GoPro's Hero line is widely regarded by many as the best action camera in the market. From adventure seekers, vloggers, travelers, videographers or the average Joe documenting his exploits, they all point to GoPro as their weapon of choice. With the Hero 7 being the latest addition in their growing family, GoPro is now rumored to release the 8th version of the action camera during the second half of 2019.
If recent speculations are to be followed, the new GoPro Hero8 will be released sometime in September of this year. One source pointed out that the GoPro Hero7 Black, Hero7 Silver, and Hero7 White were released in the same month last year. This may or may not be a penchant of the company, but September is GoPro's go-to month when it comes to releasing a new Hero.
Another website found out that the GoPro Hero6 Black was unveiled to the public in September of 2017. In all likelihood, every GoPro Hero fan will be marking their calendars and betting that the Hero8 will indeed be coming this September. There's no official date yet, and GoPro has been tight-lipped when it comes to the Hero8.
Along this line, the latter source thinks that it's time for GoPro to upgrade the "looks and features" of the new Hero. According to them, GoPro has been using the same design for "three generations." This is exactly why the Hero8 needs to be redesigned. However, if GoPro decides to retain the shape, size and form factor, they need to do something about the Hero8's "cage, lens and touch screen."
For one, the GoPro Hero8 can do away with waterproofing cage and instead use a "mounting system" and a 1/4inch thread at the base. By this, users can mount the Hero8 to a "new wave of accessories" which will be available in the market following its release.
A cage-less GoPro Hero can expand the camera's screen that could have more features and touch gestures. GoPro can also adopt the detachable touchscreen option of the GoPro Hero4, or make the screen flip for "easier selfie."
More lens options can also make the GoPro Hero8 standout from the field. GoPro can give the upcoming action camera additional lenses that will suit different situations. The website suggests a linear lens for vloggers, a standard wide lens for extreme sports enthusiasts and a longer focal length for drones.
While 8K is a fast-moving innovation, one site sees that the GoPro Hero8 will still use 4K at 120fps and Full HD at 480fps. Additionally, it will come in three versions just like the GoPro Hero7 alongside 12megapixel for still images "with selectable HDR." The GoPro Hero8 will go along the line of its predecessor when it comes to the price at around $499.
