GoPro Hero 9 was released in Sep-2020 & Hero 8 in Oct-2019. Both are Amazing waterproof action cameras with some similarities & differences, but if you are looking for the best one I will recommend GoPro Hero 9 rather than the Hero 8
Why do I Recommend GoPro 9?
- GoPro 9 has 23-megapixel sensor, whereas GoPro 8 has 12-megapixel sensor. A better megapixel camera helps to capture images and videos in higher Resolution with more details.
- Its ISO range is 100-6400 which helps to get the perfect shoot ins low light conditions like underwater photography but Hero 8 doesn’t have any ISO range.
- GoPro 9 has a touchscreen display that helps to focus on any specific object by tapping on the screen. In addition, 8 has a touchscreen display but you can’t focus.
- You can Record Maximum (5120 x 2880) resolution video With GoPro 9, but GoPro 8 video resolution is (3840 x 2160).
- You can experience the ultimate smoothness with its advanced HyperSmooth 3.0 video stabilization, but GoPro Hero 8 gives you Hypersmooth 2.0 stabilization.
- It gives you a 1720 mah lithium-ion battery, that helps to run for 2 hours on a full charge. The Hero 8 battery lasts around 50 minutes when continuously shooting 4k at high frame rates.
Maybe the GoPro 8 price can make you comfortable because it’s little bit cheaper than GoPro 9. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features, which is not a good idea. After all, the choice is yours.
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Side By Side Comparison
| Specifications | GoPro Hero9 Black | GoPro Hero8 Black |
| Editor’s Rating | 4.8 out of 5 | 4.6 out of 5 |
| Sensor Megapixels | 23 megapixels | 12 megapixels |
| Max Sensor Resolution | 5568 x 4192 | 4000 x 3000 |
| Max Native Light sensitivity | 6,400 ISO | 0 ISO |
| Min Native Light sensitivity | 100 ISO | 0 ISO |
| Video stabilization | Hyper smooth 3.0 stabilization | Hyper smooth 2.0 stabilization |
| AF Touch | Yes | No |
| Battery Life | 2 hour | 50 mnt |
| Microphone Port | No | Yes |
| Lens Focal Range | 15mm (1x) | no lens |
| Screen Size | 2.27″ | 2.00″ |
| Max Video Resolution | 5120 x 2880 | 3840 x 2160 |
| Weight | 158g | 126g |
| Dimensions | 71 x 55 x 34mm | 66 x 49 x 28mm |
| Price | Check GoPro 9 Price | Check GoPro 8 Price |
What Both Cameras Can Do?
- GoPro 8 & 9 both have the same shutter speed (1/1/2000s), Which helps you to capture fast-moving objects like flying birds or reaching cars without getting blurred.
- Both can record 4k UHD video at maximum of 60 fps which helps to record smooth video of any fast-moving objects like a racing car or bike.
- You can record super slow-motion video at 240fps with both of these cameras.
- GoPro 8 & 9 are capable to do live streaming just you need to connect with the wifi.
- Both feature High Dynamic Range which delivers higher contrast to shoot equally in shadow & light areas.
- They can do Timelapse Recording for creative shooting.
- You can remotely shoot or record video using a smartphone with both cameras
- Both are waterproof up to 10m/33ft.
Common Features In Both Cameras
| Specifications | GoPro Hero9 Black | GoPro Hero8 Black |
| Type | CMOS | CMOS |
| RAW Support | Yes | Yes |
| Manual Focus | No | No |
| Lens Mount | fixed lens | fixed lens |
| Max Aperture | F2.8 | F2.8 |
| Screen Type | Fixed type | Fixed type |
| Touch Screen | Yes | Yes |
| Max Mechanical Shutter | 1/1/2000s | 1/1/2000s |
| Built-in Image Stabilization | Digital only | Digital only |
| Video Formats | H.264, H.265 | H.264, H.265 |
| Wireless Connectivity | Built-In | Built-In |
| Environmental Sealing | Yes | Yes |
| Timelapse Recording | Yes | Yes |
| GPS | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 Year | 1 Year |
| Slow Motion | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Check GoPro 9 Price | Check GoPro 8 Price |
Frequently Questions Asked About GoPro Hero 8 and 9
| Can I use an external battery? Yes, you can. The camera can be continued recording with an external source. Can I use it as a computer webcam? Yes, you can. This camera has a support article entitled How to use your GoPro as a webcam. Is this camera lens replaceable? The camera protective lens cover can be changeable. Is this camera good for a race car? Yes, it’s good for race cars. |