Review: GoPro Hero 8 Media Mod

Grab the GoPro Media Mod: bhpho.to/38At7RY
In this video we look at the GoPro Hero 8 Media Mod and its five new features.
- Directional shotgun microphone
- Micro HDMI port
- 3.5mm audio jack
- Dual cold-shoe mounts
- Ability to use the Light Mod and Display Mod
Overall this mod is a bit pricey for what it offers. To us it seems to do too many things and therefore falls short on many of them. Here are links to the other products discussed in this video.
SmallRig GoPro Adapter (Hero 5,6,7): bhpho.to/2IvcXi0
SmallRig GoPro Adapter (Hero 8): bhpho.to/2W09yzU
RODE Video Micro: bhpho.to/35nWzdq
GoPro 3.5mm Audio Jack: bhpho.to/2wGAKsM
Atomos Ninja V: bhpho.to/2VUT4Jb

[@forestchaput]

If you had to pick, what feature makes you want the GoPro Media Mod the most? Least?

[@raychang8648]

I don't know how you were able to deal with the front/rear/stereo cage-mounted microphones because I don't have these options. Preferences->Input/Output has NO usable options until you plug in a 3.5mm microphone jack. (Yes, I have the newest firmware.) I bought a 3.5mm microphone with a collar clip and the difference was so good I think the mod was totally worth the money. However, I have two computer screens as well as two different HDMI cables and all combinations do nothing and there are no options in "Input/Output". (My previous Gopro 5 worked very well for this.) Great video. I now have liked/subscribed!

[@heinyboi]

The only thing I want the media mod for honestly is the hdmi port for it to be used for streaming

[@mredark]

Hi, great video - thanks do much. I have a couple of Questions: Does the HDMI out have a 'Live' mode that hides all OSD? Does turning off image stabilization reduce the video lag on the external display?

[@SlowTrails]

Thanks a ton. Your review has been really helpful !

[@forestchaput]

Glad to hear that!

[@AmranLenschannel]

hi, is this media mod front and rear mic can be on both on the same time?

[@SharetheShred]

Heads up. Stereo mode uses the mics on the go pro NOT on the media mod. I blew directly into the mics and the Media Mod mics did NOT register. I just verified this. Front and Back are the only options with the MOD. I figured this out when dead ratting my mics on my go pro up just now. I don't think you can get stereo out of it. Which is why there is a high pitch processing sound coming from this video. I have noticed it in my video when using stereo.

[@forestchaput]

Great to know!

[@kristijansudra3727]

Nice video you really help but one question is media mod god for go pro7?

[@SethBarrus]

I want to use a GoPro for a studio camera to do informational videos. I already have lighting, but would need a 3.5mm jack for external audio and HDMI for monitoring. Would the Hero 7 Black be the best solution with the 3.5mm jack adapter? Seems like the cheapest solution and not losing a lot of features if I want to use it for it's intended purpose (action video). I also prefer the Karma grip for stabilization vs the Hypersmooth. Hypersmooth is good, but not as good as the grip.

[@JDMCookies]

I think if you only have the GoPro hero 8 with no accessories then this might be worth it because for 79.99 you get everything but if you buy everything new for what you will need it if you didn’t buy the media mod it will exceed the cost of the media mod ( 49.99 GoPro mic adapter, frame case $20-50 depending on which one you get, Rodeo roughly $55) . So you would be roughly spending an extra $50 over the media mod with your hero probably being more on the bulky side. Just how I look at it if one didn’t have any accessories already but if one does already then it wouldn’t be worth it. Maybe I’m wrong

[@JesusChrist_IsTruth-LoveForALL]

Good points! I'm going to go with the media Mod as I have no other accessories regarding this. As you say, buying it all separately would exceed the price of media Mod easily AND be bulkier as you said. 💪👍

[@maldonado561]

Does it matter what micro hdmi to hdmi I buy for the gopro hero 8 black

[@soarermusic]

Great review, thanks. If the mic on the media mod is this bad I’m not getting it. Does the the GoPro 3.5mm jack adapter work fine with GH8? I’m going to use it at home for music performances. Is audio quality good with the jack or would it be better to record audio separately?

[@forestchaput]

It does.

[@primev1382]

We can use any 3.5mm mic with media mod?

[@GCA_GarageCraftAudio]

Thank you for great review. Unfortunately I found your video after I bought my own mediamod. Have the same sound problem on stereo microfones mode. Maybe there's any solution by now?

[@forestchaput]

Not that I’ve found. Sorry to hear that!

[@JamesandElliesAdventures]

Hey man thanks for the review I’m looking to get Go prob8 soon with the media mod for vlogging. I own the ride micro, when this is mounted even with the dead cat can you see the microphone showing on camera as I know with lens types this might be shown in recordings? Thanks in advance 👍🏼

[@forestchaput]

Awesome! Unfortunately it will show with all of the settings except for "Linear."

[@JamesandElliesAdventures]

Thank you atleast there’s one lens view you can’t see it 🙂

[@KC_2112]

Good video a little bit of a nitpick on things but not bad. I have the media mod and I think it works good. The microphone is better than the built in one on the hero 8 so that I definitely do not agree with you there. I think it would have been nice if they made the media mod out of aluminum not plastic.

[@ADV_Agenda]

Nice review!

[@user-rs1990]

I've made a huge expensive mistake today. I bought the new GoPro Hero 8 Media Mod and Light Mod. However, I put the Light onto the Media Mod's top shoe facing the wrong way and now I can't get it off without breaking it or using tools.

[@cyclingzen824]

Nice review and thank you for not having a naf intro :)

[@jrnamida5470]

Cycling video, media mod seems like would provide usb connection plus a rear microphone. Does it work on a bicycle?

[@forestchaput]

Yep!

[@TheFandangovideoguy]

I have the Gopro Hero 8 and I can't decide on a cage of sorts..this one looks nice but most reviews say that the built in "shotgun" mic is just crap...argh....I also wish it had a thread on the front to mount a filter...would the ULANZI G8-5 Vlog Metal Cage for GoPro 8 be a better option? I already have a Rode Videomicro...but I guess I would need the adaptor for the mic. Thoughts?

[@forestchaput]

I've always been a huge fan of SmallRig products. They make a really nice cage for the hero 8 too. www.smallrig.com/smallrig-vlogging-cage-and-mic-adapter-holder-for-gopro-hero8-black-cvg2678.html

[@TheFandangovideoguy]

@@forestchaput thanks so much...interesting smallrig cage. I got a cage for the Sony a6400 and I will get one for my Canon 90D and I know they are good cages. The cost is reasonable. The Ulanzi is a lot cheaper but I hear it takes forever to arrive...the 3.5mm mic adapter seems to be hard to find nowadays thanks!

[@JesusChrist_IsTruth-LoveForALL]

I can't find the ulanzi anymore. It's discontinued?

[@wowwowwow185]

Can you pause a video and restart. ..with out stopping and starting again !

[@masterlakay3856]

Is that safe for water or rain because im planning to mount it to my helmet for vlogging i mean the media mod is that safe for rain?😊

[@kt323]

No, you might want to get the waterproof casw

[@mrandmrs_backpacker]

Do we need any Adapter for microphone along with media mod?

[@forestchaput]

Nope!

[@GetUpandDad]

Multiple audio track recording would be a BIG! plus on every mic so you can pick the best in post

[@forestchaput]

Yes it would!

[@vietshowmaryland-tv6526]

Thanks

[@forestchaput]

Yep!

[@lilwifistreetfame5782]

My go pro 8 fresh out the box . The volume is very low is that normal . Side not I’m not using any accessories mics

[@forestchaput]

Yep, that’s pretty normal.

[@williemammoth11]

Hi - thanks for this - I just picked up a Hero8 and the Media Mod - I have already recorded a live performance (think rock band setup w monitors, PA speakers, and a subwoofer, GoPro set up just inside the PA speakers at front of stage, so not picking those up head-on) and found the Hero8 did a really good job without the Media Mod (I was pleasantly surprised with how the audio compared to that captured on a Zoom H2n audio recorder, same exact location). I am wondering if based on your experience so far, the Media Mod will actually make this kind of recording worse? (I only ask because it's going to be a little while before my next gig so I don't have a chance to record and then compare / contrast the two recordings yet) Thanks!

[@forestchaput]

Truthfully I don't have much recent experience with the Hero 8 and the older media mod. I would imagine that by now they may have fixed many of the audio issues I mentioned in this video. I would think by now the audio on the media mod should beat the internal microphones.

[@JesusChrist_IsTruth-LoveForALL]

Did you end up recording WITH the media Mod? If so how did it compare to the stock microphone audio?

[@williemammoth11]

@@JesusChrist_IsTruth-LoveForALL I did use the media mod, and was disappointed in the audio capture. Not as good as the built-in mic. But I still use it if I'm going to get another audio recording and just want the video for editing. That said, I'm not really using the GoPro at all anymore, Zoom recorders have proven to be better and more easily compatible with other recording bit rates. I think the GoPro will be a standalone for mountain biking etc type videos.

[@JesusChrist_IsTruth-LoveForALL]

@@williemammoth11 ohhh zoom? Which ones?

[@SternLX]

I know this video is rather old but I wanted to supply some feedback on probably the best use case for the Media Mod on the Hero 8. Been using the Media Mod on my Hero 8 Black for about 2 years now. Added around the same time I retired my 8 to WebCam duty since they added that ability with a Firmware update. With the Media Mod on it I can use the Front mic on it while doing Zoom calls so I don't have to muck about with another mic. Both Audio and Video are passed through nVidia Broadcast. Also since it's always plugged into a USB-C port to my PC I never have to worry about the battery. Oh also sporting the Light Mod on the top Cold shoe. Over all it's the best Web Cam setup I've ever had. For action cam stuff I use a Hero 11 now mounted in a Ulanzi G9-5 Metal cage to get Cold shoe mounts and a place to mount the Pro 3.5mm Mic adapter.

[@forestchaput]

Thank you for sharing!

[@dadboddamien]

I know my gopro is old now, but I just picked up a media mod for my 8 to do motorcycle vlogs. I'll be running an external mic into my helmet for voice-over while riding and hooking up an external battery pack for longevity

[@primev1382]

Does you need external adaptor to use mic in media mod or u can use any 3.5mm jack mic?

[@skwol5184]

Is this media mode only for 8 black? Or i can put in go pro 7 black too? Thank you.

[@forestchaput]

Unfortunately it only works for the Hero 8 as it's a different size and the connection ports are in different places compared to the GoPro Hero 7!

[@skwol5184]

@@forestchaput thank you for a quick answer✌️ have a nice day.

[@ScottsReviews]

To use the rode mic you still need to buy an adaptor which cost just as much as the media mod.

[@forestchaput]

Not quite as much. You can get the audio adapter for $50, making it $30 cheaper than the Media Mod which is almost enough to also get the Rode Video Micro!

[@lestat964]

Rocky Mountain School of Photography yup but personally for the $30 I prefer the slim line of not having a dongle, and getting 2 mounts. And if the second screen is good I’m already there. It’s literally priced the same as the 3.5 dongle and a $30 separate mod case, except this is a smaller set up, all in 1. If you already have the other stuff that’s one thing, but for someone building a new rig, even with the subpar shotgun mic, this is the better all in 1

[@JesusChrist_IsTruth-LoveForALL]

​@@lestat964 good points! I have no other accessories and I like that it will be smaller, less bulkier set up if you get the media Mod vs the individual accessories to make it work. Do they have risers to rise your mic up a little on top, in case you are using dead cat, to keep out of frame. Im sure right?

[@hkbornin1995]

is it water-proofed?

[@forestchaput]

Nope!

[@fbmssky]

Hey man nice video ! How do I update the firmware for the mediamod ?

[@forestchaput]

It should update for you as soon as you connect to the app with the Media Mod attached.

[@fbmssky]

@@forestchaput tks man !!

[@adverspace]

can I use this media mod in rain? PLEASE LET ME KNOW

[@forestchaput]

Don't think so. Reach out to GoPro to know for sure though!

[@SwiftNeo9]

As soon as you put on the Media Mod the GoPro is no longer water proof!

[@bronzemouthwarrior4049]

Is it no longer waterproof with the mod ?

[@forestchaput]

Nope.

[@MarkAmis]

U mean that thumb screw is not possible to use on the other side?

[@forestchaput]

Nope. There is no clearance on the other side.

[@MarkAmis]

Rocky Mountain School of Photography one question. Why my hero 8 battery runs out quickly? Most specially when I use 4k. And it’s kinda hot to touch. 🥺

[@wowwowwow185]

My phone or Amazon fire cant get app anoyying

[@iAMJJP]

Media mod for go pro 8 was awesome. I don’t know what you guys are talking about!

[@forestchaput]

I'm glad to hear it!

[@vk4vsp]

Great review. I actually thought the media mod mic sounded okay. It wasn't as good as the Rode, but definitely better than the inbuilt mic. That said, my 58 year old ears probably aren't as good as yours. 😀

[@forestchaput]

Thanks for watching!

[@xxcometxx7564]

Are you able to record in the atomos ???

[@forestchaput]

You could, but the quality that the GoPro outputs isn't as good as what it can record to the memory card.

[@stevenmichaelmarin8454]

Same problem their is some Crazy sound in my in GO PRO HERO 8 also😑

[@forestchaput]

It's weird. I don't know what GoPro was thinking with this device.

[@mathewstudios2410]

The mic that’s on the go pro sounds better than the media mod

[@ElvisCarReviews]

Can’t tell the difference The only noticeable change is with the rode micro

[@forestchaput]

Yep. Definitely not worth it for the built in mic!

[@randomtop1016]

Only problem. You can't use filter adapter.

[@randomtop1016]

I wish, gopro comes out with a media mod which can accomodate filter lens ring too. This will address all requirements (mic, light, filter, mounting)

[@dogarika]

May be Hero 10?

[@smitbhabal]

The most its cool and I love it The least I dont have a gopro😑😑

[@adrianborinsky2989]

Dealbreaker is how complicated it is to change the battery

[@DonovanMediaCenter]

I like the idea of it, but the details are off-putting. Probably will wait for a later generation update.

[@forestchaput]

Yep!

[@keithvlogs1]

not even a test shot?

[@forestchaput]

I have a full review of the Hero 8. You can find test shots there.

[@BrendinDP]

why is your apple watch upside down???

[@forestchaput]

I like having the Digital Crown on the left so I can push it with my thumb.

[@marlinprofit7503]

All the features that should have been built-in to the damn 8 itself to begin with. Least? The greedy, price-gouging $80 tag. Considering the quality, it shouldn't be more than $39.99 but then again, the oldschool mic adapter should have never been $49 either. Total cash grab asshole of a company.

[@forestchaput]

I don't know that I would go that far, but I do agree it all should have just been built-in. And the fact that they removed the micro HDMI from the Hero 8 and it was on the Hero 7 is a total bummer!

[@marlinprofit7503]

@@forestchaput I didn't even notice that, so yeah, they definitely try and justify the accessory as a result by removing the other features. Maybe we'll get a GoPro All-In-One or Ultimate someday.

[@HimalayanVloggerr]

Such a waste of money media mod

[@forestchaput]

Lol. I agree. I do like the 3.5mm audio jack though 👍