Assessment of GoPro Hero9 Black Action Camera

Assessment of GoPro Hero9 Black Action Camera

The GoPro Hero9 Black has made a splash in the world of action cameras, offering significant improvements for underwater videographers. Here's what sets it apart from its predecessor, the Hero8.

First and foremost, the Hero9 Black boasts a higher video resolution of up to 5K at 30fps. This means sharper, more detailed underwater footage compared to the Hero8's top 4K resolution. Clarity is crucial underwater, and the Hero9 Black delivers.

Improved image stabilization is another key feature. The Hero9 Black comes with HyperSmooth 3.0, which enhances smoothness in the challenging underwater environment, reducing motion blur and shake. This results in smoother, more stable footage.

The Hero9 Black also boasts a larger 20MP sensor and higher photo resolution, enabling better quality still images and more vivid color capture underwater. A front-facing color display is also a useful addition for composing shots and vlogging underwater when wearing the camera in front of you.

Battery life is another area where the Hero9 Black excels. With approximately 30% more battery life, underwater sessions can last longer without frequent battery changes.

The Hero9 Black also features a removable lens cover, allowing easy replacement if scratched or damaged during dives. It's waterproof to 33 feet (10 m) without housing, and up to 196 feet (60 m) with housing, matching or improving Hero8's capabilities.

The GoPro Hero9 Black is currently available for a retail price of $399.99 (originally $449.99), making it an attractive option for underwater videographers.

For those looking for additional accessories, the Ultralight Tray & Handles and Beneath the Surface Angled Double GoPro Tray are recommended for holding and stabilizing the GoPro underwater, with the latter serving as a mounting point for video lights. The SeaLife Aquapod is another recommended accessory for underwater use, allowing for closer shots and immersion from small boats.

Video lights like the Kraken Sports Hydra 3500 and Dual Light Value Package bring color back into underwater videos, particularly for macro and close focus wide-angle shots. The GoPro Multigrip handle adds stability and prevents fingers from appearing in the picture when handholding the camera.

The Hero9 Black comes with 4 presets: Cinema, Action, Standard, and slow-mo. Users can save up to 10 presets for personalized settings. The GoPro subscription, priced at $349.98 (including the camera), includes unlimited cloud storage for GoPro footage, a replacement camera if broken, and up to 50% off gear at GoPro.com.

However, it's important to note that the subscription's discount is limited to 10 items per year, and after a year, the subscription must be continued at $4.17 per month. The cloud storage provided by the GoPro subscription does not support content with GoPro Fusion.

In conclusion, the GoPro Hero9 Black offers sharper video and photo quality, better stabilization, improved usability, and longer battery life, all of which are significant benefits for underwater videography compared to the Hero8. The 5K resolution and HyperSmooth 3.0 in particular provide noticeable improvements in underwater footage clarity and stability.

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