GoPro just announced the new Hero8 Black along with a couple of accessories (called “Mods” – modular accessories) as well as a new take on the 360 camera concept, the GoPro Max.
GoPro Hero8 Black – Little But Smart Enhancements
Don’t expect a huge leap. Compared to its predecessor, the GoPro Hero7 Black, the differences are subtle. But it looks like GoPro has touched everything on the Hero7 and enhanced it a little bit. Here are the key specs:
- 4K/60fps, 2.7K/120fps & 1080p/240fps
- 66.3mm (+4mm) x 48.6mm (+4mm) x 28.4mm (-4.6mm) – compared to Hero7 Black
- lighter (14%) and 2x stronger lens (Gorilla Glass)
- frameless built-in retractable mount at the bottom
- no built-in HDMI-out
- 12MP Still Photos with Selectable HDR
- Better HyperSmooth (2.0)
- Live Streaming to Social Media (Full HD)
Nothing represents the small but smart changes like the new built-in mounting. The 2 knobs from all GoPro mount accessories are now built into the camera and are retractible. A very smart solution, so now you don’t need a frame for the GoPro Hero8 Black to use all GoPro compatible accessories.
Hypersmooth 2.0 and TimeWarp 2.0 have now been updated for even better results when using these functions while shooting. With 3 stabilization levels for Hyersmooth 2.0 (On, High and Boost) and the TimeWarp 2.0 auto speed detection you should get even better results for your stabilized hyperlapse shots.
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They also made it easier to select which fov (field of view) you actually want, with 4 modes you can easily flick through. SuperView, Wide, Linear and Narrow will give you 4 digital lenses ranging from 16-27mm.
Improved SuperPhoto and HDR with a revamped algorithm will give you a better image quality overall.
Want to Vlog? – Just Use The Expansion Mods
The expansion mods are actually a very smart concept. Why built things into the camera that you might not need? IF you need to rig your camera up so you can use it for vlogging, just use the 3 Mods. The basic Media Mod (pretty much a buffed housing) is bringing back the HDMI port as well as a mic input jack. As well as a built-in front-facing microphone. If you need that extra flip-out screen to control your framing when vlogging, the Display Mod has got you covered.
The additional Light Mod with a powerful LED light will give you some extra lighting. It’s like GoPro has been looking at all the rigs built by daily vloggers and has created a seamless ecosphere of solid accessories around it. This is probably the most compact, nimble yet high-quality vlogging solution you can find right now.
Hero7 Black Owners – Should You Upgrade?
If you plan on using this as what it is, an action camera, I would say – no need to upgrade. The differences are subtle – if not neglectable when it comes to picture quality and functions. So you won’t see much of a difference when it comes to the actual footage.
However, if you also want to use it for vlogging – the new modular accessories system is absolutely fantastic. You won’t find such a compact and well thought through rig anywhere else.
GoPro Max – A New Take On 360
With the Max we are looking at a new take from GoPro on the 360 camera niche, which was really necessary, since the main competitor, the Insta360 X was absolutely superior to the GoPro Fusion in every aspect.
The GoPro Max now has a built-in screen so you can see what you are shooting. It can shoot 5.6K up to 30fps and 6.2MP panoramic pictures (PowerPano). It can shoot 270-degree distortion-free images in-camera. Six microphones will bring you perfect 360 audio.
Probably the biggest advantage of the competitor, the Insta 360X, is the easy and seamless process when dumping footage to your phone via the app. GoPro obviously updated the App as well and now it should be as easy to transfer your footage and edit on your phone. We’ll have to wait and see if it’s as easy as the competitor and actually usable. With the Hero mode, where you can actually use it like a regular GoPro Hero and the additional screen, this could actually be a serious competitor for the Insta 360X.
