GoPro Hero 9 VS 8 VS 7

There is now an arsenal of action cams on the market, so the choice is not exactly easy for you. The most famous brand of action cams is GoPro. There are several models of these on the market, and all of them are of good quality.

But which one is the best now? Time for a comparison between the GoPro Hero 9 Black VS 8 VS 7. Is the newest really the best?!

This article was written a while ago. In the meantime, GoPro launched the GoPro Hero 10,11 and 12. If you want the newest GoPro action cam, you should take a look at these ones.

GoPro Hero 9 black vs Hero 8 black vs Hero 7 black

Below you can find a comparison between the GoPro Hero 7, 8 and 9.

First, let’s take a look at some of the most important specs. This gives you an idea of which GoPro can do what. In the end, you are well informed, and you should know which of these GoPro cameras suits you best.

Design

In terms of design, the GoPro Hero 8 and 7 look almost identical. The Hero 9 is slightly different in design. For example, it is about ten percent larger. As a result, the Hero 9 has a larger touchscreen.

In addition, the Hero 9 has a full-color screen on the front of the camera, which is very useful for taking selfies or for vlogging. The predecessors also have a screen on the front, but this only gives you information during filming; you can’t do anything with it.

In addition, the GoPro Hero 9 weighs a bit more than the other two.

Battery

GoPro is known for its impressive battery life. But what are the differences between the battery of the Hero 9, 8, and 7? Simply put, the batteries of the Hero 8 and 7 have 1220mAh. The Hero 9 does better in this regard, because the battery of this action cam has 1720mAh. This means that the battery of the Hero 9 lasts about 30% longer than its predecessors.

Resolution

If you buy a camera, the resolution is perhaps the most important aspect to pay attention to. Reason enough to focus on this in this GoPro Hero 9 VS 8 VS 7 article. The clear winner here is the Hero 9.

The Hero 9 has almost double the sensor resolution compared to the 8 and the 7. In addition, with the GoPro Hero 9 you also have the option to film in a beautiful 5k resolution.

The maximum resolution of the Hero 7 and 8 is 4k, which is also beautiful. However, with a 5k resolution, you can also capture the smallest details in razor-sharp resolution. However, the difference is not super big. The Hero 8 and 7 can film 4k at 60fps. This makes them extremely well-suited for normal use and social media posts.

Do you want to know exactly what 4K images look like? Be sure to take a look at my YouTube channel. I shoot most mountain bike and route videos in 4K.

HyperSmooth

All three models use so-called HyperSmooth technology. This technology provides excellent image stabilization so that the images you shoot also run smoothly without unnecessary bumps.

The Hero 7 has excellent HyperSmooth technology, but the Hero 8 does even better with HyperSmooth 2.0.

However, when we look at the Hero 9, we see that one more upgrade has been made. The Hero 9 has HyperSmooth 3.0 technology, which ensures even more perfect image stabilization.

TimeWarp

The TimeWarp function allows you to create beautiful moving timelapses. The GoPro Hero 7 has this feature. The Hero 8 steps up and features a 2.0 version of this feature. Once again, the GoPro Hero 9 goes a step further with the TimeWarp 3.0. In addition, both the GoPro Hero 8 and 9 can also record time-lapse videos at night.

Remote control

You also have the option of remote control with all three action cams by means of the GoPro app using WiFi and Bluetooth. You can also operate the GoPro Hero 7 with the Smart Remote. The GoPro Hero 8 and 9 can be operated with the new “remote” remote control. You attach this remote control to your wrist using the supplied wrist strap.

Connectivity

The three action cams all have connectivity via WiFi and Bluetooth. This gives you the option to connect them to the GoPro app. You can also livestream with all cameras. With the Hero 8 and 9, you can do this in 1080p quality, while with the GoPro Hero 7, you can ‘only’ livestream in 720p quality.

Mounting

A GoPro is especially practical when you put it in the most suitable mount for your activities. With both the Hero 8 and 9 this goes very quickly thanks to the folding plates at the bottom of the device. With the GoPro Hero 7 you need an extra camera housing for this.

Your GoPro is extra protected that way, but even to change a battery, for example, the entire thing has to be removed. With the folding plates on the GoPro 8 and 9, changing batteries has become a lot easier.

Lens protection

Nature is unforgivable when you rush through it. A branch, stone or splashing dirt cannot simply be removed and it is impossible to avoid it completely. A subtle tap on your GoPro’s lens can cause a lot of trouble and completely ruin your footage.

With the GoPro Hero 8, such an accident means that you can immediately throw your entire GoPro in the trash because you cannot replace the cap that is over the lens. Once clear scratches can be seen, which can also be seen in your shot images, you’re done. Of course, you can buy some accessories that provide extra protection for the lens.

With both the GoPro Hero 7 and 9, you can replace the cap that is over the lens. If you ever have bad luck due to a stray branch or stone, you can place another cap over the lens quite cheaply.

Removing the lens hood is very easy with the right technique. By pulling the cap and turning it counterclockwise at the same time, the cap will come off. You can reattach it by pushing on the cap while turning it clockwise. As you can see in the photo, there is quite a bit of dirt that gets in between, so it is wise to clean it once in a while. That way you always get the cap off quickly.

Before the GoPro Hero 9 came on the market and I had the choice between the 7 and 8, this was the deal-breaker for the slightly older Hero 7, as I would mainly be using the GoPro in the woods and off-road.

Upgrade?

The biggest difference between the 3 GoPros is mainly in the details. Is the difference between Hypersmooth 1,2 and 3 that big? If you’re still using a Hero 6 or lower model, it’s definitely worth going for a new version, whether or not the Hero 9, just for the Hypersmooth stabilization. Between the Hero 7 and 9, there are also some upgrades that might be worth it.

If you have a GoPro 8, then it is a good idea to consider whether you need the GoPro Hero 9. If you have only recently acquired a Hero 8, it may be a bit crazy to upgrade to the Hero 9. You decide that for yourself.

Ask yourself whether you need 5K footage and whether the screen on the front is something you need and will actually use. If you use the GoPro purely to visualize routes, then such an extra screen is not immediately necessary. If you would like to tell us more about it, it may come in handy…

Are you someone who always wants to go out with the very best, then we can only say; what are you waiting for? Upgrade that trade. The GoPro 9 is more extensive in all areas, shoots 5k images, has a vlogging screen on the front, and an improved hypersmooth and timewarp function.

How much does a GoPro cost?

The price is a factor that everyone logically looks at when buying a product, including an action cam. There is also a significant price difference between the three types of GoPro.

When writing this comparison, the GoPro Hero 9 was the latest version of the series, making it also the most expensive.

If you choose an earlier model, the GoPro Hero 8 or even 7 if these are still available, you pay less.

This price difference can be explained by the fact that these are older models and, therefore, have less advanced functions and do not have the latest upgrades that the Hero 9 has.

So, when buying a GoPro, you also have to take the budget into account to a certain extent. If you have a higher budget, don’t let the price hold you back and go for the best.

Which GoPro is right for me?

I compared the GoPro Hero 9, 8, and 7, and now you know the differences between these very good GoPro action cams.

That said, it’s time to pick a winner. However, that turns out to be more difficult than expected. Every GoPro covered in this article has its advantages, and it depends on what you are looking for in an action cam.

Earlier in this article, you already found out whether it is necessary to upgrade your current GoPro to the latest model. But which GoPro should you get when it is your very first model?

Are you looking for the best of the best and are you willing to pay for it?

Then the GoPro Hero 9 is the best choice for you. With this action cam, you get access to the latest and most advanced functions, with which the best quality is also guaranteed!

On the other hand, are you willing to spend a little less for an action cam, and are you willing to make do with less advanced features? Then it is best to go for the GoPro Hero 7. Here, you still have access to a number of good functions and good-quality video at a lower price.

Are you looking for a middle ground? Then the GoPro Hero 8 is the action cam for you. With this camera, you have access to relatively advanced functions and a very good quality camera, but it is slightly less than its big brother, the GoPro Hero 9.

Final thoughts

Taking into account the functions, features, and ease of use, you will always end up with the GoPro Hero 9. You immediately have the latest upgrades and the best image.

In addition, you also have the same ease of use of the Hero 8 with the folding plates to place the GoPro in a mount. The latter is an absolute improvement over the Hero 7.

The lens cap that could not be replaced on the Hero 8 can be replaced with the Hero 9, just as was the case with the Hero 7. This is really a must if you are going to use the GoPro mainly during mountain biking.

The protection of the Hero 7, the ease of use of the Hero 8 in combination with the best images, and improved functions and features, that is, the GoPro Hero 9.

This article was written a while ago. In the meantime, GoPro launched the GoPro Hero 10,11 and 12. If you want the newest GoPro action cam, you should take a look at these ones.