A series of leaks has emerged on Photo Rumors that reveals possible specs for GoPro’s upcoming action camera, the Hero 8, along with pictures of the GoPro Max 360 camera. The site predicts that an official announcement for the Hero 8 will be coming in September 2019, while there will also be additional accessories supported. For example, the leaks claim that the Hero 8 will be compatible with a new mountable screen, as well as an external microphone—this would be a welcome addition, with external microphones requiring an adaptor for the previous GoPro Hero 7.
As for internals, the Hero 8 could feature a new GP2 SoC, which is probably a newer version of GoPro’s own GP1 processor; this would likely further improve colour accuracy, video stabilisation, as well as digital zoom image quality. Perhaps the most notable spec leaked here is that the Hero 8 is expected to have 4K recording capability at 120 fps; 480 fps while recording in full HD.
Here’s the list of rumoured details:
- Announcement in September 2019
- New design with optional housing and new accessories (mic, LED light, screen, etc.)
- GP2 chip
- 4K video at 120 fps, full HD video at 480 fps
- Improved lens and image quality
- 12MP sensor (not confirmed)
The same source also leaked pictures of an upcoming 360 camera, the GoPro Max. This model has already been registered with the Japanese Ministry of Communications, and is expected to replace the outgoing GoPro Fusion 360 that was released in 2017. The rumour appears to be relatively concrete, with the GoPro Max also registed under the FCC under the code SPCC1.
Based on the pictures, there appears to be a main camera on the front, as well as a second camera and display on the back of the camera.
At the moment, we can’t confirm the authenticity of these rumours/leaks, although it’s worth noting that Photo Rumors has a decent history with accurate leaks, and that GoPro usually launches a new Hero camera every year in September. This tallies with the predicted announcement in September 2019, so we’ll just have to wait and see.
