GoPro HERO 9 vs 8 vs 7!

This is my authentic comparison review of GoPro HERO 9 Black vs HERO 8 Black vs HERO 7 Black! Is newer always better? Surprisingly, the latest HERO 9 is NOT always the best - which one do you think is the most bang for the buck?
GoPro HERO 9 ($450): amzn.to/33GMRmr
GoPro HERO 8 ($350): amzn.to/3ksLzC6 (renewed ~$300)
GoPro HERO 7 ($250): amzn.to/33EBwmU (renewed ~$215)
Watch my GoPro 9 review here: • GoPro HERO 9 Review: 1...
GoPro 9 vs DJI Osmo Action vs Insta360 ONE R: • GoPro HERO 9 vs DJI Os...
📸 Behind the scenes: / schmanke
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:21 Daytime 4K30 superview
1:20 Audio test
1:54 5K vs 4K
2:30 Horizon lock / Max mode
3:46 Slow motion
4:21 Hyperlapse
4:42 Low-light video
5:09 Photos
6:49 Touchscreen issues & outro
➠ My Camera Gear: www.amazon.com/shop/bschmanke
Thanks for watching - ring the bell 🔔 for more #authentech videos.
Disclosure: some of the links I use are affiliate links, this means I may receive a small commission at no cost to you.

[@efratagung2440]

This video made me realize that GoPro is the “FIFA” of action cam industry.

[@mchase4]

Bookmarking this channel for all future reviews. Informative, honest, concise.

[@AuthenTech]

Welcome aboard!

[@ryanmartin7033]

I've been following him for a long time....already told him I know Huntsville like the back of my hand from all of his videos and I've never even been there. He is by far the most organized and thorough person when it comes to tech reviews and comparisons. And yes his honesty is his best quality. If something isn't good he'll let you know.

[@profesor_leon]

definitely, me too

[@reuben911]

@@AuthenTech does the hero7 have the latest firmware?

[@EnriqueValienteEMPrankz]

Kepping my 7

[@mousepotatop9767]

So glad for this comparison. I have used the 6,7,8, and 9. Always upgrading, but not to the 10 because of the overheating. The 7 and 9 have the best video quality. The 6 doesn't have 4k stabilization. The 7 was the first to have time warp. The 8 was horribly oversharpened. Nobody mentions the size: the 6 and 7 were tiny compared to the 8 and 9. The 8 didn't have replaceable lens cover. My favorites are the 7 and 9. In fact, I'm going to get another 7 because it has the slim case that the 9 doesn't have. It fits better in my pocket and is lighter. The 7 just seems smoother and less distracting.

[@aymen3962]

Thanks for helping me decide bro

[@tomekzyber3105]

7! This is it.

[@supermanmini4850]

Me watching 4k and 5k video in 720p and trying to spot a difference 🙃😅🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@drizzyk6633]

Wow I’m also an idiot

[@sk8progression978]

Oh god I was watching in 480p lol

[@jlr1670]

😂me too lol

[@eyu3pknl146]

You destroy the marketing illusion of all enterprises

[@scrappyofficials4134]

144p 😂

[@chogardjr.]

Looks like I'll keep my 7 Black another year. Thanks for the great comparison as always!

[@AuthenTech]

Glad to help!

[@tsunami6253]

I feel the same way. I do like the 9's feature of horizon lock and being able to change the lens, but not enough to warrant the cost of buying another GoPro at this time.

[@petersmulders8058]

@@tsunami6253 Let me guess hero 8

[@tsunami6253]

@@petersmulders8058 actually I have the 7 Black.

[@dikshamasurkar1223]

@@petersmulders8058 what is the review of go pro 8?

[@youpitralala927]

The rigor and objective comparisons make your reviews and side-to-sude tests the most reliable to me. Great job, as usual!

[@chclony]

Hero 8 is a clear winner in this comparison. Thanks!

[@jamess5883]

What about the battery life 75minutes vs. 104 minutes?

[@Skafiskafnjak51]

I am buying 8

[@alec4069]

@@jamess5883 you can switch batteries and go pro hero 9 batteries are bigger so more expensive

[@darkspeed62]

Was gonna say the same thing.

[@darkspeed62]

@@jamess5883 75 minutes is a very long time to be recording any video footage. I think you'll find that for most cases that will be more than enough, plus there are spares lol

[@AlysiaTribeca]

I would love to see a comparison of the 9 and the first gopro. That would blow my mind with the improvements

[@TVNetworld]

check some comparison about hero9 and insta 360 one R 1Inch Sensor its interesting too

[@Jer_eth_yew]

Ya the first one would be better. Hahah jkjk

[@kaylaappel1501]

This is the best review video I’ve ever watched. Ever.

[@TheOffroader7458]

I've still got my seven, and after seeing this video is more than good enough for my needs

[@louielooyi]

1,2,3,4,5,6 < 7 ≃ 8, 9

[@dlarica3310]

Yeah, my too

[@TroveLessTraveled_]

I'm impressed with the detail in editing. I'm thinking this probably took you upwards of 15-20 hours to get everything just right. Well done.

[@bruin4937]

Ben, awesome! This is THE comparison that GP users have been waiting for. I'm just keeping my Hero 7 Black, thank you very much. It does what I need, and some of what I don't (firmware can be sketchy at times). The next "upgrade"? Maybe a DJI Osmo Action 2 if/when that comes out, and what you find in a review of that unit, Ben.

[@badGamr]

Great video! There is actually a marked improvement in the 4K between the 7/8 and the 9. The best place to look for the differences is in fine detail in the far background. Notice how the detail and definition is greatly improved with the 9 on trees and shrubs in the background. Up close they will all tend to look pretty similar.

[@geetarthneo]

The 7 produces some pleasant colours.

[@thetalldroneguy672]

You killed it with the comparisons, thanks so much!

[@user-uq9jo2sv4w]

Eight seems the most suitable for filming my cats. Thank you for your detailed review. It helped me a lot in my decision.

[@rjbunloeuth]

Thank you for this great video! I’m upgrading from a 3+ to an 8. Although I like that horizon stability, I’ll wait for more improvements!

[@dmop4]

just talked me out of upgrading my 7 to a 9, thanks for the informative review!

[@HouseAndLotFinderph]

me too hahaha

[@unnatgavit6512]

Wow what a review. Most awaited video A video i have been waiting for. Thanks buddy. 👍

[@RITechNews]

Best review on Gopro on youtube, I subscribed. And ty for the time and effort for making this. I think ill go for the Gopro 7.

[@Jrirbeosirbroendbtir]

Love the side by side comparisons. I have the Hero 7 and I think it's good enough for me for a while.

[@JeffHaire]

The delayed touch screen issue in the 9 was a deal breaker for me. I'm new to GoPro and video tech in general but I have decided to load my boat with hero 7s . One chesty and two mounted on boat one front one rear. The 7 seems to have every quality as the others and more solid. Less price was a small bonus Thanks for your videos.

[@shadowst0rm977]

I just got a Hero 8, thanks to your comparison video. Thank you! Liked and subbed!

[@PhaseSkater]

i like the not so perfectly smooth hypersmooth for the 7. i snowboard and it works great. gets rid of the jitters from old versions but still allows movement so the viewer can get some sense of a '' POV''. sure 3.0 works great for landscape shots and so on, but a gimble perfectly smooth locked settings when doing extreme sports POV kind of takes away that whole adrenaline feeling

[@SidsTips]

Thanks for the helpful video. Think I will hang onto my 7 for now.

[@Curtis-Randall]

yes thank you!! I was about to upgrade but honestly the 7 looks so good that I will wait another year

[@RandomCanvas]

Great video. You've really put in a lot of effort in bringing out the differences in features. 🙏

[@FishingWithMichaelTruong]

Excellent video and comparisons details are all on point. Thanks mate!

[@mitriada]

The king of action cameras gets better. I have the hero 8 and I’m so pleased :)))))

[@hugomendes3205]

Really interesting to see our the GoPro is evolving their product, but as many of other comments I read here, GP7 is more than enough for me.

[@evsyukovmaxim]

Great satisfying comparison, thank you, it really helped me to choose a suitable camera!

[@mdjak3686]

One of the best comparisons I’ve seen. Ty. Subbed.

[@analyssaeclevia]

I have the 5 right now and probably going to get the 8! Thanks for this video.

[@Azxhell]

I like how to got straight to the action. No long introductions.

[@WhereTheLocalsRoam]

I've been shooting everything on an iPhone 13 Pro but have been looking into getting a GoPro. I was so sure I was gonna go for a 9, but after your incredibly thorough review, I might be looking at that 8 instead 👀Thank you for taking the time to do such an in-depth review of these!

[@AndrewKYIV]

Thank you for detailed comparison. You are the best !

[@Sarah-qi5kw]

Omg I thought I was the only one to experience a laggy touchscreen! Thanks for the detailed comparison.

[@AuthenTech]

Thankfully we're not alone :)

[@amsterdamn9236]

Did you experience screen freeze after i using 5k?

[@jenthehermit72]

Got an Hero 8 for Christmas, haven't tried it yet, but looking forward to it.

[@justsmileover10for10]

love this video. Keep up the great work. Looking forward to reviews for the GoPro Max compared to 8 and 9. Stay Blessed up!

[@daynevickers1079]

Great comparison! Your testing methodology is outstanding.

[@noldy06]

I'm glad I still have my Gopro7. Best review ever!

[@SignOfTheTimes008]

I can't wait to try it for snorkeling. I imagine you're having fun with it!

[@noldy06]

@@SignOfTheTimes008 the best

[@r0bv123]

Hmm similar review experiences from what I've been watching/reading from others on the new 9. Think I'll hold off until the issues are resolved with new firmware or maybe even just wait for the next iteration as I'm on the 7 & 8 still. Thanks for the reviews and honest feedback!

[@AuthenTech]

Thanks!

[@m-con6871]

This is how you do reviews, very nice presentation mate

[@RameshM-tl9tq]

Those details and honesty in ur reviews - Kudos! U just got 1 more sub from India ❤️

[@AuthenTech]

Thanks for the sub!

[@user-nw7kf6nl2y]

I wanted to get the 9 for my birthday but seeing the 8 looks way better and it’s way cheaper. 👍 thanks for the video really important to watch on which GoPro you should get

[@AdventureTomek]

Just purchased a 7 black, mainly because the of the camera. Thanks for posting the video nice compassion of all 3.

[@ivirGQ]

Are you satisfied with your 7? No regrets? I am choosing between all 3 currently and I feel like the only reason I want the 9 is because of the front camera which isn’t a good enough reason for me

[@abeedhal6519]

@@ivirGQ lol back camera you mean

[@ivirGQ]

@@abeedhal6519 haha yep

[@ksrinivas4636]

Amazing comparision!! Very helpful for deciding on purchase. Thanks!

[@r12rtpilot]

I've never owned a Go Pro, but in the market. Thanks to your review, I think I am going with a renewed Hero 8 from Amazon. Footage looks fantastic and image stabilization is great-important to me as I am shooting from a motorcycle! Thanks so much!

[@SURF4LIFE84]

7Black is still a killer,remember its an action cam not cinematic rig! Great video, thanks!

[@2ultimatesiblings326]

YES! THIS IS AWESOME!!! IVE BEEN WAITING AND I FINALLY, AWESOME. MY FAVORITE KZbinR EVER!!!

[@AuthenTech]

Wow, thanks!

[@2ultimatesiblings326]

@@AuthenTech WOW! I CANT BELIEVE YOU SAW MY COMMENT!

[@2ultimatesiblings326]

@@AuthenTech can you shout me out in your next video. I know it’s a big ask but I hope you get this

[@phieuxudua]

Helle you Im Vietnam

[@andres-latinveganfood4340]

Thank you for the video! Really good comparations!!

[@1GiPhoner]

Great work Ben. Glad I discovered you. Love your informative and valuable review. SUBSCRIBED!

[@AuthenTech]

Thanks!

[@WINTERACTIVITY]

Thanks for the touchscreen, it was a nightmare to use!

[@glaviationcph]

Skitzo

[@pontypete7357]

Do you mean the touchscreen on 8 and 7 is akward to use?

[@lauralyn8785]

@@pontypete7357 No the Hero 9 Touchscreen is a nightmare. It doesn't respond or is very slow to compared to the earlier versions

[@julian_l_arogant9109]

ils sont là les skieurs français 😉

[@ginoariel8697]

They haven’t fixed this in a software update ?

[@-SUNSHINE-192]

Fantastic unbiased review. I think if gp9 reliably implemented all its new features it would be a bigger step up from 7,8 but as is looks like 8 is the sweet spot. I would imagine the gp9 will improve with firmware updates unless it’s hardware issues.

[@KempOutside]

I bought the 7 after your comparison video on the 7 vs 8. Looks like I’ll wait before upgrading. Great videos Ben!

[@svaaswin]

I have been waiting for this .thanku bro♥️

[@AuthenTech]

No problem 😊

[@ivanwest3227]

Good comparison 👍🏼... Chillin wit my 7 Silver for the foreseeable future 🤣🤣🤣

[@seattleitefpv]

The lacking touch screen responsiveness was eye opening for me -- thank you. That is an aspect of the Hero 9 that I would absolutely hate, so I guess I will go for the Hero 8 instead (currently hanging onto a damaged but still kinda working Hero 7 and looking to upgrade). Also, the outdoor color tone on the Hero 7 was honestly much better than either 8 or 9. Kind of disappointing that they're cranking up the saturation with each version to the point where everything looks cartoonish.

[@v3farm366]

Thanks for the video. I was thinking what i should buy and this video just helped me to decide 👍🏼

[@20EUR20]

exactly what I was looking for! 💚

[@user-qg8hr6uc1e]

very exact comparison with detailed keypoint

[@HarryHoward]

Looks like i'm buying the 7! Brilliant review. Thankyou.

[@ivirGQ]

What’s your update? Have you purchased?

[@philliproe204]

So helpful, thank you for all your comparison!

[@MrSachback]

Very happy with the review and the honest prespective, Subscribed and liked =)

[@AuthenTech]

Much appreciated!

[@Ro6entX]

Great review and comparison so right on. No doubt all three are decent but like others, I will stick with my 7 black since it suits my needs just fine 👍🏻

[@timothyharris1125]

Bought the 8 two weeks before the nine came out, now im glad that I got it beforehand since the 9 looks like its underperforming.

[@jovanbelic2281]

This is probably one of the best reviews i have ever seen

[@abhilashpatel3036]

This is the exact video i was looking for. 🙏

[@DroneALRM]

Very good comparison! Congratulations from Brasil🇧🇷

[@treinenhd]

Thank you for this video! Thought the 9 was going to be a lot better. But only in the GoPro add video :p. I am sticking with my hero 8 for a while :)

[@SwedishGlobetrotter]

Amazing comparison video as always

[@carlhargrove3833]

I was considering the jump from 7 to 9 but after this excellent review, I’ll wait for you to review the 10 then decide. Thanks again.

[@AlexRYT]

Bought the GoPro Hero 8 last year, it was my first gopro ever, it seems like I'll be keeping it for at least 3 more years

[@darkspeed62]

I used to own the GP Hero 3+ BE back in 2015. Beyond the image stabilization and also the sound, it really doesn't look like GoPro have really done a huge amount to improve the cameras since then. I mean, sure, you get the touchscreen and you don't need the additional waterproof housing then you did on the 3, but I mean what really matters with any camera is the footage!

[@ugglebo1198]

@@darkspeed62 honestly..I dont get that at all. I had the 3 and the 8 is a HUGE upgrade. And the stabilization is better than let's say, a crane 2 gimbal. Much better.

[@darkspeed62]

@@ugglebo1198 I was specifically referring to image quality, and I did say besides the image stabilization. It's a video-first camera which the reviewer does acknowledge, so isn't really ideal for photos. If you compared the footage or the photos from one to the other, I don't think you would find much of an upgrade, which for 6 years of R&D is pretty poor.

[@ugglebo1198]

@@darkspeed62 I agree, the photos arent impressive at all on the 8. And only wide? Just weird. But yeah...its really just meant for video like you say, and in that sense its a huge upgrade.

[@mutiarashafiyyahshiddiqah2900]

Are u still usinh it after 3 years?

[@charliebullet8839]

This review was just what I needed! Keeping my 7 Black, and might spend my money on the Max as a complement this year instead. Thx! 🙏

[@HouseAndLotFinderph]

me too! ill keep my 7!!!

[@elgalandenoche]

Thank you for the info and for not faking your accent like many tubers do nowadays.

[@hockinghillsalive3624]

I've had a GP7 Black for nearly 2 years, completely untouched and still in the original packaging LOL. I came here to check out the picture quality, as this was a gift an I didn't do the market research myself. Thanks for the helpful comparison!

[@artistjoh]

This points out that the 7 was a big leap over its predecessors, the 8 offered very little improvement, and the 9 is a step backwards except for the horizon levelling and front screen. The best value remains the Hero 7. And because of the laggy touch control, the 7 is the most enjoyable to use.

[@nutella571]

Got ya, staying with my GP8.

[@jodylowe8476]

This comparison is amazing and exactly what i needed. Thanks,

[@AuthenTech]

You're welcome!

[@djet6751]

Thanks for your honest review! Now I know what is the best gopro for me and I'll stick to your saying that the latest versions are not always the best 🙂 You said liking your video will be appreciated, but showing us viewers the honest review is much more appreciated

[@theelectronomer2319]

I think we've all been waiting for this. But what we're truly waiting for is the **new** DJI Osmo Action... how that would _really_ start boiling up the competition!

[@warhero2468]

you also got to remember the 7 and 8 have had a lot more time for things to be fixed through software updates

[@leifnilsen6107]

Thank you. Excellent review. Best comparison I've seen.

[@AuthenTech]

Wow, thanks!

[@TheDawnandGregShow]

Great video!! This information was very helpful. As we are new to travel vlogging and looking for a new camera we have have decided to save money and go with the 7. It definitely appears be sufficient enough for our needs. Thank you 🙏🏻 Have a great day

[@jonpats5480]

I just bought GoPro yesterday.. I really took a hard time to choose between 8 & 9.. But at the end, I chose Go Pro 8 because it's cheaper and have offer bundle of grip,arm,tripod. hehehe.. Now, i am more happier and not regret chosing 8 bcoz of your video.. I am new to this Go Pro and I thinl 8 is OK.. what you think?

[@rotu41]

Good review. I've had my gp 9 for 2 days now and right off the bat i was disappointed in how inconsistent the response from the touch screen is. Low light performance still seems miles away. Audio isn't too bad. The stabilisation however is very good! Be aware though the gp 9 doesn't seem to work with the smart remote at this time. My thoughts are that more pixels wasn't the way to go. Bigger pixels for better low light performance and reduction in noise would have been welcome. Could a better processor have achieved greater improvements? Nonetheless I can see how they needed more battery capacity so the size upgrade is understandable. I'm hoping that they improve the gp 9 through future updates.

[@makatron]

Yeah that's why the Sony a7s3 has only 12 mp to keep the photosites larger for that insane dynamic range.

[@stevencarrier5060]

I’m coming from the hero 5. And honestly, the touch screen is driving me crazy!! Haha. I’m interested in updates as well.

[@Banner16]

i just got a hero 9 and the touchscreen is fine.

[@chrisw.1090]

Your vids are very helpful, thank you!

[@Jeff-Vader_head_of_catering]

Great video! Thank you. That was extremely helpful!

[@MTBMOR]

I have the 8, but it has taken a beating. I am really considering the GoPro 9 for my MTB channel.

[@theislandbros2909]

All I use is the 8 for my channel things so sick. I seen how the 9 is isn’t really much better lol

[@yangonnerd6669]

''Some birds got stress-diarrhea during the filming of this video''. :D But what an awesome comparison video, thanks for that! Now on their website, gopro sells them with about $50 price difference..But if you already have a 7, I learned that its not that big an upgrade! Thanks again!PS missed the Scriptural reference about not being to focussed on material things xD /highfive

[@LifeInLifeIn]

Great work, awesome reviews

[@javedsikandarjunejo9914]

Thanks for the Review and The Recommendation You've Saved my money I will probably be going with Pro 8 Black

[@LazywalkLog]

Thanks for the valuable experiment, the GoPro hero 9 is a good camera when I'm shooting daytime, but the results are not good when shooting at night. Please, please find a good setting for night shooting.

[@LazywalkLog]

@whole27 I don't have a HERO8, so I can't compare them.

[@wingrovedl]

Other then the "Horizon Lock" on the 9. I'm not seeing a big difference. But then again I'm not a big camera bug either. I'll keep my 7 Black. Thank You.

[@phieuxudua]

Helllo you

[@unok4525]

Awesome review! I was on my way to get the Hero 9 but now I’m just going to grab the 8 since it’s clearly the best option for quality shots and touchscreen. I guess that’s why they are the same price at my local electronics store...

[@dullhk]

The neatest comparison on GPro without BS. Great video.

[@WilliamKerala]

I am not buying 9 or even 10. GP7 is fine for me.

[@navalakshman5970]

Me too 7 is good enough for me , these 9 features are going to come in iPhones soon

[@muen1842]

With a karma grip, you get amazing quality with top notch stabe too. No reason to upgrade honestly

[@ErFazil]

Bro, ippol GoPro hero 7 vangiyal labham aano

[@av98]

@@ErFazil yes

[@av98]

@sharon in 8 lens is not replaceable. So even if something happens to lens you got to replace the whole. In 7 and 9 lens is replaceable.

[@kc0isw]

Hopefully firmware fixes will improve issues and remember Hero7 and hero8 there been tons of firmware updates already hero9 only had one update so far

[@jettercool]

This is the video i needed. I`m upgrading my Hero 4 for a Hero 8. Thank you for the review

[@amerikadaaraba]

Great comparison, keep it up!