First Look: GoPro HERO9 Black with Tom Jauncey

Over these last few months during quarantine, I embraced the superhero life. What started as a fun and quirky video during lockdown developed into something so much more. Now, my superhero videos have now generated more than 25 million views across social media and helped drive $125,000 for charity. So when I heard about the new GoPro HERO9 Black, it was an obvious choice to bring that superhero action back to life.

With only a couple days with the camera, my goal was to create something that captures the essence and power of the new GoPro release. I love setting stretch goals and pushing the boundaries. The adrenaline was pumping, but that’s what I live for: a passion for creating.

GoPro’s #BeAHero and #MoreEverything seem fitting for this concept. I loved coming up with something original that would suit the style of the camera and show others what they could do with the product. In this case, I wanted to create a high-energy, in-your-face video that would merge first-person POV with FPV (two things that GoPro has become synonymous with).

Testing the GoPro HERO9 Black:

Despite my work and life revolving around social media, through Beautiful Destinations, I actually look elsewhere for my inspiration. Movies excite me and I always love the concept of taking something that was done in film and translating it to the smaller screen. In this case, I had Guy Ritchies’ quick-cut editing style in mind, and Matthew Vaughn’s Kick-Ass and Kingsmen action scenes as inspiration.

For me, new equipment is always an opportunity to try something different. I love challenging myself to push a product — that’s when you really know if it’s going to be a regular in your camera bag.

The good news is that the GoPro HERO9 Black not only lived up to the challenge, but far exceeded my expectations. First and foremost, the 23.6MP sensor and 5K30 are game changers. The quality is incredible and is the best straight off-camera footage that I’ve ever seen from an action cam. Coupling that with the front-facing screen allows you to vlog or capture behind the scenes without needing a second camera. This will come in very handy for any of you adventurers who are looking to both capture and document your travels at the same time.

HyperSmooth 3.0 is on another level when it comes to FPV footage. I was anxious about this video because I wasn’t going to be able to rely on ReelSteady as the post production stabilization software. This would be the true test of HyperSmooth 3.0. Would I be happy with the smooth feel of the footage straight off-camera? This the nerve racking question. Yet again, the good news is, I was.

In fact, I was extremely surprised at how smooth the footage was. There is no post production stabilization added to any of the FPV clips in this video. I will say that FPV flying. in general, with the right pilot, is inherently more stable and flow-like. While running with a 30-foot pole through Times Square, the HyperSmooth 3.0 was understandably a little less stable. But that’s a breaking point challenge and certainly not your typical use case. 

Overall, what I care most about from a camera is quality and in the GoPro HERO9’s case, it was on point. The 5K30 is crisp and detailed, HyperSmooth 3.0 gives the footage a buttery feel, and it has 30% more battery life. Plus, the ease-of-use and portability factors of the camera make it a no brainer.

If you are a FPV pilot then this is a must-buy product. If you are an avid adventurer then this is similarly the product for you. And lastly, if you’re the everyday consumer who’s looking to up your home or travel videos, then this is a great step in the right direction.

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Feature photo via Tom Jauncey