GoPro Hero8 Black Underwater Review

When we started our Hero8 dive review, we realized that somehow GoPro manages to release a new and improved product every year for the same low price of $399.99. In fact, autumn is turning out to be the unofficial GoPro season. It’s probably safe to say that the  GoPro HERO 8 Black is the top GoPro action camera for underwater photo / video and scuba diving. Let's look at our Hero 8 review.

Wild rumors of high frame rates and magical features have been circling the internet for the past few monthsl Although they didn’t quite end up being true, the GoPro 8 is looking like a solid upgrade from the GoPro 7. In fact, there are enough new features for scuba divers and snorkelers, that it might even make sense to upgrade. Particularly, HyperSmooth image stabilization 2.0, TimeWarp 2.0 and improved HDR photography with the option for RAW files are all exciting features for underwater creatives.

The GoPro line of action camera is undoubtedly the most popular underwater camera used both by enthusiasts and industry professionals. The GoPro HERO 8’s release is only going to help solidify its status as the universal camera for capturing action, whether it’s above or below the oceans we all love.

Purchase: GoPro HERO 8 Black

Availability: Now

U.S. MSRP: $399.99

GoPro 8 Key Features

Hypersmooth Image Stabilization 2.0

Like with the GoPro HERO 7 Black, hypersmooth image stabilization is by far the most exciting feature, especially for underwater photographers and videographers. Smooth, unshaky video is essential for people operating their cameras in 3D underwater environments. Hypersmooth stabilization has been updated to be more powerful, as well as to have multiple levels of stabilization. It also includes a feature called Boost which allows you to level the horizon in-app.

With the hero 7 you were limited to what resolutions and framerates you could engage the hypersmooth. With the hero 8, you can now use hypersmooth with any resolution and all framerates. For the "average Joe" videographer, this feature just might be a gimbal killer. Purists will still probably opt for a gimbal so they don’t sacrifice any cropping, but the new hypersmooth really does work fantastic. Shots that have no business being smooth, came out as if they were on a gimbal when they were just hand held. We did some hiking on the rocks around the beach and the footage looked extremely stable. We were definitely impressed.

Here is a sample of Hypermooth Image Stabilization from the GoPro HERO 7:

TimeWarp 2.0

 TimeWarp was another popular feature that was debuted with the GoPro HERO 7. It allows you to take smooth, hand-held timelapse video while moving around. TImeWarp 2.0 includes an automatic speed selection for even more creative effects. We can't wait to take the GoPro HERO 8 underwater to see just how well this feature could work. 

Improved Photo Mode

The GoPro HERO 8 features improved photos with better HDR. Moreover, you can now capture photos with RAW files. This will be a big deal for underwater photographers who intend to adjust whitebalance in post processing. JPEGs are difficult to edit and it's often impossible to fully recover underwater colors. RAW files are easier to edit and adjust white balance and exposure. Photos with the GoPro can now be edited from being washed out and blue to nice and colorful (to the limitations of the photo). Since the lack of RAW image format was one of the biggest things holding back using previous GoPro models for underwater photography, this could be a real game changer!

Live Burst Mode

Live burst photo mode is a new function to help you capture the perfect photo of the exact peak of the action moment. In Live Burst mode, when you hit the record button, it will capture the 1.5 seconds prior to pressing the button, as well as the 1.5 seconds after, at 30 frames per second (ie 90 frames in total). It also lets you use the photos as a 3 second 4k video clip.

This means if you are, for example, photographing a sea lion, and you see it blowing bubbles, as long as you hit the shutter within 1.5 seconds of seeing the bubbles, it will capture that moment the sea lion started blowing the bubbles. Very cool!

Design & Dimensions

The GoPro 8 (W: 66.3 mm; H: 48.6 mm; D: 28.3 mm) is a bit longer, a bit taller and a bit thinner than the GoPro 7 Black (W: 62.3 mm; H: 44.9 mm D: 33 mm). Overall they both take up the same amount of volume. Additionally, a change has been made with the lens cover design. Rather than the removable lens cover of the GoPro 7, the GoPro 8 has a built-in lens cover which cannot be removed. This means you have to be more careful protecting the lens cover, as it cannot be replaced. 

One other design change is around how the GoPro mounting works on land. There are now two folding mounting rings built-in to the bottom of the GoPro body, which means there's no need to use the "cage" for any topside GoPro mounting.

Dive Housing & Filter Use

Since the dimensions and the lens cover design have changed, this means the GoPro 8 has a new dive housing design, and the old super suit for the previous GoPro models cannot be used with the 8. Although not ideal for people with old housings, the advantage of this setup is that you don't have to mess around with taking off and putting on the lens cover every time you want to take your GoPro underwater. 

It remains to be seen whether old GoPro filters and flip systems will fit onto the new housing. Stay tuned for more info on this once we get the new dive housing to test things out.

Battery Compatibility

You can use old GoPro 7 batteries with the GoPro 8, and GoPro 8 batteries will work with older GoPro models.

Mods for Topside

Some of the most interesting developments for the GoPro 8 are mods clearly aimed at vloggers. All of these mods together create the ultimate vlogging tool. Following in the path of the Sony A6400 and RX100VII, GoPro has turned their rugged action camera into a versatile vlogging machine.  GoPro has designed three "mods" which can be added to the GoPro: 

• Media mod: Get premium shotgun-mic performance, 3.5mm mic and HDMI-out ports, and two cold-shoe mounts—all in one.
• Display mod: A flip-up high def LED screen for framing your shots—so you can vlog like you mean it.
• Light mod: Get powerful LED lighting for HERO8 Black, attach it to a GoPro mount or use it alone.

Yes, it would be great to have the LED lighting underwater, but it requires the media mod to use it, and the media mod is not waterproof. You can see what  the mods look like  on the GoPro site.

Recommended GoPro HERO 8 Settings

Since the resolution and framerate options are the same as for the GoPro 7, we continue to recommend shooting in 2.7K at 60 fps, wide field of view, with hypersmooth image stabilization on. However, if you want the very best resolution, and more importantly have a computer which can handle 4K video (both processing power and hard drive space), then shooting at 4K/60 fps with hypersmooth stabilization is an excellent choice, and will give you more options for editing.

Once we see what options there are for changing modes, this recommendation may change for shooting macro video. 

GoPro HERO 8 Presets

One of the features we are most excited about the Hero 8 are the shooting presets. The camera will come with 4 presets preconfigured labeled Cinema, Action, Standard, and slow-mo. These various presets will make it easier for you to set your settings based on the look you want. Cinema shoots in 16:9 aspect ratio and the standard 24fps while slow mo jacks up the frame rate. Action boosts your stabilization so whether you’re riding mountain bikes at breakneck speed or flying off kickers on your board, your shot is stable. No longer do you have to adjust your settings manually for every situation you might find yourself and your gopro in. On top of that, for people who like to be in control, you can save up to 10 presets. This is awesome for travelers. You can now switch effortlessly from your underwater settings to your topside settings with a few simple taps. This was great for me as I always have to adjust my settings when I go from snorkeling/diving to hiking etc. Having presets makes it much easier to switch between your activities.

GoPro HERO 8 Black Sample Video

We were able to take some of the first underwater footage with the GoPro HERO 8 in Malibu, California - a world renowned hub for underwater and surf photo and video. We're looking forward to making some detailed tests and comparisons with the GoPro HERO7 after the official release of the camera!

GoPro HERO 8 Recommended Accessories

GoPro 8 Protective Housing

As mentioned above, with new dimensions and the non-removable lens cover, the GoPro 8 requires a new underwater housing. Old GoPro underwater casings will not fit. The GoPro 8 is waterproof to 10 m/33 ft, so for any dive use you will want this underwater casing (which is rated down to 60 m, well beyond recreational depths). 

SeaLife Aquapod

Capture your best selfie yet with the extendable Aquapod. Made by SeaLife, the Aquapod is designed for underwater use. Not only can you capture that selfie, but you can get the camera closer to your subject, whether it is something small or something skittish that you can't approach. The aquapod can also be quite useful for immersing the GoPro into the water from a small boat.

SeaLife Aquapod

GoPro Multigrip Handle

Adding a handle like the Beneath the Surface Multigrip handle adds stability and is an easy way to hold your GoPro while diving, or any other activity. Often, if handholding your GoPro, you'll see your fingers wrap around into the picture. This problem is solved with the handle.

GoPro Multigrip Handle

GoPro Tray and Handles

Attaching your GoPro 8 to a tray and handles will make the camera easier to hold on to and much, much more stable underwater. In addition, the handles serve as a mounting point for video lights. Below are a few of our favorities:

Ultralight Tray & Handles for GoPro

Beneath the Surface Angled Double GoPro Tray

Video Lights

Bring color back into the picture with the use of video lights. Even a high-powered light will only illuminate a subject a few feet in front of you, so these are most useful for  macro and close focus wide-angle video. Adding a video light to your GoPro setup will allow you to shoot professional-quality video on your next dive! Below are a few of our favorites: 

Kraken Sports Hydra 3500

Dual Light Value Package

Be sure to visit  Bluewater Photo to learn about more video lights, whether professional high-lumen or small and affordable.

Macromate Mini +15 Diopter

Note: We are not sure yet if GoPro filters for the 7 will fit on the 8. Stay tuned for more information. If they do not fit, then we expect a Flip8 to be released sometime soon.

When attached with the  Flip7 one-filter setup or Flip7 two-filter setup, the MacroMate Mini +15 flip diopter allows for your GoPro to take some striking underwater macro footage. Getting close really adds personality, color and detail to many of the smaller-sized critters on the reef. This diopter allows you to get only a few inches from your subject, perfect for golfball to baseball-sized subjects! Check out our Go Pro macro tutorial for more information.

Macromate Mini +15 Diopter

Conclusion

For underwater photo and video, the GoPro HERO 8 Black has some excellent improvements over the GoPro HERO 7 Black. In particular, HyperSmooth image stabilization 2.0 and Timewarp 2.0 are very useful features. However, the video resolution, photo resolution, and frame rates are the same as the GoPro HERO 7. There are not very many differences in image and video quality underwater.

If you do have one of those older models (ie the 6 or prior), you can also consider upgrading to the GoPro 7, which is now going for a discounted price. Check out our detailed review here.

While we feel the hero 8 is more like a hero 7 2.0 rather than a completely new camera, that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth the $399 price tag. If you’re caught between buying a hero 7 for $329 and buying the new Hero 8 for $399, we think it’s definitely worth the extra $70 for the features. You’ll get improved stabilization, camera presets, and an overall simpler camera to use. The hero 8 is the ultimate travel camera. With the mods you can capture your journeys easily and without a big luggage footprint. The hero 8 offers tons of options in an insanely small package. GoPro continues to innovate the action camera game.