Are you confusing GoPro Hero 7 vs 8? Not sure which one would come out on top? The two models provide a range of new features to make capturing high-quality video footage easy and enjoyable. Then you need to see this detailed comparison.
GoPro Hero 7 Black Overview
Hero 7 Black has the same exterior design as Hero 5, 6, and additional features. Enjoy capturing your moments with new features such as HyperSmooth and TimeWarp, SuperPhoto, etc.
You can use the same battery, same size sensor, and same lens as before, without worrying about throwing out the accessories.
Pros
- Crazy smooth video stabilization
- Touchscreen UI is easier to use
- Amazing 4K video and image quality
- Live streaming offers a new way of “sharing”
- Waterproof without the need for a case
- A huge selection of accessories and mounts
Cons
- There is no real battery improvement
- Voice commands can be difficult
- Upgraders can make minor hardware improvements
- Recording 4K can get extremely hot
GoPro Hero 8 Black Overview
Hero Black 8, on the other hand, has an entirely new design. It incorporates the mounting system into the case. This allows for excellent image stabilization and some incredible add-ons such as Media Mod functionality.
You can now enjoy enhanced features such as HyperSmooth 2.0 and TimeWarp 2.0. Night-lapse is also possible. The camera lens has been strengthened but cannot be replaced or removed like the older models.
Pros
- Mounts don’t need special housing for new designs.
- Image stabilization has been greatly improved
- New design: Practical and practical
- The app allows for simple post-production
- Automatic Horizon Leveling
- Side access to the battery and card
- Crisp Touch LCD
Cons
- It may not be as rugged and durable as GoPro cameras from years ago
- Recording can get very hot
- Only available as an accessory for the front-facing display
- Battery life is still “acceptable”.
- Unreliable voice commands
- Wi-Fi video transfers can take time
- A small, 4-to-3 LCD screen
GoPro Hero 8 Vs 7: The Comparison
GoPro HERO7 Black vs HERO8 Black: Design & Build
They look almost identical from the outside. Both are a standard rectangular box, as opposed to the Session model’s cube-shaped shape. Both are waterproof and do not require separate waterproof housing.
They are similar in size and weight but not identical. They both have large touchscreens on the back and a small status screen at the front. The shutter/record button is on the top.
However, there are differences in the layout and design of these products that can lead to practical differences.
Mounting Point with Built-in
The best feature is the new mounting point that has been built into the HERO8Black.
You don’t need to place the camera in a protective case or frame to mount it on a mounting point such as a selfie stick or other mounting point. This is a huge convenience.
New Mod Accessories
Mods are new accessories from GoPro for the HERO8 Black.
New layouts for the ports, battery, and charger have opened up new accessories to attach to the HERO8 Black body. They won’t work with HERO7 Black. These accessories are particularly well-suited for vlogging. These are the first in this range:
Media Mod includes better microphones, a 3.5mm microphone port, an HDMI-out port, and attachment points. It is the hub for all accessories.
Light Mod, Waterproof LED light (requires media mod).
Display Mod is a flip-up display that allows you to see what you are filming, while the camera is pointed at your face (requires Media Mod).
Compartments
The HERO8Black has one compartment to hold the battery, memory card, and USB-C port. The HERO7 comes with two compartments and an HDMI-out port.
This design decision means there is no place for a battery compartment or port compartment to be placed on the bottom. The HERO7 Black had two compartments, one on the bottom and one on the sides.
But the HERO8 Black only has one. This compartment houses the microSD card slot, the battery slot, and the USB-C port.
HDMI Port
The HERO7Black has an HDMI port. The HERO8Black doesn’t have an HDMI port. You will need to purchase an accessory to add it.
The HERO8 Black doesn’t have an HDMI port, but the HERO7 Black does.
The Media Mod accessory is available separately and can add an HDMI-out port on the HERO8Black.
Compartment Door
I am not impressed with the door in that compartment on HERO8 Black. It’s solid (aluminum over plastic), and it has one seal to keep it waterproof. This means that there are fewer points of failure. It can fly away if you don’t seal it properly, and it is easy to lose.
The second problem is that it must be removed to access the USB port. This allows you to charge it with external power. However, this exposes the battery to possible fallout. You can buy a side door replacement that opens to the USB port.
Lens Port
The lens port is another important difference in their exterior design. The HERO7Black’s lens port is the same as the other models. It can be removed entirely and replaced if damaged.
The HERO7 White and Silver inspired the HERO8 Black lens port. It isn’t as noticeable, and it doesn’t fall off. It can’t be replaced if it is scratched or cracked. You can purchase accessories to protect the lens, such as the Rollcage, lens protectors, and screen protectors separately.
Waterproof Camera Body
Both are waterproof and can be used without using underwater housing. They are both waterproof to 33 feet (10 m)
You can purchase separate diving housing if you want to go deeper than this. It is stronger and provides more protection from water pressure.
The HERO8 Black and HERO7 Black have different lens ports and slightly different dimensions. Therefore, they are not compatible with each other’s dive housings.
You will need the correct dive housing for your camera. They are not interchangeable. The Super Suit is required for the HERO7 Black. Protective Housing is for the HERO8 Black.
The Inside
Both are identical on the inside. Both utilize GoPro’s in-house chip, the GP1.
To meet the data-crunching demands for hypersmooth 2.0 stabilization, they seem to have increased the speed of the GP1 in this new model.
These lenses look very similar if they are not identical. Based on the videos and photos coming out of the cameras, it seems the same sensor.
Gopro Hero 7 Black Vs Hero 8 Black: Sensor And Processor
Diminutive cameras are small sensors. Here, a bog-standard 1/2.3 inch chip is used for each. We don’t expect results to be comparable with interchangeable lens DSLRs or mirrorless cameras. Perhaps a smartphone in your pocket is a better comparison.
Despite these limitations, the GoPro Hero 7 & Hero 8 offer users the double punch: 4K video and 12MP stills in Raw and JPEG. There is also a timelapse mode that sweetens the deal.
Combining a 12MP sensor with a GP1 processor makes it possible to capture everything. The flagship unit’s 7th generation also features a SuperPhoto mode. This allows for intelligent scene analysis, resulting in optimized shots.
This is achieved by automatically deploying high dynamic range (HDR), tone mapping, and noise reduction – which has been claimed to be improved upon the Hero 8 model. This results in enhanced shadow detail and highlight detail being regained.
The Hero 7 Black also features a Portrait Mode that allows users to share their selfies to Instagram Stories and Snapchat. Other Face, Smile, and Scene Detection modes work with GoPro’s QuikStories app, which assembles clips, montages, and clips – this makes it ideal for bloggers.
Hero 8 continues to follow the lead of its predecessor by offering 12-megapixel stills. The Hero 8’s SuperPhoto feature captures dynamic range images that are more vibrant than other action camera modes.
Night photography also significantly improves video performance in similar situations. You can also use traditional HDR or Raw to capture exposures up to 30 seconds in duration.
GoPro Hero 7 vs 8: Video
The Hero 8 Black and GoPro Hero 7 Black offer 4K video and frame rates of up to 60 frames per second. If users prefer Full HD video mode, they can capture slow-motion footage at 8x average speed.
Videographers will find that the ‘7 and ‘8 have an additional selling point. The maker calls it the ‘HyperSmooth image stabilization function. This is a combination of software and hardware fix. On the Hero 8 model, we get version 2. The 3-axis system can be used underwater, in high-shock, high wind shooting situations.
A ‘TimeWarp” mode is another cool feature. It converts long time-lapse videos into short, easily shareable clips only a few seconds in length. This is because such files are easier to share on social networks.
The unit can process the sound from three microphones to create stereo audio. Without great sound, the great video doesn’t mean much. Fortunately, GoPro has the best WAV audio format.
The Hero 7 Black has USB-C connectivity, but unlike other Go Pro models, the Hero 7 Black also features an HDMI port.
We were particularly impressed by Hero 8 Black’s video enhancements. This model delivered some of the smoothest action that we have ever seen. Again, as with the Hero, 7 Black footage can be recorded at multiple resolutions.
This includes 1080P at 240fps and 4K at 60fps. We believe this camera is better than the rest because it can capture what GoPro calls ‘Hypersmooth 2.0’. This allows for stabilized footage at all resolutions.
For situations where stability is more important than clarity/fidelity, there’s a new Boost feature. You can choose from high, standard, or off.
Gopro Hero 7 Vs Hero 8: Screen, Controls, and Interfaces
In terms of the user interface, there isn’t much difference between Hero 7 Black and Hero 8 Black. Although some menu controls are slightly different, the overall interface is the same.
Screen
The Hero 7 and Hero 8 both use the rear 2-inch LCD touchscreens in 16:9 format to access the menu system. Both are identical in brightness and crispness.
The selfie screen is not available. It would have been nice to make the screen on the GoPro8 slightly larger. As it is, 2 inches makes for a tiny LCD screen.
Presets/Menu Changes
The addition of presets is perhaps the most significant improvement between the Hero 8 and the Hero 7 Black interface.
You can create up to 10 presets to customize for your Hero8 video settings. This allows you to switch between perspectives, change the zoom or turn on slo-mo. The shortcut buttons can also be programmed, which can make a difference.
You can use presets to change the timer and switch between different modes when taking stills. You can use one to switch between RAW and Jpeg images or to turn Super photo off.
It is also much easier to find Protune. You must enable Protune on the Hero 7 Black before you can access any Protune settings. The Hero 8 Black can be accessed directly, making it much easier to set the ISO and shutter speed manually.
Fields Of View
The fields of view on both GoPro Hero 8 Black and Hero 8 Black are almost identical, but they’re called digital lenses.
- Superview = 16mm
- Wide = 16-34mm (What you see in GoPro footage).
- Linear = 19-39mm
- Narrow = 27mm (Hero8 only)
Remote Control
You can also control both cameras remotely via the GoPro app (Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) and the Smart Remote.
Both cameras have voice control and share the same voice commands, including start/stop recording, change modes, and shutter buttons. Both cameras can be set to Wake on Voice.
Connectivity
Both the GoPro Hero 7 & 8 have connectivity via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. This allows the cameras to be connected to smart devices using the GoPro App. The Hero 8 can stream 1080p video via the app, while the GoPro 7 can stream video at 720p. The Hero 8 will provide better footage if you use live streaming regularly.
While the GoPro Hero 7 comes with a mini HDMI port, the GoPro Hero 8 doesn’t. The Media Mod is a separate device that provides HDMI and 3.5mm mic ports, along with directional mics and cold-show mounts for accessories.
These Mods are an integral part of Hero 8. The Display Mod allows you to flip up your screen and the Light Mod gives you a waterproof, compact LED light. Both cameras can record speed and location altitude, and both have GPS. This is valuable information for narrating your adventures.
Photo Modes
Each model comes with a 12MP camera and several photo modes that allow for still photography. You can choose from a standard burst or night mode. When you press the shutter, burst mode will produce several images quickly.
Night mode adjusts for low light levels by slowing down the shutter speed. A self-timer is also available in the menu system. The countdown appears on the LCD screen.
You can also adjust the Field Of View setting to control how wide or narrow your camera’s field of view is. The Hero 8 has a Narrow Field of View option.
Hero 8 has some advantages over Hero 7. The Hero 8’s Superphoto mode offers better HDR performance. HDR is an acronym for High Dynamic Range. This means it can capture more detail in images with a wide range of light and dark.
This is especially useful when the sky or sun is in the frame. It is usually the brightest area of the image.
LiveBurst is a feature on the Hero 8 that records 1.5 seconds before and after the shutter button presses. This allows you to capture action even if your timing was slightly off. The Hero 8 has a slightly faster speed to capture the action.
The Hero 8 offers more options for Time Lapse mode. It adds 2, 5, 30, and 60-minute intervals to Hero 7. The Hero 8 has a significantly wider range of burst rates.
The Hero 8’s SuperPhoto mode, the Intelligent Auto mode, has several improvements to interpret the scene better and choose the best settings.
Audio
The Hero 7 Black (and Hero 8 Black) have built-in microphones. They also record in Raw Audio Capture format (.wav). The built-in microphones in cameras are generally serviceable but not great. That’s why the Hero 8 supports the Media Mod kit, which adds a mic jack for external use.
Stabilisation
The GoPro Hero 8’s image stabilization feature is a significant upgrade. GoPro’s HyperSmooth stabilisation technology digitally stabilized your video footage. The Hero 7 was GoPro’s first implementation.
Although this system does a good job, Hero 8’s Hypersmooth 2.0 is significantly improved. The algorithms used to stabilize the footage have been greatly improved, and stabilization quality has also improved.
It’s essential to have the ability to smooth out movement, especially when you mount your GoPro somewhere where there’s a high likelihood of it being used.
Accessories
GoPro cameras come with a wide range of first and third-party accessories. These accessories can increase creativity and protect the camera.
Thanks to the standard mounting system, there are accessories available for both the GoPro Hero 7 Black and Hero 8 Black cameras. The only difference is that the Media Mod, Light Mod, and Display Mod are only for the Hero 8.
Display, Media, And Light Mods
The Media Mod kit comes as a bracket that fits around your Hero 8. The unit has a built-in shotgun microphone, headphone port, HDMI ports, and two hot shoe mounts. Once you have attached the Media Mod, you can add the Display Mod and Light Mod.
The Display Mod is a flip-up, front-facing LCD with a 2″ display. This allows you to film yourself and see what you are doing. The Light Mod LED light has four brightness levels and a 6-hour battery.
Combining the Media Mod with Display Mods and Light Mods makes your Hero 8 a mini-video production rig that can capture high-quality footage.
Remote Control
You can control your GoPro intelligent remote control from up to 180 meters away. You can use this handy device to set up your GoPro to take an approach shot on your skateboard and then hit record to begin your run. The remote control allows you to create more creative videography.
GoPro Shorty
The GoPro Shorty, a small handgrip that fits your GoPro and doubles up as a tripod table, is ideal. Handgrips make it easy to hold your GoPro and are suitable for traveling. It can be used as a mini tripod, a nice bonus. The GoPro Shorty is a small, useful, and affordable accessory.
GoPro 3-Way Grip
The GoPro 3-Way Grip, similar to the Shorty, offers more flexibility, range, and extension at a much higher price. It also has a larger size and a higher price. It can be used like the Shorty as a handgrip or mini tripod.
However, the other arms can be added to the grip. It also has an extended grip that can be adjusted differently depending on how the arms are attached. You can even extend the tripod height. This accessory is very configurable and is a popular choice for GoPro cameras.
GoPro Handlebar/Seatpost Mount
You can attach a GoPro handlebar or seatpost mount to your bicycle to fix it to the front. Mounts can be mounted facing forward to capture the action or face the rider so that they react to it. To capture the action behind, the mount can fix itself to the seatpost.
GoPro El Grande
The GoPro El Grande is an extension pole with telescopic capabilities that allows you to mount your GoPro to a socket or ball head to take direct shots. It can extend from 39 cm to 97 cm. The ultimate selfie stick has a solid grip and wrist band.
GoPro Travel Kit
GoPro Travel Kit is designed to fit your GoPro Hero 7 Black. It includes a GoPro Sleeve with an attached lanyard. You can also mount the tripod to your GoPro with the included kit. All this is packed in a small carry case that can hold your GoPro and all of your accessories.
GoPro Chesty
Simply put, the GoPro Chesty can be described as a chest mount for your GoPro. The straps wrap around your body, and the camera is secured at mid-chest height.
You can shoot hands-free so you can concentrate on other things while the GoPro records the action. This is great for paddling, hiking, biking, and other similar activities.
GoPro The Handler
The Handler is a floating hand that you attach to your GoPro. The wrist strap allows for more purchases. The handle acts as a handgrip but floats. This makes it ideal for use near water. It means that if your GoPro is dropped, it won’t sink to the bottom of a river.
Related post:
GoPro Max Vs Hero 9: Which Is Better For You In 2022?
GoPro 8 Vs 9: Which Is Better For You In 2022?
Conclusion
GoPro models Hero 7 Black and Hero 8 Black are outstanding action cameras in performance. Hero 7 is a great budget camera if you look for quality footage. Hero 8 is superior to the previous model, but it’s not hard to see why.
It’s double the price of the Hero 7 and has top-notch video quality. If neither of these options suits you well, don’t forget to check out our roundup of the best GoPro for motorcycles if you like the idea of going off-road.
