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GoPro Hero8 Black Review

  • Review
  • Specs
  • Alternatives
  • GoPro Hero8 Black

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    Main Features

    • 12MP - 1/2.3 CMOS Sensor
    • ISO -
    • Digital only Image Stabilization
    • 2.00" Fixed Type Screen
    • fps continuous shooting
    • Built-in Wireless
    • Built-in GPS
    • 126g. 66 x 49 x 28 mm
    • Weather-sealed Body
    • Replaced GoPro Hero7 Black
    • Replaced by GoPro Hero9 Black
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    GoPro Hero8 Black Overview

    First introduced in October 2019, GoPro Hero8 Black is a 12.0MP Action Camera camera with a 1/2.3 (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CMOS sensor, built-in Image Stabilization, weather-sealed body and F2.8 lens. GoPro replaced the older GoPro Hero7 Black with this model and later Hero8 Black was replaced with GoPro Hero9 Black. Follow the links to compare these cameras in detail:
    Compare GoPro Hero8 Black vs GoPro Hero7 Black
    Compare GoPro Hero8 Black vs GoPro Hero9 Black

    GoPro Hero8 Black Review - Click for Table of Contents

    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Sensor and Photography Features
    4. Physical Specs
    5. LCD and Viewfinder
    6. Connectivity, Storage and Battery
    7. Video
    8. Other Features
    9. Lens
    10. Photography Type Scores
    11. Recommended Accessories
    12. Alternatives
    13. Popular Comparisons
    14. Frequently Asked Questions
    15. Detailed Specifications

    GoPro Hero8 Black is a member of GoPro's Hero series of cameras. Below you can see the latest models in this series and how their main specs have changed with each new version.

    GoPro Hero Series History
    Model Release Date Sensor Dimensions Weight
    GoPro Hero12 Black
    Compare
    September 2023 27.0MP - 1/1.9 72 x 51 x 34mm 154g
    GoPro Hero11 Black
    Compare
    September 2022 27.0MP - 1/1.9 71 x 55 x 34mm 127g
    GoPro Hero11 Black Mini
    Compare
    September 2022 24.7MP - 1/1.9 53 x 52 x 38mm 133g
    GoPro Hero10 Black
    Compare
    September 2021 23.0MP - 1/2.3 71 x 55 x 34mm 158g
    GoPro Hero9 Black
    Compare
    September 2020 23.0MP - 1/2.3 71 x 55 x 34mm 158g

    Check the link below to compare specs of the latest cameras in this series side-by-side:
    GoPro Hero12 Black vs Hero11 Black vs Hero11 Black Mini vs Hero10 Black vs Hero9 Black


    **This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    GoPro Hero8 Black PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our GoPro Hero8 Black review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

    PROs
    Built-in Wireless (Wi-fi)
    Bluetooth Connectivity
    Image Stabilization
    Touch Screen
    Digital video stabilization
    126g Light Body
    External Microphone Port
    Environmental Sealing
    Timelapse Recording
    240fps High Speed Video
    Flash Sync Port
    Remote control with a smartphone
    USB Charging
    Report a correction

    Buy GoPro Hero8 Black from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Articulating Screen
    No External Flash Shoe
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No External Viewfinder Option
    No Face Detection Focusing
    Low Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
    Max Sensitivity only ISO 0
    Small LCD Screen ( 2.00")
    Low Screen Resolution ( 0kdots )
    Low Max Shutter Speed: 1/1/2000s

    Report a correction


    GoPro Hero8 Black Physical Specs
    GoPro Hero8 Black weighs 126 g (0.28 lb / 4.44 oz) and has external dimensions of 66 x 49 x 28 mm (2.61 x 1.91 x 1.12″). Considering that the average weight of Action Camera type cameras is 123g, its weight is about average in its class. With a thickness of 28mm, it also has an average thickness.
    Weight Comparison

    Action Camera Cameras

    GoPro Hero8 Black
    Min
    Average
    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    Action Camera Cameras

    GoPro Hero8 Black
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Here is the front and top view image of GoPro Hero8 Black with the dimensions:

    GoPro Hero8 Black Body Size Dimensions
    Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of GoPro Hero8 Black Camera Body


    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of GoPro Hero8 Black, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    GoPro Hero8 Black Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the GoPro Hero8 Black Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery


    Now let's compare GoPro Hero8 Black size with the camera that it replaced: GoPro Hero7 Black (Check Hero8 Black vs ). GoPro Hero7 Black is 4mm narrower and 4mm shorter than GoPro Hero8 Black but it is also 5mm thicker.


    GoPro Hero8 Black vs GoPro Hero7 Black Camera Size Comparison - Front View
    Comparison image of GoPro Hero8 Black and GoPro Hero7 Black Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

    Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of GoPro Hero8 Black with its main competitors:

    GoPro Hero8 Black Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs Hero8 Black Thickness vs Hero8 Black
    GoPro Hero8 Black Camera GoPro Hero10 Black
    Compare
    158g 32g heavier 34mm 6mm thicker
    GoPro Hero8 Black Camera GoPro Hero12 Black
    Compare
    154g 28g heavier 34mm 6mm thicker
    GoPro Hero8 Black Camera GoPro Hero11 Black
    Compare
    127g 1g heavier 34mm 6mm thicker
    GoPro Hero8 Black Camera GoPro Hero9 Black
    Compare
    158g 32g heavier 34mm 6mm thicker
    GoPro Hero8 Black Camera GoPro Hero7 Black
    Compare
    116g 10g lighter 33mm 5mm thicker
    GoPro Hero8 Black Camera GoPro Hero11 Black Mini
    Compare
    133g 7g heavier 38mm 10mm thicker
    GoPro Hero8 Black Camera GoPro Hero6 Black
    Compare
    116g 10g lighter 35mm 7mm thicker
    GoPro Hero8 Black Camera DJI Osmo Action 3
    Compare
    145g 19g heavier 32mm 4mm thicker

    Weather Sealing

    GoPro Hero8 Black has environmental sealings on its body which makes it a weather resistant camera, providing resistance against the water and dust getting in to the camera. If you like outdoors photography and want to be able to use your camera in extreme conditions, GoPro Hero8 Black will serve you well.

    GoPro Hero8 Black Lens

    GoPro Hero8 Black features a F2.8 Prime lens. This prime lens makes Hero8 Black a specialized camera. You compromise the flexibility of a zoom in order to enjoy the high image quality and unique rendering of this fast lens.

    Wide Coverage

    Action Camera Cameras

    Hero8 Black
    Widest - GoPro Hero11 Black
    Average
    Telezoom

    Action Camera Cameras

    Hero8 Black
    Longest - DJI Osmo Pocket
    Average

    Max Aperture at Wide

    Action Camera Cameras

    Hero8 Black
    Fastest - DJI Pocket 2
    Average
    Max Aperture at Tele

    Action Camera Cameras

    Hero8 Black
    Fastest - DJI Pocket 2
    Average

    Hero8 Black is equipped with Digital only image stabilization system which is very handy especially at lower shutter speeds.

    GoPro Hero8 Black Sensor and Photography Features

    GoPro Hero8 Black has a 12.0MP 1/2.3 (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CMOS sensor . You can shoot at maximum resolution of 4000 x 3000 pixels. Hero8 Black has a native ISO range of - and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

    GoPro Hero8 Black is not the highest resolution Small Sensor camera. Canon SX740 HS with its 21.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of GoPro Hero8 Black vs Canon SX740 HS or take a look at Highest resolution Action Camera cameras list.

    Let's look at how the size of the GoPro Hero8 Black's 1/2.3 sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    GoPro Hero8 Black Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of GoPro Hero8 Black Sensor Size with other standard sensors



    GoPro Hero8 Black LCD

    GoPro Hero8 Black has a Fixed Type 2.00-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 0k dots. At only 2.00", the screen is on the smaller side and 0kdot resolution is lower than most of the recent models in this class.

    LCD is Touch screen type, so you can change the settings and set the focus point with your fingertips.

    Unfortunately GoPro Hero8 Black doesn't have a Selfie friendly screen. If this feature is important for your shooting style, check here the list of Best Action Camera Cameras with Selfie Friendly LCD screen.


    Hero8 Black doesn't have a viewfinder and no option for external viewfinder. Lack of a viewfinder can be problematic especially under strong light where visibility of LCD screens goes down dramatically. If you need a Action Camera camera with a built-in viewfinder in a similar price range, consider (Compare) or (Compare).
    Alternatively, check here the list of all Action Camera cameras with viewfinder..

    GoPro Hero8 Black Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    GoPro Hero8 Black features built-in wireless (Wi-Fi) connectivity ( WiFi + Bluetooth) which lets you transfer your photos directly to compatible devices without any physical connection. GoPro Hero8 Black's Bluetooth connectivity feature comes handy for connecting other devices that supports it. One other feature that we like is the ability to use our smartphone as a remote to control our Hero8 Black. You can change camera settings, release shutter, view LCD screen and tranfer files using remote control app.

    GoPro Hero8 Black has a USB port to connect your camera to other devices.

    GoPro Hero8 Black Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    GoPro Hero8 Black Camera GoPro Hero10 Black
    Compare
    5120 x 2880 shots Yes Yes No
    GoPro Hero8 Black Camera GoPro Hero12 Black
    Compare
    5312 x 2988 shots Yes Yes No
    GoPro Hero8 Black Camera GoPro Hero11 Black
    Compare
    5312 x 2988 shots Yes Yes No
    GoPro Hero8 Black Camera GoPro Hero9 Black
    Compare
    5120 x 2880 shots Yes Yes No
    GoPro Hero8 Black Camera GoPro Hero7 Black
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 shots Yes Yes No
    GoPro Hero8 Black Camera GoPro Hero11 Black Mini
    Compare
    5312 x 2988 shots Yes Yes No
    GoPro Hero8 Black Camera GoPro Hero6 Black
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 shots Yes Yes No
    GoPro Hero8 Black Camera DJI Osmo Action 3
    Compare
    4096 x 3072 shots Yes Yes No

    GoPro Hero8 Black Video Features

    With GoPro Hero8 Black, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 3840 x 2160 at 60p,50p,30p, 25p, 24p fps with bit rates up to 78 mbps and save in H.264 and H.265 formats. GoPro Hero8 Black's 4K is the common standard resolution in consumer video world.

    Video Resolutions Comparison Chart


    High-Speed Video

    Hero8 Black features a high speed mode where it captures videos at 240fps which helps to create slow motion videos. If you shoot a video at a frame rate of 240fps and play it back at 24fps, the video will be 10x slower and longer than normal.


    Microphones, Speaker and Headphone Connections

    GoPro Hero8 Black has a built-in Yes microphone and a Mono speaker. GoPro Hero8 Black also has a port for an external microphone so you can record high quality sound with the help of an external microphone. Unfortunately, it doesn't have a headphone port though.

    Also read:

    • Best Action Camera Cameras with Headphone Port

    If you are getting into videography and want to know what are the must-have video accessories for your camera, read our article:
    Essential Videography / Filmmaking Accessories for your Camera


    Electronic Video Stabilization

    GoPro Hero8 Black also features an Digital Video Stabilization mode where videos are stabilized in-camera while you are shooting. Keep in mind that this effect may crop your videos a little bit and doesn't help stabilizing still images. This kind of video stabilization effect can be replicated by using some of the advanced video editing softwares in your PC.

    GoPro Hero8 Black Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    GoPro Hero8 Black can shoot continuously at max speed of and has max shutter speed of .

    Flash



    What type of Photography is GoPro Hero8 Black Good for?
    In this section, we review and score GoPro Hero8 Black in 5 different photography areas.
    This camera is not rated yet!
    GoPro Hero8 Black Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how GoPro Hero8 Black compares with other Action Camera cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of GoPro Hero8 Black alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of GoPro Hero8 Black

    Here are the eight most popular comparisons of the GoPro Hero8 Black amongst Camera Decision readers.

    GoPro Hero10 Black
    GoPro Hero10 Black
    Compare
    GoPro Hero12 Black
    GoPro Hero12 Black
    Compare
    GoPro Hero11 Black
    GoPro Hero11 Black
    Compare
    GoPro Hero9 Black
    GoPro Hero9 Black
    Compare
    GoPro Hero7 Black
    GoPro Hero7 Black
    Compare
    GoPro Hero11 Black M..
    GoPro Hero11 Black Mini
    Compare
    GoPro Hero6 Black
    GoPro Hero6 Black
    Compare
    DJI Osmo Action 3
    DJI Osmo Action 3
    Compare

    GoPro Hero8 Black Alternatives in Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare the GoPro Hero8 Black with Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked cameras in GoPro Hero8 Black's price range.

    GoPro Hero8 Black Conclusion and Scores

    This camera is not rated yet!
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.

    Frequently Asked Questions about GoPro Hero8 Black
    Does the GoPro Hero8 Black have Image Stabilization?
    Does the GoPro Hero8 Black have RAW support?
    Does the GoPro Hero8 Black have Weather Sealing?
    Does the GoPro Hero8 Black have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of GoPro Hero8 Black?
    What is the Sensor Size of GoPro Hero8 Black?
    is the GoPro Hero8 Black a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the GoPro Hero8 Black have Touch Screen?
    Does the GoPro Hero8 Black have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of GoPro Hero8 Black?
    What is the Weight of GoPro Hero8 Black?
    What are the Dimensions of GoPro Hero8 Black?
    GoPro Hero8 Black Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand GoPro
    Model GoPro Hero8 Black
    Predecessor Model GoPro Hero7 Black
    Successor Model GoPro Hero9 Black
    Announced 2019-10-01
    Body Type Action Camera
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount fixed lens
    Number of Lenses
    Lens Focal Range ()
    Max Aperture F2.8
    Macro Focus Range n/a
    Screen
    Screen Type Fixed Type
    Screen Size 2.00"
    Screen Resolution 0k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder None
    Viewfinder Resolution no electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Coverage n/a
    Viewfinder Magnification n/a
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed n/a
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/1/2000s
    Max Continuous Shooting n/a
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation n/a
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range no built-in flash
    Flash Modes no built-in flash
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score not tested
    DxO Color Depth not tested
    DxO Dynamic Range not tested
    DxO Low Light ISO not tested
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type CMOS
    Sensor Size 1/2.3
    Sensor Dimensions 6.17 x 4.55 mm
    Sensor Area 28.07mm2
    Sensor Resolution 12 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 4000 x 3000
    Max Native ISO 0
    Min Native ISO 0
    RAW Support
    Autofocus
    AF Touch
    AF Continuous
    AF Single
    AF Tracking
    AF Selective
    AF Center
    AF Multi Area
    AF Live View
    AF Face Detection
    AF Contrast Detection
    AF Phase Detection
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 3840 x 2160p at 24/25/30/50/60 fps (78 Mb/s MP4 via H.264/AVC)
    Max Video Resolution 3840 x 2160
    Video Formats H.264, H.265
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity Built-In
    HDMI
    USB USB
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 126g
    Physical Dimensions 66 x 49 x 28mm
    Other Features
    Self Timer n/a
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS Yes
    Storage Type microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC
    Storage Slots 1
    Report a correction


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