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The market for action and adventure-oriented cameras is certainly vast, but with a bit of knowledge, it’s easy to determine what’s worth the time and what isn’t. Whether you’re looking to document your upcoming trip, take to the streets on a skateboarding mission with friends, or provide an immersive behind-the-scenes look at your daily life, GoPro’s industry-leading platforms have remained a solid choice for both the beginning videographer and the professional capture connoisseur.
It’s no secret that the company’s well-rounded action cameras have stood out as the medium’s most lauded, providing imaginative creators a way to tell their stories in vivid detail. But with the progression of time and talent, the need for a more innovative platform seems almost natural, placing GoPro in the precarious position of cutting-edge implementation. As a result, the company’s newest offerings — HERO8 Black and MAX — have caused a commotion within an industry primed for change, offering two elaborative platforms to take your creative endeavors to an entirely new level. Below, we’ll outline the strengths of each and give you a better grasp of which one is best for you.
GoPro HERO8 Black
A Versatile Cinematic Experience
HERO8 Black is the latest elaborative camera system to be introduced to GoPro’s HERO action line. It features a new, streamlined take on the classic GoPro design, plus a built-in frameless mounting system that’s sure to be an instant hit among run-and-gun video creators. This 12-megapixel wonder is adept at a variety of things, including 4K60, 2.7K120, and 1080p240 video capture, and offers unparalleled HyperSmooth 2.0 video stabilization with Boost for unbelievably smooth footage, as well as TimeWarp 2.0, which allows for the creation of seamless time lapse content.
To give HERO8 Black even more of an edge on its competition, GoPro made it compatible with over 30 of its accessories. Everything from mountable light systems, microphone setups, and protective housings can be used alongside the camera, making it a jack-of-all-trades in versatility. The implementation of a built-in mounting system, touch screen capabilities, and 33-foot waterproofing make HERO8 Black an intuitive platform for any aspiring user, while still retaining many of the trusted properties that filmmakers look for in a well-rounded device. Better yet, HERO8 Black improves upon the flagship’s performance through a never-before-seen built-in digital lenses, which allows users to cycle through SuperView, Wide, Linear, and Narrow lens types to compose their shot in the best way possible.
GoPro MAX
The Quintessential 360-Degree Camera
GoPro’s MAX camera system is yet another capable offering from the brand, highlighting the same cutting-edge implementations as HERO8 Black but with an emphasis on immersive capture. Users have access to an array of video options, while also being able to record from a perspective not often seen in the industry’s leading variants. An 18-megapixel sensor joins forces with the camera’s bolstered 6K Source / 5.6K Stitched 360-degree video, which uses two different lenses to capture every possible angle, while a single-lens, HERO-style layout affords creators the ability to record traditional 1080p60 video.
The spherical-capture wizardry, classic HERO-style skills, and unparalleled vlogging
versatility combine to make MAX a 3-in-1 powerhouse camera. The built-in touch screen can be set to show the view from either lens, allowing users to frame and shoot the scene in front of them to have the perfect setup for self-capture. The 6-microphone audio system lets users prioritize the sound coming from either side of the camera in HERO mode or capture ultra-immersive spherical audio. After capturing 360-degree content, users can use the GoPro app to reframe their footage as traditional videos for easy sharing.
Like HERO8 Black, MAX is compatible with over 30 of GoPro’s accessories. The implementation of a built-in mounting system, Max HyperSmooth video stabilization, effortless in-camera stitching, and advanced audio make MAX a valuable proposition for prospective filmmakers who hope to push the platform outside of its comfort zone, illustrated through the device’s 16-foot water resistance. Create seamless time lapse content with the camera’s integrated Max TimeWarp capabilities, or stream your adventures in real time via its Wi-Fi + Bluetooth/GPS-enabled 1080p Live Streaming component. The options are endless when it comes to GoPro’s robust 360-degree offering.
Final Thoughts
The Next Generation Of Capture
Both HERO8 Black and MAX offer users everything they’ll need to document, create, and publish with ease. If you’re looking for a well-rounded device that packs GoPro’s most innovative time lapse capture, advanced stabilization technologies, and 4K+ video capabilities into a versatile, intuitive design, you’ll be glad to hear that both platforms will perform well above expectations. For users who decide to focus on a more modular platform with the ability to capture industry-leading slow-motion, detailed still images, and sharp 4K footage, the $399.99 HERO8 Black stands out as a quintessential offering that can handle the harshest environments, applications, and climates with ease.
On the other end of the spectrum, the $499.99 MAX is an attractive variant that brings industry-leading video stabilization and the best-looking 360-degree video to the table for creators who want a bit more from their compact camera platforms. It boasts the smoothest capture in the entire GoPro catalog, rivaled only by HERO8 Black, and takes on the company’s built-in digital lenses to provide filmmakers with a breadth of options to take their shot composition, creative vision, and innovative techniques to new heights.
Whichever you choose, rest assured: You’ll be privy to two of the industry’s most advanced and innovative camera systems at a fraction of the cost of a full-fledged professional setup.
