GoPro releases 5K Hero 9 Black w/ Dual Screen, Detachable Lens, Subscription discount

[Bela0]

Summary

 

GoPro just released their new flagship camera, the Hero 9 Black. It features a 23.6 MP sensor that's capable of recording 5K video at 30fps or 4K at 60fps. They also added a preview screen to the front (like the DJI Osmo Action), build-in mounting and a detachable lens that can be switched to an ultra-wide lens at 155° FOV or replaced upon scratching.

Other features include better stabilization and Horizon leveling.

The camera costs ~$ 350 USD with a one year free GoPro subscription or ~$ 450 USD without one.

 

 

 

 

 

Quotes

Quote

 The GoPro Hero 9 Black is the most powerful and versatile action camera you can buy, but for most people its predecessor offers better value. While the new sensor and front display are useful additions, the changes don't collectively represent a big leap over the Hero 8 Black. Its slightly unresponsive touchscreen is also a little frustrating, even if a firmware fix is en route. No other action can match the Hero 9 Black's skillset, but others do currently edge it for value.

 

My thoughts

While the camera looks very promising to anyone in the market for action cameras that doesn't already own a Hero 8 Black, I can not get over the huge discount given to people who choose the subscription model. It seems that anyone in the tech industry is taking notes on Adobe successfully transitioning to mainly subscription-based revenue and this is GoPros best effort. I know this literally adds value on the purchase, especially acting as an insurance, but GoPro pressuring people into the subscription by differentiating the price by $100 feels very anti-consumer.

 

Sources

GoPro Hero 9 on gopro.com

GoPro Hero 9 Black review on techradar.com

[elfensky]

Quote

The camera costs ~$ 350 USD with a one year free GoPro subscription or ~$ 450 USD without one.

... Wait, it costs less with a free subscription o.O?

[AlTech]

5 minutes ago, elfensky said:

... Wait, it costs less with a free subscription o.O?

As far as I’m aware the subscription is free for 1 year and then you’ll have to pay the normal pricing if you want to continue subscribing. 
 

And then they’re making you pay the full price of the Camera without the subscription.

[Deli]

Wait 6 months. The price will drop $100. No need for the subscription.

 

Really dislike the subscription model.

[TVwazhere]

I'm trying to find the details of the subscription, anyone know what the subscription costs after the "free trial"?

[iEimis]

Quote

Terms + Conditions

Offer valid from September 16th, 2020, at 6:00 a.m. PDT and will continue until GoPro terminates the program in its sole discretion. The Subscribe to GoPro Bundle discount applies with a new purchase of an annual subscription to GoPro combined with a purchase of a full-priced HERO9 Black, MAX, or HERO8 Black (collectively “Subscribe to GoPro Bundle”) in a single transaction at gopro.com. Discount applies once all items are placed in the cart. Limit: one per customer. Current GoPro subscribers not eligible for the offer. In the event that you cancel your subscription before the end of the initial year term but keep your camera, and in so doing, fall below the threshold for eligibility for this offer, we will reduce any applicable refund owed to you by the full retail price of the camera and reserve the right to charge your payment method for any remaining balance owed to GoPro. There is no free trial period and there will be no pro-rated refunds for cancelled subscriptions. For EU customers, you will have a 14 day free trial period and may return your subscription, subject to the terms of the Subscribe to GoPro Bundle. Offer cannot be combined with any other offers, discounts or promo codes, or applied to previous purchases. No cash alternative. Offer subject to change without notice. Purchases subject to additional terms and conditions presented at checkout.

Seems like you can cancel after 1 year and not pay any more for the subscription?

[Bela0]

Yes, it sounds like you can cancel the subscription before the end of the free trial.

The subscription is usually $50/year or $5/month, that's what I imagine I'd be after the trial.

[Bela0]

The full terms and conditions for the subscription can be found here: Link to gopro.com

 

Some interesting quotes:

Quote

If your Subscription begins with a Free Introductory Trial, you may cancel at any time before the end of the Free Introductory Trial without incurring any obligation to pay the Fee and You may continue to use the Subscription until the end of Your Free Introductory Trial.

Regarding the Total camera replacement benefit by the subscription:

Quote

Trade In: Up to 2 times per year of the Subscription, you may trade-in your GoPro equipment for any or no reason for a replacement product of the same or comparable make and model [...] and you pay the applicable “Trade-In Fee.

HERO9 Black: $99.00

So a camera replacement even with a subscription would be 99 USD.

[Doobeedoo]

Neat little camera, very good specs.