Not a huge upgrade – but serious creators will love the new features
The GoPro Hero 8 is official, and it’s due to hit the shelves on 15 October. While it’s not a huge update from the Hero 7, there are some significant upgrades for serious makers to enjoy. From enhanced image stabilisation to incoming mods in 2020 – here are the headline changes.
Video quality and specs
There’s not too much difference in terms of shooting quality over the Hero 7, which may mean that those with the last generation won’t be immediately upgrading. However, you can now live stream in 1080p, which is a major improvement.
Quick look at shooting stats below:
- Video: 4K @60fps, 2.7K @120fps, 1080p @240fps
- 8x slo-mo
- Digital lenses: SuperView, Wide, Linear, Narrow
- Photo: 12MP
- 1080p live streaming
- 126g
- GPS
- £379.99
- Available 15 October
HyperSmooth 2.0
High action shots generally mean a certain level of instability – so it’s no surprise that smoothing footage is high on GoPro’s priority list. Its HyperSmooth 2.0 tech gets an upgrade, and now works at all frame rates and resolutions. That’s probably the biggest change over the Hero 7.
You can boost stabilisation from the device when things get really rocky – and the Hero 8 can level the horizon from the app in post production.
TimeWarp 2.0
TimeWarp 2.0 is GoPro’s hyperlapse-style recording that enables you to speed up the action and amp up the excitement. The Hero 8 can pick the correct speed for you – dynamically switching between 2x, 5x,10x, 15x and 30x recording speeds.
If you stop, for example, then the Hero 8 will alter the speed to capture more of the action. And there’s a button on screen to return to real time recording, which can make for a superb effect.
Subtle design changes
The design has changed to include built-in fingers – so you don’t need a frame to mount your GoPro on one of the myriad of accessories. GoPro has also managed to cut 14% of the weight from last year’s device and it’s water-resistant to 10 metres.
Bring the Mods
One of the big changes is that Hero 8 is compatible with Mods – which should catch the eye of serious vloggers and creators.
There will be lighting, microphone and screen mods that attach directly to the Hero 8 – turning it into way more than just an action camera. However, those mods won’t be available until December, and are unlikely to ship until 2020.
Media Mod: Surround that features a shotgun mic and can connect the Display Mod.
Display Mod: Secondary screen for vlogging.
Light Mod: 200 lumens lighting and flash mod for shooting.
The GoPro Hero 8 is available from 15 October and will cost £379.99. Click here for more details.
