You can fine-tune these as much as needed, toggling between functions such as HyperSmooth (image stabilisation), HindSight (captures up to 30 seconds prior to pressing record) and Scheduled Capture, as well as setting a duration limit.
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The camera comes complete with four preset shooting modes - Standard, Activity, Cinematic and Slo-Mo - all of which vary in terms of the resolution, the number of frames per second (fps) and lens (narrow, linear, wide and horizon-leveling).
GO HERO 3 MANUAL
Tapping the bottom left offers a choice between Wide (16-34mm) and SuperView (16mm) lenses, the bottom right offers manual zooming, while the centre-right enables you to switch Boost on and off for maximum image smoothing. While in video mode, you can switch between shooting modes (more on these below) by tapping on the currently selected mode in the bottom-centre. This is where you can also connect to WiFi and set preferences like display and voice control. Swiping upwards allows you to view stored footage, swiping left and right toggles between the three modes, and swiping downward reveals two panels of settings. Touchscreen capabilities at the back allow you to navigate across varying settings.
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When you turn the camera on it’s ready to record, and both screens display the view through the lens. The latter also doubles as a quick way to toggle between the camera’s three main modes: time-lapse, video and photo. The Hero 9 has two buttons: one on the top for recording, and one on the side for switching on and off. While this is the source of the Hero 9’s improved battery life over its predecessor, it also means there’s no cross-compatibility with older spares, so you might need to invest again if you’re upgrading from the Hero 8. Speaking of which, inside you’ll find a 1,720mAh Li-ion battery that’s sizable in comparison to previous models. If you’re unlikely to be using the front screen very often, you can actually switch it off in order to save on battery life. In the bottom left there’s a camera logo that reminds you which mode you’re currently using. You also get a small red light to let you know when it’s recording, and a timer appears in the top-centre of the screen. In terms of what’s visible to you, the front screen offers up information about the Hero 9’s current battery and memory status, as well as the mode it’s currently filming in (more on this later).
GO HERO 3 INSTALL
This enables you to install lens filters should you wish this isn’t something we did for the review. Next to the front screen you’ll find the lens, also square-shaped, which protrudes from the unit and is actually removable if you twist it anti-clockwise. The entire rear of the Hero 9 is taken up by a 2.27in touchscreen (Image credit: Mildred Locke) Meanwhile up front is a square-shaped second screen, measuring 1.4in, the key purpose for which is clearly vlogging, or simply being able to turn the camera upon yourself and easily frame the shot. The entirety of the back is taken up by a touchscreen that measures 2.27in and provides a very clear view of what’s being captured through the lens. These form the standard GoPro mounting system, and neatly fold away when not in use. Everything is tucked away neatly, from the sliding door that reveals the battery, mini-SD slot and USB-C port, to the ‘folding fingers’ at the bottom. The unit itself has a sleek and minimalist design. The same goes for its weight: at 160g, it’s 34g heavier than the Hero 8, and that’s a fair amount of heft to add to your cockpit. If you measure the width of your stem and head tube, you’re most likely going to find it’s narrower than 71mm, which means even without access to a wind tunnel, it’s fair to say that the GoPro is going to cause some drag. However, this marks the first hurdle for anyone looking to record their races and not wanting to lose precious time or energy to this endeavour.