Quick notes
- The GoPro Hero 9 has a longer battery life than the Hero 3 Plus, with up to 2 hours of recording time compared to the Hero 3 Plus’s 1 hour.
- The GoPro Hero 9 is lighter than the Hero 3 Plus, weighing in at 158g compared to the Hero 3 Plus’s 197g.
- The GoPro Hero 3 Plus is a solid choice for users who are looking for a budget-friendly action camera with basic features.
The GoPro Hero series has been a mainstay in the action camera market for years, with each new model offering improved features and capabilities. In this blog post, we will compare two popular GoPro models: the Hero 3 Plus and the Hero 9. We will examine their key specifications, features, and performance to help you decide which camera is right for your needs.
Key Specifications
| Feature | GoPro Hero 3 Plus | GoPro Hero 9 |
| — | — | — |
| Resolution | 1080p at 30fps | 5K at 30fps |
| Lens | 170° wide-angle | 155° wide-angle |
| Sensor | 12MP | 23.6MP |
| Image Stabilization | None | HyperSmooth 3.0 |
| Battery Life | 1 hour | 2 hours |
| Weight | 197g | 158g |
Features
Resolution and Image Quality
The GoPro Hero 9 offers a significantly higher resolution than the Hero 3 Plus, with 5K recording at 30fps. This allows for more detailed and cinematic footage. The Hero 3 Plus, on the other hand, is limited to 1080p at 30fps.
Lens and Field of View
The Hero 3 Plus features a 170° wide-angle lens, while the Hero 9 has a slightly narrower 155° wide-angle lens. This difference is not significant in most shooting situations, but the Hero 9’s lens may capture a slightly wider field of view in certain scenarios.
Sensor
The Hero 9 has a 23.6MP sensor, which is almost double the resolution of the Hero 3 Plus’s 12MP sensor. This results in sharper images and more detail in both still photos and videos.
Image Stabilization
The GoPro Hero 9 features HyperSmooth 3.0 image stabilization, which is a significant improvement over the Hero 3 Plus’s lack of image stabilization. HyperSmooth 3.0 provides exceptional stabilization, even in high-action and shaky situations.
Battery Life
The GoPro Hero 9 has a longer battery life than the Hero 3 Plus, with up to 2 hours of recording time compared to the Hero 3 Plus’s 1 hour. This is an important consideration for users who plan to use their camera for extended periods.
Weight
The GoPro Hero 9 is lighter than the Hero 3 Plus, weighing in at 158g compared to the Hero 3 Plus’s 197g. This difference in weight may be noticeable if you plan to mount the camera on a helmet or other gear.
Performance
In terms of performance, the GoPro Hero 9 outperforms the Hero 3 Plus in almost every way. The Hero 9’s higher resolution, improved image stabilization, and longer battery life make it a better choice for a wide range of activities.
Low-Light Performance
The Hero 9 has better low-light performance than the Hero 3 Plus, thanks to its larger sensor and improved image processing. This means that you can capture clearer and less noisy footage in low-light conditions.
Action and Sports
The Hero 9’s HyperSmooth 3.0 image stabilization makes it an excellent choice for action and sports photography. The camera can capture smooth and stable footage, even in extreme conditions.
Vlogging and Travel
The Hero 9’s high resolution, wide field of view, and long battery life make it a great option for vlogging and travel. You can capture detailed and engaging footage without having to worry about running out of battery power.
Which GoPro is Right for You?
The GoPro Hero 3 Plus is a solid choice for users who are looking for a budget-friendly action camera with basic features. However, if you need higher resolution, better image stabilization, and longer battery life, then the GoPro Hero 9 is the better choice.
Summary: GoPro Hero 9: The Clear Winner
The GoPro Hero 9 is a superior action camera to the Hero 3 Plus in almost every way. It offers higher resolution, better image stabilization, longer battery life, and a wider range of features. If you are looking for the best possible action camera, the GoPro Hero 9 is the clear choice.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Which GoPro is better for beginners?
A: The GoPro Hero 3 Plus is a good choice for beginners due to its lower price and simpler features.
Q: Which GoPro is better for professionals?
A: The GoPro Hero 9 is the better choice for professionals due to its higher resolution, better image stabilization, and more advanced features.
Q: Which GoPro is better for underwater photography?
A: Both the GoPro Hero 3 Plus and Hero 9 are waterproof, but the Hero 9 has a deeper waterproof rating of 33 feet compared to the Hero 3 Plus’s 10 feet.