Have you ever considered shooting a podcast in the mountains or rough terrain? If not, the GoPro Hero9 could be a great place to start. This 2020 upgrade to the top-rated 8 series provides robust design and streaming capabilities. Additionally, the camera boasts a beefed-up sensor, which results in improved video quality.
Read our review of the GoPro Hero 9 to learn more about this powerful camera and how it can enhance your podcasting experience in challenging environments.
About GoPro Hero9
Nick Woodman founded GoPro in 2002. He was inspired to create the company after a surfing trip where he wanted to capture his experiences in the water. He developed a camera prototype that could be mounted on a wrist strap and started selling them to surfers.
The first GoPro camera was released in 2004 and was called the “Hero.” It was a small, waterproof camera that could be mounted on various surfaces. The Hero quickly became popular among extreme sports enthusiasts because of its durability and versatility.
Over the years, GoPro has released several iterations of the Hero camera, each with new features and improvements. The GoPro Hero9 was released on September 16, 2020. It features a front-facing screen, improved stabilization, and 5K video capabilities.
Today, GoPro has become a leading brand in the action camera market.
Key Features
- 23.6MP Sensor, 5K30 Video & 20MP Photos
- Live View Front Display/Rear Touchscreen
- Webcam Mode & 1080p Live Streaming
- HyperSmooth 3.0 Image Stabilization
- 33′ Waterproof without External Housing
- PowerTools & Protune Feature Suites
- Time-Lapse & Night-Lapse
- Detachable lens + mod compatibility to customize + get creative
- 2 screens—dazzling front display for selfies, rear touch display for intuitive control
- TimeWarp 3.0, 8X Slo-Mo + tons of other features to nail any shot
- Compatible with Quik app
- Built-In Flip-Out 2-Prong Mount
- 30% Longer 1720mAh Capacity Battery
- Includes HERO9 Black camera, carrying case, rechargeable battery, curved adhesive mount, mounting buckle + thumb screw, and USB-C cable.
Design & Build Quality
The GoPro Hero9 has a sleek and modern design, with a larger front-facing display than its predecessor, the Hero8. The device measures 71mm x 55mm x 33.6mm and weighs 158g, making it slightly larger and heavier than the Hero8. However, the added size and weight are necessary to accommodate the new features and improvements of the Hero9.
The Hero9’s body is made of high-quality materials, including reinforced plastic and aluminum, which ensures its durability and sturdiness. It is waterproof up to 33ft (10m) without needing external housing, making it suitable for underwater adventures. Additionally, the camera’s lens is protected by a removable and replaceable lens cover, providing an extra layer of protection.
One of the most notable design features of the Hero9 is its front-facing color display, which is a significant improvement compared to its predecessor. This feature makes it easy to capture selfies and vlogs, allowing users to see themselves in real time. The rear 2.27-inch touchscreen display is also an excellent feature, providing users with a clear and convenient interface for navigating the camera’s settings.
The device also has a built-in mounting system, allowing easy attachment to helmets, tripods, and other accessories.
Video & Image Quality
GoPro Hero9 boasts impressive video quality, thanks to its 5K resolution and HyperSmooth 3.0 stabilization technology. The camera captures stunning footage with sharp details, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast. Plus, the 5K resolution allows for more significant flexibility in post-production, enabling users to crop and edit footage without losing quality.
The GoPro Hero9 is also equipped with a 23.6-megapixel sensor. It produces high-resolution images with excellent detail and clarity. Moreover, the camera’s SuperPhoto mode automatically applies HDR, local tone mapping, and noise reduction to your photos, ensuring that they look their best without any extra effort on your part.
The HyperSmooth 3.0 stabilization technology is a game-changer, providing ultra-smooth footage even in the most challenging conditions. Whether you’re skiing down a mountain or biking on rocky terrain, the Hero9’s stabilization technology ensures that your footage remains steady and clear.
The camera also features a Max Lens Mod, which provides an even wider field of view, making it perfect for capturing panoramic shots and landscapes. The Max Lens Mod also allows for better low-light performance, producing clear footage even in dimly lit environments. On top of, the Hero9 also features a new front-facing display and improved color accuracy. Thus making it easier to frame shots and ensure accurate color reproduction. Its LiveBurst feature captures 1.5 seconds of footage before and after you press the shutter button, allowing you to choose the perfect still image.
Additionally, the Hero9 comes equipped with TimeWarp 3.0, which allows for time-lapse videos with dynamic speed changes. This feature is ideal for capturing sunrise or sunset time-lapse footage, adding a cinematic touch to your videos.
Additionally, it has an improved battery life, allowing for longer recording times.
Sound Quality
GoPro Hero9 has three microphones that capture high-quality audio in various recording modes. The microphones are strategically placed on the camera’s front, back, and side to ensure optimal sound quality. This design allows for better coverage of audio sources and minimizes wind noise.
In addition, GoPro Hero9 features advanced wind noise reduction technology, significantly reducing wind noise in outdoor recordings. This feature is handy for outdoor enthusiasts who frequently record in windy environments.
Furthermore, GoPro Hero9 supports stereo and RAW audio capture, allowing for greater post-production flexibility. The stereo audio capture produces a more immersive sound experience, while RAW audio capture provides uncompressed audio data for optimal sound quality.
Specifications |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic Info
Sensor
Optics & Focus
Photography Features
Video Recording
Connectivity
Power
Dimensions
Final Verdict On GoPro Hero9
 PROS |
 CONS |
| Excellent video quality with 5K resolution | Expensive |
| Built-in touch screen display for easy control and playback | Large size and heavy weight |
| Waterproof and durable design | No built-in mounting system |
| HyperSmooth 3.0 technology for stable footage | Limited field of view |
| TimeWarp 3.0 for time-lapse videos. | No manual controls for advanced users |
| Improved battery life | Audio quality is not as good as some other action cameras. |
| Webcam mode for video conferencing | |
| Live streaming capability. |
If you’re looking for a versatile and powerful action camera, the GoPro Hero9 should be on your list. Its improved features, such as the 5K video resolution, front display, and HyperSmooth 3.0, are a significant upgrade from its predecessor. It’s also water-resistant, making it the perfect camera for outdoor adventures. Not to mention, the camera’s battery life is impressive. While it can be a bit pricey, it’s worth considering if you’re serious about capturing high-quality footage.
Overall, the GoPro Hero9 is an excellent action camera that delivers on performance and functionality.
Everything is clear and ready for action; it’s up to you from here on out.
