GoPro HERO 9 Overview – Is it Nonetheless Value it in 2024?

Our complete GoPro HERO 9 evaluation, full with all the brand new options, comparisons with previous cameras, and an sincere opinion on whether or not it is best to improve or not.

After years of being the world’s primary motion sports activities digicam, GoPro managed to ship one other stellar product in 2020 as an improve to the wildly well-liked 8 sequence.

And whereas the GoPro advertising staff all the time tout the latest launch as a ‘game-changer’, the reality is the time period usually will get thrown round a bit an excessive amount of.

Minor upgrades and new designs are all the time worthy to notice, however don’t actually deserve the reward of being ‘recreation altering’.

Nonetheless with the GoPro HERO9 Black launch, the time period was properly deserved.

Having used GoPros constantly for the reason that first HERO launch again in 2010, we’re very accustomed to these cameras.

From journey to snowboarding, scuba diving to mountain biking and nearly every thing in between, we’ve put our GoPros by means of some tortuous environments.

BREAKING NEWS – The latest digicam has simply been launched! Try our complete evaluation of the GoPro HERO 13 Black!

Our Trustworthy GoPro HERO 9 Black Overview

Every September when the brand new HERO motion cameras get introduced, we are able to’t wait to see what enhancements have been made.

Some years are higher than others, and this 12 months is likely one of the good ones!

Let’s dive into the small print with our detailed GoPro HERO9 evaluation.

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The Newest Options

This 12 months GoPro’s tagline was #MoreEverything, and whenever you have a look at the specs on the HERO9 vs HERO8, it’s straightforward to see what they imply.

For those who’re , you may also take a look at our detailed HERO11 evaluation from final 12 months.

Listed below are among the new and main options of the HERO 9 Black. I’ll go into extra element on a few of them beneath.

• New 20mp sensor
• 5k 30FPS
• TimeWarp 3.0
• HyperSmooth 3.0 Picture Stabilization
• New full-colour entrance show LCD display
• SuperPhoto with Improved HDR
• 4k at 60fps in large and linear
• 100mbps Bit Charge in 5k, 4k and a pair of.7k
• 1080p at 240fps
• Horizon Levelling built-in
• Larger battery life
• Evening lapse video
• Schedule Seize
• Length Seize
• Folding fingers (eradicating the necessity for a body)
• 1080p reside streaming
• SuperView, Large, Linear and Slender digital lenses
• Fast video seize presets
• LiveBurst Mode
• RAW photographs in all modes
• Waterproof to 10m
• GPS
• Voice activation
• USB C Charging
• Entrance-facing microphone with improved audio
• Detachable lens cowl
• Non-obligatory modular equipment corresponding to Media Mod, Mild Mod and Show Mod

20-Megapixel Sensor

Maybe the most important improve for the HERO9, particularly contemplating it has been wished by the group for years, is the whole overhaul of the sensor.

It now boasts a monster 20-megapixel sensor, which drastically improves nonetheless images capabilities.

The dynamic vary has been prolonged, that means you’ll be able to actually push all the small print out of the highlights and shadows when modifying your photographs, and the low-light high quality has been improved but once more.

Based on us, this is likely one of the largest ‘game-changing’ upgrades this 12 months. We’ve examined out the sensor alongside our high-end skilled cameras, and are amazed on the photograph high quality the GoPro HERO9 produces.

Is it nearly as good as pro-level mirrorless or DSLR digicam? In fact not. However it’s getting there!

Click on right here to learn extra about the right way to take higher GoPro photographs in our final information.

5k 30fps

4k was so 2019. Now the brand new function everyone seems to be speaking about is how the GoPro digicam shoots in 5k video with a body price of 30fps.

And in case you’re unsure what precisely meaning, all it is advisable know is it’s huge.

Regardless of the numbers, 5k video is definitely 50% bigger in decision in comparison with 4k.

What meaning is you’ll be able to shoot in 5k video, and have an enormous quantity of room to crop proper into your video in case you select.

On the subject of video creativity, capturing in 5k additionally means that you can do attention-grabbing zooms, rotations and pans and nonetheless export the video at full 4k.

HyperSmooth 3.0

When the HERO7 was launched, the introduction of HyperSmooth was touted because the ‘gimbal killer’.

The in-built picture stabilisation was so good, you possibly can actually level the digicam and stroll (or run, or mountain bike) whereas filming, and nonetheless come away with buttery easy footage.

The HERO8 took that up one other notch with the upgraded HyperSmooth 2.0

And naturally, in 2020, GoPro cameras have improved it but once more with HyperSmooth 3.0.

The principle distinction is that now the GoPro HERO 9 Black has horizon levelling constructed straight into the digicam, which mechanically adjusts the crop to make sure your horizon is as near stage as potential.

Beforehand you would need to do that by means of the GoPro app or in post-production. So this function saves you time sooner or later when modifying your movies.

Notice although that the horizon levelling solely works when capturing in linear mode.

READ MORE: Be taught concerning the HERO 12 right here.

TimeWarp 3.0

TimeWarp is GoPro’s model of a hyperlapse, they usually have managed to do it extraordinarily properly.

First launched within the HERO7, TimeWarp acquired an improve on the HERO8 to permit the consumer to faucet on the display to toggle between quick-time and real-time.

TimeWarp 3.0 goes two steps additional, and now with a easy faucet of the bigger rear display you can’t solely set the hyperlapse to real-time, you’ll be able to then drop it to slo-mo!

As if that wasn’t sufficient, when in real-time the GoPro now data audio to associate with the video.

Earlier than TimeWarp was a factor, the one technique to obtain comparable outcomes was by means of very intensive hyperlapse modifying requiring hundreds of nonetheless pictures, or capturing for minutes (or hours, hope you gave plenty of storage) and speed-ramping it up in put up course of.

Entrance LCD Display screen

The obvious improve straight out of the field, and one thing we are able to’t fail to say on this GoPro HERO 9 Black evaluation, is the inclusion of the color entrance show LCD display.

Now nailing that good selfie or making certain you’re within the body when vlogging is less complicated than ever.

You possibly can change the view on the front-facing display to indicate a centre crop, true illustration or simply the digicam settings.

Scheduled Seize

Once you’re making an attempt to plan your photographs, typically you simply can’t get to the situation on the proper time to hit the shutter.

That’s not an issue anymore although, as a result of with the GoPro HERO 9 Black, now you can set the precise time you wish to begin recording at, put your digicam in place then stroll away.

Need an instance of how you should utilize it in your day-to-day life?

Think about with the ability to shoot an unimaginable dawn timelapse whereas nonetheless sleeping in your heat mattress.

Yep, scheduled seize is a game-changer.

One other function that runs alongside that is ‘HindSight’, which data 30 seconds of footage earlier than you hit the shutter.

For those who discover that to be barely creepy, don’t fear, you’ll be able to disable it within the settings.

However it’s a very nifty function to make use of in case you’re making an attempt to seize one thing particular, however don’t know precisely when it’ll occur, corresponding to somebody performing a trick.

Modular Equipment – Media and Max Lens Mod

Maybe top-of-the-line issues about GoPros isn’t essentially the motion cameras themselves, however all of the unimaginable equipment you will get together with them!

From suction cups to clamps, selfie sticks to dive housings, the listing of GoPro equipment is sort of countless.

For those who’re seeking to get into vlogging although, there’s two explicit objects it is advisable get your palms on.

The GoPro Media Mod is a housing that your HERO9 slides into that contains a bi-directional microphone, chilly shoe mounts, USB-C enter/output and a 3.5mm microphone jack.

This primary got here out for the HERO8, however with the upgraded measurement of the HERO 9 Black, there’ll be a brand new one popping out quickly.

The most recent and best modular accent is the Max Lens Mod. Leaning on the ultra-wide capabilities of its greater 360-degree sibling, the Max Lens Mod replaces the unique lens cowl on the GoPro Hero 9 Black to provide it a super-wide perspective with glorious subject of view.

Whether or not you’re into motion sports activities or journey vlogging, the Max Lens Mod is a must have.

How Does the Digital camera Carry out within the Actual World?

Okay, you’ve learn by means of all the above specs and are actually considering, “Wow, that digicam sounds epic! I ought to run out and purchase one proper this second!”

However maintain up. Realizing the specs is one factor. However how does the GoPro HERO 9 Black really carry out in the actual world?

Does it reside as much as the hype?

Nicely, we’ve been utilizing ours virtually each single day because it was first launched in September 2020, so it’s secure to we all know a factor or two about it now.

We’ve taken it on every kind of cool adventures, together with highway tripping round Far North Queensland, snorkelling with turtles on the Nice Barrier Reef, downhill mountain biking and common journey vlogging.

It’s been used on sundown shoots to check the dynamic vary, astrophotography shoots to see the way it handles in low gentle and fast-paced sports activities to pattern the slow-motion video capabilities.

With every thing we’ve thrown at it, the motion cam has carried out exceptionally properly.

Does it substitute our skilled digicam gear, such because the Sony A7Riii, or a devoted video vlogging setup just like the ZV-1?

In fact not. However that’s not what the GoPro HERO 9 Black is for.

In our line of labor being skilled content material creators, we’ve got loads of digicam gear with us always to cowl totally different eventualities.

So in all honesty, will we really use the brand new GoPro when we’ve got so many different choices?

Sure, sure we do.

In truth if we’re going out with pals or heading out on any journey, we’ll have the GoPro HERO 9 Black in our bag and go away the large cameras at residence.

And if we’re vlogging on the fly, we virtually solely use the GoPro because of its unimaginable HyperSmooth in-built stabilisation.

On all of our multi-day hikes in truth, we use the HERO9 for vlogging as a result of it’s simply so rattling versatile, gentle and straightforward to make use of (plus the footage appears nice).

However fact be instructed, if we’re doing any type of professional shoot, essentially the most we use the GoPro for is often to do a time-lapse.

What We Don’t Like

We’re going to stage with you. As a lot as we love the GoPro HERO9 Black, it’s not good.

In truth there’s a couple of issues that we want they’d enhance.

First up, it STILL freezes.

This has been an issue with each single one of many GoPro motion cameras ever made, and it’s our most important gripe with the corporate.

You’ll be in the midst of a shoot and the digicam will simply freeze up, forcing you to carry the ability button to reset it.

With respects to GoPro, it’s not as unhealthy because it was. However the truth that the digicam does it in any respect is fairly annoying.

Second, no exterior microphone enter with out the Media Mod.

Absolutely it wouldn’t take a lot to have this function, and contemplating they push the digicam as a implausible vlogging setup, we predict it ought to be included with out the necessity to purchase a further unit.

Third, the contact display doesn’t work as cleanly or effortlessly as earlier fashions.

That being stated, it has been improved with current firmware updates, so it’s not a deal-breaker.

And the very last thing that we’re not utterly joyful about with the GoPro HERO 9 Black is that it isn’t suitable with older GoPro HERO batteries or the HERO 8 Black media mod.

That’s extra of a minor factor, as they needed to improve the scale to slot in the entrance dealing with display on the 9, so we are able to perceive that.

GoPro HERO9 vs GoPro HERO8 vs GoPro HERO7 – What’s the Distinction?

Now that we’ve run by means of all the main new options on this GoPro HERO 9 Black evaluation, you’re in all probability questioning what units this motion digicam aside from its predecessors.

A few of the apparent ones like improved battery life, 5k video and 20mp photograph sensor clearly units this new product above the remainder.

However now let’s line the variations up between the most recent 3 GoPros on this nifty little comparability desk.

As you’ll be able to see, the GoPro HERO 9 Black has fairly an enormous improve when in comparison with the earlier fashions.

Is it Value Upgrading?

Now that you’ve got all the data, you’re in all probability questioning if it’s price dropping your hard-earned cash to improve to the most recent mannequin.

Listed below are our ideas on this.

You Don’t Have a GoPro

For those who don’t at the moment personal a GoPro, and are on the lookout for a digicam that you should utilize in a spread of environments, then the HERO9 is totally price shopping for.

Whether or not you need a sturdy, waterproof digicam, one thing for vlogging or simply an all-round journey digicam, the GoPro HERO 9 Black is likely one of the greatest motion cameras available on the market.

Do your self a favour and get one.

You Have a GoPro HERO7 or Earlier Mannequin

For those who’re sitting on the HERO7, or maybe one of many earlier fashions, then upgrading to the HERO9 goes to utterly change your perspective on simply how highly effective these little motion cameras may be.

The bounce from the HERO6 to HERO7 was enormous, from HERO7 to HERO 8 Black much less so. However going from the HERO7 on to the HERO9 is a worthy selection, particularly in case you’re available in the market for a brand new product.

You Have a GoPro HERO8 Black

This one actually will depend on your makes use of, funds and the way way back to procure the HERO 8 Black

Whereas, in our opinion, the HERO7 to HERO8 was a minor improve, the HERO8 to HERO9 is a reasonably main one with the inclusion of the front-facing display, 5k, new digicam sensor, and so forth.

For those who use your GoPro on a regular basis, then we’d 100% suggest upgrading to the brand new mannequin.

However, in case you’re the type of one who would use their smartphone 90% of the time and solely decide up the GoPro every now and then, we’d say save your cash and maybe purchase a few superior equipment as an alternative.

Lastly in case you actually simply purchased the HERO8, don’t stress – simply because the brand new model is out doesn’t make your new digicam any much less epic.

Until you really want among the new options of the GoPro HERO 9 Black, simply sit on the one you’ve till the ten comes out.

Wait what? When is the GoPro HERO 10 being launched? If historic dates are any indication, you’ll be able to anticipate to see the GoPro HERO10 in September 2021. HOWEVER with the present chip manufacturing scarcity in Taiwan and the truth that zero rumours have come out about any new digicam, there’s a excessive chance that there isn’t going to be a launch this 12 months. For those who want a digicam now, don’t wait. Simply get this present mannequin.

Last Verdict – 9/10

You’ve made it to the top of our GoPro HERO9 evaluation, and after a lot thought and months of use, we’ve determined to provide it an enormous 9/10.

Truthfully, when GoPro launched this mannequin touting it as a game-changer, we have been fairly skeptical concerning the declare.

However boy did they ship, and we couldn’t be extra thrilled to have this new digicam as a part of our arsenal.

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GoPro HERO 9 Black

We have put the brand new digicam to the take a look at on this complete GoPro HERO 9 evaluation. Dive into the brand new options, the way it performs and whether or not it is price upgrading.