The GoPro 8 and GoPro 360 Max are expected to debut in September 2019. They will likely feature a similar design to the previous generation but include key spec upgrades so GoPro can once again cement itself as the “king of action cameras”.
October 1: GoPro 8 & GoPro MAX announced
GoPro officially took the wraps off of their new generation of action cameras. The GoPro 8 will cost $399 and begin shipping October 15th, though it’s available for preorder now. The GoPro MAX will sell for $499 and begins shipping 10 days later on the 25th.
September 23: GoPro 8 leaks in final package
A GoPro 8 has appeared on Facebook Marketplace along with pictures of the front, back, and side of its box.
While the seller would not reveal how they had obtained the unreleased camera (or whether it was real or not) if true this wouldn’t be the first time that a consumer has gotten their hands on an unreleased GoPro. Previous generations have mistakenly been put on display or even sold at retail stores before that generation GoPro had been announced.
The images look fairly legit too. From the front shot, we can confirm the inclusion of HyperSmooth 2.0. The side angle offers the most info though. From it we can confirm the following specs about the new GoPro 8:
- Max video resolution/framerate — 4K/60 & 1080p/240
- Image sensor — 12mp
- Improved stabilization with both HyperSmooth 2.0 & TimeWarp 2.0
- Livestreaming at 1080p
- A new mode called “LiveBurst” (possibly like Apple’s live photos)
- SuperPhoto, HDR, and RAW photo modes
- Folding “Floating Fingers”
- Voice control & a touchscreen (though the text here is cut off)
The back of the box includes little to no details, though looking at the sticker on the camera’s screen we can see that it says 2hr 11min battery life. This doesn’t mean anything on its own, but for comparison, the GoPro 7 always said 1hr 55min in its marketing images. Perhaps this means we’ll see improved battery life (through software and processor improvements) which is always welcomed.
September 19: Release date of October 1 announced
GoPro has officially announced the release date for their next-gen action camera for October 1, 2019, at 9am.
We already know a significant amount about the new cameras, but the release will showcase anything that has yet to leak out yet and announce the preorder and shipping dates.
September 17: Current GoPro’s at lowest prices yet
One of the biggest tell-tale signs that a new model is around the corner are retailers offering unprecedented sales on the current model.
In the past few days, we have seen both Best Buy and B&H Photo lower the HERO7 to $329 — $70 off its original price. Amazon knocked a few additional dollars off (currently available for $320) so that would probably be the place to go if you’ve been looking to get a new GoPro.
The GoPro Fusion has also seen significant discounts. Just last week B&H Photo was offering it for $249 as part of their weekly deals. Currently, it’s back up to $299 (it originally sold for $699), but definitely keep an eye out as we could easily see the price drop down again.
September 12: New hi-res images leak
Published by reliable leaker, Roland Quandt of WinFuture, the new images all but confirm most of the upgrades we expect to see with implemented in the new GoPro 8 & GoPro 360 Max.
The GoPro 8 images show off again the ability to attach accessories — a light, mic, screen, etc — via a new electronic attachment port. Additionally, the GP8 images reveal that the mounting clips (dubbed Floating Fingers) are actually built into this GoPro, eliminating the need for The Frame Mount to attach the GoPro to anything. These new Floating Fingers will allow you to use all existing GoPro mounts, but can conveniently fold into the camera to minimize its size.
While the GoPro 360 Max does incorporate the Floating Fingers, it appears from the images that it won’t support detachable electronic accessories.
However, the new GoPro 360 camera will feature a prominent built-in LCD screen on one side — a definite upgrade from its screenless GoPro Fusion predecessor.
September 6: GoPro gets back in the drone game
I’ve heard from sources that GoPro has sent out surveys to their market research group of users. The exact details are fuzzy (it’s hard to ever know what will come of customer feedback) but GoPro seemed focused on developing a camera or mounts geared towards FPV drone flyers. The GoPro 7 has already been very popular among FPV drone racers with its incredible Hypersmooth stabilization so it only makes sense for GoPro to try and cater to this growing — and lucrative — market.
August 15: FCC Images Leak
GoPro’s upcoming cameras have been revealed in some new leaked images from the FCC. In the single image we got of the GoPro 8, it looks a lot like a beefed-up GoPro 7. The notable difference is the dockable accessories the GoPro 8 will apparently support using a new and larger optional case. Though only a flip-up screen and LED light are shown, we can likely expect to also see an external mic and extended battery among other things.
Internally we’ll see the new GP2 processor. Rumored specs list the max resolution/framerate at 4K/120fps and 1080/480fps. If GoPro could pull this off it would be incredible. However, handling all that info without overheating in such a small camera body seems impossible.
We also got a lot of pictures of the GoPro 360 Max; the successor to GoPro’s aging Fusion 360° camera. It has a new matte black look, a large LCD screen on one side, a USB-C port and what appears to be dual micro SD card slots. No word on the other features or technical data yet.
Stay tuned for any more updates/info. The GoPro 8 is expected to launch in the final two weeks of September.
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GoPro raises the bar with its new GoPro 8 action camera
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