GoPro
GoPro HERO9 Black
The GoPro HERO9 Black is an action camera released in September 2020 at a launch price of $449.99. It records up to 5K video, takes 20 MP photos with RAW support, and adds a 1.4-inch front screen for framing yourself. It is made for people filming sports, travel and outdoor activity who want a small, waterproof camera they can mount almost anywhere.
- Launch price
- 449.99 USD
- Sensor size
- 1/2.3-inch
- Effective pixels
- 23.6 MP
- Max aperture
- 2.8 f-number?
- Max video resolution
- 5k
- Max frame rate
- 240 fps
5K video and 240 fps slow motion
The HERO9 Black records video at up to 5K resolution, which leaves room to crop or reframe in editing and still end up with a sharp 4K or 1080p clip. Its maximum frame rate is 240 fps, the setting to use for smooth slow motion of fast action.
Video is saved at up to 100 Mbps in H.264 or H.265 (HEVC). H.265 keeps files smaller at similar quality but needs a newer computer or phone to edit smoothly. Recording is 8-bit, so there is less latitude for heavy color grading than on cameras that record 10-bit.
Electronic image stabilization smooths out shake from running, biking or handheld shots. Timelapse is built in. HDR is available for photos (SuperPhoto) only; there is no HDR video mode.
Small sensor, 20 MP photos
The camera uses a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor with 23.6 MP effective pixels, and photos come out at up to 20 MP. RAW photo support means you can pull back highlights and adjust white balance in editing more than a JPEG allows.
A 1/2.3-inch sensor is small, which is typical for action cameras. It does well in daylight but collects less light than the larger sensors in many compact and mirrorless cameras, so expect more noise in dim scenes. There is no optical zoom and the lens is not interchangeable.
Two screens for vlogging and framing
On the back is a 2.27-inch touchscreen for menus and playback. The 1.4-inch front screen lets you check framing when the camera is pointed at you, which is useful for vlogging or helmet and chest mounts facing back at you. The rear screen is fixed and does not tilt or flip.
Three built-in microphones capture sound, and an external microphone works with GoPro's Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter or Media Mod, sold separately. There is no headphone output for monitoring audio while recording.
Battery life, storage and connections
The removable battery holds 1,720 mAh (6.62 Wh), and the rated recording runtime is 1.68 hours, about 101 minutes, by GoPro's figure at 1080p; reviewers measured 80 to 84 minutes at 5K and 4K. That figure is GoPro's claim at 1080p; reviewers measured about 80 to 84 minutes at 5K and 4K. A removable battery means you can carry spares and swap them on long days.
There is no built-in storage, so you need a microSD card (microSDHC or microSDXC) in its single slot. It has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, live streaming and a USB-C port. There is no HDMI port on the body; GoPro's Media Mod, sold separately, adds HDMI out.
Size, weight and waterproofing
The body weighs 158 g and measures 71 x 55 x 33.6 mm, small enough for helmet, handlebar and chest mounts. It is waterproof to 10 m, which covers swimming, snorkeling and rain.
Full specs
Overview
- Release date
- 2020-09
- Launch price
- 449.99 USD
Camera & Lens
- Sensor size
- 1/2.3-inch
- Sensor type
- cmos
- Effective pixels
- 23.6 MP
- Max aperture
- 2.8 f-number?
- Optical zoom
- 1 x
- Field of view
- 148 deg?
- Interchangeable lens
- No
Video Recording
- Max video resolution
- 5k
- Max frame rate
- 240 fps
- Max video bitrate
- 100 Mbps
- Bit depth
- 8 bit
- Recording codecs
- H.264, HEVC
- RAW video recording
- No?
- Stabilization
- eis
- Log recording
- No?
- HDR recording
- No
- Timelapse
- Yes
Photo
- Max photo resolution
- 20 MP
- RAW photo support
- Yes
Display
- Rear screen size
- 2.27 in
- Touchscreen
- Yes
- Rear screen articulation
- fixed
- Front screen size
- 1.4 in
- Rear screen brightness
- —
- Front screen brightness
- —
Audio
- Built-in microphones
- 3
- External mic input
- Yes
- Headphone output
- No
Storage
- Built-in storage
- 0 GB
- Memory card support
- microSD
- Memory card slots
- 1
Battery
- Battery capacity
- 1,720 mAh
- Battery energy
- 6.62 Wh
- Removable battery
- Yes
- Recording runtime
- 1.68 h
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi
- Yes
- Bluetooth
- Yes
- USB port
- usb_c
- HDMI port
- accessory
- Live streaming
- Yes
- GPS
- built-in
Body & Durability
- Weight
- 158 g
- Width
- 71 mm
- Height
- 55 mm
- Depth
- 33.6 mm
- Waterproof depth
- 10 m
- Waterproof depth with case
- —
- Lowest operating temperature
- —
- Highest operating temperature
- —
The Verdict
The HERO9 Black suits people who film their own sports, travel or outdoor activity and want 5K video, 240 fps slow motion and a front screen in a 158 g waterproof body. The removable battery and RAW photos add flexibility on long trips. Look elsewhere if you shoot mainly in low light, need 10-bit video for serious color grading, or need a headphone jack or HDMI output.
FAQ
How much did the GoPro HERO9 Black cost at launch?
It launched in September 2020 at $449.99. GoPro also sold it for $349.98 bundled with a one-year subscription, so you may see both prices.
Is the GoPro HERO9 Black waterproof?
Yes, it is waterproof to 10 m. That is enough for swimming, snorkeling and rain.
How long does the GoPro HERO9 Black battery last?
GoPro rates it at about 101 minutes (1.68 h) of recording at 1080p, while reviewers measured about 80 to 84 minutes at 5K and 4K. The 1,720 mAh battery is removable, so you can carry spares.
Does the GoPro HERO9 Black have a front screen?
Yes, it has a 1.4-inch front screen in addition to the 2.27-inch rear touchscreen. The front screen helps you frame shots of yourself.
What memory card does the GoPro HERO9 Black use?
It uses a single microSD card (microSDHC or microSDXC) and has no built-in storage.
