The GoPro Max vs Hero 9 are two wildly different cameras which are deciding the use-case will dictate which model you should purchase. The Hero9 can capture in 4K at 60fps and offers voice control, while the GoPro Max offers depth sensing, external mic options, and a color LCD touchscreen. This article will go through everything there is to know about these action cameras.

GoPro Hero 9 Vs Max Comparison

GoPro Hero Black Vs Gopro Max: Design

The flagship cameras of the most renowned company are the GoPro Max and Heroes 9.

The Hero Max measures 64W x 69H x25D (mm) and is larger than any HERO action cam. It’s roughly the same width as the HERO 8 but is 20mm higher.

The HERO9 Black is 5mm larger than the HERO8 Black in all dimensions. The cameras all share smooth edges and a rubberized, grippy finish. They also have highly sturdy construction.

All cameras are now frameless, unlike the previous GoPro model requiring a frame mounting. Use GoPro mounts to make your creational ideal webcam setup.

The Hero Max weighs in at 154g. This is surprisingly lighter than the HERO9 Black’s 158g. The HERO8 weighs in at 126g.

 

Features

Bloggers should not use the HERO8 Black as it does not have a front-facing screen. You can purchase GoPro’s Display & Media Mods to attach a flip-up screen, but it is cheaper to buy the HERO9 Black with a front-facing view-screen.

Like the HERO 8, Black, the twin-lens Max only has one touchscreen at its rear. You can quickly flip between the views of either lens using the screen or the rear lens.

All three cameras can use many of the excellent GoPro software features, such as TimeWarp hyper-lapse video and HyperSmooth stability. The HERO9 Black is the latest version and offers additional functions.

While timewarps with the Max allow you to change your direction, it is more cinematic and takes longer to film. This also requires more editing in post-production.

You can use the cameras outdoors without the need for housing. The HERO cameras can be submerged to depths up to 10m. However, the Max camera is limited to submersion to 5m.

GoPro Hero 9 Vs Gopro Max: Video Quality And Modes

The Hero 9 is GoPro’s first Hero range camera to shoot a 5K video. This is a significant improvement on the Hero 8 and allows for the highest quality GoPro video. The GoPro produces sharp videos, as evident by the clips that have been shot using it.

GoPro is known for its excellent color technology, and the Hero 9 reaps the benefits. The standard action camera has a high dynamic range and can preserve details. The Hero 9 is best at night, but it will struggle to capture quality images in darkness.

This is not surprising as action cameras use tiny sensors in their lenses.

Thanks to Hero 9’s many framerates and video resolutions, you have creative control over how your video is captured. My personal preference is to shoot in 4K at 60fps.

This is the best way to capture smooth-moving video with high quality. This is possible with the Hero 9, as well as super slow motion 120fps @1440p or 240fps at 1080p. Slow-motion is easy to capture and will look even better than any other phone’s photos.

The Hero 9 also features detachable lenses for the first time. GoPro may release other lenses in the future that could add additional functionality to the camera.

The Hero 9 has been a great little camera. I have used it since its launch. You have many manual options, and the final result is impressive for a small camera that fits in your palm.

The GoPro Max is an entirely different beast, and in some ways, it’s even more impressive. Two lenses are used by the Max to capture 360 videos at 5.7K video resolution.

Although this video resolution is more significant than Hero 9, the final result is not as sharp. This is because the 5.7K pixels must be spread out around 360 degrees, while the Hero 9’s 5K can fit into 120 degrees.

Although 360 videos may not be as sharp, it has huge creative potential. 360 video captures the entire environment around you simultaneously. It doesn’t matter if you point your action camera at any action; it will capture it. 360-degree photography is a great way to capture every moment.

After you have shot the 360 videos, you can use the GoPro app to reframe the image (you can choose where the camera is pointing). Here’s how a Max-reframed video looks.

Although the Max can take more shots than the Hero 9, there is a substantial loss in quality. You can upload your 360 videos unframed and view them on a VR headset.

Hero Mode, which only uses one of the two lenses to capture “normal” video, is another Max mode. This mode is great for those who want to combine 360 and standard video.

It turns the Max into two cameras. Hero mode can only capture 1440p @30fps and 1080p @60fps. Although the resolutions are not as high as in 2020, they are still sufficient to shoot content for social media.

Photography

Although you won’t be purchasing these GoPro cameras solely to take photos, it’s nice to know that there are other options. The Hero 9 is the best action camera for photography in this instance.

There are several photo modes on the hero 9, including HDR and Raw, which can produce some really impressive images. It can beat a DSLR. It won’t, and in fact, some phones can out-shoot it. But, for quick shots, it’s not bad.

The Max is not as good as the Hero 9, lacking the same photo options. The Max has one advantage: it can take 360-degree photos, which is a lot of fun. I don’t use the photo mode very often.

Stabilization

Although the GoPro Hero 9’s stabilization is impressive, it’s not as good as the Max’s. If your action camera cannot provide great stabilization, it is pointless investing in one. GoPro has created a very smooth stabilization program.

Hyper smooth is available on the GoPro Hero 9 & Max, so you don’t need any additional gear to create smooth videos.

You can expect the best stabilization that any action camera can provide. The latest version of Hyper smooth is installed on the Go Pro Hero 9. Although it works great, you will get some footage that isn’t the most fun to watch no matter what happens.

GoPro recommends that Hypersmooth be set to 2.7K for extreme sports. This will allow you to get the best out of Hypersmooth. This increases the stability feature.

While the Hero 9’s stabilization is impressive, the GoPro Max has a better rating. The Max can make even the craziest action shots look professional and stable, which standard action cameras aren’t capable of doing.

However, it is worth noting that Max’s great stabilization can result in a slight decrease in video quality. The tradeoff is worth it, however.

FAQs

Is The Gopro Max Really Worth It?

Yes. The 360-degree action camera GoPro Hero Max allows you to see the entire scene without losing any of the most exciting moments. It allows you to be creative with your videos in ways that traditional action cameras cannot.

Which Has Better Stability, The Go Pro Max Or Hero 9?

The GoPro Hero 9’s stabilization is impressive, but the Max is unbeatable. Its stabilization can make even the craziest videos look professional and smoother as a 360-action camera.

Which Should You Choose, The Go Pro Max Or Hero 9?

The Hero 9 is the best choice for impressive specs and the most recent technology. The Max is better if you are looking for creativity and versatility.

Conclusion

Comparing Hero 9 to Max is like comparing a motorcycle to a car. Both the Max Vs GoPro Hero9 can be great, but you’ll likely prefer one. If you’re an experienced shooter and want a bigger, better camera, the Hero 9 might not be for you with detachable lens and dual screens.

But if you’re a beginner looking to get into photography or a more experienced user who wants a simple, reliable shooting experience, the Max is a great choice. DreamCheeky hopes you found this article useful and could help you make the right decision.