GoPro Hero 8 Black Review

It’s been a year and a half since I have been creating videos here in Colorado of trails, rivers and fishing, so now it’s time for the GoPro Hero 8 Black review.

GoPro Hero 8 Black Review

This camera is really meant for action photography, and in my opinion, underwater videos. I started using the GoPro Hero 8 Black for scenery shots but realized how cool it would be to video the fish underwater as Mike is reeling them into for the catch.

The first time we used the GoPro for underwater videos was on our trout fishing trip to South Fork Colorado. Here are a few photos of what we captured.

GoPro Hero 8 Black Review

GoPro Hero 8 Black Review

I like to use the GoPro a lot as it is light and compact, easy to pack, waterproof and has great stabilization.

One of the issues I discovered quickly was the videos looked much better when the GoPro was mounted on a tripod. No matter how hard I tried to keep the camera steady, there is always unwanted movement.

I started out with the UBeesize Tripod S, primarily due to lower cost, and the flexible legs that makes it easier to hang the GoPro from a tree or give it a stable footing on the rocks around the river bank.

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UBeesize Phone Tripod, Portable and Adjustable Camera Stand Holder with Wireless Remote and Universal Clip, Compatible with Cellphones, Sports Cameras
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  • Stable On Any Surface - Made of very strong durable foam and plastic, the ball head and no-slip feet make positioning and straightening devices easy
  • Universal Compatibility - Works well with smartphones, digital cameras, GoPro and webcams up to 3.7 inches wide
  • Control it from distance - The wireless remote serves a wireless range up to 30 ft. Ideal for taking individual, group photos & wide angle views.

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I really like having this tripod with me as I can also fold the legs together quickly and use it as a small selfie stick.

The next thing I noticed that I really needed was an external microphone with a Deadcat to dampen the wind noise. I was having to cut out so much video due to the wind, plus I had to limit my filming to earlier in the day or on days when the wind was forecasted to be lighter.

I initially tried the foam windscreen that is cheap and great for using when the GoPro is mounted on your head or chest, and this cut out about 80% of the wind noise, but I felt like the sound quality could be better, plus the wind noise dampened even more.

VGSION Windslayer Housing Wind Noise Reduction Foam Case for GoPro Hero 8 (2 PCS Pack)
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VGSION Windslayer Housing Wind Noise Reduction Foam Case for GoPro Hero 8 (2 PCS Pack)
  • This case can protect the camera and also reduce wind noise when recording audio and video
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  • It is designed for GoPro Hero 8 black. 2 PCS packed

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After some more research, I ended up buying the Movo VXR10 microphone with the Deadcat and the improvement in the audio and reduction in wind noise was off the charts better. I would guess that the Deadcat alone reduces the wind noise by twice if not three times over the foam windscreen.

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Movo VXR10 Universal Video Microphone with Shock Mount, Deadcat Windscreen, Case for iPhone, Android Smartphones, Canon EOS, Nikon DSLR Cameras and Camcorders - Perfect Camera Microphone, Shotgun Mic
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I found out quickly that I needed two other accessories to make the external microphone work. They were the ULANZI V2 housing case…

V2 Housing Case Vlogging Frame with Microphone Cold Shoe Mount Compatible for GoPro Hero 7 6 5 Mic Audio Adapter Action Camera Accessories
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V2 Housing Case Vlogging Frame with Microphone Cold Shoe Mount Compatible for GoPro Hero 7 6 5 Mic Audio Adapter Action Camera Accessories
  • Full Compatiblity---Universal vlog gear setup for GoPro Hero 7 6 5 action cameras;
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  • Wide Application---Easy to install, can be mounted on bicycles, helmets, chest belt with the help of other action camera accessries Also compatible with your tripods/monopods/selfie sticks.Universal for GoPro Videomakers Vloggers photographers on YouTube/Facebook;
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…and the GoPro 3.5mm Mic Adapter. There’s no way to connect the external microphone to the GoPro without the case and the adapter is needed to connect to the GoPro to the microphone. All of these accessories cost me somewhere between $130 and $150.

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GoPro Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter for (HERO8 Black/HERO7 Black/HERO6 Black/HERO5 Black) - Official GoPro Accessory
  • Enables high-quality audio capture when using a pro-level external mic.Mounting Type: Usd
  • USB-C power and data extension with 90° connector
  • Connects a wide range of external 3.5mm mics
  • Enables stereo mic and line input for external audio sources like an audio recorder or mixer
  • 106dB stereo analog-to-digital converter
  • English (Publication Language)

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The GoPro is extremely simple to use. It has a power button on the side and a record button on the top. It has a small LCD display screen on the front and a large one on the back. The back LCD screen is a touch screen where you can make adjustments to your settings and more. It’s easier to change the settings if you use the GoPro app and sync it to your smartphone.

I use the GoPro for most of my videos to date, but do plan on updating to a high end camera in the future, however, I will always keep the GoPro with my gear, especially for underwater fishing videos.

I highly recommend the GoPro Hero 8 Black to any serious cameraman, as you will always find a use for it on your adventures.

Check out the YouTube review below for more information on the GoPro Hero 8 Black.

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2 thoughts on “GoPro Hero 8 Black Review”

  1. The GoPro Hero 8 camera looks really small, lightweight, and compact! I like the design and feel and it is a touch screen too. Great video review showing the features of the camera. And I appreciate the good advice on the foam cover and external microphone to reduce the wind noise. But I think the real disadvantage of this camera is that the battery only lasts 20 minutes (if I hear you correctly in the video). 

    Reply
    • You heard me correctly. Currently I’m carrying two batteries with me and that’s not enough. I need at least two more and will probably eventually carry six batteries with me plus a portable charger for those trips deeper into the mountains, when I can’t recharge in my truck.

      Rick

      Reply

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