For years now, GoPro has been considered the industry standard for action cameras. It wasn’t until recently that brands like Insta360 and DJI began manufacturing action cameras with great tech and features. This year, however, GoPro has created its most powerful camera to date.
The GoPro Hero 9 has much to offer – a larger battery, bigger body, and better photo and video resolutions. And, for the first time, the company is offering this action camera in a reusable case with absolutely no plastic packaging.
Coming to its size, the Hero 9 is substantially larger than its predecessor – it’s wider, thicker, and taller. The best part is that the increased dimensions don’t get in the way of its portability. It also has the same side prongs for mounting, which are stowed on the camera’s bottom.
The larger size translates into a larger back touchscreen as well. The device, however, has the same microSD slot and USB-C port as the Hero 8. Unlike its predecessor, the GoPro Hero 9 has a removable front lens cover. So, if the lens were to get scratched, you can swap it or a different one.
The last noteworthy hardware change is the front-facing screen. You get to change the screen ratio, the information it displays, and toggle it on and off. The colors are also vibrant. But more screens require more power, so GoPro has bumped up the battery capacity of this device from 1,220mAh to 1,720mAh. That said, if you intend to use your GoPro heavily, you will still need two batteries to get through the entire day.
The device also offers you just about every frame rate and resolution combination you could possibly need. And, the 5K footage it shoots is remarkably crisp. Even the default color option offers a high level of contrast and better saturation. Pair the vibrant colors with in-camera stabilization, and you have amazing footage straight out of your camera.
Considering all the upgrades, the Hero 9 is a great buy. But, if you already have the Hero 8 Black, you’re better off sticking with it and purchasing the next version of the GoPro.
