Again GoPro has managed to produce a camera with almost exactly the same specifications as the last one, and again they’ve made me want to buy it. Actually, the hardware change is big once you get the camera out in the field, not having the cage in any way shape or form is a great advancement.

At £379, the GoPro Hero8 Black is anything but cheap, but the experience it delivers isn’t cheap either. There are a couple of things we would have liked to have seen - a bigger screen and better low light video capture. In addition, getting footage on and off the app was a bit fiddly when using an Android 10 phone. That said, the nuts and bolts of using the Hero8 as an action camera are exactly where they need to be. The promise of the upcoming mods which look set to add improved sound recording and a vlogging display to the mix are whetting our appetites nicely too. In turn, GoPro’s Hero-line is very much still the action cam to beat, and we can’t wait to see what’s on the HyperSmooth horizon from the OG of action cams as we hurtle into 2020.

Convenient mounting; Incredibly stable footage; Timelapse videos look fantastic;

Very good, not fantastic photos; Still poor lowlight performance; Small display;

The Hero 8 Black may lack a couple of features that you can get on its successor (namely, a front-facing screen and 5K video), but it's still a fantastic all-rounder that's compatible with GoPro's Mod accessories. Its 4K video is just as impressive as the Hero 9 Black's, while the HyperSmooth stabilization is almost identical too. The Hero 8 Black improves on earlier GoPros with a higher max bit-rate and 1080p livestreaming too, making it a highly versatile action camera. If you just need a waterproof action cam for travel duty, then it's worth considering the even more affordable Hero 7 Black. But this is a fantastic all-rounder for its new, lower price.

Excellent image stabilization; Time-saving Capture Presets; Unique time-lapse modes; New built-in mount; Improved microphone; New Media Mods;

Sub-smartphone picture quality; Poor low-light performance

12MP sensor; 4K/60p, 2.7K/120p and 1080/240p video (up to 100 Mbps bit rate); H.264 and H.265 codecs; HyperSmooth 2.0 video stabilization; LiveBurst captures 1.5 seconds of photos or video before shot; Integrated mounting 'fingers' attach directly to GoPro mounts; Optional 'Mods' add features like 3.5mm mic jack, HDMI-out, selfie screen and LED light; Waterproof; Wi-Fi + Bluetooth connectivity;

HyperSmooth results in strange panning effect in certain situations; Subscription service for repairs; Incompatible with Hero 7 batteries;

The best GoPro yet, but without its Mod accessories the Hero 8 Black is only a mild improvement on its predecessor – and one that struggles to justify its £50 premium over the Hero 7 Black or DJI Osmo Action. There are minor upgrades to video quality, audio and HyperSmooth stabilisation, plus that useful built-in mount. Its UI tweaks also mean it's the most refined, customisable GoPro yet. But its price tag ignores the arrival of the cheaper DJI Osmo Action and the Hero 7 Black, which will remain on sale for £319 and is a better value action cam for most people.

Built-in mounting fingers; Minor improvements to video and audio quality; UI now more customisable; HyperSmooth stabilisation works in all resolutions and frame rates;

Expensive compared to Hero 7 Black and DJI Osmo Action; Lens cover no longer removable; Mods accessories not yet available;

An excellent refinement on its predecessor that expands on some of the Hero line's most powerful and unique features, with the likes of TimeWarp 2.0 and Hypersmooth 2.0 being particular highlights. There's room for improvement with regards to low light performance and other aspects of image quality but the sheer versatility of the Hero 8 Black, plus the addition of the powerful new Mods ecosystem, makes it hard to consider other action cams around this price point.

I use this for reviewing my racing on a motorcycle. Had the 7 white previously and found it to be junk as wouldnt hold charge. Used hero 8 first time on the weekend and had no problem. Good footage and removable batteries so was always charged.

Poor help with problem s I really need Ed someone who had used it before the sound didnt work at first and nowhere cold I find any help I almost returned it thankfully it finally worked not for the beginners

Great camera , you need a few accessories! Very clear videos

Easy to use. Durable. Good features. I use it as dash cam and on outrigger. Staff are great to talk to would strongly recommend getting in to a store and talk to them