GoPro Hero 9 Black
Announced September 16, 2020
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The GoPro Hero 9 Black introduces a front-facing color display, a higher-resolution sensor capable of 5K video, and a larger battery that provides significantly longer runtime than previous models. That said, its increased physical size renders older batteries and accessories incompatible, and users may encounter occasional software instability.
Weighted from 38 reviewer scores
Pros
- Effective in-camera HyperSmooth 3.0 stabilization and horizon leveling
- Versatile dual-screen design featuring a front-facing color LCD for framing
- High-resolution 5K video capture and 20-megapixel still photos
- Extended battery life and removable lens cover design
- Rugged, waterproof build quality suitable for harsh conditions
Cons
- Frequent software bugs, freezing, and touchscreen unresponsiveness
- Weak low-light performance and grain in dark scenes
- Larger, heavier body incompatible with legacy batteries and mods
- High price point and recurring subscription costs for advanced features
- Demanding hardware requirements for editing 5K footage
- Launch price $449.99 (USD)
- Sensor 23.6MP
What the Reviewers Say
All 38 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
Is this product missing a reputable review? Share a link to a review article or YouTube video for consideration.
-
Owners of the 7 and 8 will certainly be tempted, but it’s a significant upgrade over older models, as well as an ideal choice for anyone buying their first action camera.
-
You can still get older models for even cheaper, but the Hero 9’s front-facing screen and extra battery life are worth the extra cash.
- The Verge 8.5/10
Add all that up and the Hero 9 is the biggest, baddest action camera out there — a camera that makes me want to keep up with it.
- WIRED 9/10
Pair that with a new sensor that captures 5K video, a full-color front screen, and the ability to pull 14-megapixel stills from video, and you have a compelling reason to upgrade if you haven't done so in a few years.
-
The GoPro Hero 9 Black’s most important changes are to do with ease of use rather than image quality, but there’s nothing wrong with that.
-
The latter makes it ready for GoPro’s new Max Lens Mod, though at its core this action camera’s excellent stabilization, clever time-lapse modes and higher resolutions make the Hero9 Black pricey, but worth it despite its larger physical size than previous iterations.
-
GoPro's Hero9 Black action cam delivers excellent, stabilized 5K video and ups still quality, but not everyone should spend more when the Hero8 Black is still available for less.
-
The GoPro Hero 9 Black is the most powerful and versatile action camera you can buy, but for most people its predecessor offers better value.
-
With 5K video and a front-facing display, the GoPro Hero9 Black is the new action camera to beat.
-
By offering it with insurance and cloud storage for a discount, GoPro is begging you to buy one. If you need the best action camera in the market, you can’t beat the HERO9.
-
The same goes for those with a stash of batteries, none of which will work in the new camera. That said, there are plenty of reasons to like the Hero 9, and if you've been on the GoPro fence, now is as good a time as any to jump in.
-
There's a few minor concerns, but all in all, I think it's the best GoPro yet.
- Digital Trends 7/10
The Hero9 Black is as good as it gets, but its major improvements hold little real-world benefit over the Hero8.
-
So there you have it, that's the new GoPro Hero9 Black in a nutshell. I really like having the front screen and I'm okay with the extra size and weight to get the removable lens cover and of course more battery life.
-
The increased resolution in video and photo, paired with the impressive stability options, made the GoPro Hero9 Black the ultimate action camera.
-
The very fact that this level of image quality is available in such a tiny device continues to amaze me each time a new camera is released. GoPro has just upped the ante yet again.
-
It can also be a great vlogging option, but I wouldn't recommend it as your main camera for capturing professional footage.
-
The GoPro Hero 9 Black is the most capable GoPro you can buy right now, and new features including a front-facing colour display improve the overall experience, but there’s still much to be desired when it comes to low-light performance.
-
Ultimately, if it’s been a while since you’ve upgraded, or you’ve just been waiting to get in on the action camera game, this is the best GoPro yet.
-
It clicks some good HDR images, detailed shots and shoots really well using a bunch of features, a sensor with more megapixel cramped in, and goes on for a longer time considering it has a bigger battery than before.
-
If you have a model older than the GoPro Hero 7, the Hero 9 will seem like a huge upgrade. Not only is the image quality better, but you’ll also have a touchscreen with presets for easier control, buttery-smooth video, and better sound quality.
-
It has a bigger sensor which can shoot 5K30 videos, and 20MP stills. Those are all solid improvements, and if you are looking for an action camera, the GoPro Hero 9 Black makes perfect sense [...]
-
Well, depends on how aggressive you are when using the camera. But, if you don’t have an action camera or have skipped the last couple of generations, I think the HERO9 is a great upgrade.
-
I think the Hero9 Black is the best GoPro since the update from the Hero4 silver-body style to the Hero5 grey- and then black-body style.
-
There's plenty of cool pros on the list, but some major cons as well, like that glitching and freezing issue. [...] $450 is still a lot of money and there's a lot of competition out there.
- Offroad 8/10
The GoPro Hero9 Black is a fantastic, high-quality camera – for both video and stills – with some truly impressive software stabilisation and effects. It’s very rugged and does just about everything you could want.
-
Because the thing is is for 450, this is some insane quality. The image quality you can get out of this thing, the the different features that it has for 450 bucks, it's it's a very impressive camera as as long as it doesn't freeze up on you.
-
As far as who this is really for, if you're into action and stuff, this is a no-brainer. If you don't have an action camera, get this one.
-
The GoPro Hero 9 Black is an incredibly powerful action camera with a wealth of premium features that all come together to deliver stunning results.
-
“I’ve been using the Hero9 since its launch and have, quite simply, been left blown away by the boost in stabilisation and video quality this camera brings.
-
So for under 500, you can get a really solid action camera that you can use to film everyday things in your life, and so that is totally worth it.
-
This is plain and simple the best action camera currently available to the public.
-
The GoPro Hero 9 is a great action camera with which you can't go wrong.
- We Are Explorers 90/100
If you want a high quality GoPro without the price tag of the latest and greatest, the Hero 9 is a very smart investment.
-
The gripes you had with all the previous models? Consider them solved.
-
The GoPro HERO9 met the challenge of smoothly recording a great day of skiing challenging terrain!
-
If you don't have one, there's no reason not to go straight for this one. It really is good, in my opinion [...] But, it is an updated camera that comes with some really cool features, guys.
-
The Hero 9 isn't flashy anymore. It's not the best at everything, but it's good enough at a lot of things.
