Evaluation of GoPro Hero 8 Black Action Camera
GoPro Hero 8 Black: A Game-Changer for Underwater Photography and Videography
The GoPro Hero 8 Black has been unveiled, offering significant upgrades that make it an ideal choice for underwater photography and videography enthusiasts.
The Hero 8 Black comes equipped with preconfigured shooting presets, including Cinema, Action, Standard, and slow-mo, and features HyperSmooth Video Stabilization 2.0, TimeWarp 2.0, Night Lapse Video, improved HDR photos with RAW file option, a new mountable accessory system called "Mods", a smaller body design with a new side door for changing batteries, and is rugged and waterproof to 33ft (10m).
One of the key upgrades for underwater use is the improved stabilization. The Hero 8 Black's HyperSmooth 2.0 offers better video smoothness and less shake compared to the Hero 7 Black’s original HyperSmooth. This is particularly useful underwater, where movement can be unpredictable.
Another significant improvement is the built-in waterproofing. Both cameras are waterproof without an additional housing to 33 feet (10 meters), but the Hero 8 has improved durability and build quality that holds up better over time in harsh conditions.
The Hero 8 Black can record video at higher frame rates and resolutions such as 4K and 2.7K at up to 240fps for slow-motion, allowing for more creative underwater videography options compared to the Hero 7. It also supports many accessories including those from the Hero 7 but also introduced a new modular design with built-in mounting fingers, making it more convenient to attach underwater housings and accessories.
The Hero 8 Black offers HyperSmooth stabilization at any resolution or framerate, automatic speed selection for TimeWarp 2.0, improved photo mode with better HDR and RAW file capability, Live Burst mode for capturing the perfect photo, and the ability to change lenses while shooting.
However, due to changes in dimensions and lens cover design, a new underwater housing is required for the Hero 8. The GoPro Multigrip handle adds stability and solves the problem of fingers appearing in the picture when handholding the camera.
The GoPro 8 is slightly larger in dimensions than the GoPro 7 Black, with a built-in lens cover which cannot be removed. Despite this, it is compatible with old GoPro 7 batteries, and GoPro 8 batteries will work with older GoPro models.
The Hero 8 Black also offers modular accessories, including a media mod, display mod, and light mod. The media mod provides premium shotgun-mic performance, 3.5mm mic and HDMI-out ports, and two cold-shoe mounts. The light mod offers powerful LED lighting for the GoPro HERO 8 Black.
Users can save up to 10 presets on the GoPro HERO 8 Black, making it easier to switch between different shooting modes quickly.
The GoPro HERO 8 Black is currently available for purchase at a U.S. MSRP of $399.99. It has been tested by the staff at the Underwater Photography Guide in Malibu, California with members of the GoPro team, and was used for scuba diving, snorkeling, and surfing.
In summary, for underwater photography and videography, the GoPro Hero 8 Black offers better stabilization, improved build quality and durability, enhanced slow-motion and video capture options, more convenient mounting and accessory support, slightly better image processing, and powerful LED lighting. These upgrades make the Hero 8 a more reliable and versatile action camera for underwater activities compared to the Hero 7 Black.
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- The GoPro Hero 8 Black's HyperSmooth 2.0 offers a better video smoothness for underwater photography, tackling the unpredictable movement common in such environments.
- With the Hero 8 Black, you can edit your underwater shots to focus on the reef's intricate details with improved HDR photos and RAW file option.
- The underwater world is full of critters, and the improved lighting on the GoPro Hero 8 Black will help bring out their vibrant colors even in deep bluewater.
- A tutorial on the use of diopters can aid the diver in capturing breathtaking macro shots of small marine life when using the GoPro Hero 8 Black.
- For those who value travel, the smaller body design of the GoPro Hero 8 Black makes it an ideal travel companion for capturing underwater memories.
- The GoPro Hero 8 Black comes with a new mountable accessory system called "Mods," which includes a light mod for better exposure in darker underwater surroundings.
- The GoPro Hero 8 Black offers the ability to change lenses while shooting, an essential feature for taxonomy enthusiasts capturing various underwater species.
- In addition to its improvements, the GoPro Hero 8 Black is compatible with gadgets from the GoPro 7, broadening the options for your underwater photography and videography.
- Underwater photography enthusiasts will find the GoPro Hero 8 Black's slow-motion capabilities at 240fps, along with the improved stabilization, extremely beneficial for capturing unique moments.
- The GoPro Hero 8 Black's enhanced features, including the powerful LED lighting, have been tested by experts at the Underwater Photography Guide, making it a trustworthy tool for capturing stunning underwater scenes.