Is the GoPro Hero 8 the best GoPro yet? Should you take it travelling? Is it worth upgrading to the GoPro Hero 8? Here’s my hands on review!
And just like that – BOOM the GoPro Hero 8 is here!If you’ve been following the blog for a while you know I’m a pretty big fan of GoPro and have been using them on my travels for years, in fact I even owned the very first 35mm film version!
And having been absolutely blown away by the upgrades on the GoPro Hero 7 (check out my review here) I’ve been dying to get my hands on the GoPro Hero 8.
So after putting it through its paces on the road here’s my full GoPro Hero 8 review – including what’s new, an overview of the best features and of course whether I think it’s worth upgrading too…
UPDATE: The GoPro Hero 9 is now out, read my full review here!
REVIEW: GoPro Hero 8 – The Best GoPro Yet?!
Contents
What’s New From Hero 7?
- Hypersmooth 2.0 – now works on ALL resolutions at ALL frames per second
- Timelapse 2.0 – now offering auto mode and real time intervals
- Floating Fingers – no need for a cage to mount your GoPro
- Compatibility with the Hero 8 Media Mods
- Updated design – 14% lighter
- 4K now at 60FPS
- Improved audio + front facing mic
- Upgraded Superphoto
- Liveburst mode – gives you 90 frames to choose from
- Inbuilt video and photo presets
- Ability to create own presets
- Better low light performance
- Night lapse video
- 1080p live streaming
- Updated user interface
Hypersmooth 2.0 – Is It Really That Much Better?
The introduction of Hypersmooth in the GoPro Hero 7 was an absolute game changer, so I was rather dubious with the 2.0 release being touted as a big feature of the Hero 8.
But after testing it out I can say that it really is a big improvement and they’ve ironed out a lot of small niggles.
The biggest part of Hypersmooth 2.0 though is the fact it now works on ALL resolutions at ALL frame rates – which is a BIG deal.
As well as shooting smooth footage on standard settings you now have the option to use it on high frame rates like 2.7K @ 240FPS for super slow mo options in editing – for serious videographers this is a much welcomed upgrade and will take your footage to the next level.
Timewarp 2.0
One of my favourite Hero 7 features was Timewarp – which allowed you to create hyperlapses in camera. Not only does Timewarp 2.0 introduce an auto mode (so that the camera can detect the settings you’ll need) but it also now adds the option of pausing the ramped up speed and going back into real time footage for a bit, before re-engaging the Timewarp.
It may sound like a small thing, but it opens up some really creative options – so get out there and experiment!
Liveburst
Burst mode was always a bit hit and miss for me on the previous GoPro models – especially when shooting things you didn’t have a second go at.
Liveburst mode takes the guess work out of it and creates a high frame rate video – so when you load it up on the GoPro App you have 90 individual frames to choose from all formatted as 8 or 12 megapixel images.
Which makes it even easier to nail that perfect shot!
Improved Audio
The audio on GoPros has always been a slight source of frustration so I’m stoked to say that the audio improvements on the Hero 8 are pretty solid, especially when it comes to that annoying wind noise!
They’ve also added in a new front facing mic which makes the sound on talk to camera pieces waaaaaay better, which is is a big relief!
Easier To Use
One of my biggest gripes with GoPro has always been the user interface the camera had. Once again the Hero 7 addressed a lot of issues but the new software on the Hero 8 certainly makes life heaps easier.
As well as the preset video and photo modes, there is always the option to add your own customised presets, which is great for people who use a specific batch of setting regularly – think studio setups or for different sports shooting.
They’ve also taken it a step further and added what can best be described as widget areas on the screen which allow you to quickly access and change settings – all of which are customisable.
For example if you constantly switch between lens crops you can add that straight onto the video home screen so a single tap will switch between them. Or what about slow mo mode which maxes out the FPS for your chosen resolution?
Basically there are lots of little tweaks throughout the camera which make it easier to use, switch between modes and ultimately get a bit more creative freedom with your shooting.
Yes Your Mounts Still Work (Well Most Of Them)
For the most part you’ll be stoked to discover that your existing GoPro mounts will still work with the Hero 8 – which is great news!
The exceptions to this are any that required the cage mount and also the Supersuit/dive housing – which you’ll need to get a new one due to the slightly changed design of the Hero 8.
Click here for the best GoPro mounts for travel
The New Media Mods
The Hero 8 launch seemed pretty targeted at the vlogger market too – and who can blame them, it’s a big market and everyones looking for that one camera that ticks all the boxes. Given the size and ruggedness of the GoPro it’s a good move on their part.
And the biggest draw on this is the new Mod add ons, which promise to turn your GoPro into a “video powerhouse” by bringing some upgrades and features to the table that maybe the average user doesn’t need.
Mic Mod
The first of these is the mic mod (which is the base mount) and apparently bumps the audio up even more. This will be a welcome addition for any blogger as in the past GoPro audio has never been the greatest.
And even though the new audio upgrades and front facing mic of the Hero 8 help this, a dedicated mic is always going to produce better results.
Screen Mod
With competitor DJI releasing the Osmo Action with a forward facing selfie screen GoPros reply is the Screen Mod – adding a flip up (yup no inbuilt like the Action) screen to the GoPro. For vloggers this will be much welcomed, butler most people it’s not a killer feature.
LED Mod
The final addition is the LED Mod, which helps with lighting and low light conditions. Again for the most part this isn’t a killer feature, but it does give people more into video more shooting options.
All of the above are combinable too, with the Mic Mod being the main mount for the LED and screen.
BUT – these don’t come in cheap – with the mic and screen mods setting you back $134USD and the LED $89USD – bringing your total GoPro investment to nearly $1000!
Hero 8 or Osmo Action?
Along with the whole “should I upgrade from my existing GoPro” question (which I’ll get to in a bit) is the burning question of whether the GoPro Hero 8 is worth it over the new DJI Osmo Action which launched a few months ago.
And this is where things get a bit tense.
The Osmo Action is actually a really solid competitor with the GoPro Hero 8.
One of the biggest advantages is that it has the forward facing screen (included in the cost, not an extra accessory) and in my opinion still has a better user interface too. Along with that access to more manual controls and the DJI Mimo app (the Actions partner app for your phone) being super user friendly make it a difficult choice.
Hypersmooth 2.0 does slightly beat out the Actions Rock Steady (which is heavily cropped), but both have mostly, the same resolutions and frame rates – with the Hero 8s 240FPS @ 2.7K being the biggest difference.
However the biggest clash comes down to cold hard cash.
The Osmo Action is a good chunk cheaper at $ and is on sale at the moment too at $ – which is considerably cheaper than the Hero 8 and even the Hero 7.
Simply put, the Osmo Action does offer the everyday user much better value for money, without sacrificing too many features – and its whether you feel the added features of the Hero 8 warrant the extra cash, or whether you’d rather spend the money on accessories…or save it of course!
What’s The Cost?
So what will this new piece of tech set you back?
GoPro Hero 8 = $399USD/£379GBP/$599.95AUD
It’s also worth noting that with the launch of the GoPro Hero 8, the Hero 7 got a price reduction too;
GoPro Hero 7 = is now $319USD/£319GBP/$529.95AUD
Click here to buy your GoPro Hero 8
Worth The Upgrade?
So lets get down to the main question you’re probably asking yourself – is it worth upgrading to the GoPro Hero 8 from your existing GoPro?
Well here’s a quick guide…
From Hero Session = YES
To be honest most GoPro options are a huge upgrade from the session now!
From Hero 6 = YES
Hypersmooth alone is worth the upgrade, so the lower price point Hero 7 is also an option here too
From Hero 7 Silver = YES
Again Hypersmooth on it’s own is worth it, so either the Hero 7 or Hero 8
From Hero 7 Black = HMMM….
This is a tough one! If you’re happy with the Hero 7 I’d say sit tight and wait for the Hero 9 or even see what the Osmo Action 2 brings to the table. If Hypersmooth 2.0 across all settings is a must or you are seriously into video production then yes the Hero 8 is the best GoPro available right now.
Click here to buy your GoPro Hero 8
Would I Recommend the GoPro Hero 8?
So would I recommend the GoPro Hero 8?
Well all cards on the table I admit in some ways it has fallen slightly short of what I was expecting – especially given the rumours of some vastly improved frame rates.
The Media Mods are great for the vloggers out there, but they do also vastly increase the price so I’m still slightly on the fence about them.
That being said though it’s certainly still a step forward for the existing GoPro range and is certainly the best action camera on the market at the moment in terms of features and performance.
I’m glad the Osmo Action is on the market though as I’m sure the added competition will see some bigger leaps in upgrades over the coming years!
The bottom line is yes I would recommend the GoPro Hero 8 if you want the best of the best when it comes to action cameras – but there’s certainly a lot more to take into consideration now if you consider the price of the Osmo Action and also the reduced price of the existing Hero 7.
Click here to buy your GoPro Hero 8
GoPro Hero 8 Footage
Keen to see what video from the GoPro Hero 8 looks like and how it handles life on the road? Well I took mine along for the ride on my recent trip to the Solomon Islands to capture all the adventure!
With the exception of some drone shots and surf clips this entire edit is shot using the GoPro Hero 8 – mainly 2.7K @ 60FPS using Hypersmooth 2.0. And if you’re busy putting together your own travel videos make sure you add in some awesome music to set the scene too!
Great Article!
We have the GoPro 7 Black and love it. After reading your article we will probably wait for the 9 to come out before upgrading.
Thanks for the info!
Thanks for your honest review!
GoPros are a trend now. And many people are getting used to this fun and adventurous gadget. But at the end of the day, there is no point in using it, when you don’t understand is basics. And above all, the problem arises when you are unable to mount it on a helmet to get perfect results.
Indeed GoPro are great tools, but taking the time to understand how to get the best settings for different result really makes a huge difference! What are you go to settings?
When it comes to comparing it with the GoPro Hero 8 what are the main pros and cons for upgrading to the new Hero 9?
I’d say it really comes down to whether the front screen, Max lens mod or 5K are deal breakers for you. If those aren’t a massive concern the 8 is still an amazing camera!
Thank you for your honest review!