GoPro has debuted the Hero8 Black and Max, their next-generation, dual-lens camera. We took a deeper look into both cameras since the announcement to evaluate how each would impact the market.
The Hero8 Black contains several noteworthy enhancements and a couple of new features. GoPro updated their internal, software-based HyperSmooth to version 2.0. GoPro claims the new video stabilization has “dramatically improved stabilization over HyperSmooth 1.0” and benefits from significantly improved baseline performance. It also can be utilized in all resolutions and frame rates, features a new Boost mode, and has in-app horizon leveling. GoPro also upgraded the TimeWarp feature to version 2.0. The upgrade now has automatic rate adjustment and tap-control speed ramping.
The Hero8 Black now contains four digital lenses to make it easy to choose a desired field of view, including a less “fish bowl-like” Linear, which the company claims is now distortion-free. Although this hasn’t been the focus of many news reports, it could actually be one of the best new features and addresses a serious deficit of the GoPro “look.” While the SuperView wide-angle aesthetic of the original Hero was developed to be an immersive, cinematic experience, its inherent distortion made it less useful for other video recording needs.
The other under-the-radar feature upgrade that didn’t even make it into GoPro’s Hero8 Black press releases was the enhanced audio, another long-standing deficit that made the camera pretty useless for anything other than careening down a wave or a ski slope. The Hero8 now sports three microphones and claims to have better wind suppression.
The Hero8’s chassis is now 14% lighter, and employs folding mounting fingers that eliminate the need for a camera frame. While this certainly makes the camera simplier to use, the first thing our staffers asked was: “what happens when those flimsy “fingers” break?
Mod Squad
It’s obvious that GoPro wants to get in on the vlogging market with the debut of three Mods, camera accessories that mount to the camera. The Media Mod, Display Mod and Light Mod are the first to be offered with GoPro claiming that more may be available if they’re popular.
The Media Mod ($79.99) is an add-on frame for HERO8 Black that provides shotgun-mic performance, two cold shoe mounts plus I/O support including a 3.5mm external mic port, HDMI and USB Type-C ports.
The Display Mod ($79.99) is a folding, 1.9″ front-facing display that attaches to the Media Mod to make framing easy when vlogging and using Hero8 Black as a selfie camera. When not in use, the Display Mod can fold down and out of the way, functioning as a rear-facing display.
The Light Mod ($49.99) is a waterproof (33′ / 10m), rechargeable LED light that can attach to the Media Mod or any GoPro mount to provide enhanced lighting in low light settings.
360 Video To The Max
Max, GoPro’s new dual-lens camera, replaces the not-so-popular Fusion camera and offers some intriguing possibilities. With front- and rear-facing 180 degree cameras, you can still capture those signature and nauseating 360 shots, but GoPro also adds the ability to split the two captures into separate feeds for more practical editing capabilities, including the aforementioned vlogging focus and inteviewing.
The Max receives some of the Hero8’s tech, including Hypersmooth and TimeWarp. The Max is rated waterproof to 16′ / 5m. Max also features shotgun-mic audio capabilities with six—built-in microphones combine to capture immersive 360 audio, directional audio for vlogging, wind-noise reduction and the best stereo sound ever from a GoPro.
GoPro App Updated
The capabilities of the Quik video editing app has now been incorporated into the GoPro app. The GoPro app also supports both GoPro and phone content in edits, and now streams live at full HD 1080p resolution on both Hero8 Black and Max.
The GoPro app’s auto video editing experience contains four new themes created by the company’s in-house media team. Choose between Adrenaline Seeker, Adventure Travel, Cinematic and Memory Curator and then share directly to social media or store within the app as an editable draft to revisit.
GoPro now has a four-camera lineup to meet the needs of all of its customers:
$499 MAX — the ultimate tool for those looking for the maximum in creative freedom. It’s like having three cameras in one.
$399 HERO8 Black — for those who demand the highest level of performance—the very highest resolutions and frame-rates, HyperSmooth 2.0 video stabilization and the all new frameless design with built-in mounting fingers.
$329 HERO7 Black — blistering performance and legendary stabilization at an amazing price.
$199 HERO7 Silver — the perfect 4K, high performance entry level GoPro.
GoPro’s Hero8 Black will be available starting the week of October 20 and the Max will arrive in stores five days later on October 25. Mods will be available for pre-order on GoPro.com in December.
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