GoPro Hero 8 Black - a Good Vlogging Camera?
/So, you vlog…
… , me too! What camera do you use, and is it working for you? If not, or if you are ready to try something new, this video might be for you.
the Hero 8 Black
Hello all and welcome back to Allan Walls Photography.
Today is October 5th, 2020 and I am delighted to report that I finally have power, internet, and utilities reconnected following Hurricane Sally. I just learned that there is another one, Hurricane Delta, headed for our part of the Gulf Coast and expected to arrive on Friday, October 9th.
What does this have to do with the GPH8B? Nothing. Absolutely nothing.
Before we begin, thank you, as always, to my Patreon supporters and to those kind folks who have made donations through my donation page (https://www.allanwallsphotography.com/donations). None of this would be possible without your generosity!
If you would like to support my efforts and help keep the videos coming, please consider signing up as a Patreon patron, which can be done by going to https://patreon.com/allanwallsphotography. I could certainly use your help!
This video is a change of pace for me. I don’t often do product reviews but will make an exception for this. Ever since buying the GoPro Hero 8 Black (GPH8B), about 6-months ago, I have been intending to review the device as soon as the GPH9B was released. The reason was because I was expecting a nice price drop and wanted to be able to review the 8 as an alternative to the $450 GPG9B. Well the price hasn’t dropped, but the 8 is still a $100 savings over the 9. So here we go…
I am not doing the typical action camera review. I am reviewing this device as a vlogging camera - which is important because GoPro has been marketing as a great vlogging camera, and that is also how I primarily use it.
I will walk you through all the cool features - the ones that I use and the ones that I don’t - to give you an understanding of all the different ways in which the GPH8B can be used creatively. Then I take a deeper dive into the vlogging setup, and discuss the MediaMod, the LightMod, the non-existent flippy-up screen and all the other accessories you will need if you plan to vlog with this camera. I spend quite a bit of time on the price, and on the purchase options, with or without a GoPro Subscription.
The bottom line, for me, is that, while I think it is overpriced as a vlogging camera, it is still one of the most convenient setups you will find - and great fun to use.
If you are in the market for something like this, the video should give you everything you need to know in order to make a good decision.
Please note that some of the links that I am listing below are paid links.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
This is it! - the Hero 8 Black. This is the camera that I used for all the footage in this video
This is the official GoPro LightMod. It is a less expensive lighting alternative, made to use with the MediaMod, but can be used with any cold shoe mount…
And this is the LumeCube 2, the video light I use with the GoPro 8
These are the cards that I recommended in the video…
This is the charger that I use, and it comes with an extra battery - good deal!
It looks like the Media Mod for the Hero 8 Black is no longer available! Interesting. I will look into this and get back to you.
This is the alternative camera that I have been looking at…
That’s it! Thanks for watching! Next up is part VI in the “Lighting for Photography” Series - where we cover flash.
Best wishes to each and every one of you. Until next time…
Allan