GoPro Hero9 Black Review

GoPro has released more than 10 generations of small, approachable video cameras marketed purely to those who spend their free time in the outdoors. Back in 2006 when the original GoPro Hero digital camera came out, it changed the way many people chose to remember their outings. With a whopping 10-second video-clip length, a max still image resolution of 640 x 460 pixels, and a usable video resolution of 340 x 240, the original Hero cam was about as technologically advanced as a modern calculator. That didn’t seem to matter, as GoPro would go on to release a new, updated version of the Hero camera almost every year.

Fast-forward to 2021, and the Hero9 Black displays quantum leaps in video quality over the earlier cameras, and a definitive boost in clarity and performance even over our most recent Hero6 camera. Hero9 boasts up to 5K video resolution at 30 frames per second. To give you an idea of just how crisp that image is, 5K (14.7 million pixels) is 33 percent larger in pixel count for each dimension than 4K (8.3 million pixels).

While it’s impressive, offering crazy exotic resolutions that can’t be viewed on the average person’s television is not GoPro’s goal. The higher 5K resolution allows use of GoPro’s HyperSmooth 3.0 image stabilization to output full-resolution 4K video, which is a much more important feature for those wanting to build pure 4K content. HyperSmooth works by cropping in a small amount from the edges of the video, moving the cropped frame around to virtually eliminate camera shake and stutter. It essentially downsizes the final processed video slightly, which is why high-resolution 5K video matters most.

Image quality and stabilization are both faultless on the Hero9, as long as your lens is clean. It makes very good use of new image processing technology as well, such as horizon leveling. This works to keep the image perfectly stable, producing shots you would swear came out of a big-money studio camera rig. It will make the weekender feel like a cinematographer, especially with dual screens showing live image previews so you can ensure the camera is pointing in the right direction.

Hero9′s updated touchscreen user interface is slick and easy to pick up. Within a few minutes, any smartphone owner will be able to configure this little powerhouse camera to perform myriad visual captures. GoPro has an ecosystem 15-plus years in the making, and this camera still uses the same mounting tab style as the older cameras.

That means that any old GoPro mounting accessories you have will likely fit the Hero9. For this iteration, the Hero has gone away from the protective outer casing (an outer case is optional) and has created a quick-change system that allows you to replace your lens cover if it gets damaged, or modify the camera with an available Superview lens set.

Battery life is up a claimed 30 percent with the Hero9, and we actually believe it. We can get nearly double the recording time with a charge versus our older Hero6 camera. It also stays connected to the GoPro Quik app very well when using a mobile phone to download, edit, or view media on the Hero9. We were able to transfer 18 gigabytes of video wirelessly in about 20 minutes to an iPhone 11.

Using the Hero9 and GoPro’s available bar mount clamps makes capturing video on a UTV a breeze. The included adhesive bases work well for mounting the camera to a helmet, but if you want to mount the camera to the side of your lid, you will need a couple of inexpensive adapters to create a 90-degree angle mount. GoPro sells a helmet front and side mount combo kit on its website for $21.

The GoPro Hero9 Black packs an incredible value at $349.98 with the optional GoPro subscription. Your GoPro subscription comes with unlimited cloud storage for your footage, use of the company’s premium editing software, exclusive discounts on gear, and accidental damage protection. It costs $49.99 a year and is well worth it. The replacement cost, or “trade-in fee” for a broken Hero9 Black for subscribers is $99, a far cry from the pain of having to buy another one at full retail price.

If you’re on the fence about picking up a camera for the first time, or are hesitant to upgrade from an older model, keep in mind that resolutions and pixel counts are not often the most important features. This little camera makes its impressions with very clever software, and it will make you feel like a hero, delivering on its namesake. Just remember to wipe your lens!