Whenever there is action, more often than not, we see someone holding a small, black camera that is shock-proof, waterproof, dust-proof, and everything-proof: the GoPro.
Since the first GoPro came into our world in 2004, millions of cameras have been sold.
Now, 15 years later, GoPro is redefining the possibilities of an action camera with the all-new HERO8 Black and MAX.
Last week, we were part of the lucky group that became the first few in Malaysia to test the new camera.
So, buckle up because we’re about to deliver a truckload of key features we love about the HERO8 Black and why you might be convinced to pre-order one by the end of this review.
First of all, the HERO8 Black comes in a sleeker look that is rugged and waterproof up to 10m – no housing needed! The frameless design makes changing batteries and memory cards a lot faster. Just when we thought that it is already very portable, the latest version is 14 per cent lighter and more pocketable. And the best thing about the new form is the built-in folding mounting fingers, easy for those who tend to swap mounts.
Next, we have the HyperSmooth 2.0, which GoPro calls a dramatically improved video stabilisation feature. This works in all resolutions and frame rates with three levels: On, High and Boost. Crank it up to Boost if you want the smoothest video ever. We tried running while holding the HERO8 Black and Boost makes it look like we were walking instead.
If you love making time lapse videos, the TimeWarp 2.0 does it all for you. Now with auto speed detection, it automatically adjusts the speed based on your movement, as well as scene and lighting. You can even slow it down to real time to savour interesting moments, then speed things up again all with a single tap. This is known as speed ramping with no post-editing required.
Over the years, GoPro users are tired of asking questions like ‘What setting should I use for…?’ So, here comes the new capture presets which you can customise to your most-used setting in a single tap. You can then select the ideal settings for any activity, completely adjustable by tapping the screen.
Here are the capture presets available:
There are now four digital lenses on the HERO8 Black to help you frame up and capture the best of any activity or scene. In fact, you can change your field of view in real time just by touching the screen and toggling between Narrow, Linear, Wide and SuperView.
With LiveBurst, you can capture a three-second video or choose the best frame from the burst for the perfect 12MP photo. What it does is record moments 1.5 seconds before and after your shot. You can also share the clip as a Boomerang we’re all familiar with.
Speaking of photos, the HERO8 Black gets you amazing shots with reduced blur and great details even under low-light with the improved HDR optimized SuperPhoto. We were able to snap many pictures that required #nofilter or post-editing!
But if you prefer adding your own personal touch to your photos, the camera shoots in RAW for all photo modes, giving you the ultimate flexibility which is now available for timelapse and burst photos.
In the past, most users of the older GoPro models often complain about the less-than-satisfactory audio captured in their videos. With the new front-mic placement on the HERO8 Black, you get crisper and clearer audio quality, especially in places with strong winds. The surrounding noise and wind during our test didn’t affect our videos at all!
Not only that, the new camera produces studio quality footage at 100Mbps, the highest bit rate ever on a GoPro, which can rival any professional camera available in the market. The stunning video resolution includes 4K60, 1080p240, as well as 8x slo-mo in ultra-high frame rate. Who doesn’t love a good slo-mo video?
And if you want to capture the night sky, the HERO8 Black also shoots awesome time lapse videos at night, all processed in-camera!
Guess what? You can now wake up your camera with voice control! Available in 14 voice commands, 11 languages and six accents, GoPro has got you covered. For example, “GoPro, turn on”, “GoPro, take a photo”. Don’t you want to have the world’s tiniest robot in your pocket?
Last but not least, the new HERO8 Black line comes with a series of Mods, which is probably the best thing to happen to GoPro this season.
This is a new system of accessories that lets you add lighting, pro audio and a front-facing screen. As you can see, it is designed to up your content creation game, especially for vloggers, pro filmmakers and aspiring creators to do more than you have ever imagined on a GoPro. The Mods are available in Media Mod, Light Mod and Display Mod.
And in case you missed it, the award-winning Quik app is now built right into the GoPro app that comes with a new engine for smoother operation. What is great about the updated app is the auto-generated video edit feature that basically does all the work for you.
There are now four new themes inspired by iconic GoPro edits from the company’s in-house media team. You have the Adrenaline Seeker, Adventure Travel, Cinematic and Memory Curator, which you can play around with and tell your story.
If you already have the GoPro app installed in your phone, just make sure it is updated to the latest version to enjoy the new features.
There you have it, the all-new GoPro HERO8 Black.
But wait, there is more.
This season, GoPro also introduced MAX, a camera that is so versatile, it is like having three cameras in one.
The MAX can be used as a single lens HERO camera or a dual lens 360 camera or the ultimate vlogging camera, taking all of its features to the maximum.
Max HyperSmooth, with its next level, unbeatable stabilisation and in-camera horizon levelling, you no longer need a gimbal. Max TimeWarp bends time and space with expanded control and performance over traditional TimeWarp. And Max SuperView brings GoPro’s widest and most immersive field of view, taking your viewers straight into the screen.
As for vlogging, the video stabilisation, four digital lenses, front-facing touch screen, and six mics, need we say more? It is the perfect all-in-one camera, especially if you have been contemplating getting a 360 camera but struggled to find the full use for it, the MAX is for you.
We hope that you are convinced with GoPro’s 2019 lineup because we definitely are!
You can pre-order a HERO8 Black now at RM1,879 at any GoPro Concept Store. MAX will be available at RM2,310 at authorised retailers from 24 October onwards. And the Mods will be available for pre-order on the GoPro website this December.
Since the first GoPro came into our world in 2004, millions of cameras have been sold.
Now, 15 years later, GoPro is redefining the possibilities of an action camera with the all-new HERO8 Black and MAX.
Last week, we were part of the lucky group that became the first few in Malaysia to test the new camera.
So, buckle up because we’re about to deliver a truckload of key features we love about the HERO8 Black and why you might be convinced to pre-order one by the end of this review.
First of all, the HERO8 Black comes in a sleeker look that is rugged and waterproof up to 10m – no housing needed! The frameless design makes changing batteries and memory cards a lot faster. Just when we thought that it is already very portable, the latest version is 14 per cent lighter and more pocketable. And the best thing about the new form is the built-in folding mounting fingers, easy for those who tend to swap mounts.
Next, we have the HyperSmooth 2.0, which GoPro calls a dramatically improved video stabilisation feature. This works in all resolutions and frame rates with three levels: On, High and Boost. Crank it up to Boost if you want the smoothest video ever. We tried running while holding the HERO8 Black and Boost makes it look like we were walking instead.
If you love making time lapse videos, the TimeWarp 2.0 does it all for you. Now with auto speed detection, it automatically adjusts the speed based on your movement, as well as scene and lighting. You can even slow it down to real time to savour interesting moments, then speed things up again all with a single tap. This is known as speed ramping with no post-editing required.
Over the years, GoPro users are tired of asking questions like ‘What setting should I use for…?’ So, here comes the new capture presets which you can customise to your most-used setting in a single tap. You can then select the ideal settings for any activity, completely adjustable by tapping the screen.
Here are the capture presets available:
- STANDARD: Capture quick day-to-day videos to share easily on your social media and video editing integration at full HD quality. Perfect for sight-seeing, family day, etc.
- ACTIVITY: Designed for fast-paced shots, the resolution is increased and SuperView is used to capture more action. Suitable for any sport in ultra-high quality.
- CINEMATIC: Get rid of the wide angle feel and capture more cinematic videos that will have people asking what you shot with. Good for aspiring cinematographers or for those who just want a good landscape shot without the fisheye effect.
- SLO-MO: Maximise fps without sacrificing resolution to capture video that can be 8x slowed down. Perfect to capture fast-action shots and moments you want to relive.
There are now four digital lenses on the HERO8 Black to help you frame up and capture the best of any activity or scene. In fact, you can change your field of view in real time just by touching the screen and toggling between Narrow, Linear, Wide and SuperView.
With LiveBurst, you can capture a three-second video or choose the best frame from the burst for the perfect 12MP photo. What it does is record moments 1.5 seconds before and after your shot. You can also share the clip as a Boomerang we’re all familiar with.
Speaking of photos, the HERO8 Black gets you amazing shots with reduced blur and great details even under low-light with the improved HDR optimized SuperPhoto. We were able to snap many pictures that required #nofilter or post-editing!
But if you prefer adding your own personal touch to your photos, the camera shoots in RAW for all photo modes, giving you the ultimate flexibility which is now available for timelapse and burst photos.
In the past, most users of the older GoPro models often complain about the less-than-satisfactory audio captured in their videos. With the new front-mic placement on the HERO8 Black, you get crisper and clearer audio quality, especially in places with strong winds. The surrounding noise and wind during our test didn’t affect our videos at all!
Not only that, the new camera produces studio quality footage at 100Mbps, the highest bit rate ever on a GoPro, which can rival any professional camera available in the market. The stunning video resolution includes 4K60, 1080p240, as well as 8x slo-mo in ultra-high frame rate. Who doesn’t love a good slo-mo video?
And if you want to capture the night sky, the HERO8 Black also shoots awesome time lapse videos at night, all processed in-camera!
Guess what? You can now wake up your camera with voice control! Available in 14 voice commands, 11 languages and six accents, GoPro has got you covered. For example, “GoPro, turn on”, “GoPro, take a photo”. Don’t you want to have the world’s tiniest robot in your pocket?
Last but not least, the new HERO8 Black line comes with a series of Mods, which is probably the best thing to happen to GoPro this season.
This is a new system of accessories that lets you add lighting, pro audio and a front-facing screen. As you can see, it is designed to up your content creation game, especially for vloggers, pro filmmakers and aspiring creators to do more than you have ever imagined on a GoPro. The Mods are available in Media Mod, Light Mod and Display Mod.
And in case you missed it, the award-winning Quik app is now built right into the GoPro app that comes with a new engine for smoother operation. What is great about the updated app is the auto-generated video edit feature that basically does all the work for you.
There are now four new themes inspired by iconic GoPro edits from the company’s in-house media team. You have the Adrenaline Seeker, Adventure Travel, Cinematic and Memory Curator, which you can play around with and tell your story.
If you already have the GoPro app installed in your phone, just make sure it is updated to the latest version to enjoy the new features.
There you have it, the all-new GoPro HERO8 Black.
But wait, there is more.
This season, GoPro also introduced MAX, a camera that is so versatile, it is like having three cameras in one.
The MAX can be used as a single lens HERO camera or a dual lens 360 camera or the ultimate vlogging camera, taking all of its features to the maximum.
Max HyperSmooth, with its next level, unbeatable stabilisation and in-camera horizon levelling, you no longer need a gimbal. Max TimeWarp bends time and space with expanded control and performance over traditional TimeWarp. And Max SuperView brings GoPro’s widest and most immersive field of view, taking your viewers straight into the screen.
As for vlogging, the video stabilisation, four digital lenses, front-facing touch screen, and six mics, need we say more? It is the perfect all-in-one camera, especially if you have been contemplating getting a 360 camera but struggled to find the full use for it, the MAX is for you.
We hope that you are convinced with GoPro’s 2019 lineup because we definitely are!
You can pre-order a HERO8 Black now at RM1,879 at any GoPro Concept Store. MAX will be available at RM2,310 at authorised retailers from 24 October onwards. And the Mods will be available for pre-order on the GoPro website this December.
