Ever since rumors of the new GoPro Hero 8 began to circulate,  speculation was cast upon the new camera by wondering how it would be different from its predecessor and what would set it apart from other options on the market. Luckily the wait is over, as GoPro launched the Hero 8 earlier today. After patiently awaiting its release, we can finally see which of the rumors about this new action camera came to fruition and which were left by the wayside. Through its speculation, the Hero 8 does have a lot to prove-- but will it live up to our expectations?

Unlike its predecessor, the Hero 8 was rumored to be released with three different models with varying price point and features: GoPro Hero 8 Black, Silver, and White. However, GoPro only debuted the Hero 8 Black model which is considered their top of the line option when compared to their previous Silver and White editions of their action cameras. Due to demand and popularity of the Hero Black Edition in the past, it comes as no surprise that GoPro would only release this model for their latest release.

There are little differences in terms of the firmware being updated in the Hero 8 model, but even so GoPro still came to impress with all the features we loved from the Hero 7 and made them even that much better. I guess GoPro was thinking-- “If it’s not broken, why fix it?” and we completely agree! GoPro’s HyperSmooth and TimeWarp 2.0 technology, in addition to its sleek new design make it stand out as an exceptional action camera when compared to its competitors. Additionally, the Hero 8 maintained most of their already impressive video and photo specs from their Hero 7 model but made them that much better by improving SuperPhoto, Live Burst, and Night Lapse settings. Furthermore GoPro enhanced their voice command settings, which in turn, makes your Hero 8 completely operable hands-free. For an inside look at our favorite features of GoPro’s new action camera take a look at this article, here.

One of the speculations prior to the Hero 8 being released was curiosity surrounding the fact if GoPro would have a front-facing screen on their new camera or not. Although GoPro did not put a dual screen directly on the camera itself, we cannot say they completely ignored the demands of their consumers, as they have released a line of supported accessories for the Hero 8. These accessories include both a new mountable screed, as well as an external LED flashlight and microphone accessory. Since GoPro relies on their cameras to be designed for rugged adventures, these additions to your Hero 8 setup could benefit your workflow in scenarios where it’s not as important for your device to be so hard-wearing. Also, with the introduction of these new accessories for the Hero 8 this does give GoPro the opportunity to be an option for vloggers that are always on the go. With the external light option, this will give you better exposure in low light settings, making it easy for you to film in nearly any scenario.

Media Mod: This is the premium shot-gun external microphone for the Hero 8, which is a 3.5mm mic with HDMI-out ports, and two cold-shoe mounts all in one.

Display Mod: This is a flip-up screen that attaches to external housing, enabling you to vlog on the go. 

Light Mod: LED light, engineered specifically for Hero 8 Black, and can be used to attach to a GoPro mount or even by itself to illuminate any film location. 

Although the firmware updates in their new release, aren’t much different-- the Hero 8 still has superior technology for an action camera, especially when it comes to image stabilization with HyperSmooth 2.0 and its photo/ audio capabilities. Could GoPro have done more? The answer is yes; however, despite the fact they still created an amazing camera that will indeed maintain them as the leader in the action camera industry. 

In order to maximize the use of your new Hero 8 GoPro, shop our line of both ND and underwater filters at PolarPro.