GoPro is a leader in the field of action cameras, which are always changing. They make cutting-edge gadgets that can record life’s most exciting moments. If you can’t decide between the GoPro Hero 7 and the GoPro Hero 9, this in-depth review will help you pick the proper one for your needs.
Table of Contents
Overview (GoPro Hero 7 vs GoPro Hero 9)
The GoPro Hero9 Black came out in September 2020, and the GoPro Hero7 Black came out in September 2018.
Hero7 Black is two years older than Hero9 Black, as you can see.
The Hero7 Black is the biggest and most important model in the line-up.
All of this means that the Hero7 Black can do everything the other two models can do and most of them.
New to the Hero9 Black is a 23.6-megapixel camera that can record 5K videos and take 20MP shots.
The Hero7 could only take 12MP photos and 4K videos. This is better.
The GoPro Hero 9 Black is the result of years of work on balancing algorithms.
Hyper Smooth 3.0 improves on the previous version by instantly fix any shaking or juddering in your video and making it incredibly smooth.
While it’s not the best GoPro on the market right now, the HERO 7 is still a powerful action camera that will meet the needs of many people.
| Feature | GoPro HERO9 | GoPro Hero 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | 23.6MP Sensor | Not specified |
| Video Resolution | 5K30 Video | 4K 60fps |
| Photo Resolution | 20MP Photos | Not specified |
| Display | Live View Front Display/Rear Touchscreen | Not specified |
| Webcam Model | Yes | Not specified |
| Live Streaming | 1080p Live Streaming | Smartphone app with streaming support |
| Feature Suites | PowerTools & Protune Feature Suites | Voice control |
| Time-Lapse | Yes | Not specified |
| Slo-Mo | 8x Slo-Mo | Up to 240fps at 1080p |
| Mounting | Built-In Flip-Out 2-Prong Mount | Not specified |
| Battery Capacity | 30% Longer 1720mAh Capacity Battery | Not specified |
| Image Stabilization | HyperSmooth 3.0 Image Stabilization | 4K 60fps recording with stabilization |
| Waterproof | 33′ Waterproof without External Housing | Waterproof to 33 feet |
Specifications: GoPro Hero 7 vs GoPro Hero 9
| Hero 9 | Hero 7 |
|---|---|
| Date of Announcement: 2020-09-16 | Date of Announcement: 2018-09-20 |
| 1/2.3 CMOS Sensor with 23MP | 1/2.3 CMOS sensor with 12 MP |
| f2.80/15mm prime lens | f2.80/15mm prime lens |
| Fixed Type Screen, 2.27″ | Fixed Type Screen, 2.00.” |
| Continuous frame rates | Continuous frame rates |
| 5120 x 2880 video resolution in 5.3K | A video resolution of 3840 x 2160 in 4K (UHD) |
| High-Speed Video at 240 FPS | High-Speed Video at 240 FPS |
| Internal Wireless | Internal Wireless |
| 158g. 71 x 55 x 34 mm | 116g. 62 x 45 x 33 mm |
| Climate-Sealed Body | Climate-Sealed Body |
GoPro Hero 9 pros & cons:
| Feature | GoPro Hero 9 | GoPro Hero 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 23.6MP Sensor | 4K 60fps recording with stabilization |
| Video & Photo Quality | 5K30 Video & 20MP Photos | Up to 240fps at 1080p |
| Display | Live View Front Display/Rear Touchscreen | Smartphone app with streaming support |
| Additional Display Feature | – | Voice control |
| Webcam Capability | Webcam Mode | – |
| Live Streaming | 1080p Live Streaming | Smartphone app with streaming support |
| Advanced Features | PowerTools & Protune Feature Suites | – |
| Time-Lapse & Night-Lapse | Yes | – |
| Slow Motion | 8x Slo-Mo | Up to 240fps at 1080p |
| Mounting Option | Built-In Flip-Out 2-Prong Mount | – |
| Battery Capacity | 30% Longer 1720mAh Capacity Battery | Battery life could be better |
| Image Stabilization | HyperSmooth 3.0 Image Stabilization | 4K 60fps recording with stabilization |
| Waterproof Capability | 33′ Waterproof without External Housing | Waterproof to 33 feet |
| Battery Redundancy Concerns | You will probably want to carry redundant batteries | – |
| Design & Build | – | Compact, rugged design |
| First Impression | – | Slightly bigger body and a color screen on the front |
Dual screen v/s Single Screen:
One of the best things about the Hero9 Black from GoPro is that it has a second display that is placed carefully on the front of the camera next to the lens.
The front screen can be used for more than just blogging; it can also be used to frame your photos well.
This setup has already been used by the Akaso Brave 7LE and the Campark V40. What you will like about the Hero9 Black is that you can use both screens at the same time.
One thing you can do on the GoPro Hero9 Black is turn off the front screen.
Rear screen:
The LCD screens on the back of both cameras can be touched, so you can use your finger to control them.
A bigger touch screen is better, especially for people with big fingers who need a bigger area to interact with the screen and for people who have trouble seeing small print. The Hero9 Black’s back display is much bigger than the Hero7 Black’s.
Lens:
Both cameras have lenses that can be switched out, which is a great tool for any sports camera.
The Hero7 White and Silver, on the other hand, can’t switch lenses.
People who owned the Hero8 Black will tell you how annoying it was that they couldn’t change the lens cover whenever they needed to.
One new thing from GoPro is the Max Lens Mod for the Hero9 Black. This will make the HyperSmooth 3.0 better and increase the field of view to 155°. The GoPro Hero9 Black and GoPro Hero7 Black both use 15mm F2.8 Prime lenses, which have the same focal length and can catch light.
Both cameras can open up to f2.80 at this focal length, and they both cover a wide 15mm range.
The zoom lens on both cameras has a focal length of 15mm and an aperture of f2.80 at its widest point.
The Field of View or Digital Lenses:
Field of View is what GoPro calls “digital lenses.”
The Hero9 Black has five digital lenses, while the Hero7 Black only has three.
Hero9 Black now has a new FOV called Horizon Leveling + Linear.
As soon as the camera is turned or set to a slanted level, it will line up on its own.
Horizon Leveling can only be done on the Hero7 Black with the app on your phone.
Weight and Dimensions:
These two cameras will have very different body sizes and weights.
The Hero9 Black’s battery is bigger than the Hero7 Black’s, so the camera will weigh more.
Between the Hero7 Black and Hero9 Black, the Hero9 Black is 66.3 mm wide, 48.6 mm tall, and 28.4 mm deep.
Audio Quality:
The sound quality of both cameras is the same, but some of you may be able to tell that the Hero9 Black made much louder sounds.
I suggest using an extra microphone if you need high-quality sound.
There are no special connections on either of these cameras for adding an external microphone.
The Media Mod for Hero9 Black is used by both cameras. It has a port for an external microphone, or you can buy a USB type C to 3.5mm converter.
Video Quality:
Because the 23.6-megapixel picture camera has been improved,
The GoPro Hero9 Black can record videos at a frame rate of 30 frames per second and a quality of 5K.
On the other hand, the Hero7 Black’s highest video quality of 4K is still very good these days.
The Hero7 Black has 720P, which is the lowest quality that a GoPro camera can offer. It has a better resolution than the Hero9 Black.
The Hero9 Black is a great choice if you need a camera that can record very clear details because it can shoot in 5K.
You’ll also notice that the Hero9 Black did a slightly better job of managing color and sharpness than the Hero7 Black.
Another thing is that the Hero7 Black still takes great videos, even better now that it costs less.
Photo Quality:
The Hero9 Black takes pictures that are brighter and clearer than the Hero7 Black.
The Hero7 Black takes pictures that are bright and clear enough to make a great impact. The clarity of the pictures is also good.
The two cameras can take photos that are very similar to each other.
The Hero9 Black is the best pick if file quality is important to you.
But the Hero7 Black will work just fine if all you need is a camera that takes nice, clear shots.
Time-Lapse:
By putting together frames taken in the Time Lapse mode at set times, you can make a movie that moves quickly.
The GoPro Hero9 Black has three pre-sets for its Time Lapse Mode: Time Warp Video (which is the default), Time Lapse, and Night Lapse.
The Hero7 Black, on the other hand, has Time Lapse Video, Time Lapse Photo, Night Lapse Photo, and TimeWarp Video.
The “time-lapse video” feature is on both cameras, but the “time-lapse photo” feature is not on the Hero9 Black. It is on the Hero7 Black.
This means that the camera will take frames of pictures at set times and save each one separately on the memory card.
After a while, you can pick which photos to keep and which ones to get rid of.
Slow motion:
When you’re skating, for example, you might choose to shoot video in slow motion instead of regular motion.
Both cameras can record 240 frames per second, which means you can record movies up to 8 times in slow motion.
When you use 4K video quality, which can only handle 60 frames per second, you can only manage two times as many slow-motion movies.
When these two cameras were put next to each other, they both got the same slow motion results.
Camera Sensor:
The GoPro Hero9 Black has a GP1 processor and a CMOS camera that is 23.0MP and 1/2.3 (6.17 x 4.55 mm).
The 12.0MP 1/2.3 (6.17 x 4.55 mm) CMOS camera in the GoPro Hero7 Black, on the other hand, is bigger.
The GoPro Hero9 Black’s sensor is 11MP better than the GoPro Hero7 Black’s sensor, which gives it a big edge in real life. It’s easier to print your photos bigger or crop them.
Please keep in mind, though, that resolving power is not just the highest sensing resolution.
The optical parts, low pass filter, pixel size, and camera technology all have an effect on the image’s end sharpness.
Battery:
One of the most important things that will determine how much you like taking pictures is how long the battery lasts.
Both cameras are powered by batteries that can be taken out and charged in different ways.
The Hero9 Black has a 1720mAh battery, while the Hero7 Black has a 1220mAh cell.
The Hero9 Black’s battery is a little bigger than batteries for older GoPro cameras because it can hold more power.
Connectivity:
There’s no way to compare how these two cameras link in that way.
The GoPro Hero7 Black and Hero9 have built-in wireless (Wi-Fi) connections (Wi-Fi + Bluetooth), so you can send your photos to devices that are suitable without having to connect them physically.
GPS:
For some reason, the HERO7 White doesn’t have GPS.
If that’s what you want, you should get the HERO7 Silver or H7 Black.
Once GPS is turned on and the signal is locked, you can use the data to make graphs that you can add on top of your movies.
Hero 9 also has this ability.
On the main screen of the Hero9, slide down to “Preferences” and then swipe left.
Tap [GPS] and scroll down to [Regional] to turn GPS [On].
LCD and Viewfinder:
The GoPro Hero7 Black has a Fixed Type 2.00-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 0k dots. The GoPro Hero9 Black has a Fixed Type 2.27-inch LCD screen with the same resolution.
The screen is only 2.27 inches, which is smaller than most new models in this class, and it has a lower 0kdot density.
Hero7 and Hero9 don’t have viewfinders or the option to connect an extra one.
It can be annoying that there aren’t many viewfinders available, especially when it’s bright outside and LCD screens become hard to see.
Frame per rate:
Frames per second (FPS) is a way to measure how well a display works for video recording, viewing, and games.
Frame rate, or the number of pictures shown one after the other every second, is measured in frames per second (FPS).
The HERO9’s fastest recording frame rate is 240 frames per second, which is the same as some previous models.
That is helpful for shooting in slow motion. The fastest speed is 24 frames per second, which is sometimes used to make videos look like old movies.
Hero 7 can also record movies at 240 frames per second in Full HD, the same as Hero 9.
You can slow these movies down up to 8 times to make the slow-motion effects stronger.
Sockets and Ports:
In this case, the Hero7 Black is more interesting than the Hero9 Black because it doesn’t have an HDMI out port.
You should get the Media Mod for Hero9 Black if you want to use an HDMI with it.
An aside from that difference, the cameras have similar holes and ports for linking to external media devices.
Both cameras have a USB Type C port that can be used to move files and charge the batteries.
Both cameras have a memory card slot that can hold microSD cards with up to 256GB of storage space for the Hero9 Black and 128GB of space for the Hero7 Black.
If you use action cameras a lot, I suggest getting the
Bitrates:
This saying refers to how much data is needed to record one second of video.
The unit of measure is megabytes per second (Mbps).
The speed affects how fast the writing goes and how good the movie is.
The Hero9 Black can handle resolutions of up to 100Mbps, so you can use it with 5K, 4K, and 2.7K.
Up to 78Mbps can be sent through the Hero7 Black.
24Mbps is the Hero7 Black’s slowest speed, and it can be used with both 720p and 1080p modes.
If you use a lower speed, the movies you make will have smaller file sizes, which will save room on your memory cards.
Waterproof:
There are weather seals on both the Hero9 Black and the Hero7 Black that keep dust and water out.
These cameras can be used underwater without a protective case, but the “GoPro Hero9” Black has a unique feature called the microphone drain that drains the water when you come back from an underwater trip.
This is an important feature for all of you because it will shorten the time it takes for the microphone on your Hero 9 camera to dry, so you can start recording sound right away.
Photo Genre:
Since that’s why they were made in the first place, they work best for action shots. However, they can also be a lot of fun to use for normal trip photos or unique family pictures.
On the other hand, The Hero 9 can take raw photos and now has better HDR features, which makes the picture quality more like that of a high-end smartphone.
If your settings allow it, you can hold down the shot button and shoot clips at up to 30 frames per second.
Color saturation and Details:
Color saturation can make your photos look better and give them a more or less rich look if you use it right.
You can change the intensity of colors by using the settings, effects, or tools for changing photos.
The amount of depth or strength that the colors in a picture have is called saturation.
If you want the colors in your picture to stand out more, raise the brightness levels.
When brightness goes down, colors become less bright and more dull.
But that doesn’t mean you should use too much color when editing photos. Sometimes less is more.
The pictures taken with Hero 7 have less color saturation than the images taken with Hero 9. Hero 9 also takes pictures with more detail than Hero 7.
Low light Images:
The lowest amount of light that a camera can take a picture in and still get a good picture is called its “low-light performance.”
To get every detail, shooters need a camera that works well and is clear.
When it comes to low light, the Hero 9 and Hero 7 cameras work about the same. However, the Hero 9 takes pictures that are a little too dark, but they still have better overall quality than the Hero 7 pictures.
Wedding photography:
A photographer must be skilled because taking pictures at weddings takes skill and time.
A wedding photographer, on the other hand, needs the best camera possible to catch all the happy, natural, and beautiful pictures of the bride and groom on their big day.
Professional wedding photographers will probably want to get the Hero 9 because it has better color contrast and video quality than the Hero 7.
It’s a great deal for the money, simple to use and move around, flexible, and really speeds up the photographer’s work.
Travel Photography:
Most of the time, you don’t want to bring heavy tools on vacation, especially since airlines limit the amount of luggage you can bring and charge extra for extra bags.
Don’t forget that your camera and any lenses you use with it should be pretty light.
A lot of small compact cameras won’t take up much room in your bag.
Still, the quality of the material you make with them is much better than with your phone, whether you shoot photos, videos, or a mix of the two.
Weight is the most important thing to think about, especially if you’re picking out a camera that you’ll be carrying around all day. The “GoPro Hero7” Black is 42g lighter than the “GoPro Hero9” Black, which could be a big plus, especially for long hikes.
Hero 7 gets my vote for trip photos.
For Filmmaking:
Other than the Hero 7, which records at 4K, the GoPro HERO9 is the first one that can record video at up to 5K quality.
Older versions can only handle 1080p video, but the model before it could handle 4K video, just like the Hero 7.
When making movies, a better quality gives you more options.
Hero 9 is best for people who want to make movies because it has a better quality that gives you more options.
Larger shots can be shrunk while keeping more of the details when you zoom in.
Better picture stabilization is also possible with the GoPro HERO9 thanks to its latest Hyper Smooth technology.
3.0 vs. Hyper Smooth:
You may remember that the Hero7 Black was the first device to offer Hyper Smooth stability.
This is the third version of HyperSmooth, found on the Hero9 Black. The Hero8 Back has Hyper Smooth 2.0, which is the second generation.
HyperSmooth’s marketing says that it is an advanced EIS that will make things run more smoothly and do what it says it will do. HyperSmooth 3.0 works much better in the Hero7 Black than the original HyperSmooth.
Now, it’s hard to tell when there are wobbles when making a fast turn. In no way does this mean that the Hero7 Black’s video stabilization is bad; in fact, GoPro’s HyperSmooth 3.0 does a better job overall.
Budget-Friendly:
There are a lot of reasons why you might be looking for the best cheap camera right now.
If you want to start taking pictures, you might want to get a cheap camera.
You might also be looking for a cheap camera that gives you great value for your money if you’re having a hard time with the economy right now.
The Hero 7 Black can be bought for about $130 or £130 less than the Hero 9, depending on stock levels. This makes it a great choice for people who want a gadget that won’t break the bank.
Benefits of hero 9 over hero 7:
You can use the free travel case that comes with the camera after you’re done with it.
A secondary screen that faces the front is great for recording and framing photos.
The bottom touch-sensitive panel is a little bigger than on the Hero7 Black.
HyperSmooth 3.0 is a great improvement that smooths out very rough video records.
5K video recording is helpful for people who need to save revealing movies for later viewing.
Drawbacks of hero 9 over hero 7:
Too Big than it used to be, so some extras are no longer needed.
Touchscreen that doesn’t work.
There isn’t a 4K/120p mode yet.
Using HDR takes a long time.
More substantial and heavy than Max
GoPro Hero 7
- Compact, rugged design.
- Waterproof to 33 feet.
- 4K 60fps recording with stabilization.
- Up to 240fps at 1080p.
- Voice control.
- Smartphone app with streaming suppo
Why is GoPro Hero 9 the best?
The GoPro Hero 9 is the best because it can meet your needs. It’s clear that two years is a very long time in the world of technology, and GoPro has made good use of that time.
The Hero9 Black has strong new software and a better build.
It works well enough for most people to use.
If you already have a Hero9 Black, the better camera lens and ability to use bigger memory cards might make you want to switch to the new model.
The price of the Hero9 Black has gone down, which is great news.
You can get the Hero9 Black right away if you already have an older GoPro camera, but you can also get the Hero7 Black and save a ton of money.
The Hero9 Black is the best choice if you want to use the second screen and take 5K video.
GoPro HERO9
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 23.6MP Sensor | No External Housings for Deeper Waterproofing |
| 5K30 Video & 20MP Photos | Limited to 1080p for Live Streaming |
| Live View Front Display/Rear Touchscreen | No Specific Mention of 4K at High Frame Rates |
| Webcam Model | May Require Additional Accessories for Mounting |
| 1080p Live Streaming | |
| PowerTools & Protune Feature Suites | |
| Time-Lapse & Night-Lapse | |
| 8x Slo-Mo | |
| Built-In Flip-Out 2-Prong Mount | |
| 30% Longer 1720mAh Capacity Battery | |
| HyperSmooth 3.0 Image Stabilization | |
| 33′ Waterproof without External Housings |
Design and Build: When it comes to gadgets that go on trips with you, the first impression is important. It is said that both the GoPro Hero 7 and Hero 9 are built to last in the worst circumstances. The Hero 9 is a big step forward, though, with a slightly bigger body and a color screen on the front that makes it easier than ever to frame your shots.
Image and Video Quality: There is no doubt that both the Hero 7 and the Hero 9 are great at taking beautiful pictures. But the Hero 9 is the best because it has a 20MP camera and can record 5K video, which gives your footage the most brightness and detail. The Hero 9 might be the best choice for you if you care a lot about getting great pictures.
Advanced Features: The Hero 9 wins the battle of traits. This camera has HindSight, planned recording, and a bigger battery, all of which make shooting better. The Hero 9 also works with the much-anticipated Max Lens Mod, which lets you take pictures with an ultra-wide angle and record everything in 360 degrees.
Performance and Stabilization: Action cameras need to be able to record smooth video, and both the Hero 7 and Hero 9 do a great job of this. The Hero 9, on the other hand, has HyperSmooth 3.0 technology built in, which makes video stability even better. The Hero 9 makes sure that your footage stays buttery smooth whether you’re skiing down a hill or riding your bike through rough terrain.
User Interface and Experience: GoPro knows that it should be easy to find your way around your camera’s settings. With the Hero 9, the design is easier to use, and the touchscreen is fast. With this improvement, it’s now easy to change settings and look over your shots while you’re shooting.
Price Considerations: When making a purchase choice, cash is very important. This Hero 7 is a cheaper model because it is an older model. That being said, buying the Hero 9 might be a good long-term choice if you want the newest features and most cutting-edge technology.
Conclusion: In the end, the choice between the GoPro Hero 7 and the GoPro Hero 9 comes down to your wants and funds. The Hero 7 is a good choice for people who want a powerful action camera that is also more cheap. The Hero 9, on the other hand, is for people who want the newest technology and the best picture quality. Think about what’s most important to you and let your travels guide you to the right choice.