The main differences between the Hero7 Black and Hero8 Black are: The GoPro Hero8 now has folding mounting fingers at the bottom of the camera. This allows you to mount the GoPro directly to mounts without using a case or frame. The battery and memory card are now accessible from a side door if you use these mounts. The GoPro Hero8 has improved the Hypersmooth 2.0 stabilization and given you new options. The Time Warp 2.0 on the Hero8 is also an improved stabilized timelapse with new options as well. A new Nightlapse mode for night time timelapse. A new Gorilla Glass lens cover is more impact resistant. New snap on mod kits are available only for the Hero8 black. Compare all the features below in the GoPro comparison chart.
GoPro Hero7 Black Vs. GoPro Hero8 Black | |
* 4K Action Cam * 1/2.3-inch Sensor * 4K @ 24p, 30p, 60p * HD @ 24p,30p,60p, 120p, 240p * HyperSmooth * Warp Video * Live Streaming 720p * WIFI & Bluetooth * 78Mbps recording * Uses MicroSD cards * Microphone Jack * Waterproof to 33 feet * – – – * – – – * – – – * – – – * Voice Control * Self Timer * 2-inch Touchscreen * 12 MegaPixel Pictures * GP1 Processor * 8x Slo-Mo Video ![]() GoPro Hero 7 Black ![]() ![]() |
* 4K Action Cam * 1/2.3-inch Sensor * 4K @ 24p, 30p, 60p * HD @ 24p,30p,60p, 120p, 240p * HyperSmooth 2.0 * Warp Video 2.0 * Live Streaming 1080p * WIFI & Bluetooth * 100Mbps recording * Uses MicroSD cards * Microphone Jack * Waterproof to 33 feet * Horizon Leveling * NightLapse Mode * Mod Kit Compatible * Mounting Fingers * Voice Control * Self Timer * 2-inch Touchscreen * 12 MegaPixel Pictures * GP1 Processor * 8x Slo-Mo Video ![]() GoPro Hero 8 Black ![]() ![]() |
What makes GoPro Action Cams Unique – GoPro has been an innovator in the Action Cam market. The introduction of the Hero7 Black was a game changer when it introduced HyperSmooth image stabilization into its cameras, and into its timelapse feature (Warp Video). We have tested this feature, and it is better than the stabilization in many pro cameras. The latest innovation, built-in mounting fingers on the Hero8 will make mounting the camera much faster and easier.
Bottom Line – GoPro Hero7 Vs. Hero8 Black:
The Hero8 Black has a newly designed case and a new Corning Gorilla Glass lens cover that has double the impact resistance of previous covers. Horizon Leveling, a new Hero8 feature that will level your videos on the horizontal axis, so that any video movement from panning up or down will be visible in your shots. The new battery allows a higher discharge rate to power features like HyperSmooth 2.
Folding Fingers Mount: We feel that the folding finger mounts on the Hero8 is a huge logistical new feature. One of our gripes was having to put the GoPro in a frame or case in order to mount it. Now with the folding fingers, you can mount directly to the GoPro Hero8, saving time, and now having access to the battery and memory card through the re-positioned side door.
HyperSmooth 2.0 Stabilization: The Hero7 Black broke ground with the introduction of HyperSmooth, GoPro’s best video stabilizer. It is an amazing feature. The 2.0 version in the Hero8 improves on version 1.0 by now allowing you to use HyperSmooth at all framerates, including 1080p at 120fps and 240fps. A new feature is HyperSmooth Boost for a challenging situation, will crop your video’s FOV a little more to produce smoother stabilization.
Warp Video 2.0 Timelapse: The excellent HyperSmoothed timelapse now can automatically set the time-lapse speed based on the amount of camera movement that you have. You can speed up or slow down the timelapse, or even go back to shooting in real time. No audio is recorded when using Warp Video.
Which one to buy? Hero7 or Hero8? We feel that the mounting fingers alone are reason to go with the Hero8 Black. Being able to mount directly to the GoPro and access the battery and memory card while mounted is a big deal. The improvements in HyperSmooth and Warp Video are also impressive, as is the higher recording bitrate up to 100mbps. If you do live video, the Hero8 doubles the resolution from 720p to 1080p. The Hero 8 Black has a new wind-optimized front microphone which is important for outdoors shooting. The Hero8 Black is the only model compatible with the “Mod Kits”, allowing you to greatly increase the capabilities of the camera. All in all a worthy upgrade, and worth the $70 difference in price.
Related Article: GoPro Hero8 Black Edition 4K Action CAM | Review
Gopro Hero8 Black Mod Kits: The Hero8 Black has 3 new optional mod kits available that snap onto the GoPro that will be available in 2020. You must have the Media Mod kit first, as the other two kits snap onto the media mod frame.
Vlogging Display Mod Kit: This kit has a 2-inch flip-up screen (see above). Connects to HERO8 Black via the required Media Mod Kit. Built-in rechargeable battery and micro-HDMI connector.
Media Mod Kit: The Media Mod kit is required for the other two kits. It features a built-in directional mic and a 3.5mm mic port for your external mics. The HDMI-out port allows you to playback on your HDTV and two cold-shoe mounts which can attach lights, mics or LCD screens.
Light Mod Kit: The light kit adds a powerful LED light to illuminate your subjects. It attaches to the Media Mod. Waterproof to 33 feet, 4 levels of brightness, up to 200 lumens. Built-in rechargeable battery with up to 6 hour runtime at lowest level brightness (20 lumens), 1 hour at 125 lumens.
SmartReview.com Coverage of the GoPro HERO7 Black at CES 2019
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