The GoPro Hero series has been a popular choice for action camera enthusiasts and content creators. With the release of the Hero 9, it’s natural to wonder how it stacks up against its predecessor, the Hero 8. Now, you must be wondering which one is better GoPro Hero 9 Black vs GoPro Hero 8 Black.
In this FULL specs comparison, we’ll take a deep dive into the features and capabilities of both cameras to help you decide which one is the best fit for your needs. From resolution and frame rates to battery life and durability, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make an informed decision about which GoPro Hero camera to add to your gear.
GoPro Hero 8 vs 9: Specifications
The newest arrival from the house of GoPro: the GoPro Hero 9 Black comes packed with exciting new and improved features. It has a noticeably bigger size than the previous GoPro cameras, a ‘selfie’ screen, and offers 5K videos and 14.7 MP video stills.
The immediate predecessor of Hero 9 Black – GoPro Hero 8 Black, on the other hand, was and still is quite a star in the world of action cameras. It’s the first GoPro camera with the mounting system right on the case. This camera also offers various upgraded features, including TimeWarp 2.0, Night-lapse and much more.
Here’s the full specs comparison of GoPro Hero 8 Black and GoPro Hero 9 Black:
| Specifications | GoPro Hero 9 Black | GoPro Hero 8 Black |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 158 Grams | 126 Grams |
| Dimensions | 71 x 55 x 33.6 mm | 66.3 x 48.6 x 28.4 mm |
| Screen Size | 2.27 inches | 1.95 inches |
| Front Display | Color Display | Monochrome Display |
| Image Sensor | 20 MP | 12 MP |
| Resolution | 5K / 30fps 4K / 60fps 1080p / 240fps | 4K / 60fps 1080p / 240fps |
| Image Stabilization | HyperSmooth 3.0 | HyperSmooth 2.0 |
| Battery | 1720mAh | 1220mAh |
GoPro Hero 8 vs 9: Key Differences Explained
Listed below are the key differences between the GoPro Hero 8 Black and the GoPro Hero 9 Black action cameras:
#1. Design
The Hero 9 Black is around ten percent bigger as compared to the Hero 8 Black. Therefore, you get a bigger touchscreen around the back of the Hero 9 (at 2.27 inches). In comparison, the Hero 8 Black’s touchscreen is sized at 1.95 inches.
The Hero 9 Black combines its touchscreen with a full-color front screen, which also acts as a selfie screen. The color screen is especially helpful for vloggers, as they can frame up their shots even without access to the rear screen. The Hero 8 Black, on the other hand, features a monochrome front display.
#2. Resolution
With a 20 MP sensor, the GoPro Hero 9 Black offers almost double the sensor resolution of the Hero 8 Black for taking still shots. And, with 5K video recording capability, the Hero 9 delivers noticeably crisper shots with much more detail as compared to the Hero 8, whose maximum resolution is 4K.
However, the Hero 9 Black can shoot 5K videos at 30fps max. Therefore, if you want to shoot slow motion shots at higher frame rates, you’ll have to use 4K or lower resolutions. And, the frame rates at 4K or lower resolutions offered by the Hero 9 Black are exactly the same as the Hero 8 Black.
#3. Battery Life
GoPro has bumped up the battery capacity to 1720mAh on the Hero 9 Black from 1220mAh on the Hero 8 Black. This boosts the stamina of the Hero 9 by about 30%. So, you get a significantly better performance with the Hero 9 Black.
The bigger battery size of Hero 9 Black also means that it can handle extreme cold weather better. However, upon usage we noticed overheating issues with Hero 9 when shooting 5K video.
You can prolong your GoPro’s battery life by using some extra batteries.
#4. Connectivity
This one is not much of a difference, but rather a similarity. Both of these cameras support connectivity through WiFi and Bluetooth. Therefore, you can connect them to a smart device with the GoPro App. These cameras also support Livestream at 1080p resolution.
The Hero 8 and Hero 9 Black have been built keeping in mind the vlogging aspect. These cameras have their own Media Mods (sold separately), which add a directional microphone ideal for vlogging. You also get other useful vlogging accessories compatible with these cameras like Light Mod.
#5. HyperSmooth (Electronic Image Stabilization)
The GoPro Hero 8 Black offers wonderful, smooth and shake-free videos with its ground-breaking image stabilization feature HyperSmooth 2.0 enabled. The footage clarity and performance with HyperSmooth 2.0 is significantly upgraded from the older version of HyperSmooth.
With the latest GoPro Hero 9 Black, GoPro has taken image stabilization even further up a notch by launching HyperSmooth 3.0. It’s like a whole new chapter in the game of image stabilization, and we’re yet to see better performance in any action camera.
Anyways, for extreme conditions you’d better opt for a GoPro Gimbal.
#6. TimeWarp
TimeWarp 2.0 is a fun Hyperlapse mode for creating super-smooth motion time-lapses in the GoPro Hero 8 Black. The GoPro Hero 9 Black features an improved version of it with the TimeWarp 3.0.
With both of these cameras, you get amazing hyperlapse shots without the annoying 10% crop. Plus, it’s also available in all frame rates and resolutions.
Do you want to lear more about TimeWarp and how to set it? Then read our ultimate guide.
#7. Swappable Lens Cover
Before the Hero 8 Black camera arrived, all flagship GoPro models featured swappable lens cover. However, with the Hero 8 Black, GoPro changed this and the lens port was fused to the body, which made it non-removable.
With the latest Hero 9 Black, GoPro has reverted back to the swappable lens. Not only this, the company has also created an interchangeable lens mod called the Max Lens Mod.
#8. Remote Control
All the latest GoPro cameras can be controlled wirelessly via GoPro mobile app using WiFi and Bluetooth. However, the Hero 9 Black does not work with the Smart Remote and Remo Remote, while the Hero 8 Black does.
#9. Slow Motion
Both the GoPro Hero 8 and Hero 9 have slow-motion capabilities, allowing you to capture stunning slow-motion footage. With the Hero 8, you can record slow-motion videos at up to 1080p at 240fps, and with the Hero 9, you can record slow-motion videos at up to 1080p at 240fps, or at 2.7K at 120fps.
If you’re looking for the latest features and improved image quality, the Hero 9 may be the better option for you. However, if you’re on a budget and don’t need the latest features, the Hero 8 is still a great camera that can produce high-quality slow-motion videos.
#10. Time Lapse
The Hero 8 has two time-lapse modes: TimeWarp 2.0 and Time Lapse Video. TimeWarp 2.0 is a hyperlapse mode that allows you to capture stabilized time-lapse videos while moving around. It offers up to 30x speed, and you can adjust the speed of the video with a tap on the screen. Time Lapse Video, on the other hand, captures a series of photos at a set interval and combines them into a video. You can adjust the interval and resolution of the photos, and the camera will automatically compile them into a 1080p video.
The Hero 9 has three time-lapse modes: TimeWarp 3.0, Time Lapse Video, and Night Lapse Video. TimeWarp 3.0 offers improved stabilization and horizon leveling, along with speed ramping and an automatic speed selection option. Time Lapse Video captures a series of photos at a set interval and combines them into a video, and you can adjust the interval, resolution, and duration of the video. Night Lapse Video captures time-lapse videos in low-light conditions, and you can adjust the interval, exposure, and duration of the video.
#11. Night Lapse
Both the GoPro Hero 8 and Hero 9 have excellent night lapse capabilities, thanks to their advanced night modes and improved low-light performance. With the ability to shoot long exposures and adjust settings such as ISO and shutter speed, both cameras can capture stunning night-time scenes with minimal noise and high detail.
The Hero 9 has an improved night mode over the Hero 8, with the ability to shoot in 5K resolution and enhanced low-light performance. This allows for even greater detail and clarity in night-time scenes. Additionally, the Hero 9’s larger sensor and improved image processing technology provide better dynamic range and color accuracy in low light.
Is It Worth Upgrading from GoPro 8 to 9?
Whether it is worth upgrading from GoPro 8 to 9 depends on your needs and preferences. GoPro 9 comes with several new features such as a front-facing color display, HyperSmooth 3.0 stabilization, TimeWarp 3.0, and 5K resolution recording. If these features are important to you and you’re willing to pay the extra cost, then upgrading to GoPro 9 could be worth it.
However, if you’re satisfied with the performance of your GoPro 8 and don’t feel the need for the additional features offered by GoPro 9, then there may not be a compelling reason to upgrade. It’s important to assess your own requirements and decide if the benefits of upgrading outweigh the cost.
Find the comparison of these two models with a newer one in the following article: GoPro Hero 8 vs Hero 9 vs Hero 10 (Best Budget Option)
Is The GoPro 8 Still Worth It?
Yes, the GoPro Hero 8 is still a great option for those looking for a high-quality action camera. While it may not have all of the newest features found in the Hero 9 or 10 or 11, it still has impressive specs such as 4K video, HyperSmooth stabilization, and a compact and durable design. Additionally, the Hero 8 is often more affordable than the newer models, making it a great value for those on a budget. Overall, the GoPro Hero 8 is still a reliable and powerful camera that is worth considering for anyone in the market for an action camera.
Hero 8 vs Hero 9: Which Camera Should You Choose?
The GoPro Hero 8 Black and the GoPro Hero 9 Black — both are the flagship GoPro cameras of their time. While there’s no doubt that the latest Hero 9 Black has the most advanced features, however it comes with a higher price tag. So, if you’re low on budget, you can choose the Hero 8 Black without having to compromise much of the latest functions.
You can also find some good second hand offers for these two cameras. Otherwise you can opt for the Hero 5, Hero 6 or Hero 7 which offer the best compromise between price/ quality/functions.
Thanks for reading!
I hope this post on full specs of GoPro Hero 8 vs 9 helped you to make your choice. 🙂
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