hero9-black thumbnailvshero7-silver thumbnail

Comparisons: GoPro HERO9 Black and GoPro HERO7 Silver

Compare the latest 2020 model GoPro HERO9 Black with the 2018 model GoPro HERO7 Silver in terms of video performance, body specs, and more.

Key Factors

  1. Front Display

    The HERO9 Black has a front color LCD, while the HERO7 Silver does not have a front display.

  2. Video Quality

    The HERO9 Black supports 5K video recording and performs significantly better in other resolutions as well.

  3. Body Features

    Many features available on the HERO9 Black are not present on the HERO7 Silver.

Differences in Front Display

The HERO9 Black is the first model in the GoPro HERO series to feature a color LCD front display. This addition allows users to preview shots without having to look at the back screen, significantly improving usability.

On the other hand, the HERO7 Silver, being a budget-friendly model, lacks a front display entirely. This means users cannot check the camera status from the front.

Significant Differences in Recording Quality

The HERO9 Black supports 5K video recording and can handle frame rates above 60fps in various resolutions, making it a high-performance action camera.

In contrast, the HERO7 Silver, positioned as a budget model, is limited to 4K and 30fps at higher resolutions, only 60fps at Full HD.

For still photos, the HERO9 Black offers 20MP, while the HERO7 Silver only supports 10MP. Therefore, if you want to enjoy taking photos, the difference is quite substantial.

Differences in Camera Features

Despite only being two generations apart, the HERO9 Black and HERO7 Silver have many differences in their camera features.

Compared to the HERO9 Black, the HERO7 Silver lacks:

  1. HyperSmooth image stabilization.
  2. Loop recording capability.
  3. Live streaming support.
  4. Built-in mounting functionality (requires a case).

While these missing features might not matter to some users, considering the price difference of around $ 200 in the used market, it is often better to choose the HERO9 Black. The improvements in image quality and stabilization alone justify the upgrade in most cases.

Compare by shooting performance

FeaturesHERO9 Black thumbnail
GoPro HERO9 Black
HERO7 Silver thumbnail
GoPro HERO7 Silver
5.6K--
5.3K--
5.2K--
5K30 fps -
4K60 fps 30 fps
3K--
2.7K120 fps -
1080p240 fps 60 fps
Still Image Resolution20.00 MP10.00 MP

Compare by specifications

FeatureHERO9 Black thumbnail
GoPro HERO9 Black
HERO7 Silver thumbnail
GoPro HERO7 Silver
Release date2020/09/17 2018/09/27
ChipsetGP1 GP1
Image Sensor Size1/2.3” 1/2.3”
Aperturef/2.5 f/2.8
StabilizationHyperSmooth 3.0 Standard
10 Bit Colorxx
Loop Recordingx
Live Streamingx
Waterproof10 m10 m
Max Storage Size256 GB128 GB
Body Size71.8 * 50.8 * 33.6 mm62.3 * 44.9 * 28.3 mm
Weight158 g94 g

Comparison of HERO9 Black with Other Models

Comparison of HERO7 Silver with Other Models