GoPro's first with front-facing screen — 5K video, HyperSmooth 3.0, and removable lens in a new design.
The GoPro Hero 9 Black was released in 2020, adding 5K video capability and a front-facing 1.4-inch colour LCD display over the Hero 8. The sensor is a 23.6MP 1/2.3-inch CMOS (stills output is 20MP). Maximum video: 5K/30fps. HyperSmooth 3.0 with automatic horizon leveling. Natively waterproof to 10m. At 158g.
1/2.3-inch CMOS, 23.6MP sensor (20MP stills output). 5K/30fps; 4K/60fps; 2.7K/120fps; 1080p/240fps. HyperSmooth 3.0 (with auto horizon leveling — new to Hero 9). Front-facing 1.4-inch colour LCD (new to Hero 9 — for vlog framing). Natively waterproof to 10m. 158g. Removable battery. Fixed wide-angle lens.
The 5K video and front-facing LCD are the Hero 9's headline upgrades over the Hero 8: 5K provides additional resolution headroom for reframing in post. The front display enables vlogger self-framing without a monitor. HyperSmooth 3.0 adds automatic horizon leveling, which electronically compensates for camera tilt so the horizon stays level during movement.
On the used market the GoPro Hero 9 Black is affordable as a compact 5K action camera. Condition checks: waterproof seals (inspect port and door condition), front LCD function, battery health (Hero 9 uses a new cell larger than Hero 8), lens element for scratches. 10m native waterproof. Fixed wide lens.