•Article updated on April 25, 2023 at 9:18 PM GMT
As an avid adventure seeker and content creator, I’ve had my fair share of action cameras over the years. From trying out different models from other companies to slowly upgrading my way through the GoPro line, I was excited to get my hands on the latest addition to their brand: the GoPro HERO9 Black. I had heard great things about it in terms of quality and features, so it was time to put it to the test.
Upon receiving the camera, the first thing that stood out to me was the new e-commerce packaging that it came in. The packaging was sleek and minimalistic, made out of 99% plastic-free materials, and was entirely recyclable through GoPro’s Renewal program. It was refreshing to see a company taking such a big step towards sustainability and the environment.
As for the camera itself, it was love at first sight. The HERO9 Black boasts a new 23.6MP sensor, making it an absolute powerhouse when it comes to image and video quality. The camera allows for video shooting with up to 5K resolution, maintaining serious details even when zooming in, which can come in handy when editing footage in post-production. The 20MP photo quality is equally impressive, capturing crisp and pro-quality photos with 20MP clarity, and with SuperPhoto, HERO9 Black can automatically choose the best image processing for you, leaving you with minimal editing to do.
Another feature that piqued my interest was the new dual-screen system. With its larger rear touch screen and touch zoom option, it was much easier to navigate through the camera settings and make any necessary changes. The new front display also made it easier to frame shots and control the camera, as it was a lot more intuitive than its previous models.
One of my biggest concerns when it comes to action cameras is battery life. With the HERO9 Black, GoPro seemed to have addressed that issue with a 30% longer battery life, thanks to its larger 1720mAh battery. I could shoot more without having to swap out batteries frequently, and it even had enough juice to power the camera through the cold, which was a big plus.
However, what sets the HERO9 Black apart from its predecessors is its HyperSmooth 3.0 stabilization. GoPro has always had great stabilization, but the HyperSmooth 3.0 takes it to the next level. The in-camera horizon leveling feature was a game-changer for me, and the boost in all settings brought my footage to life, almost as if I had a gimbal strapped to my camera. As an action camera, the HERO9 Black is designed to capture footage in high-intensity situations, and the stabilization proved to be a significant improvement during all my adventures.
One of the coolest features of this camera is its ability to live stream in 1080p, turn it into a webcam, and use it for video-conferencing purposes. With social media being more prevalent than ever, the HERO9 Black is tailor-made to provide its users with the ability to capture and share moments through live streaming.
In terms of design and build, the HERO9 Black feels sturdier and more robust than its previous models. It comes in a rectangular shape, which gives it a sleeker look than its predecessors; it also has a removable, protective lens cover that is designed to withstand external damage, and when removed, it allows for easy lens replacement, protecting and prolonging the camera’s life.
Overall, the GoPro HERO9 Black is an excellent addition to the GoPro family, providing users with features that exceed expectations. Its powerful battery, dual-screen system, and superior stability make it the perfect ally for all adventure seekers and content creators out there. Whether you’re on a hike or a bike ride, capturing family moments, or creating content for your online presence, the HERO9 Black has got you covered. Though it comes at a higher price point, the features and capabilities that it provides make it well worth the investment.
Pros:
- 5K video resolution with a new 23.6MP sensor
- 20MP photo quality with SuperPhoto feature
- Dual-screen system, with a larger rear touch screen and a new front display
- HyperSmooth 3.0 stabilization technology with in-camera horizon leveling
- Live streaming and webcam capabilities
- Longer battery life
- Sturdier design and build
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to previous models.
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