Lengend says he will *pin this comment* written by a huge fan.

1:35 Rip that phone

I still don't hve gopro 1 and im still watching this .

By far the best video on the Hero 9 that is out to date!! No one else mentioned that metal lens mount-in the long run, that’s the killer feature! When I heard about the super wide I didn’t care, it’s plenty wide now!! But a 1X, 2X or even 5X would be fantastic!! GoPros main competition for the average user is a smartphone, these updates push it way over the top against them: legitimate action cam, better stabilization, now a long lens, all in a smaller size.

I just received my Hero9 this morning, upgrading from the Hero8. For me there were enough changes (large and small) to justify the upgrade. #1 by far is the removable lens. #2 is the addition of the front screen view. #3 is longer battery life. #4 is I like how the power and start/stop buttons are easier to find without looking at the camera, I always have to look at the 8 to turn it on/off. #5, funny enough, is that the battery door opens further than the 8 does. I constantly kept popping off the door by accident. #beagoodhuman

The water mic drain test actually does work. You can hear a clear difference. I'm surprised you as the producer was not able to tell the difference. Audio at 11:10 compared to 11:17. The audio from the Gopro 8 sounds more muted.

Learn from this guy everyone. He wanted to do a video comparison. So he brought wifey and kiddo to the beach and he messed around with the cameras. Win win for everyone. Subbed sir.

Just got the Hero 8 literally a few days ago, the upgrade is not worth it. You can give a great camera to anybody, it does not mean they will produce great content. How you film and edit is by far a much more important skill of film making. I’m loving the 8 so far, and will see what the 10 will look like. Thanks for the review to help dispel any questions people may have had. Great stuff 🙏🏽🔥😎

2:02 Nice

11:13 but the audio from the hero9 still sounds better after the water dunk test!

One thing I have been observing from early looks, the hero 8 appears to be better in low light than the 9. Not that either of these will be great in low light, but it is something to note.

I just upgraded from the GoPro 7 and am super happy. If I had the 8, I'd upgrade just for that removable lens again 🔥 Horizon Leveling is incredible, love it!

Hey, you are a motorcycle rider, aren't you? Here is another reason to upgrade from the 8 - horizon leveling. If you install it on a motorcycle and ride twisties or on a track, then you can capture those MotoGP-like moments of lean, when you can see your bike and body leaning all the way into the turn while the horizon stays level.

IMHO, the GoPro Hero 9's "horizon leveling" has rendered all other action cameras, including all previous GoPro models, obsolete!

"back in the day when we had Hero 4's and 3's..." Me looking in the corner at my Hero 2 I still have lmao

I seemed to notice a big difference in out of water quality vs. the 8, am I missing something here?

5k is good for stabilisation and the horizen levelling is impressive I wish phones would incorporate that tech

I got my HERO3+ the day they came out here in Australia, I'm still a happy customer, even the rubber is sticky nowadays so it is harder to drop. D:

It’s nice to see the Carlsbad sign on video. I live there.

DO A LOW LIGHT TEST Between the two cameras and you’ll soon realize it’s not worth the upgrade. For whatever reason there is a huge difference in low light on these cameras. I’m actually sending my Hero 9 back tomorrow. While I love the front facing camera, at the end of the day, the quality matters and for this particular camera the Hero 8 is far superior in low light situations when almost every other aspect of the two cameras are the same. I’m hoping a software update happens one day and then I will re-purchase the Hero 9 but for right now it’s not worth the $450 upgrade. Call my friends told me about some of the issues and I didn’t listen to them and went ahead and bought this camera. Well they were right and it’s being sent right back to GoPro tomorrow!

It's crazy to think the beach footage isn't color graded/corrected. Here I am with my hero 3 thinking I'm not missing out on much, then doing some research and realizing how far these cameras have come. Wow, I'm pretty much sold on at minimum getting a hero 8, possibly the 9 if the budget allows. Thanks

Great insightful video. I have the 8 and I am still in love with it. I don't think I'll upgrade to this year's version but it is definitely interesting to see how GoPro is making big strides every year

Si tenes la 8 no creo que sea importante cambiar a la 9. Si tenés 5,6 o 7 si. Gracias David

After discovering your channel I dove face first into the GoPro world with the Hero 8 back in July. I have since accumulated a handful of batteries and loads of accessories. I am glad you suggest that its not a necessary upgrade to the 9 at this point. I think buying new accessories and batteries alone is what will stop me for now. Would love to see a full vlog of a trip or adventure completely on the 9 though!

We already talked about why i prefer a lens that is not removable, but seeing that the mount system is no longer plastic, im excited to see how it performs. My 7’s lens from constant removal felt “loose”. And i had fogging issues, now that its metal, i feel confident that if i start having those same issues, a new lens will fix the problem. After all, the metal “mount” wont wear over time from plastic friction. Love the front screen for vloggin! Totally upgrading from the 8! @Davidmanning you should make a poll on your channel to see how many plan to get it 😬

For me personally, I see no reason to upgrade from my 7. I need a 1 inch sensor and better low light performance. Front screen, horizon leveling and 5k don’t help me out much when the sensor can’t go past 800iso without absolutely murdering the quality.

Honestly Go Pro 5,6,7 and 8 are still good! People need to know that editing plays a big role too. Besides, you don't use your go pro that much anyway.

How are we gonna see the difference between 5k and 4k when the clip on youtube is at only 1080p?

I have my hero 9 ordered and I also have the 8 and max really impressed in the direction they are going.

The sound was better on the 9 after immersion in water, definitely

🤔Morgan does know not to get into vans with strangers, right? 😂🤣 Great video man.

This is the best comparison video on gopro 9! Thanks for making it short and simple, covering only the major differences. And for dumbing it down for non-techies! Other videos never even mentioned about the front screen, let alone the new lens, new battery, and hind sight recording. The front screen is a deal breaker for me and can’t decide between the osmo, 8, and 9. But I love how well you compared all 3! I held back on the osmo because of it’s poor video and audio. And I didn’t want to spend and extra $75 for the front camera mod on the 8. But you have me sold on the 9! I’m getting an open-box of the 9 on Best Buy, which almost comes close to the cost of the 8 and front camera mod (which is hard to find on sale)!

I've been using the SanDisk 128GB Ultra Plus on both my Hero 4 & Hero 5 at 4.7K 60fps with no recording errors & write speed to my WD 1TB Internal drives at 19MB/s. Proxy Editing on Adobe Premier 2022 then Export at 4K .H264. It took me much trial & error to achieve these settings! On another note I find that the white balance setting in these cameras nowadays is so accurate that's the only automatic setting that I use everything else is manual limiting my ISO to 400 and setting the audio on stereo or Sometimes using an external wireless mic and the picture size at the narrow setting!

*Has 658 camera mounts, and 1 car seat!*

I’m buying my first GoPro . For boating and videos with my family. Suggestion on buying 8 or 9 for the money?

Nice vlog , the 9 is a game changer . I endured GoPro Hero 8 Black and 7 Black both produced stunning quality. The 9 feels better to hand , nice size.

I definitely noticed that on ur beach shot the GoPro hero 8 it’s a lot more stable u noticed this if u look at the background the 9 is shakier at 9:32

I would have liked to have a seen a direct comparison in different environments, such as somewhere slightly darker than the beach. I've got an 8 and I've found that it does start to struggle in darker environments (ie inside buildings and airplanes) so the bigger sensor with probably better lower light capability is what I'm most excited about. Cheers

Do you choose DJI Osmo action or GoPro 9?

I need an upgrade. Im still rocking a hero 3+ black

Awesome vid! I think I’m gonna upgrade from hero 7 silver to the hero 9 black!

Finally.... my Sunday has been waiting for this! Thank you. Your videos are super helpful.

Just ordered my, a bloody huge upgrade from the GoPro HERO, the first one, no joke have waited way too long, just feel like this one is just really worth it!

2:02, paused is what you've been waiting for!

I sure hope so because I ordered one yesterday. 😉

I am a blind photographer and visual creator. I still didn’t order my Insta360 1R, for me the important things for the action cameras are saturated colours, gimbal like feeling and the ability to stream straight out of the box. As you were saying, this thing with the 15 seconds buffer is very big! And I guess, sometimes taking photos with the action cam is easier than firing up my Fuji XT4, especially when I am shooting out in the city.

Ordered one today. Also I'm coming from a hero3

Gopro deserves credit for how masterfully they DON'T release improvements! After 9 of these things, it's obvious now that this isn't the bumble of a young innocent start up, but the calculated baiting of current customers into a new "improved" futire product.

Just got the 8. Won’t be upgrading till at least the 10 lol.

Great overview. As I have said, you talk to all levels of expertise and make it easy to follow. Likely still upgrade from 8 to 9 as the resell value of 8 will almost cover the deal cost of the 9 if you can catch the deal.

I have the Hero 4 session which I love for the small form..is it worth upgrading and when does the 10 come out?

Enjoying mine this weekend. Definitely worth it.

Do you want to go ride in my van? That sounded X-rated.

Was waiting for this one! Really looking forward to a Osmo Action comparison!! Awesome vid man!

Just got a Hero 9. Still learning how to use it. I noticed the preview mode on your phone doesn't work while filming, so if you mount it on your head or chest and want to see what you film, you're outta luck.

I still have the 3+... this will be a great day when I get it comes tomorrow! Where did you get that hat? So sick!

I was waiting for this!!

David just bought Go Pro 8 at costco. seeing the front screen and removable front lens I decided to get the Hero 9 . I'm also in SD NC so glad to see our local beaches.

Nice man. Ordered mine last night from the GoPro site. Can’t wait to get it in a few days. I’m upgrading from the Hero 5 - so this is going to be a huge upgrade! Thanks again for putting these videos together. Very helpful. Also, we just moved away from Los Angeles a few months back to upstate New York. Your videos are making me miss California big time man!

I got the 7, not gonna upgrade because I dont think the diffrence is that big.

If anyone is watching my analytics, I’d like to explain. My finger slipped and accidentally paused @2:03. Then again @2:04

Idk how ur channel hasnt blown up yet been watching since 1k subs, best EVER

I ordered mine day it released... upgrading from a hero 5. Much needed upgrade imo. New to your channel! Enjoying all your stuff. Notifications turned on!

I’d rather upgrade my phone this year than upgrade my Hero 8. It’s neat, true, but I’ve used my GoPro so little overall that I don’t see it a good value.

Woah a new one already? Still on my 7 why would i upgrade?

12:12 How are we supposed to tel the difference between 4k and 5k when you uploaded in 1080p? Also looks like image sharpening was on on the 8 and not on as high on the 9. At 1080p the 8 at 4k looks sharper than the 9 at 5k on my 55" 4k screen.

I only had options up to 1080 on the video? How am I supposed to know what 4k looks like?

Upgraded from the hero 8 to the hero 9 just for the front screen and is completely worth it

Wow! truly an awesome camera...I can't wait for the NEW OSMO ACTION 2!!!

Over all, very good comparison and a job well done. Thank you for furthering my knowledge on the two cameras. I did hear a difference in the water test, and I'm wondering if it would have been even more of a difference if you reversed the order and let us listen to the 8 first. It had an unfair advantage of a few seconds to drain water. Second, I think when comparing videos it would be better to stack them on top of each other rather than side to side. If you have a bright left side of pic or vid and darker right side, it makes it harder to see the slight nuances. Maybe a landscape shot with bright sky and darker "land" would be good to do side by side....?

Go check the GoPro support forums and see all the reported problems then decide whether the upgrade is worth it. I just RMA'd my Hero 9. Too many issues to list here.

Your baby's cute! She's always serious in every part of your videos. Haha. More power!

hero 7 still good

My last GoPro is 3+ and I just ordered this couple of days ago. Can’t wait! Great video👍🏼

Does not worth because: 1. It will crash, much more often than you expect. 2. The touch screen is super hard to use and will annoy you every day. 3. The scheduled capture is not working. Of course GoPro won't admit it, but will "Improve" it with some not specified in time firmware update. 4. The max lens mod wouldn't first screw to the correctly to the camera, after 100 tries and scrubbing metal from the lens body, it will eventually somehow will. 5. GoPro support is of course friendly but useless and keeps repeating their scripts almost like bots. 6. After spending 4 hours with GoPro support, uploading videos for them to prove DOA, they will take 2-3 weeks to exchange the faulty product.

Dunno why they would come out with a front screen with the same issue the Osmo had. I mean I guess they can say its not a "problem" because it was designed with low frame rate vs the Osmo actually being bugged. Just seems like GoPro should of had that front screen developed perfectly by now.

Awesome.... been looking forward to thus one 🤟

this is by far the best review I've seen on this. that 15 sec hindsight rec!! total game changer!! you sold me.

Hey David, I've watched a few of your videos and this is the one that made me subscribe. I'm contemplating upgrading from the Hero 8 to the 9. Keep up the great work Bro.

Just got mine literally hours ago, nearly charged, so let’s do this ✌🏾

Came here to look at a bikini, now I gotta buy a Hero 9. Great video!

With the 9 David, can you shut off the front screen while running the back? Can you turn off both while recording? The reason I ask is is filming wildlife. Obviously I cant run the front when close to animals and in lowlight conditions at dawn and dusk (greatest wildlife activity), one would need to turn off both screens to remain covert. Your videos are SUPER helpful. Thanks!

In my opinion the main advantages are removable lens and horizon leveling (less work in post-production). That's why I sold a Hero 8 and bought a Hero 9. I had H6, H7 and H8 before, every change was very big for me. H6 and H7 freezes continuously, H8 is OK.

Def worth a look for people that had the 8 early and want the newest stuff, otherwise you nailed it! Anyone on a 5,6,7... this is a no brainer. Great video!!

I need that horizontal leveling!! When is the max lens coming out?

Dude, by far the best review I have seen. I had zero clue on which GoPro to get and now I know. Thanks for the video.

Awesome video David!! I am so stoked about this 9!! I have the 8 now and I am getting the 9 to go with my 8 asap! Your review on it was awesome.. so many possibilities and features. Thank you David! I look forward to more videos!

You say multiple times “if you have a hero 7 black upgrade for sure”. Why? Can you give a few big reasons in your personal experience?

Looks like my Hero 7 stays another year

Thanks for the video. So the GoPro Pro 3.5 Mic Adapter will work on the Hero 9?

I just bought the 8 two days before the Hero 9 came out from Costco, after watching your’s and others videos, I took it back an ordered the Hero 9 with subscription, currently waiting for it. The features seem like a nice upgrade and I need to future proof my investment since I’ll have this for years. Looking forward for mine to show up! I like your video’s!

Could you also do a osmo action vs the hero 9! THANKS DUDE!!

I’m the idiot who waited years to buy one. Finally did. The day after they released the 9.

Love your review my friend. I got my hero 9 the other day. Love the front screen when doing vlogging and changeable lens. Stay safe and regards from Australia.. 🧡👍

Buying my first gopro. My questions is about support. Im always afraid to go back too many iterations, because it wont get updates anymore.

I just upgraded my 8 to the 9, but figured I'd check out a review anyway...This was the first video I clicked on and then was shocked to see you driving through SEH. Hello neighbor. ;)

The only answer is: you should have never bought the Hero 8 Will be waiting for the comparison with Osmo Action

Ohh dude that’s Best Buy off Jefferson!! How awesome, I grew up in San Marcos. Good to see a local KZfaqr make it big :) love the sprinter btw

Love my hero 8 and Max, but that horizon leveling is dope

Got the 4. Then the 7 Now I wait for the 10 with 3.5 mic input!!! "Gopro are you listening" Great review 👏 BTW