San Mateo, CA—GoPro introduced the GoPro Hero8 Black and Max action cameras along with Mod accessories. The Hero8 Black features dramatically improved, next-level HyperSmooth 2.0 video stabilization. HyperSmooth 2.0 works in all resolutions and frame rates; offers a new boost mode; and has in-app horizon leveling. Another enhancement is TimeWarp 2.0, with automatic rate adjustment and tap-control speed ramping to slow down to real time and speed up again.
“It’s been 15 years since the first GoPro camera; from the start, we’ve been about enabling people to share their passions whether they’re fueled by adrenaline or artistry,” said GoPro founder and CEO Nick Woodman. “Hero8 Black, the Mods and MAX redefine what’s possible with a camera.”
For versatility, the Hero8 Black also transforms into a vlogging or production camera with GoPro’s modular accessory ecosystem: the Mods. The new accessories enable on-demand expansion of the camera’s capabilities without sacrificing the signature compact of the Hero camera design.
The Mods
GoPro’s Media Mod, Display Mod and Light Mod are modular accessories that augment the Hero8 Black with professional-grade audio; a front-facing display; and enhanced lighting.
Media Mod delivers shotgun-mic directional audio performance. In addition, it features two cold shoe mounts for other accessories, along with Type-C, HDMI and 3.5mm external mic adapter ports. It sells for $79.99.
Display Mod is a folding front- or rear-facing 1.90-inch display. It attaches to the top of the Media Mod for framing up vlogging shots. Moreover, it folds down and out of the way when not in use. It retails for $79.99.
Light Mod is a waterproof (33 feet), wearable and gear-mountable light. Whether mounted to the Media Mod or attached to a GoPro mount, the rechargeable light comes with a diffuser to soften lighting when filming. $49.99.
GoPro Hero8 Black Key Features
The Hero8 Black uses four digital lenses to select a field of view. It also has improved audio with enhanced wind suppression, as well as customizable mode presets. The camera also features frameless mounting with built-in folding mounting fingers. In addition, it is more pocketable and 14% lighter than the Hero7. The frameless design also makes changing batteries and SD cards faster; plus, the lens is now twice as impact resistant.
The Hero8 Black records 4K 60p and 1080 240p video. It also offers studio-quality bit rate options of up to 100Mbps as well as 8x slow motion, ultrahigh-frame-rate 1080p 240 video.
In addition to HyperSmooth 2.0 video and TimeWarp 2.0, the camera provides a revamped SuperPhoto function that delivers ghost-free HDR action photos. It also has new LiveBurst mode, which captures 1.5 seconds of 12-megapixel (4K 4:3) footage before and after the shutter. Users can choose the best single frame for a 12MP photo or share 4K 4:3 video. Other photo features include RAW in all photo modes, including time-lapse and burst photos.
Moreover, the new digital lenses help set up a shot with one of four options—ranging from GoPro’s patented SuperView to zero-distortion linear. With the lenses, users can toggle between narrow, linear, wide and a superview field of view. Also, customizable capture presets provide access to settings for any activity.
Additional Features
Other features include: a wind-optimized front-facing mic; high-fidelity audio improvements; on-screen short cuts to the most-used features; night-lapse video in 4K, 2.7K 4:3, 1440p or 1080p; livestreaming in 1080p; and GPS to track speed, distance and elevation. Users can highlight this data by adding stickers to videos in the GoPro app.
In addition, videographers can film hands-free with 14 voice commands in 15 languages and dialects. For instance, they can say, “GoPro, take a photo.” Moreover, photos and videos transfer automatically when connected to the GoPro app for on-the-go sharing.
Shipments of the GoPro Hero8 Black action camera begin mid-October. It has a retail price of $399.99.
GoPro Max Action Camera
Waterproof to 16 feet, the versatile MAX can be used as a single-lens, stabilized Hero action cam, a dual lens 360º camera or a vlogging camera. Users can switch between traditional Hero-style video and photo or immersive 360º footage.
The Max records 5.6K 30p 360º video; 1440 60p and 1080 60p Hero video; as well as 5.5MP Hero photos.
The camera takes each of its features to the “maximum”: Max HyperSmooth provides next-level stabilization and in-camera horizon leveling; it eliminates the need for a gimbal. Max TimeWarp, in both 360º and Hero modes, bends time and space with expanded control and performance over traditional TimeWarp. Moreover, Max SuperView delivers GoPro’s widest, most immersive field of view.
In addition, when creating 360º edits, users can benefit from “reframe,” the GoPro app’s new keyframe-based editing experience. This function makes it easier to reframe 360º footage into a traditional video with smooth pans and transitions. Reframe is also said to match the power of desktop 360º editing solutions, but with the convenience of the GoPro app.
Furthermore, when it comes to vlogging, the Max also provides four digital lenses for the ideal “look”; a front-facing touch screen for framing; and six mics that enable shotgun-mic audio performance.
It also features one-click 270° PowerPano with in-camera 360º video and photo stitching of 6.2MP photos. This provides panoramas without the pan; users can take 270° distortion-free panoramic photos without having to scan the horizon.
More Max Features
Additional Max features include: built-in, folding mounting fingers; in-camera horizon leveling for a cinematic look; directional audio in Hero mode that lets users prioritize sound from either side of the camera; 1080p livestreaming; voice control (12 commands in 15 languages); GPS functions; and scene detection in Hero mode. The camera also provides auto backup to the cloud with a GoPro Plus plan.
Shipments of the GoPro begin October 24. It sells for $499.
