GoPro HERO8 Black: Full Review

The GoPro HERO8 Black is GoPro's flagship action camera released in 2019. It's designed for capturing high-quality photos and videos during activities like sports, underwater use, and other adventures where regular cameras can't go.

The HERO8 Black builds on previous GoPro models with improved stabilization, audio quality, and new useful features like built-in mounting fingers and foldable fingers. It shoots stabilized 4K video at up to 60fps, 12MP photos, and has features like live streaming, slow motion capture, and voice control. The rugged, waterproof design makes it well-suited for outdoor activities and watersports.

Overall, the HERO8 Black aims to be a versatile action camera that produces great image quality and has the features needed for capturing adventures. It balances improvements to core capabilities like video stabilization with new convenience-oriented additions.

Design

The GoPro HERO8 Black has a rugged, durable design that's waterproof down to 33 feet without a housing. It has rubberized coating for a secure grip. The camera measures 2.6 x 1.9 x 1.3 inches and weighs 4.1 ounces. The compact form factor makes it easy to mount the camera in various ways for unique angles and perspectives.

The foldable mounting fingers allow you to attach the camera directly to accessories without the need for a case. The lens is made of Gorilla Glass for added protection. The side door makes it easy to access the battery and SD card. Overall, the small size paired with the rugged build quality makes the HERO8 well-suited for action cameras and outdoor adventures.

In addition to the HERO8, the GoPro HERO12 Black continues to innovate with even more advanced features. It boasts a new sensor for improved image quality, enhanced stabilization, and improved battery life, making it ideal for capturing extreme sports and adventures. The design remains sleek, with increased durability and waterproof capabilities. For more details, visit GoPro HERO12 Black.

Image Quality

The GoPro HERO8 Black offers excellent image quality for both photos and videos. It can shoot video up to 4K resolution at 60 fps, providing ultra sharp and detailed footage. The camera also has lower resolution options like 2.7K and 1080p for situations where you want smaller file sizes.

Photo resolution goes all the way up to 12MP, which is ample for capturing crisp images and allows for flexibility in cropping and editing later. You can also shoot in RAW format for higher quality processing.

One of the standout features for video is HyperSmooth 2.0 image stabilization. This provides gimbal-like stabilization by predicting movements and correcting for camera shake. The result is smooth, steady footage even when filming fast-moving activities like cycling, skiing or skateboarding. This makes the HERO8 Black ideal for shooting action sports and active adventures where vibration or motion blur could otherwise ruin your shots.

The image quality lives up to GoPro's reputation and makes the HERO8 Black a great option whether you want stunning photos or shake-free video.

Another great product from GoPro is the GoPro MAX. This camera combines the best of both worlds by offering 360-degree video capabilities along with traditional HERO-style shooting. It features six built-in microphones for immersive audio and offers Max HyperSmooth for the ultimate in stabilization technology. Ideal for vloggers and anyone wanting versatile footage, the GoPro MAX is a powerful tool for creative storytelling.

Features

The GoPro HERO8 Black has a robust set of features for an action camera of its size. Some of the key features include:

• Waterproof Design: The HERO8 Black is waterproof up to 33 feet without needing an external housing, making it great for sports like surfing, swimming, and snorkeling.

• Touch Screen: It has a 2-inch touch screen on the back that allows for intuitive control and settings adjustment. You can easily preview shots, navigate menus, and control the camera via the touchscreen.

• Live Streaming: With a GoPro Plus subscription, you can live stream video directly to social platforms like Facebook and YouTube for real-time sharing. This allows you to give followers a first-person view of your activities as they happen.

• Video Stabilization: The HERO8 Black has GoPro's HyperSmooth 2.0 video stabilization which helps produce incredibly smooth footage, even during intense activities with vibration and motion. This makes it ideal for mounting on helmets, bikes, cars etc.

• Voice Control: You can control the HERO8 hands-free with voice commands like "GoPro take a photo" or "GoPro start recording". This allows you to easily capture footage without physically interacting with the camera.

• TimeWarp 2.0: The updated TimeWarp feature adjusts speed based on motion, scene detection and lighting automatically for more immersive, professional-looking videos.

• 1080p Live Streaming: You can live stream in 1080p resolution to social media directly from the camera when connected to WiFi or mobile data.

Connectivity

The GoPro HERO8 Black offers various wired and wireless connectivity options that make it easy to control the camera and transfer files.

For wired connections, it has a USB-C port that allows you to plug it into a computer or the GoPro Supercharger to charge the battery and offload footage. The USB-C port provides fast transfer speeds when connected to a computer.

For wireless connections, the HERO8 Black has built-in WiFi and Bluetooth. The WiFi allows you to connect to the GoPro app on your smartphone or tablet for full camera control, live streaming, and transfers. Bluetooth enables connections to other Bluetooth devices like remote controls and external mics.

The GoPro also has GPS and voice control capabilities. With GPS, you can tag your footage with location data. Voice control lets you operate certain camera functions using voice commands. This allows for convenient hands-free control when you're engaged in activities.

Overall, the wired and wireless connectivity options on the GoPro HERO8 Black provide seamless integration with smartphones and accessories for enhanced utility on shoots. Transferring files is fast and easy whether using WiFi or the wired USB-C connection.

Audio Quality

The GoPro HERO8 Black has an improved audio experience compared to previous models. It features redesigned microphones that help reduce wind noise and deliver clearer audio during activities.

The HERO8 has three microphones - one on the front, one on the back, and one inside the camera body. This provides more flexibility for capturing audio in different conditions. The front mic picks up voices clearly, while the rear mic reduces wind noise. The internal mic delivers immersive audio during activities like biking or skiing.

Overall, audio recordings are more detailed and easier to understand compared to older GoPro models. Voices come through clearly even in windy conditions. The mics automatically switch between stereo and monaural to optimize audio based on the situation.

One downside is that there is no mic input, so you have to rely on the built-in mics. However, for most users, the redesigned microphones will provide good quality audio without any external equipment needed.

Battery Life

The GoPro HERO8 Black comes with a 1220 mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery. GoPro claims the battery can record up to 100 minutes of 4K video at 30 fps with HyperSmooth stabilization enabled. However, in real-world testing, the battery life is closer to 50-60 minutes of 4K video recording.

When recording 1080p video at 60 fps with stabilization on, the battery lasts around 1.5 hours. For maximum battery life, it's best to shoot in 720p resolution - this can extend recording times to over 2 hours per charge. The battery drains faster when using features like live streaming.

Overall the battery life is decent but not amazing. Power users may want to invest in spare batteries or an external power bank for longer shoots. The battery is removable and recharges in around 2 hours when using GoPro's Supercharger. Enabling settings like GPS and HyperSmooth stabilization will reduce battery life. Turning these off and lowering video resolution can help extend recording times.

Accessories

The GoPro HERO8 Black has a wide range of accessories available to enhance its capabilities and usability.

For mounts, there are options like the Shorty, a mini tripod that can be used as an extension arm or grip. The Handler is a floating handgrip that keeps the camera steady. There are chest harnesses, head straps, suction cups, clamps, and more to mount the camera in many situations.

Extra batteries are crucial to extend shooting time. GoPro sells spare rechargeable lithium-ion batteries as well as a Dual Battery Charger to charge two at once.

The Media Mod is an accessory that adds a directional mic, 3.5mm mic port, HDMI port, and two cold shoe mounts for additional accessories like lights or external mics.

For underwater use, GoPro makes specialized Super Suit dive housings rated for extreme depths.

There are also options like remote controls, extra doors and lenses, microSD cards, filters, floating handles, extended poles, and much more. The wide range of GoPro accessories helps maximize usage for any activity.

Pros

The GoPro HERO8 Black has many advantages that make it a top choice for action cameras:

• Excellent video stabilization - It has HyperSmooth 2.0 stabilization which provides gimbal-like stabilization for smooth footage even during intense activities. This produces professional-level stabilized videos.

• Great image quality - It can shoot crisp 4K video at up to 60fps and 12MP photos. The image quality is sharp and clear even in low light conditions.

• Compact and durable build - The camera is small enough to mount anywhere but still durable with waterproofing up to 33 feet without a case. It's ideal for rugged activities.

• Intuitive touch screen interface - The 2” rear touch screen allows for easy menu navigation and playback. The live preview makes framing shots simple.

• Useful pre-programmed capture modes - It has modes like TimeWarp video for stabilized time lapse videos and LiveBurst for capturing the perfect moment in a burst of images.

• Effective HyperSmooth Boost - This provides maximum stabilization using the full frame for even smoother video capture during the most intense activities.

• Convenient voice control - You can voice control the camera with simple commands using the built-in microphone. This allows for convenient hands-free control.

• Time lapse video - It can capture stunning 4K time lapse videos without the need for additional equipment. This produces professional effects.

• Live streaming capability - You can live stream in 1080p to share experiences in real time with the GoPro app. The smartphone connectivity makes streaming easy.

Cons

The GoPro HERO8 Black has a few drawbacks to consider:

• Battery life could be better. The 1220mAh battery only lasts around 1-1.5 hours when recording 4K video. You'll need spare batteries or an external charger for all-day shooting.

• No built-in flash. There's no flash for photos or videos in low light conditions. You need to purchase an external light or flash accessory.

• Not the best low light performance. Image quality suffers quite a bit in dim lighting without additional lighting accessories.

• No live streaming in 4K. You can only live stream in 1080p resolution.

• Lens is not removable. You can't swap lenses like you can on some other action cams. The built-in lens has a wide angle perspective that may cause distortion.

• Touch screen can be finicky. The touch screen isn't as responsive and accurate as a smartphone. It can be tricky to hit buttons and menus precisely.

• Price. This is one of the more expensive action camera models. The high price tag puts it out of reach for some buyers.

• No 360 degree capture. It lacks the ability to shoot 360 videos and photos like some competitors.

• Fewer mounting options. There are fewer mounts included in the box compared to prior models. You may need to purchase additional accessories.