make sure that you format it. You can read more on GoPro memory card formatting here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Both cameras have 3 microphones that are used to capture audio as well as record stereo audio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stereo audio is always a good thing to have when you are looking for an immersive audio and sound experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How does the audio quality compare?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

As with most other action cameras, we don’t expect the audio from the in-built microphones to perform extraordinarily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both cameras have a nearly equal audio experience, it’s only that I was able to notice that the Hero9 Black produced slightly louder sounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can improve your audio quality by doing post-editing on your PC\/Mac.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I recommend using an external microphone if you need superb quality audio. Both of these cameras don’t have dedicated ports for external microphone connectivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get the USB type C to 3.5mm adapter for both cameras or use the Media Mod for Hero9 Black which has a dedicated port for external microphone connectivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Both of these cameras are waterproof without the need for waterproof housing<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cameras also have a similar underwater rating of 10 meters \/ 32 feet<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are a deep diver, you might be required to get additional protective housing for your camera to get a good guarantee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The protective cases for both cameras will give you a new depth rating of 60 meters \/ 196 feet<\/strong> which is more than enough for most divers out there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GoPro Hero9 Black<\/a> has a new design feature known as the microphone drain which is used to drain the water every time you come from underwater expeditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is a major feature for me since it means that my camera’s microphone will dry a lot faster and I can resume my audio recordings in a good time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

There are various ways of controlling both cameras which is standard for GoPro cameras.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We have physical buttons on the cameras’ body, touch screen control, voice control, smartphone App, and GoPro Smart Remote.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, GoPro Hero9 Black<\/a> is not compatible with previous remotes from GoPro including the smart remote.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don’t know whether GoPro did this intentionally or it is a software\/hardware issue. I will give you an update in regards to this matter once it comes out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In terms of physical buttons, both cameras have two similar to other GoPro cameras.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is a shutter button on the top side which is used to start and stop video recordings as well as for capturing photos and a mode button that doubles up as a power switch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can press the mode button to navigate and select the available shooting modes in either camera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As I mentioned earlier, the rear screen on both cameras is also used as a touch-screen to control the camera using touch interactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I like the brightness and color on the Hero9 Black touch-screen, it looks more updated than that for the Hero7 Black.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Accessing the available menus and modes on either of these cameras is as simple as making one swipe using your finger on the touch screen display.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You will swipe left or right to change to any of the three modes namely; Photos, Videos, or TimeLapse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you get your preferred preset, you will simply have to tap on the display to make a selection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adjusting exposure on either camera involved making a tap on the area of the photo\/video you wish to do so on the touch screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Both cameras support control by voice which is a cool hands-free feature to have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are both Action voice commands and mode commands. Action voice commands as the name suggests is one that is used to give the camera a command to perform a specific action e.g. ‘GoPro Take Photo<\/em><\/strong>‘.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mode commands, on the other hand, are used to give the camera a command to switch between the available modes e.g. ‘GoPro, Video Mode<\/em><\/strong>‘.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To learn more about the voice control on GoPro cameras, Read my article on GoPro voice controls<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using a Smartphone App<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Both cameras can be controlled by the GoPro Smartphone App which is downloadable from Google Play and App Store.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You will first download the GoPro App and successfully install it before pairing your phone to the camera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After installing the App, you will then switch ON the Wi-Fi on the camera and connect it to your phone with the GoPro App.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Smartphone App is also used for live monitoring, meaning the screen on the phone will give you a preview of what the camera lens is filming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It even makes it easier to access your stored files and share them directly to your social media platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To maximize on the smartphone App experience, please ensure that your camera runs on the latest software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can check for software updates on the GoPro App whenever you successfully pair your camera with your phone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Video<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Let us now move to the video segment of this comparison post. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many people usually tell me that this is a major area in choosing between two or more action cameras hence it is critical in helping you decide whether to upgrade or not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I will walk you through the video aspects of both cameras including resolutions, frame rates, video codecs, bitrates, and many more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Video Resolution<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The GoPro Hero9 Black<\/a> manages a maximum resolution of 5K at 30 frames per second thanks to the new 23.6 megapixels image sensor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Hero7 Black<\/a> on the other hand has a maximum 4K video resolution which is still impressive by today’s standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GoPro Hero9 Black does not have 720P resolution whereas the Hero7 Black has the 720P resolution as the lowest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you need a camera that can shoot very sharp details then the Hero9 Black is a great choice because of the 5K capabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How does Video Quality from both cameras compare?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

It is always a difficult task to compare two or more GoPro cameras mainly because the company does a very nice job of making cameras that record nice videos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hero7 and Hero9 Black have a two-year time difference and that is good timing to warrant some nice improvements in the camera’s performance including video quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I was able to notice that the Hero9 Black performed slightly better in terms of balancing contrast and brightness than the Hero7 Black.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Otherwise, the Hero7 Black still offers very solid performance in terms of video quality especially now that it comes with a reduced price tag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What about 5K@30fps video on the Hero9 Black?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Something that you cannot do with the Hero7 Black is recording videos in 5K resolution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5K recordings provide a sharper video with much more details compared to other resolutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Hero9 Black does an impressive job in this category and if you have a 5K monitor for playback, you will appreciate what the camera offers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having videos in 5K resolution also gives you room to crop the video without losing a lot of details. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you do not care about 5K videos yet, then you can consider getting the Hero7 Black.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Have a look at this cinematic 5K video by ‘Abe Kislevitz<\/em>‘ shot using a GoPro Hero9 Black:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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