For years, GoPro has been the top action camera manufacturer: every year, usually in the fall, it debuts a device with features that its competitors try to mimic. While nothing has been officially announced, there have been several rumors about this year's version, the GoPro Hero9, which may highlight a front-facing color display.
Here's what we've heard about the GoPro Hero9 and what we think we'll see in GoPro's next action camera.
Pricing for the GoPro Hero9 is not yet rumored, but it is expected to be comparable to the GoPro Hero8 Black, which sold for $399 at launch; the Hero8 Black is currently available for $100 less than the original price.
According to leaked images from German site WinFuture (which has a track record for rumors of all kinds), the GoPro Hero9 will feature color displays on both the front and back of the camera.
While a color touchscreen on the back of an action camera is nothing new, the front display was pioneered on the DJI Osmo Action, making it a rare example of GoPro mimicking a feature that was first used on a rival machine.
Previous GoPros have also had front-facing displays, but until now they have all been monochrome, showing only the recording time, camera mode, etc.
Like the Osmo Action, a color display on the Hero9 would make it easier for bloggers and selfie enthusiasts to frame and capture themselves.
There also appears to be a small LED above the Hero9's front display that lets you know the camera is recording, but turns the screen off to conserve battery life.
According to WinFuture's photos, the GoPro Hero9 appears to have the same design as the GoPro Hero8; the Hero8 introduced a new look to the company's action cameras, with a small "finger" at the bottom that folds down to attach the camera to various accessories to attach the camera to a variety of accessories.
The Hero8 was also slimmer than previous GoPro cameras, but the cover protecting the lens could no longer be removed.
Leaked images of the Hero9 show what appears to be a ring around the lens cover, so hopefully it can be removed again if necessary.
Also, because of the similar design, we are reasonably certain that the Hero9 will work with GoPro's accessory "mods" introduced with the Hero8. These add-ons include a foldable display, external microphone, and lights.
That's all the news we know so far about the GoPro Hero9.
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