GoPro Hero 9 vs GoPro Hero 8 - Should You Upgrade?

The GoPro Hero 9 features 5k video capture, a front facing screen, and hyper smooth 3.0 for effortlessly stabilized shots. It’s the best GoPro ever. But 11 months, ago, that’s the same thing I said about the GoPro Hero 8. So if you have the Hero 8, is it worth upgrading?
0:00 intro
2:45 TLDW
2:57 disclosures
3:32 my use cases
4:45 main features to test
5:31 settings for vlog test
6:52 vlog test footage
11:26 vlog test results
14:38 is 5k worth it
16:42 settings for running test
17:31 running test footage
19:44 running test results
20:36 2.7k
21:21 should you upgrade
GoPro Hero 8 Black (paid link)
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GoPro Hero 9 Black (paid link)
amzn.to/3iWG8v9
Thanks for watching! Leave a comment to let me know you stopped by!
Disclosure: It's 2020, so I think we all know how affiliate links work at this point, but for regulatory compliance or affiliate program purposes, I must state that affiliate links do not increase cost to you, but:
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Also, you do not need to use these links. You can also search for these same items in amazon or on any search engine/shopping site of your choice and buy/research them that way.
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[@Thekidisalright]

Not sure if this video serve the purpose because I kinda focus more on your walk and interaction with your baby than looking at the difference and the specs! Absolutely love this video, thank you Michael!

[@Therunclubpresident]

Thanks so much for the information! my first action camera - definitely going to get the 8. I will be using it for the same purpose to capture my runs. Love your Channel!

[@trailsofanoldrunner]

Very thorough and organized comparison

[@alessandroaugusto2397]

Best comparison I watched. Exactly for my need. Tks

[@mike1506tube]

GoPro basic 101 No Action Camera - Get GoPro 8 Own GoPro 7 - Get GoPro 9 Own GoPro 8 - Wait for GoPro 10 Superfan - Get GoPro 9

[@truthseeker6804]

no action camera - get gopro 9. why would you buy an older gopro from a no action camera user. especially with all the great features the gopro 9 has. anyway, i dont have an action camera and i read osmo action 2 is coming this month so im waiting to see what it brings.

[@sergeig685]

@@truthseeker6804 because the 8 is much cheaper and actually better in some situations (low light for instance, or check out level of detail at 7:01). So no point spending money on the 9

[@truthseeker6804]

@@sergeig685 ok, you make a good point, then maybe getting the gopro 7 is also a better choice then, because the improvement from 7 to 8 is alittle incremental.

[@sergeig685]

@@truthseeker6804 If I was not a GP fanboy I would not have just sold my 7 to get the 9. (still have the 8). The 7 is great, and I loved the fact that you can replace the lens vs the 8 which has it permanently fixed. The 8 has better stabilization along the roll axis than the 7, though.

[@djvalentin]

Thank you !!

[@tejaspatel2870]

perfect video to understand i have gone through many videos but this one helps me in finalising my decision.

[@christianterzyk3778]

Very good video. Thank you! Pretty helpful 👍

[@explorewithanshuman107]

Thanks man, was confused. it's my first action can, going for 8

[@apnadesirider169]

Mann your reveiw just meant alot to me ☺️👌🏼

[@ThePandaPhotographer]

I had to watch a second time. This is one of the best videos out there

[@D-Rodriguez777]

You can tell you love to capture those loving family moments with either GoPro camera🙂... Your cubs have an amazing Papa🙂.... Very nice review also😎!!

[@Run2PBOnlineCoaching]

Thanks heaps for that review! Been having lots of fun shooting with the GoPro Hero 8. Be interested on your feedback! Used some of your techniques that you showed in an earlier video, helped heaps, thanks. I like the idea of the front display on the Hero 9...but might wait for the 10 like you said.

[@ImpartiallySpeaking]

This was really helpful, thank you! (And got you a new subscriber! ;) I enjoyed the natural style commentary and in depth review style which is a refreshing change to the heavily scripted presentation format adopted by some other channels. In the end I went for the GoPro 8 which I bought from Amazon for just £250 in a lightning deal and that’s it charging for the set up tmrw. That said I might need a second unit so I might buy the updated 9 next month to have the best of both worlds. Compared to shooting 4K video with a 5kg Nikon set up the GoPro is an absolute game changer :) Thanks again, John Dundee. Scotland

[@carltaylor2069]

Very nicely done! I like the fact that you purchased the products so it is a very unbiased opinion. Keep up the great work, you might put in a plug on your running shoes or is that another comparison KZbin video you do?

[@briankerr2989]

Very helpful comparison Mike 👍

[@kofuzi]

thanks for watching!

[@LochlainnMacLock]

Great video!

[@xiaolittle69]

Thanks for the comparison, searching for decent deal of 8 now.😄

[@eagle7457]

Good bro

[@Jam13_]

Look on Amazon u can get them cheap

[@MilesBe]

Thanks man for breaking this battle between the two gopros . Your kids are pretty dang cute. Awesome work dude!! I don't think I have any questions because you answered everything. Haha

[@kofuzi]

thanks so much!

[@michaelsesler1158]

the difference seems much more obvious in this presentation. the Pro9 colors are much richer and details much sharper

[@sergeig685]

7:03 look at his whiskers, stubble, beard. 8 is waaaay more detailed and sharper. Just use 4k setting, a proper monitor, and not a phone screen.

[@thewalkingvloggingman7152]

@@sergeig685 No.

[@CASMANWHAT]

yup so getting this. u running with it was enough for me. :) thx for the vid. PS what tripod are u using when running with it?

[@TheScottThomas]

Good video, enjoyed it. I agree that I usually shoot at 60fps.

[@onelongrun2848]

Awesome vid! Great comparison making it so much easier to see the differences... Will there be a gopro 9 vs. insta360 One R comparison vid or am I asking too much???

[@kofuzi]

i don't have the insta360 One R 4k module with me in Iowa, if that is what you are asking for a comparison against.

[@Chris-killinit]

you did a really good job, very nice indeed... 10 out of 10.. cheers man

[@GeorgeFoxMusic]

Hero 8 looks better, no upgrade this year.

[@lamefart]

That's crazy dynamic range on the 9!🤯

[@ThePandaPhotographer]

thank you for saying it at the timeline 16:28 about have 4K 60 Over 5K 30

[@motleypixel]

Had the 7 for a couple of years now, recently bought a 9 and though I like it, because I combined 7 and 9 footage I found the 9 footage, even in PT flat, was way off the 7 so it took a lot of post color grading etc. to get the two footage sources to look okay together. Lost my 9 in the surf the other week and found a used 8 for $135 and must say I like the 8 over the 9 for combined footage with the 7. Yeah I know, the 7 is old but it's still far from outdated. Shooting 2.7K/60fps and the image stabilization that came out with the 7 set the bar. Thanks for the review.

[@lartymarf]

Kofuzi, it appears to me that the Hero 9 skin tone looks a little like clay/wax, where Hero 8 appears. Ore natural. It appears this way at 7:00 minutes when you are in the car. Did you observe this when comparing? Or only in that particular instance at 7:00 minute mark? Thanks.

[@D-Rodriguez777]

The first running scene is beautiful... The sky😍!!

[@SRC598]

Hey, quick question know how Hero 5 had the handling noise when it was attached to a selfie stick? Does the hero 8 or 9 have that handling noise?

[@AlanBatres]

Can you please share all the setting you used for this video?

[@anggoroanindhito]

Just the review i need, thanks ko! Hero 8 hv better color imo 👍

[@kofuzi]

someone on IG mentioned that one camera picks up yellows better and the other picks up blues better. i think it depends on what you are looking for and what kind of footage you shoot.

[@rowvictory7603]

Great impute to my decision, thanks.

[@kofuzi]

glad it was helpful!

[@NationalSafari]

Is there any issues like freezing or connectivity in hero 9?

[@ashleywong4032]

Hi thanks for this! Have you ever also use the (edit) go pro max camera for your runs? And would you think it’s worth it to upgrade from the hero 8 to the max?

[@kofuzi]

i think of the max as being an upgrade to the fusion. if you are thinking about upgrading the hero 8, look at the 9. the fusion is a different kind of camera, and using it akin to a gopro is an inferior experience.

[@JonniArmani]

After watching this and seeing how buggy the 9 is I would bypass the 9 all together- the 8 is shaper 👊👊💥 great job!

[@elwinmelwin]

very genuine comparison, i did not see much differences between the two, how old is your daughter, she is very cute.

[@shubhamprakashthakre]

Thanks 🙏

[@ohaimiles]

Where was this shot at? looks a very peaceful area.

[@dhanadahlan2358]

Did u often wear boston 9 ?

[@Willisthatgoproyguy]

I still use my Hero 6 with a gimbal so the 9 looked like a big improvement with what I currently have. I debated between the 8 and the 9 was the 9 was released, but my youngest liked the front display and that put it over the other for me.

[@kofuzi]

That makes sense

[@mlegrand]

Amazing video! I have a review coming tomorrow and can’t agree more with your conclusions. It all depends on the use case and the hero 7 and 8 are solid devices. And keep in mind most people are watching these videos on their phones. Sadly my 4K efforts are largely wasted. 🤦‍♂️

[@mlegrand]

Also double check the fine print about the GoPro membership deal. There’s a clause in there about if you cancel you own the discounted difference for the camera. Feels very slimy to me but I also bought into it for the discount.

[@kofuzi]

I do have to reread it. You can’t just quit right away, but I believe/think/hope you can quit after 11 months?

[@torachannel126]

Amazing

[@ThanidChinvisut]

Pls help me. What tripod you use in running scenes & walk around.

[@kofuzi]

i don't use a tripod or gimbal, but here is a video about the selfie sticks i use kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYmuc6V5oLKSi9U

[@ThePandaPhotographer]

timeline 5:00 you can see a little shake in the 4K 60 on the hero * but not bad but 5K 30 look good but I am questioning the highlights when it come to dynamic range and the shadows

[@karleon.814]

thank you

[@LuisBecerra79]

Wow. That GoPro 8 sure went to war. Running war. Like you said, they are not getting smaller. Oh and you should check the back tire of your bike, looks like it needs some air. 😀

[@kofuzi]

That little camera and I have been through a lot together

[@Lbrysportstv]

I like your video bro coz I'm a runner too..😁.. I hope I can get a go pro 8 or even 7 to improved my running videos

[@r12rtpilot]

Excellent. Never had a Go Pro, so I am wondering if I should start with the latest? I will mount whatever I buy to my motorcycle helmet to record my long rides...decisions, decisions, LOL. I will probably buy the Hero 8 Black since I can get one for about $230, renewed, on Amazon. Again, a fantastic video!

[@kofuzi]

if it's your first, I'd go with a renewed, one year ago version

[@r12rtpilot]

@@kofuzi Thanks for your advice. I appreciate the time you took to get back to me! This is exactly what I am going to do....

[@ThePandaPhotographer]

You're a good dad, Panda Approved

[@kofuzi]

thanks Panda

[@luusalvani]

I love the quality of the video in hero 9 but why is it a little bit condensed?? I love the wider video on the hero 8!!!

[@ThePandaPhotographer]

I'd agree one waiting on to see how the GoPro X aka 10 is going to be.

[@ThatRunningGuy]

Great comparison, think I’ll stick with my hero 7 black

[@kofuzi]

a solid camera

[@ThePandaPhotographer]

they are both shaling footage. timeline 7:13 while in the care but very good

[@adverspace]

Those were my exact same thoughts!! The 5k Was not Necessary.. they should have introduced for fps for 4k ... that would have been so much Better!! Also in the video.. In some cases GoPro8 was better .. and in some .. GoPro9 was better... To be honest I dont think that there is Too much difference in these 2 gorpos other than low light... I think people should only upgrade to the gopro hero 9 for the screen, bigger battery and the slightly better stabilization ... Otherwise.. gopro hero 8 is Perfect. I think the Gopro 10 might have a bigger sensor . But I am always excited for the next Gopro as soon as one releases. hahaha

[@kofuzi]

i really want 4k120, but i wonder if a microSD card is fast enough to writie that much data

[@adverspace]

@@kofuzi yeah.. Maybe not

[@irsyed1143]

Best comparrison.

[@beatrizluna9203]

thank u

[@ThePandaPhotographer]

You know what I am thinking? I think this is the GoPro Hero 8 sensor but unlocked as the GoPro Hero 9. Timeline 19:32 but Hero 8 Is better at half of the task, so in my review I said that you don't need to update

[@sergeig685]

No, the sensors are completely different.

[@rodneycastaneda6979]

Is it bad that my favorite ones from you were on insta360?

[@kofuzi]

Not at all! It’s a fun camera

[@user-do6kr6zx1t]

Are you sure that you exported the 5k video in 5k? I heard its not as easy as it seems... iPhone doesn't understand 5k, so it downgrades the quality to 4k automatically.

[@kofuzi]

5k exported to 4k the footage never touched an iphone

[@ADCFproductions]

8:45 the colors of the hero9 and the light/shadows look better, but sometimes the hero8 looks sharper. That is an easy fix though

[@amithsingh7790]

Name of background music please

[@kofuzi]

i source my music from epidemic sound. there were three different songs used in this video

[@lorenceckk]

It’s precious, father and daughter time, walk by a gentle river

[@shikinamin]

best comparison..

[@kofuzi]

Thanks so much!

[@Chillwaving]

i want 5k 60!

[@ThePandaPhotographer]

dude timeline 19:16 looks the same. wow

[@apnadesirider169]

And your daughter is soo sweet 😍🥰

[@mwood65]

There's no doubt the demise of the 8 was the non removable lens. That was a game changer for me.

[@paschkaaa]

HDR and Colours better on Hero 8??????????

[@gunmenow]

Is battery life improved on GoPro 9?

[@kofuzi]

i can't comment on the claimed improvements to cold weather performance, as it hasn't been cold yet here. the battery life in regular temps seems to be a bit better, but i'm not sure if it's just that i'm comparing a new battery (in the hero 9) to a year old battery (in the hero 8)

[@bananadude9642]

You should definitely upgrade if you do skiing or snowboarding.

[@jean-phil]

hmm why ? I'm thinking about using it for that purpose

[@RUmlas]

@@jean-phil either the Hero8 or Hero 9 will be more than enough. Most won't know who well the battery life of the Hero 9 will be until winter hits fully. In my neck of the woods we're still sorta in summer/fall. But I've had the 8 and 9 and to be honest, they are pretty much the same but the Hero 9 just refined an already good camera in the 8. Front facing camera is good to frame up shots. But it shouldn't be something to be staring at all the time while recording. Battery life has been improved and I've averaged an extra 15-25 extra minutes on the Hero 9 vs the Hero 8. I've tested some with different resolutions, and tested with the app wifi on and off. With auto turnoff turned off and on. Tried various different scenarios and found the Hero 9 battery did last a little longer even with front facing screen on at all times. I've only ran a little with it. Rollerbladed with it a bit. But really want to take it snowboarding. Hoping the local mountains have plans to open up this season but covid might have other plans. We will see. Stick with the Hero 8 if you have it already but if you are getting a new GoPro for the first time, I'd say go for it and get the Hero 9.

[@ThePandaPhotographer]

This video has been Panda approved Timeline 24:00

[@SlamatFerdyansyah]

Oh God, i like your child, so cute...🥰

[@tumpaferoi8465]

Very nice video. Loves Your Kids

[@kofuzi]

thanks Tumpa!

[@tumpaferoi8465]

@@kofuzi Most welcome

[@glenns7866]

I will most likely be buying the 8, I have a hero session 5 but I want a second one for multiple view points in/on the car. The 9 is too pricey and doesn't cut it when it comes to quality. It's not what it should be. A but disappointing to see I'll be honest.

[@marquezo]

Why not the 7 ?

[@kezcauchi]

been waiting for you to do this vid!! check out my unboxing!

[@JonniArmani]

8 looks sharper

[@DiegoP.Escouto]

🤩👏🏻🔝🔝🇧🇷

[@thewalkingvloggingman7152]

The better comparison would have been 5k30 vs 4k60 on the Hero 9 Black, because the 9 black blew away the 8.

[@kofuzi]

it would be a better comparison for a person who doesn't shoot running GoPro footage or doesn't ever need slow motion, but I see your point

[@leefont6116]

that damn squirrel. baha.. biggest difference I see is the 9 has blacker blacks. audio is the same. noise cancellation the same. sometimes the 9 is a touch smoother/sharper, but not a big difference tbh, however I do really like how the 8 perceives light. id definitely get the 8

[@user-wk9bu6xm7y]

Chest mount would better showcase its stability

[@kofuzi]

but I never use a chest mount

[@JeepTJWheelin]

I'd like to buy the Go Pro 9, but until they offer a mic adapter without all the corrupt tactics, it's a no go.

[@Crazyjavidvlogs]

Love from. India Jammu kashmir

[@kofuzi]

yo!

[@Crazyjavidvlogs]

@@kofuzi tell. Me about how can i use mic in helmet during ride

[@irsyed1143]

Only question how can I have smile pics of your lovely child

[@NAIRxtc]

in India the price difference is exactly half of hero 9 lol , so there's no point in getting 9 over 8

[@umegen8162]

GoodmusicGoodmovieamazingKofuzi

[@hkitm]

IMHO, the GoPro Hero 9's "horizon leveling" has rendered all other action cameras, including all previous GoPro models, obsolete!

[@sergeig685]

the 9 has worse low light performance

[@hkitm]

@@sergeig685 Maybe a new firmware release will fix that.

[@ThePandaPhotographer]

Can I just Hug you?

[@sergeig685]

The 9 looks like shit! Check out the details at 7:01. Look at his beard, stubble, whiskers. 9 is blurry and looks like it has a smooth skin instagram filter, 8 look super sharp and detailed. It looks like he has a bruise on a cheek with the 9, the 8 shows that it is a bunch of stubble, with detail to each individual hair. Use a monitor and 4k video playback setting. May be its the fact that 5k was down-converted to 4k, but the 9 looks horrible!

[@irsyed1143]

Folk you are blessed having beautiful baby girl. So cute. Kiss to her

[@billyj7]

First

[@kofuzi]

yo!

[@billyj7]

Kofuzi, what is your favorite shoe?