GoPro has struck back at bitter rival DJI with the release of not one, but two new cameras as the brand unveiled the new Hero8 Black and its latest 360 camera, named the GoPro Max.
Let’s start with the Hero8 Black, which follows on from the successful Hero7 Black, but faces big competition from the DJI Osmo Action, which was released earlier this year. GoPro’s response is a huge range of new features on its flagship camera – the Hero8 Black, which will be sure to be of interest to fans of action cameras.
So what’s new on the Hero8 Black? Well, first up is a built-in mounting system that can fold away into the Hero8 body. Also new is an improved version of GoPro’s HyperSmooth technology, entitled HyperSmooth 2.0, which GoPro claims; ‘delivers dramatically improved pitch-axis stabilisation and now supports all frame rates and resolutions.’ This stabilisation even works when users shoot 8x slow motion footage.
The Hero8 Black shoots 12-megapixel stills, is 14% lighter than the previous model, features enhanced audio and is waterproof down to 33ft. The new TimeWarp 2.0 mode automatically adjusts to your speed and can be slowed to real time with a tap and, to help you make sure you don’t miss the shot, the all-new LiveBurst captures 1.5 seconds of 12MP (4K 4:3) footage before and after the shutter is pressed.
Also new for the Hero8 Black is a range of modular accessories such as a Media Mod (a tool for Vloggers that will cost $79.99 and holds the Hero8 Black and other accessories), a Display Mod that points an LCD back the the Vlogger and is priced at $79.99 and a Light Mod costing $49.99 that provides LED light for filming. Available to pre-order, the GoPro Hero8 Black will cost $399.
Along with the Hero8 Black, GoPro also launched a new 360 camera named the MAX which takes over from the Fusion range. Priced at $499/£479, the MAX features dual lenses and is waterproof to 16ft, with a built-in front facing display and shotgun-mic audio capabilities. The MAX features HyperSmooth technology and can shoot 5.6k video at 30p, along with capturing 16-megapixel stills.
The screen is touch-sensitive, features voice control technology and can Live Stream footage or record it to a Micro SD card.
DigitalRev 