One of the latest action cameras by GoPro, the Hero 8 Black has several amazing features, like HyperSmooth, TimeWarp, a built-in mounting clip, and more. So, if you’ve just bought a new GoPro Hero 8 Black, it’s a great choice indeed!

This beginners guide/tutorial is designed to make you understand how to get started with your new GoPro Hero 8 Black. It includes everything you need to know if you’ve just bought your Hero 8 Black – right from unboxing the camera, to capturing your first video.

So, let’s get started…

GoPro Hero 8 Black – Getting Started

The first thing you need to do after unboxing your GoPro Hero 8 Black is to set it up so that you can get it up and running as soon as possible. Here are the steps to set up your Hero 8 Black:

#1. Insert the Memory Card

To save your videos and photos captured with the Hero 8 Black, you’ll need a microSD card. Please note that you don’t get a microSD card included in the package. You’ll have to buy it separately from the market unless, of course, you’ve already got it as a part of some offer.

Here are the specs of a Hero 8 compatible microSD card:

  • microSD, microSDHC, or microSDXC card
  • Class 10 or UHS-I rating
  • Capacity up to 256GB

For a list of recommended microSD cards for Hero 8 Black, visit this link: 5 Best SD Cards for GoPro Hero 8

– How to insert & eject the microSD Card?

Here are the steps to insert a compatible microSD card into your Hero 8 Black & eject it:

  1. Unlock the door latch at the side of your camera, and flip the door open.
  2. With your camera off, insert the microSD card into the card slot with the label facing the battery compartment.
  3. You can eject the card by pressing it into the slot with your fingernail.

#2. Insert the Battery

You get a GoPro Rechargeable Battery compatible with the Hero 8 Black included in the package. Please ensure that you use a genuine GoPro battery with your new GoPro camera. It’s the same battery that comes with the Hero 6 & 7 Black. However, although the older GoPro and non-GoPro batteries may fit perfectly in your Hero 8 Black, they will greatly limit your camera’s performance.

– How to insert the Battery into your Hero 8 Black?

Here are the steps to insert the battery into your GoPro Hero 8 Black:

  1. Unlock the door latch at the side of your camera, and flip the door open.
  2. Insert the battery into the battery compartment.
  3. Connect your camera to a USB charger or computer using the included USB-C cable. It will take about 2 hours to charge the battery fully. When it’s done, the camera status light will turn off.
  4. Unplug the cable and shut the door when charging is complete. Ensure that the door latch is closed and locked before you start using your camera.
  5. Press the door hinge to ensure a tight seal.

Find all the useful tips on how to extend your Hero 8 battery life:  How to Maximize Your GoPro Hero 8 Battery Life.

#3. Update the Camera Software

To get the latest features and best performance from your GoPro Hero 8 Black, make sure that it has the most recent software version. There are two ways to update your GoPro Hero 8 software:

  1. With the GoPro Quik App
  2. Manual Update by visiting the GoPro website

– How to update the GoPro Hero 8 Black with the GoPro Quik App?

Here are the two easy steps to update your GoPro Hero 8 Black using the GoPro Quik App:

1. Download the GoPro app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
2. Follow the app’s on-screen instructions to connect your camera to your mobile device. If new camera software is available, the app will automatically tell you how to install it.

– How to update the GoPro Hero 8 Black Manually?

Here are the steps to manually update your GoPro Hero 8 Black:

  1. Visit gopro.com/update.
  2. Choose ‘Hero 8 Black’ from the list of cameras.
  3. Select ‘Update your camera manually’, and follow the instructions.

#4. Turn ON the Camera

To turn ON your GoPro Hero 8 Black, simply press the Power/Mode button, located on the side of the camera. The status light will flash three times. When the camera screen displays information, the camera is on.

To power OFF the camera, you need to press and hold the Power/Mode button for 3 seconds.

#5. Start Shooting

Your GoPro Hero 8 has three main capture modes, which include Video, Photo, and Time-Lapse. You can change modes by swiping left or right to the one you want.

GoPro Modes

The Video Mode includes Standard, Activity, Cinematic, and Slo-Mo presets. The Photo Mode includes Photo, LiveBurst, Burst, and Night presets. Lastly, the Time Lapse Mode includes TimeWarp Video, Time Lapse, and Night Lapse presets.

Here’s how to change the presets:

  1. Tap the capture settings.
  2. Tap the preset that you want.

That’s it! Once you’ve selected the mode and preset as per your preference, you’re ready to go. Here are the two easy steps to start shooting with your GoPro Hero 8 Black:

  1. Simply press the Shutter button to start recording.
  2. Press the Shutter button again to stop recording (for Video & Time Lapse).

So, that’s how you begin your journey of unpacking your GoPro Hero 8 Black and start capturing your awesome adventures with it. Please note that there’s much more to your camera than just learning how to shoot with it. In the next section, I’ll let you know of some useful tips & tricks to use your GoPro Hero 8 Black.

Beginner Tips for using GoPro Hero 8

Here are some useful tips that might come in handy for GoPro Hero 8 users to begin with:

  1. Use the right GoPro Hero 8 Mount/Accessory for the activity you’re shooting.
  2. Use Red Filters for Quality Underwater Shots.
  3. Eliminate Lens Fog by using Anti-Fog Inserts, when shooting underwater.
  4. Utilize the GoPro Hero 8 Battery Wisely.
  5. Use a Fast Memory Card with your GoPro Hero 8.
  6. Stabilize your Shots with HyperSmooth.

For details, visit 8 GoPro Hero 8 Tips and Tricks for Beginners

And if you want to film a slow motion read: GoPro Hero 8 Slow Motion Settings.

 

Ready To Use Your GoPro Hero 8?

Follow all the steps mentioned in the above tutorial to get started with your new GoPro Hero 8 Black action camera. Also, don’t forget to follow the tips & tricks given above for the best results. And, while you’re at it, feel free to experiment a little and learn what works best for each activity you’re shooting with your GoPro Hero 8.

 

Thanks for reading!

I hope you find this beginner’s GoPro Hero 8 guide/tutorial helpful 🙂

 

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