Personal View site logo
GoPro Hero9 topic
  • 116 Replies sorted by
  • Excellent Hero9 Max Lens Mod and Horizon-Leveling explanations and demonstrations:

    Why there is a 45-dgree limit to normal horizon leveling, why horizon leveling only works in linear mode without the Mod lens, why there are resolution limits using the Mod lens and what the lens allows that you cannot do without it and why, and ultimately why having a 5K sensor is so important for all of the stabilization and leveling capabilities.

  • Mr. EspenB, you have done it again: From your own post above, where you usefully copied GoPro's statement about planned firmware fixes, which specifically mentioned the mic adapter and the Hero9:

    "Note: We’ve had to temporarily disable external mic functionality on the HERO9 Black without the Media Mod to fix some bugs."

    You understand the word "temporarily"?

    So, now you copy a video with a standard clickbait ("Big Problem") and in this case misleading title proclaiming something that was already discussed in this very thread due to your own post, including a solution in that post - why? This cannot be to add information.

    The mic adapter worked with the pre-release firmware, then it was disabled, and it will be re-enabled according to GoPro. The fact that it worked pre-release means it is not a hardware issue, just firmware. So, it is perfectly credible it will be fixed and you already brought to the attention to those who read this thread. Yes, it is odd the adapter was disabled and it is annoying, but it it will be fixed. Meanwhile the built-in mics and audio electronics are superb, as demonstrated by the video I posted, but you do not want "hear" that.

  • The influencers usually use pre-release firmware, and in this case the retail firmware was in fact released on the camera release date after the influencers ran their "tests.". Other than that, I have experience without any freezes - for example, shooting 5K video for three hours without turning off the camera, resulting in about 45 GB's of video. All on 1.2 batteries. No freeze, no overheating, and it was in hot sun. Or shooting for about 1.5 hours in 5K the next day.

    5K is almost twice the resolution of 4K (1.8X), hardly an "incremental" improvement. The top video you provided, which provides a detailed comparison of the 5K images with the 4K ones on the Hero8, concludes the 5K images have more detail than the 4K images of the Hero8 - so it is real improvement. And 5K is really important, since most of the GoPro tricks (advances) like stabilization and digital lenses crop the sensor - so if you shoot in 5K and use those digital techniques you can actually achieve true 4K, which is a real advance. 5K images will look significantly better in any digital mode than the 4K images of the Hero8. Indeed, because of the increase in pixels, the 4K on the Hero8 could very well be better than the 4K on the Hero9 - so shoot 5K.

    I think that you are right that the processor limits what can be achieved - I think that is why the 4K is not from oversampling 5K, so there is no improvement in 4K or any of the other modes that are both on the Hero8 and Hero9. The answer is to shoot in 5K to take advantage of the improvements, and it is a big advantage. In the other modes, yes, the Hero8 is just as good, so what?

    5K (tested) and better battery life by 30% (tested) are not trivial advances, and are not upgrades that could be implemented in the Hero8 for free. They alone are worth the upgrade, if one cares about video quality and shooting performance in the field. Not to mention the front-screen, which I personally do not care about. These are hardware upgrades. As is, of course, the removable lens cover, back by popular demand.

    Btw, I did notice that the shadows have a bit more noise, as is expected given the pixel-size shrinkage, and I would never use the GoPro in very low-light settings, a limitation of the sensor/pixel size and of the stabilization technology. It is not the perfect camera, but a waterproof real 5K shooter (tested) with excellent audio (tested) that actually fits in a pocket (tested) and has a very decent battery life (tested) and does not freeze (tested) and can be used handheld while moving with the camera without the viewer getting sick (tested) is a real addition to the array of cameras now available, and at a very reasonable price for what you get. There is no camera that has in-built stabilization that is better for camera movement, let alone that does it in 5K resolution. And, by tested, I mean tested by me, with videos that demonstrate the performance.

    Normally, I just post my own videos so viewers can make their own judgements. But when someone, especially someone who has not used the camera, actually posts the idea that the camera that I have used successfully should be not made available, well, blowback is required.

  • @markr041

    just a GoPro hater

    Please stop the silly and unfounded labeling.

    the camera does not freeze

    Clearly it freezes for several well respected reviewers on the tube. Paid ambassadors of course never utter a negative word. They are waiting for their free Hero10.

    the quality of both the picture and audio is amazing

    While my remarks about the GoPro never touched the "quality" of video or audio, there seems to be a somewhat over enthusiastic hyperbole in your last statement. Video quality on the Hero9 is basically more or less the same as the Hero8 which again was more or less the same as the Hero7. There are basically a very incremental upgrades form each iteration here. Aside from tweaking and refinements to hypersmooth most are tweaking to color profiles, digital NR (I wish you could turn that sucker off in protune!) and the idiosyncratic selection of screen size, front glass, removed HDMI, refusal to add in wireless mic options, selling in a self timer and custom profiles as upgrades which need a new device.

    This is the 4 gen Hero with the same GP1 chip (over clocked since Hero8) since GoPro is not in a finacial situastion to shell out "developement" of a new SOC, but it clearly shows as while the Hypersomooth in the Hero9 has improved the picture quality has gone down in several modes as the processor is out of DSP cycles in the demanding modes.

  • Oh, I see, just a GoPro hater who does not use any "gear." But, seriously, you think it is a "catastrophe" that the new model needs a new remote that is not yet available? That the use of the external mic adapter is temporarily off, and the touchscreen is annoyingly stubborn for the moment? So, the camera should not be allowed to be sold...

    Battery life is good as promised, the camera does not freeze, all functions work, even "reverse," the audio is great, you can transfer clips directly from the camera to computer by usb, 5K really works, with incredible stabilization and even horizon levelling, and the quality of both the picture and audio is amazing. All for $349, less than the cost of a CFast card. It is actually waterproof, pre-roll works, 2.7K 120p is better than most cameras have for hfr, and it works, with stabilization and audio. What "gear" am I missing (I have not tried stills).

    I await your list of the catastrophic failures, based of course on what you read, not what you actually experience, that would merit withdrawal of the camera from the market that you advocated.

    It is useful to post found limitations, just as it is to post videos demonstrating capabilities. Minus rants and hyperbole.

  • @markr041

    That is a sentiment form a guy which is happy about his car going forward in 5th gear and not caring about said car not being able to go in reverse and with intermediate flashing of head lights.

    Firmware has always been a catastrophe for GoPro and with the Hero9 they continue their long found legacy.

  • GoPro Hero9 Sound test: Jazz, Piano and a Protest

  • @EspenB I appreciate hearing the viewpoint of someone who does not actually shoot video and wants to deprive people who do shoot video from using a camera until it satisfies his sense of what is "functional." Sure, withhold a camera because there are some glitches. But somehow, with non-"functional" firmware, we still get videos like Paulo's above and this:

    Great colors, 5K resolution, wonderful ambient audio, and amazing stabilization (just the standard, no horizon levelling, no digital "lens").

    I shot this 5K stabilized video with the camera on for 2.5 hours in 75-degree (F) weather. No glitches, used one battery.

  • GoPro Hero 9 on a carbon fiber selfie stick that goes from 15" to 9 feet from #270Pro called the Backpack S. Liner + Horizon Leveling engaged. I originally wanted to use my iPhone as a monitor but unfortunately as soon as I hit record, I get no preview and so I wasn't able to see what the GoPro is seeing since it's so high up. I shot it in 4K 60p. Used the GoPro color profile. First time using this set up.

  • @markr041

    As if these are the only firmware issues. There are the ususal freezes and other issues.

    GoPro's never ship with a functional firmware. Usually it takes like 6 months to iron out the worst offenders.

    Also, CEO Woodman was stating that the new user interface would be as responsive and fast as a high end smart phone. Really? I can't find anyone who thinks so.

  • For those who really do not care about an external mic or a remote control why should they be deprived of the scores of abilities the camera does have in the meantime? Like 5K superbly stabilized video without a gimbal.

  • So a strange update from Gopro on Inside Line yesterday. Maybe it's time for GoPro to finish developement of the camera before shipment...

    https://gopro.com/en/no/news/hero9-black-launch-updates

    And while HERO9 Black packs a heavy punch, we are still working on making it even better. We will have a firmware updates coming to improve your video and photo capture experience:

    Touchscreen Sensitivity – some of those taps and swipes are being missed and we’re creating a fix!

    Rock the Mic – the internal microphone for HERO9 Black is next-level but we know sometimes you want to give it a boost. Start stepping up your audio with the Media Mod, which features a built-in directional mic with wind suppression and a 3.5mm mic port. Note: We’ve had to temporarily disable external mic functionality on the HERO9 Black without the Media Mod to fix some bugs.

    What about a Remote Control? – YES, you can use voice commands and the GoPro app to control your HERO9 Black, but sometimes you just need that handy remote to make the magic happen at the right time. We are developing a new Remote Control for HERO9, as the previous GoPro Smart Remote is not compatible. Stay tuned to The Inside Line for availability of the new Remote.

  • Poor guy pryed the side mic cover off.

    120038274_10159063200574551_2978920645646477997_o.jpg
    864 x 1041 - 177K
  • So no secrets that GoPros own stuff are heavy post processed in Adobe.

  • GoBugs are still here:

  • New feature on the Hero9 media mod is the audio signal bar on the rear LCD.

  • I agree, that is the subscription part, but retail end-around also helps.

  • @markr041

    Main idea is also have all your data, including credit card, address, phone and more.

    So marketing will have nice big database they could bomb later with calls and emails.

  • To be clear: the Hero9 Black is $349 including the one-year subscription. Apart from the free damage replacement and cloud storage, you get discounts on all accessories. So, for example, 30% off of extra batteries, or the charger + battery, or the underwater case for the Hero9. All have to be ordered from the GoPro site, but there is free two-day shipping for orders over $49. All these products are shipping now.

    I think the business model here is that by selling directly GoPro avoids the expense (the retail cut) of selling at retail outlets - stores or Amazon.

    In any case, the new camera model, which is unambiguously better (it seems) than the prior model, is actually cheaper than what that model sold at its intro, plus with more service and cheaper prices for accessories.

  • PR

    GoPro, Inc. (NASDAQ:GPRO) today announced its new camera, HERO9 Black -featuring "more everything" -including a new sensor that delivers 5K video and 20-megapixel photos, next-generation HyperSmooth 3.0 video stabilization with in-camera horizon levelling, a new front-facing display, a larger rear display, 30% more battery life, and a Max Lens Mod accessory that brings Max HyperSmooth video stabilization and Max SuperView ultra-wide-angle photo and video to HERO9 Black.

    GoPro also updated the name of its GoPro Plus subscription offering to simply GoPro, reflecting how central the subscription service has become to the brand's product experience.

    "HERO9 Black reflects our commitment to delivering what our customers have been asking for, including more value for their money," said Nicholas Woodman, GoPro's founder and CEO. "HERO9 Black is a beast of a product, and GoPro subscribers can get it for $100 off at GoPro.com while also enjoying unlimited cloud storage of their GoPro footage, up to 50% on everything at GoPro.com and no-questions-asked camera replacement. And we're not done, with more value adds coming to GoPro subscribers later this year."

    GoPro eliminated plastic from HERO9 Black's packaging and added value by packaging the camera in a high-quality travel case that fits additional mounts and accessories.

    "Reducing as much plastic as possible from our business is a priority for us," said Woodman. "We're excited to package HERO9 Black in a high-value travel case instead of traditional wasteful packaging, and we're committed to doing the same with the rest of our cameras by the end of 2021."

    HERO9 Black Features:

    • New Image Sensor
    • Video: 5K30, 4K60, 2.7K120, 1440p120, 1080p240 and more
    • Photo: 20MP
    • New 1.4" front color display with live preview and status modes Larger 2.27" rear touch display with touch zoom
    • 30% more battery life than HERO8 Black with improved cold-weather performance Removable, rechargeable battery
    • HyperSmooth 3.0 with in-camera horizon levelling TimeWarp 3.0 featuring Real Speed and Half Speed 1080p Live Streaming
    • 1080p Webcam mode
    • Power Tools: HindSight, LiveBurst, Scheduled Capture and Duration Capture SuperPhoto + HDR Night lapse video
    • RAW photos Digital lenses
    • Voice control with 14 commands in 11 languages + 6 accents 3 microphones with advanced wind-noise reduction
    • Stereo + RAW audio
    • Larger speaker for improved audio playback Removable lens cover
    • Built-in folding mounting fingers Rugged + waterproof to 33ft (10m)
    • Compatible with Max Lens Mod, Light Mod, Display Mod and Media Mod for HERO9 Black

    Introducing the All-New Max Lens Mod for HERO9 Black

    The all-new Max Lens Mod brings unbreakable Max HyperSmooth video stabilization and low-distortion, ultra-wide Max SuperView to HERO9 Black at up to 2.7K60 resolution. Max Lens Mod also allows for horizon lock even when the camera is rotated a full 360°. This enables mind-blowing creative versatility for social media producers, film and television professionals and weekend warriors, alike.

    HERO9 Black-compatible Mods also include the Media Mod for HERO9 Black ($79.99), now with a removable foam windscreen; Display Mod ($79.99); and Light Mod ($49.99).

    Max Lens Mod will be available globally starting in October 2020. The Media Mod for HERO9 Black and Display Mod will be available starting Sept. 16. The Light Mod is currently available on GoPro.com as well as at select retailers.

    Subscribing to GoPro

    The GoPro subscription service  delivers the best value and end-to-end experience to GoPro users. GoPro subscribers benefit from no-questions-asked camera replacement; unlimited cloud storage of their GoPro photos and video at original quality; enhanced live streaming to GoPro.com with fewer restrictions than other live streaming services; up to 50% on mounts and accessories at GoPro.com, including the brand-new lineup of GoProLifestyle Gear; plus, up to $100 savings on new camera purchases.

    The GoPro subscription is available for $49.99 annually or $4.99/month.

    HERO9 Black Million Dollar Challenge

    For the third year in a row, GoPro is challenging its users to create the launch highlight reel for its new flagship camera. Open exclusively to owners of HERO9 Black, the Million Dollar Challenge will award an equal share of

    $1,000,000 to entrants whose video clips are chosen for the HERO9 Black Million Dollar Challenge video that will be released in December 2020.

    Beginning today, HERO9 Black users are invited to capture and submit their video clips for consideration to the HERO9 Black Million Dollar Challenge on GoPro.com/Awards. Submissions close on Friday, December 4.

    Global Availability

    HERO9 Black is on sale internationally starting today on GoPro.com and at select retailers around the world. The camera retails for $449.99 MSRP or on GoPro.com for $349.98 with the purchase of a one-year subscription to GoPro. Existing GoPro subscribers can also take advantage of the $349.98 pricing at GoPro.com.

    HERO9 Black joins GoPro MAX at $499.99 MSRP, or $399.98 with a one-year GoPro subscription; HERO8 Black at $349.99 MSRP, or $299.98 with a one-year GoPro subscription; and HERO7 Black at $249.99 MSRP to round out the full 2020 GoPro Lineup.

    Visit GoPro.com to shop the 2020 GoPro Lineup. Learn more about HERO9 Black GoPro's blog The Inside Line.