GoPro Hero 9 Black Review: The Game-Changer That Redefined Action Cameras

By Tom Smyth last updated: May 16, 2025

Originally published December 16, 2020 - Updated for 2025

When GoPro announced the Hero 9 Black in September 2020, they didn’t just introduce another action camera-they rewrote the playbook. As someone who has extensively tested action cameras, I can confidently say the Hero 9 was the most revolutionary leap forward in the action camera space since the introduction of digital video stabilization.

Five years later, the Hero 9 Black remains remarkably relevant, offering features that were cutting-edge then and are still competitive today. Let’s dive into what made this camera special and how it stacks up in 2025.

For a comprehensive overview of the Hero 9’s groundbreaking features, this video provides an excellent introduction to what made this camera so revolutionary:

Price and Availability Then and Now

2020 Launch: The Hero 9 debuted at $449.99, or $349.99 with GoPro’s brilliant subscription bundle that included cloud storage and camera replacement insurance.

2025 Update: Now available for $249-299 depending on deals, making it an exceptional value proposition. The second-hand market offers even better deals at $150-200, positioning the Hero 9 as potentially the best bang-for-buck action camera available today.

Technical Specifications: A Quantum Leap

Hero 9 vs Hero 8: The Revolutionary Changes

The transition from Hero 8 to Hero 9 represented the largest generational leap GoPro had made since the Hero 4. Here are the game-changing differences:

1. The 23.6MP Sensor Revolution

The Hero 9’s sensor nearly doubled the resolution, enabling true 5K recording and significantly improved photo quality. This wasn’t just about numbers-it provided real-world benefits like crop flexibility and high-resolution frame grabs from video.

2. Front Color Display

Perhaps the most visible change, the 1.4” front color screen transformed vlogging and selfie shooting. The Hero 8’s tiny monochrome status display couldn’t compare to this full preview capability.

3. Battery Life Finally Fixed

The 41% battery capacity increase wasn’t just spec-sheet padding-it solved one of GoPro’s longest-standing problems. Real-world usage jumped from ~90 minutes to 2+ hours.

4. Return of the Removable Lens

After the Hero 8’s controversial fixed lens, GoPro wisely returned to a removable design, opening up possibilities for filters and the Max Lens Mod.

5. Horizon Leveling Built-In

What previously required post-processing now happened in-camera, a genuine game-changer for motorcycle riders and action sports.

Video and Photo Capabilities: 5K Changed Everything

The 5K capability was initially dismissed by many as overkill, but proved invaluable for content creators who needed crop flexibility or high-resolution frame grabs. The ability to extract 14.7MP stills from 5K video revolutionized action photography workflows.

HyperSmooth 3.0: The Gimbal Killer Claims Validity

The Hero 9’s HyperSmooth 3.0 introduced Horizon Leveling in Linear mode-a feature that automatically corrected tilted footage up to 27°. Combined with the improved stabilization algorithm, it delivered genuinely gimbal-like results for motorcycle riding and action sports.

Key HyperSmooth 3.0 improvements:

• Horizon Leveling in-camera (no post required)
• Boost mode available across all resolutions
• Improved performance in 5K mode
• Better extreme motion handling

TimeWarp 3.0: Where Creativity Meets Technology

TimeWarp 3.0 introduced speed ramping-the ability to tap between hyperlapse, real-time, and half-speed while recording. This feature alone transformed adventure storytelling, allowing seamless transitions between fast travel sequences and slow-motion highlights.

Revolutionary Features: Looking Back from 2025

HindSight: Precognitive Recording

Recording 30 seconds before hitting record seemed gimmicky in 2020 but proved invaluable for capturing unexpected moments. This feature influenced every action camera that followed.

Scheduled Capture: The Photographer’s Dream

Programming the camera to start recording at specific times enabled previously impossible shots-sunrise timelapses without early wake-ups, unattended wildlife capture, and precise event timing.

LiveBurst: Never Miss the Moment

Capturing 1.5 seconds before and after each photo ensured the perfect frame. This iPhone Live Photo-inspired feature became standard across the industry.

Performance and Real-World Usage

Battery Life: Finally Solved

The 1,720mAh battery represented the biggest practical improvement. Real-world testing showed:

• 2+ hours of 1080p recording
• 90+ minutes of 5K recording (with thermal limitations)
• 30% improvement over Hero 8 across all modes

Thermal Management

5K recording introduced thermal limitations unheard of in action cameras. The Hero 9 would shut down after 30+ minutes of continuous 5K recording in warm conditions-a limitation that influenced riding style and shooting strategy.

GP1 Processor: The Bottleneck

While capable of 5K recording, the GP1 processor showed its age with occasionally sluggish menus and longer processing times. This limitation was addressed in the Hero 10’s GP2 processor upgrade.

2025 Update: How Does It Stack Up Today?

Resolution & Frame Rate Comparison:

Hero 9 vs Hero 13 Black:

• Resolution: Hero 9 maxes at 5K/30fps; Hero 13 reaches 5.3K/60fps
• Frame Rates: Hero 9 offers 4K/60fps; Hero 13 delivers 4K/120fps
• Slow Motion: Both top out at 1080p/240fps, but Hero 13 adds 2.7K/240fps
• Sensor: Same 1/2.3” sensor size, but Hero 13 benefits from newer GP2 processor

Hero 9 vs DJI Action 5 Pro:

• Resolution: Hero 9’s 5K/30fps vs Action 5’s 4K/120fps maximum
• Sensor Size: Hero 9’s 1/2.3” vs Action 5’s larger 1/1.3” sensor (better low-light)
• Frame Rates: Action 5 offers superior high-frame-rate options across all resolutions

Battery Power Evolution:

The Hero 9’s 1,720mAh battery was revolutionary in 2020 but now sits in the middle of the pack:

• Hero 13 Black: Same 1,720mAh
• DJI Action 5 Pro: Larger 1,950mAh battery (+13% capacity)
• Real-World Impact: Action 5 Pro delivers ~2.5 hours vs Hero 9’s ~2 hours in 4K
• Fast Charging: Hero 9 lacks modern fast-charging; newer cameras charge 50% faster

Accessory Ecosystem Changes:

Hero 9 Advantages:

• Broader third-party accessory market (5 years of development)
• More affordable mounting options
• Proven Media Mod, Display Mod, Max Lens Mod ecosystem

Modern Camera Advantages:

• Hero 13: New HB-Series interchangeable lenses (macro, ultra-wide, ND filters)
• DJI Action 5: Better integration with DJI Mic 2, magnetic mounting
• Smart Accessories: Newer cameras feature automatic accessory detection

Processing Power Gap:

The GP1 processor remains Hero 9’s biggest limitation in 2025:

• Menu Responsiveness: 2-3x slower than GP2-equipped cameras
• File Transfer: USB-C 2.0 speeds vs newer USB 3.0+ implementations
• Computational Features: Lacks local tone mapping, improved noise reduction
• Boot Time: 2-3 seconds vs sub-1-second on modern cameras

Image Quality Reality Check:

Where Hero 9 Still Competes:

• 5K detail rivals modern 5.3K (minimal real-world difference)
• HyperSmooth 3.0 still produces professional-grade stabilization
• Daylight image quality remains excellent

Where It Falls Behind:

• Low-light performance significantly worse than larger sensor competitors
• Dynamic range improvements in newer models
• HDR video capabilities (Hero 12+)
• Color science refinements

Value Proposition Analysis:

At $249-299 (new) vs $549+ (Hero 13) vs $699+ (Action 5 Pro):

• Cost per Feature: Hero 9 delivers 85% of modern capabilities at 45% of the price
• Upgrade Necessity: Only critical if you specifically need 4K/120fps, better low-light, or latest accessories
• Sweet Spot Target: Perfect for riders who prioritize proven reliability and stabilization over cutting-edge specs

2025 Verdict: The Hero 9 Black remains the best value action camera available, offering professional-grade features that satisfy most real-world use cases. While newer cameras excel in specific areas like low-light performance or high frame rates, the Hero 9’s combination of proven reliability, excellent stabilization, and aggressive pricing makes it the smart choice for budget-conscious content creators and adventure enthusiasts.

Motorcycle Riding Perspective: Field Tested

Having used the Hero 9 extensively for motorcycle content creation, it excels in several key areas:

Strengths for Riders:

• Front screen eliminates guesswork for selfie shots
• HyperSmooth 3.0 handles road vibrations excellently
• Horizon Leveling corrects mounting angle issues
• Robust build survives drops and weather

Considerations:

• High-resolution (4K+) recording in high framerates on a GoPro can generate overheating; to avoid this, ensure airflow is a good way to mitigate.
• Menu responsiveness can be slow

Revolutionary Mod Ecosystem: Transforming Your Hero 9

The Hero 9’s return to removable lens design opened up a world of possibilities with GoPro’s most comprehensive mod ecosystem yet. Each mod transforms the camera for specific use cases, making the Hero 9 more like a modular system than a single device.

Max Lens Mod: Horizon Lock Wonder ($99.99)

The Max Lens Mod brings the magic of GoPro’s 360° cameras to the Hero 9. This innovative attachment provides:

Key Features:

• 155° Ultra-Wide FOV: The widest field of view ever on a GoPro Hero camera
• 360° Horizon Lock: Maintain perfect horizon even when rotating the camera completely upside down
• Max HyperSmooth: Unbreakable stabilization up to 2.7K/60fps
• Max TimeWarp: The smoothest hyperlapse mode available

Limitations to Consider:

• Maximum resolution capped at 2.7K (no 4K or 5K)
• Requires GP1 processor power, so some frame rate restrictions apply
• Not compatible with all shooting modes (preset creation limited)

Real-World Impact: For motorcycle riders, the Max Lens Mod is transformative. Mount the camera at any angle-even completely sideways-and the horizon stays perfectly level. The ultra-wide FOV captures more of the road and surroundings, creating immersive footage impossible with standard lenses.

Media Mod: Production Powerhouse ($79.99)

The Media Mod turns your Hero 9 into a legitimate production camera with professional-grade connectivity and audio capabilities.

Professional Features:

• Built-in Directional Microphone: Enhanced voice capture with ambient noise reduction
• 3.5mm Mic Input: Connect external microphones for professional audio
• HDMI Output: Real-time monitoring on external displays while recording
• Dual Cold Shoe Mounts: Attach lights, additional mics, or monitors
• Weather-Resistant: Built tough with removable windscreen for 20mph wind protection

Important Notes:

• Not Waterproof: Unlike the Hero 9, the Media Mod cannot be submerged
• Battery Impact: Uses camera power but impact is minimal in real-world use
• Camera Size: Makes the setup larger but maintains access to all controls

Display Mod: External Monitor ($79.99)

The Display Mod provides a larger external display but requires the Media Mod to function.

Specifications:

• 2” Diagonal Screen: 480x320 resolution (same as Hero 8 rear screen)
• Independent Battery: Charges separately from camera
• Flip-Up Design: Can be positioned for selfie mode or flipped away
• HDMI Connection: Connects via Media Mod’s micro-HDMI port

Significant Limitation: The Display Mod is view-only-no touchscreen controls. When active, it disables the Hero 9’s rear touchscreen, forcing you to flip it up to change settings. This design flaw significantly limits its practical use.

Light Mod: Professional Illumination ($49.99)

The compact Light Mod provides professional lighting in an waterproof package.

Technical Specs:

• 200 Lumens Output: Four brightness levels for versatile lighting
• 5000K Color Temperature: Daylight-balanced for natural-looking footage
• 90+ CRI: Accurate color reproduction
• Waterproof: Rated to 33ft like the Hero 9 itself
• Cold Shoe Mount: Attaches to Media Mod or other standard mounts

Practical Use: The Light Mod is perfect for early morning or evening rides when natural light is insufficient. Its compact size and waterproof design make it ideal for motorcycle use, though consider off-camera placement for better lighting angles.

Mod Compatibility and Ecosystem

Cross-Compatibility Notes:

• Hero 9 Media Mod works with Hero 10, 11, 12, and 13
• Max Lens Mod compatible with Hero 9, 10, and 11
• Light Mod and Display Mod work across the entire Hero series with appropriate Media Mods
• Hero 8 mods are NOT compatible with Hero 9 due to size differences

Cost Considerations: With a full mod setup (Media + Display + Light + Max Lens), you’re looking at ~$290 additional cost. However, GoPro subscription holders get 30% off mods, making the investment more reasonable.

2025 Perspective: While newer cameras offer more advanced features, the Hero 9’s mod ecosystem remains one of its strongest selling points. The modular approach allows users to customize their setup for specific needs-something even newer action cameras struggle to match.

Pros and Cons: 2025 Perspective

Pros:

• Revolutionary 5K recording capability
• Game-changing front color display
• Exceptional value at current prices
• Proven durability and reliability
• Comprehensive accessory ecosystem
• HyperSmooth 3.0 remains competitive

Cons:

• GP1 processor shows age with slower menus
• Thermal limitations in 5K mode
• No 5K/60fps capability
• Larger size than modern alternatives
• Lower light performance vs newer sensors

The Competition Landscape: Then vs Now

2020 Competitors:

• DJI Osmo Action: Similar front screen, but inferior stabilization
• Insta360 One R: Modular design but less robust
• Yi 4K+: Budget option but limited features

2025 Competition:

• DJI Action 5 Pro: Superior low-light, deeper waterproofing
• Hero 13 Black: Lens mods, latest processor
• Insta360 Go 3S: Ultra-compact alternative

Despite increased competition, the Hero 9’s combination of features, price, and ecosystem support maintains its relevance.

FAQ

Is the Hero 9 still worth buying in 2025? When the Hero 9 hit the market in 2020, it was a huge leap for action camera technology with its huge sensor and 5k resolution support. But does it stack up to the latest tech? Absolutely. At current prices ($249-299), it offers exceptional value with features that remain competitive with cameras costing twice as much.

How does battery life compare to newer cameras? The Hero 9’s 1,720mAh battery remains competitive with most current action cameras, though newer models like the Action 5 Pro offer longer runtime.

Can it compete with the DJI Action 5 Pro? The Action 5 Pro has better low-light performance and deeper waterproofing, but the Hero 9 offers better stabilization, a more mature ecosystem, and significantly better value.

Should I upgrade from Hero 9 to Hero 13? Unless you specifically need the lens mods or latest processor, the Hero 9 handles most use cases admirably. The price difference may not justify the upgrade for casual users.

Conclusion: A Legacy That Endures

The GoPro Hero 9 Black was more than just another action camera-it was the product that saved GoPro from being overtaken by competitors and established the feature template for modern action cameras. Its introduction of 5K recording, front color displays, and in-camera horizon leveling influenced every action camera that followed.

Five years later, the Hero 9 remains a compelling choice. While it lacks the latest processor and sensor improvements, its core functionality, proven reliability, and exceptional current pricing make it one of the best value propositions in action cameras today.

For motorcycle riders, adventure enthusiasts, and content creators on a budget, the Hero 9 Black delivers professional-quality results without the professional price tag. It proved that action cameras could be both revolutionary and practical-a lesson that resonates as strongly in 2025 as it did in 2020.

Bottom Line: The Hero 9 Black changed everything about action cameras and, at today’s prices, it still delivers the features that matter most. If you’re looking for proven performance, excellent stabilization, and 5K capability without paying flagship prices, the Hero 9 remains the action camera to beat.