Comparisons: GoPro HERO9 Black and GoPro HERO6 Black

Compare the latest 2020 model GoPro HERO9 Black with the 2017 model GoPro HERO6 Black in terms of video performance, body specs, and more.

hero9-black thumbnailHERO9 Black
VS
hero6-black thumbnailHERO6 Black
GoProDB's Choice
GoPro HERO9 Black thumbnail

HERO9 Black

  • There is little difference in shooting performance, but a significant gap in features.
  • Especially in terms of image stabilization, the HERO9 Black has made major advancements.
  • If you prioritize price, the HERO6 Black still has usable performance today.

Key Factors

1

Shooting performance and features

The HERO9 Black is significantly superior.

2

Body features

The HERO9 Black includes a built-in mount and front color display with a new design.

3

Size and weight

The HERO7 White is smaller and over 60g lighter.

Shooting Performance and Features

The HERO9 Black and HERO6 Black belong to vastly different generations, yet their shooting performance is surprisingly similar. Aside from the HERO9 Black's ability to shoot at 5K/30fps and 2.7K/120fps, both models offer comparable capabilities. This speaks to the advanced performance of the HERO6 Black, a 2017 model.

However, there is a significant difference in stabilization features:

  • HERO9 Black: Equipped with HyperSmooth 3.0, which includes horizon leveling and powerful stabilization. While not as advanced as the latest HyperSmooth 6.0, it remains highly effective even today.
  • HERO6 Black: Features pre-HyperSmooth standard stabilization. While strong for its time, it cannot match the superior stability offered by HyperSmooth 3.0, particularly in scenarios involving significant motion.

For those who prioritize stabilization, the HERO9 Black is better.

Body Features

The HERO9 Black introduced a front-facing color LCD, a first in the GoPro HERO series. This addition allows for easy previews without relying on the rear screen, significantly improving usability.

Additionally, the HERO9 Black includes the built-in folding mount introduced in the HERO8 Black, enabling accessory attachment without an external case. In contrast, the HERO6 Black lacks these features, resulting in less convenience during use.

Both models support microSD cards up to 256GB, so there is no difference in storage capacity.

Size and Weight

The HERO6 Black is lighter and slightly smaller than the HERO9 Black. However, the lack of a built-in mount on the HERO6 Black necessitates an external case for accessory attachment. When accounting for the case's added weight and bulk, the size and weight difference between the two models becomes less significant.

EVOLUTION DATASHEET

Spec Position of HERO9 Black & HERO6 Black in GoPro History

Positioning matrix showing how HERO9 Black and HERO6 Black compare across the entire GoPro evolution history.

HERO9 Black
HERO9 Black
Release Year
2020(-6 yrs)
20122026
Shooting Performance
Max Video Resolution
5K @30fps
720p8K
Photo Resolution
20.00 MP
5.00 MP50.00 MP
Slow-Motion
Max Standard Slow-Motion
8x (1080p)
2x16x
Max Burst Slow-Motion
None
None32x (1080p)
Stabilization
Stabilization
HyperSmooth 3.0
NoneHyperSmooth 6.0
Body Specs
Body Size (Volume)
71.8×50.8×33.6 (123cm³)
242 cm³52 cm³
Weight
158g
220g63g
Max SD Storage
256GB
32GB1TB
HERO6 Black
HERO6 Black
Release Year
2017(-9 yrs)
20122026
Shooting Performance
Max Video Resolution
4K @60fps
720p8K
Photo Resolution
12.00 MP
5.00 MP50.00 MP
Slow-Motion
Max Standard Slow-Motion
8x (1080p)
2x16x
Max Burst Slow-Motion
None
None32x (1080p)
Stabilization
Stabilization
Standard
NoneHyperSmooth 6.0
Body Specs
Body Size (Volume)
62.3×44.9×33 (92cm³)
242 cm³52 cm³
Weight
118g
220g63g
Max SD Storage
128GB
32GB1TB

Comparison of HERO9 Black with Other Models

Comparison of HERO6 Black with Other Models