GoPro HERO8 vs 7 Black (2021): Is It Worth Upgrading to the New HERO8 Black?

When GoPro unveiled its flagship GoPro HERO8 Black, the HERO7 Black saw a significant price drop. Their price difference fluctuates from 60 to 90 USD depending on the sale. As both can shoot 4K60 videos and 12MP photos, is it worth spending the extra cash on the new HERO8 Black? Whether you’re in the market for your next GoPro action camera or are on the fence about upgrading, our thorough comparison below of the GoPro HERO8 Black and HERO7 Black will help you make the call. 

GoPro HERO8 vs 7 Black Action Camera Comparison Chart

Design and Build

The GoPro HERO8 Black no longer requires a separate mounting frame, making it lighter than the HERO7 Black

As GoPro’s line of HERO cameras is the preferred action camera of thrill-seekers and athletes alike, it comes as no surprise that the latest HERO iteration finally comes with a built-in mounting mechanism. Unlike the previous HERO generations, the new HERO8 Black comes with foldable mounting fingers on its base. This alleviates the need for a mounting frame that can be a nuisance to attach and detach whenever you need to mount your GoPro HERO7. 

The GoPro HERO8 Black is lighter than the HERO7 Black if you consider the added weight of the mounting frame. The HERO8 Black weighs 126g while the HERO7 weighs a total of 142g with the mounting frame attached. While the weight difference may seem insignificant to many, users who often attach their GoPro HERO to their helmets or hold them for extended periods will notice the subtle difference. The GoPro HERO7 Black is also noticeably thicker than the sleek HERO8 Black. Add a mounting frame to the equation and you have a much bulkier model. 

Another upgrade found in the GoPro HERO8 Black is its line of mods designed specifically for the latest HERO camera. Among the mods that GoPro has unveiled so far are the Media Mod, Light Mod, and Display Mod. These compatible accessories may just make the HERO8 the go-to camera not just of active users, but of vloggers, content creators, and filmmakers alike. 

Image and Video Quality

Both the GoPro HERO8 and HERO7 Black have 12MP sensors, but the HERO8 Black boasts updated stabilization technology

Most of the upgrades found in the GoPro HERO8 Black are in its design and extra features. Just like its predecessor, the HERO8 Black is equipped with a 12MP sensor that can shoot 12MP photos and 4K60 footage. Where GoPro focused its update is on the HERO8 Black’s stabilization. The HERO7 Black’s HyperSmooth stabilization is already impressive, but the HERO8 Black boasts HyperSmooth 2.0 and horizon leveling through the app. This results in smoother footage that looks like it was shot using a gimbal.  

LiveBurst mode and shooting night lapse videos are among the features available in the new HERO8 Black that the HERO7 Black lacks. Similar to iPhone’s Live mode, LiveBurst can record moments before and after you take the shot so you can choose the best frame. Users who enjoy the HERO7 Black’s TimeWarp will be thrilled with the HERO8 Black’s TimeWarp 2.0. This update gives you the freedom to change the speed settings of your time-lapse and hyper-lapse shots on the HERO8 Black. 

Battery Life and Additional Features

The GoPro HERO8 Black and HERO7 Black have the same battery life and can be used for live streaming, but the resolution is better on the HERO8 when doing a live stream. 

With their 1220mAh Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery, shooting for hours with the HERO8 Black and HERO7 Black won’t pose a problem. They also use a USB-C cable for charging so you won’t need to pack an extra cable should you already have other devices that connect through USB-C as well. If you already own a battery for the HERO7 Black, you can also use it with the HERO8 Black in case you want a spare. 

Robust and waterproof, both the HERO8 and HERO7 Black can withstand submersion of up to 30 meters or 33 feet. GoPro users who like sharing their activities live will like the live streaming feature of the HERO8 Black and HERO7 Black. The HERO8 Black can directly live stream 1080p HD videos while the HERO7 Black’s maximum resolution when live streaming is only 720p. 

Verdict

The GoPro HERO8 Black‘s upgrades are worth the extra dollars, but those who want to save a smidge will still find the HERO7 Black an excellent purchase

Perhaps the major reasons why you should go for the GoPro HERO8 Black are the built-in mounting fingers, better stabilization, and the upcoming mods for the HERO8. Their small price difference becomes insignificant if you consider the HERO8 Black mods that you can take advantage of once they’re released.

On its own, however, the HERO8 Black’s current upgrades from the GoPro HERO7 Black are not as groundbreaking as we had hoped. Those who want to save a couple of dollars will still enjoy the HERO7 Black’s stunning video and still photo quality. If you’re on a tighter budget, you may want to consider the GoPro HERO7 Silver which retails under 200USD.