The GoPro Hero 9

Every year for us adventurers we consider selling our old GoPro to upgrade to the newest model, this year is no different.

This camera is the most powerful offering GoPro have ever done. Overall the camera isn’t a massive upgrade from the Hero 8 Black, and I do think some will stick with it as GoPro did iron out a lot of the kinks with that camera.

I’ve opted for the upgrade to the new Hero 9 for a couple of reasons:

• 5K video: (which looks unbelievable by the way)
• Hugely improved battery: (I’d say you’re probably getting about 20-25% more battery)
• The front display: I’m a massive fan of this
• New modes and software upgrades: (HyperSmooth 3.0 stability and Hindsight mode)

A few things I’m not so pleased about before the praise starts:

• The camera gets quite hot during heavy use and data transfer.
• The touchscreen can be a bit unresponsive.
• Not a full compliment of Video mode settings.
• SuperPhoto mode needs improving.

Now, let’s talk specifics and good stuff. It’s so bloody versatile it is unreal – but all GoPro cameras are. The sensor upgrade to a 23.6MP shoots immense 5K video and is definitely an upgrade. In the right conditions, the footage will rival that of a DSLR camera, no, not a joke. The images are more detailed as you’d expect and preserve well when cropped in the GoPro app.

The Hero 9’s new HyperSmooth 3.0 boost is something close to incredible – a gimbal killer. I climbed Helvellyn Mountain and ran up and down several peaks, the footage was Seamless and Smooth AF – see my Instagram for this video!

GoPro as ever retains all the modes from the Hero 8, whilst adding more: Video, Photo (inc Night Mode), Timelapse (inc Timewarp, Nightlapse) – mainstays of the GoPro camera range. SuperPhoto is back.

Timewarp has been improved with a x30 mode and feels smoother on playback. Hindsight mode is a cool feature when in Burst mode – which captures shots before and after you hit shoot! I won’t go too in-depth with the Video modes as they are pretty much similar to the Hero 8, barring the 5k video.

The camera can get very hot, which seems to be when trying to process large data, i.e. recording 5K and when transferring data on the app to my phone. It’s overheating more than the Hero 8 was, but again that was a fix they provided.

While this isn’t a considerable worry personally, I can see users thinking the camera is faulty or defective because of the heat! I believe a firmware fix will solve this.

Hindsight feature

Things to be excited about

Having the ability to remove the lens to install the New Max Mod looks quite exciting (due October/ November), and it also means the ability to have Lens Filters is back, i.e. Polar Pro.

This ultrawide lens will bring Max HyperSmooth (seen on GoPro Max) and have the ability to lock horizon even if it’s rotated. I’ve got a GoPro Max, and it is the smoothest and best stabilised video I’ve ever seen – so this to gain that feat is immense.

This camera is the most significant redesign GoPro have done, the camera is bigger than the Hero 8 and has a larger 2.27-inch rear touchscreen. It’s definitely better in feel – I think it will take more of a beating on the mountain. Only time will tell!

The 1.4-inch colour front display is handy if you’re a vlogger – you can frame up easily, although it lacks the high-end quality of the image.

The battery has been increased, and the overall battery size is 40% larger. On testing, I would say my batteries are lasting 20-25% longer.

Gripes

• The touchscreen – it currently isn’t good enough for responsiveness. I am told by GoPro that there is a firmware fix coming in November, not ideal.
• The camera gets quite hot, as explained.
• No 4K/120p – why, oh why GoPro?
• SuperPhoto needs improving via an update (as the Hero 8 was).
• Having to do firmware fixes on a camera so new, not great.

Pricing

Hero 9 is RRP £429.99 outside of GoPro.com. Via GoPro and their subscription, you’ll get a significant discount. The Sub is great – auto uploads content to the GoPro server, protection of your cameras, which means you get a replacement if your camera is damaged – two per year – the cost £5 per month. Opting for this you’ll get a Hero 9 for £329.99.

Overview

• It’s the best GoPro yet by far.
• Simplified Hero 8 Settings and menus are retained – a good shout for those newer users.
• Longer lasting battery by about 20-25%.
• New sensor – 23.6MP.
• 5k Video is dreamy, and HyperSmooth 3.0 is brilliant.
• Webcam mode is quite useful – this is no longer ‘just an action camera’.
• Those happy using the current Hero 8 settings do not need to upgrade.
• Fixes needed to several ‘Gripes’ with the camera.
• Hero 9 comes in a nice packaged case, a cool change from the old plastic box – kudos on that one GoPro.

Overall, I’m quite happy with the upgrade.