GoPro launches HERO8 Black, the Mods and new GoPro Max: Price and Availability

GoPro has announced the new HERO8 Black action cam, along with the dedicated Mod and the new GoPro Max 360 action camera, going to make official the rumors of the past weeks, started with the first sighting at the Japanese authorities.

GoPro HERO8 Black

GoPro Hero 8 Black renews the consolidated formula of the series, introducing several key innovations, such as HyperSmooth 2.0 video stabilization, now made even more precise along the pitch axis and capable of supporting all frequencies and resolutions.

The TimeWarp 2.0 function also arrives, which now automatically adjusts according to the user’s speed and can slow down to real-time with a touch. The new SuperFoto function allows HDR photos to be taken in motion without a “ghost” effect, while the LiveBurst mode acquires 1.5 seconds of 12MP (4K 4:3) shots before and after the shutter is pressed. We also find a new, improved front microphone that can further muffle the wind rustling.

The Go Pro 8 is also equipped with four digital lenses to easily select framing, customizable presets and lighter, frameless design with foldable mounting rails. We point out that GoPro has also created a new protective kit for Go Pro Hero 8 Black which includes 4 tempered glass, 2 for the lens and 2 for the display.

But the real novelty concerns the arrival of an ecosystem of modular accessories dedicated to GoPro Hero 8 Black. They are called Mod and allow you to expand the functionality of the action cam depending on your needs.

GoPro HERO8: The MOD

The first Mod is represented by the optional multimedia unit, which integrates a directional microphone and is equipped with two cold shoe supports for additional accessories, in addition to USB-C, HDMI and 3.5 mm external microphone adapter.

The second accessory is the Mod for the touch screen, which is a 1.90-inch front or rear folding touch screen that connects to the top of the optional multimedia unit. GoPro has thought of creating this accessory for all those who are used to running vlog from their GoPro action cameras.

The third Mod for light; water-resistant to 10 meters, wearable and fixable to equipment, as on the optional multimedia unit, or on a GoPro stand, and is equipped with a diffuser to create soft lighting when shooting with HERO8 Black.

GoPro Max

Then we go to GoPro Max 360 action camera, the new GoPro dual-lens camera. Max looks like a kind of HERO8 Black to which all the standard Mods have been equipped, in addition to the dual sensor; we find a touch screen and an enhanced 6-microphone system capable of offering performance similar to the directional one.

The camera can be used in both single and dual-lens modes, so you can take 360° photos and videos, using technologies such as HyperSmooth Max stabilization, TimeWarp Max, SuperView Max, and PowerPano at 270° (6.2MP photos). The entire camera is water-resistant to 5 meters.

GoPro Max also has four digital lenses, including the new ultra-wide-angle SuperView Max, and is compatible with 360-degree content editing based on keyframes via the GoPro app. The Max users now also take advantage of the re-composing mode, a new editing experience that allows you to quickly turn to film at 360° in a traditional panoramic and video with smooth transitions.

GoPro App Update

For the occasion, the GoPro App is also updated, introducing the possibility of making video montages from smartphones using both GoPro content and those already present in the device memory, a new management of the filters – which can now also be applied to individual clips or whole montages -, and support for 1080p live streaming from HERO8 Black and Max. We remind you that the app also integrates Quik’s features.

The montages generated automatically by the app are based on four new themes inspired by the classic GoPro montages (adrenaline hunter, adventurous journey, kinematics, and memories archive) and can be quickly shared on social networks or saved as drafts.

Price and Availability

GoPro HERO8 Black can be pre-ordered through Bhphotovideo.com and Amazon.com, while shipments will start from 31 October. The recommended price is $399.99, while the Mods will be available from December. GoPro Max, on the other hand, can now be booked on the Bhphotovideo.com and Amazon.com for the price of $499.99 and will arrive in the main markets starting October 25, 2019.