GoPro Hero 8 Released
- Built-in mounting pins, which negates the need for a frame to connect the camera to accessories
- New non-removable lens cover that's twice as strong as previous ones
- Even better image stabilization in HyperSmooth 2.0
- Upgraded TimeWarp features with an auto mode that uses sensors to detect motion and adjust the recording speed
- Digital lenses offer multiple field of view settings (SuperView, Linear, Wide, and Narrow)
- Capture presets for popular types of recording with the ability to create and save your own
- LiveBurst photo mode takes 1.5-second images before and after the shutter button is depressed (think Live Photos on iPhones)
- SuperPhoto, GoPro's version of HDR, gets improved image quality
- Face detection, smile detection, and blink detection
- Built-in GPS and motion sensors
- Livestreaming at 1080p
- 4K video footage at 60fps or 1080p/240fps at up to a 100Mbps bitrate
- A collection of mod accessories that make the camera even more usable and user-friendly
- A 200 lumen light mod
- A display mod with a fold-out screen
- A media mod with a built-in shotgun mic, two cold shoes, a 3.5mm audio jack, and HDMI connectivity
- Horizon leveling, so you can get level, smooth footage whether the camera is upright, upside down, or sideways
- PowerPano, which creates distortion-free 270-degree panoramic photos
- 360-degree video in 5.6K/30fps
- 16.6-megapixel 360-degree photos
Well, GoPro fans, today is the day we've been waiting for...
The GoPro Hero 8 was officially released today, and I have to say, it looks absolutely awesome, as you can see in the video below:
And that's without a single major new feature, as previous GoPros have boasted.
If you think about it, the Hero 7 debuted incredible image stabilization. The Hero 5 featured waterproofing. The Hero 4 was the first to have 4K/30fps video.
But the Hero 8 bucks the trend and incorporates a ton of small adjustments, which, together make it a giant improvement over its predecessors.
Editor's Tip: Get the most out of your GoPro Hero 8 with a killer mount that gives you tons of flexibility and ease of use. I use the OctoPad, a weighted, non-slip mount that keeps my GoPro steady and stable, even on the dashboard of my car! You can use it to support lights, your phone, and even a small camera. It's a go-anywhere alternative to mini tripods that you can use to get better shots. Check it out and see for yourself!
What's New in the GoPro Hero 8
Below is a partial list of new or updated features in the Hero 8:
It's worth mentioning the HyperSmooth 2.0 is available for all resolutions and frame rates, which was not the case in the Hero 7.
What's more, it now features "boost mode" that gives you even more stabilized shots than the default setting. Boost mode does crop the image a little more, but in some cases it might be a worthy trade-off.
See the GoPro Hero 8 Black in action in the video below by Adorama:
TimeWarp's upgrade is also worth mentioning because the auto feature means you no longer have to guess what speed to record the video.
In the Hero 7, for example, I have to set a speed (i.e., 5x), record some footage, and see how it looks. But with this auto feature, the camera handles speed adjustments.
GoPro also incorporated a "real-time" button that allows you to move from TimeWarp into regular video that results in having a slow-motion sequence amidst a regular-speed video.
One of the most exciting features isn't even about the GoPro itself, but the new accessories available for it.
As mentioned above, GoPro has created a variety of mod accessories that extend the usefulness of the Hero 8.
At this time, these accessories include:
I'm certain more mods are to come, but if you ask me, the best of the bunch is the media mod.
Before, you had to buy tons of different accessories to equal the same functionality as this single mod, so that one in particular will be a popular must-have for GoPro 8 owners.
I'll be testing the GoPro 8 in earnest in the coming weeks, so stay tuned for a comprehensive review.
In the meantime, I think GoPro has made a huge step forward toward making the Hero line much more than an action camera.
Particularly with their new mods, it's now an even better option for vlogging and creating other video content. It's easier to use to boot, which should draw in more people that heretofore have stayed away from GoPro.
Time will tell just how good the Hero 8 is, but first impressions are that it is well worth the $399.99 price tag.
If you're looking for something a little different, GoPro also released the GoPro MAX today, a lightweight action camera the gives you basically three cameras in one body.
Not only can you capture videos and photos, but you can also take 360-degree videos.
It has six microphones built into its body that give you premium 360-degree audio to go with it.
There's a front-facing screen for easy vlogging, a large touchscreen LCD just like on the Hero 8, and is waterproof up to 16 feet.
You'll find the same digital lenses, GPS, motion sensors, HyperSmooth, TimeWarp, and scene detection features as on the Hero 8 as well.
But on the MAX, HyperSmooth takes it up a notch because it uses 180-degree capture as a buffer. The result is MAX HyperSmooth, which gives you even better image stabilization than in the Hero 8. Now that's impressive!
The GoPro MAX has other interesting tools and features as well:
So, again, it seems GoPro is trying to position itself not just as an action camera company, but one that offers cameras that can go anywhere, do anything, and appeal to a very broad base of users.
It seems that whichever of these cameras you choose (the MAX is $499.99), you'll have a lot of fun features to play with that will help boost the creativity of your photos and videos.
