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Which Accessories Will Work with the GoPro HERO8 Black?

Wondering which accessories will work on the new GoPro HERO8 Black? Here's a running list of what to look for.

GoPro HERO7 Black next to HERO8 Black side view

By David Coleman | @havecamerawilltraveldc
Last updated about 9 months ago // Categories: Accessories
Tags: GoPro HERO8 Black

GoPro’s launch of the HERO8 Black included a lot of excitement about three new accessories especially useful to vloggers:

  • Media Mod: includes higher-quality external microphone, HDMI-out port, and acts as a hub for the other mod accessories.
  • Light Mod: an external LED video light.
  • Display Mod: A flip-up display that lets you see what you’re filming from in front of the camera (ie. for selfies or vlogging).

Some have since been released, but supplies have had a hard time keeping up with demand, especially with the disruption to global manufacturing and shipping.

Save $220 on GoPro HERO9 Bundle

GoPro is running a deal on the new HERO9 Black, their newest and best camera. It's a bundle that includes the HERO9 Black, a 1-year subscription to GoPro, a free extra battery, and a 64GB SD card. It's all for $349.98.

But those aren’t the accessories I’m focusing on here. If you’re upgrading from a previous model and already have some accessories on hand, you might be wondering whether those work on the new model. There’s no simple answer: some do and some don’t.

Basically, there are four main considerations when trying to determine whether accessories you’re currently using with previous GoPro models will work with the HERO8 Black. I’m focusing here on upgrading from the HERO7 Black to the HERO8 Black, but there’s quite a bit of overlap with previous models. The HERO6 Black and HERO5 Black, for example, share the same body design as the HERO7 Black.

These are the general considerations with accessories for the HERO8 Black:

  1. The HERO8 Black’s body is just slightly larger than the HERO7 models. There’s enough of a difference that most frames and housings won’t work. That also goes for other accessories that wrap around the body, like silicone sleeves and some floats. In some cases, there are new models specifically for the HERO8 Black.
  2. The lens port isn’t removable and doesn’t stick out as far. That affects anything that attaches to the lens port, such as snap-on filters, as well as some accessories where the field of view might be obscured (such as the Super Suit dive housing; the version for the new camera is called the Protective Housing). It also affects any accessories, usually filters, that go on in place of the glass lens port.
  3. The buttons and ports are in different positions. So any triggers or housings that connect directly to the button positions, or any battery or monitor accessories that have a hardwired USB-C position won’t work.
  4. There’s no HDMI output on the camera body. To add HDMI-out, you’ll need to use the Media Mod.

With those in mind, here’s how some specific types of accessories do or don’t work with the HERO8 Black.

Mounts

The HERO8 Black has a new mounting method in that the attachment point is not built into the base of the camera itself. So you don’t need to use a frame or housing as you have had to do with previous models.

GoPro HERO8 Black vs HERO7 Black

The HERO8 Black, at left, has the flip-down mount point built into the base of the camera body.

But it’s still the same standard 3-prong GoPro-style attachment system that you’re used to. So most accessories that rely on that mounting attachment point will work just fine with the HERO8 Black.

There are, however, occasional exceptions. There’s a relatively small number of accessories that need the camera to be in a frame (like the pistol-trigger triggers; see below).

Grips & Poles

Most of them will work because they generally attach with the standard GoPro mounting system.

Some specialized grips, like pistol-trigger grips, require a frame mount to work properly. Right now, GoPro doesn’t have their own frame for the HERO8 Black. Aftermarket manufacturers will likely make some sooner or later.

GoPro HERO8 Batteries

Internal Batteries. I’ve put together a more detailed guide to GoPro HERO8 batteries. But here’s the short version . . .

GoPro has released a new battery with the HERO8 Black. It’s the same shape, size, and power rating as the HERO7 Black, HERO6 Black, and HERO5 Black. And, technically, you can put one of the older batteries inside the HERO8 Black and power the camera with all of the same features available. You might run into issues when using some of the camera in very demanding conditions (eg. very hot) with the high-performance modes like HyperSmooth Boost, Live Burst, and TimeWarp.

But you’ll also get an on-screen warning that to get peak performance you should be using the newer model. And it won’t work with the new battery health checker in the camera.

The new battery is also designed to be backward compatible. But before you use it in a HERO7 Black, HERO6 Black, HERO5 Black, or HERO (2018), make sure to update the camera’s firmware.

Extended Batteries. Any batteries that use a cable to attach to the USB-C port will work. So external USB power bricks and batteries that act like that (such as this one, will work fine.

Batteries that clip onto the camera, like these, won’t work because the USB-C port and compartment are in different positions on the body.

One of the changes with the HERO8 Black is that there’s a single compartment with one door. Not only does the door come off rather too easily, but you can’t use it at the same time as using the USB-C port for external power. There’s an aftermarket solution with this replacement side door for the HERO8 Black.

Memory Cards for the HERO8 Black

I have a much more detailed guide to GoPro HERO8 Black SD cards. But here’s the short version . . .

In general, most of the memory cards that work with the HERO7 Black should work with the HERO8 Black. But it’s not a direct overlap because the HERO8 Black has a higher maximum video bitrate of 100 Mb/s (compared to 80 Mb/s for the HERO7 Black). So lean towards faster cards.

If you’re looking for a quick, safe bet, go with the SanDisk Extreme cards. Those are the ones that GoPro includes with cameras bought through their official online store at GoPro.com.

SanDisk 256GB Extreme microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card with Adapter - C10, U3,...
SanDisk 256GB Extreme microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card with Adapter - C10, U3,...
  • Up to 160MB/s read speeds to save time transferring high res images and 4K UHD videos (2); Requires...
  • Up to 90MB/s write speeds for fast shooting; Requires compatible devices capable of reaching such speeds
Check Price on Amazon

Housings and Frames

Most housings and frames from the HERO7 models won’t work with the HERO8 Black. There are a few issues that come into play: the body of the new camera is slightly larger, the buttons and ports are in different places, the microphone pickups are in different places, and the lens port is a different design.

Frame. The HERO7 Black’s standard frame, which comes included with the cameras, won’t fit on the HERO8 Black. The new camera doesn’t include one because it has a built-in, fold-out attachment point built into the bottom of the camera’s body. GoPro doesn’t currently make a frame for the HERO8 Black, but aftermarket manufacturers are likely to fill that gap before long.

SuperSuit Dive Housing. The SuperSuit Dive Housing that worked with the HERO5 Black, HERO6 Black, and HERO7 Black won’t work on the HERO8 Black. Use the new dedicated Protective Housing instead. The cameras are different sizes, have different button positions, and different lens port designs.

The H8 Black’s Protective Housing is very similar and has the same depth rating (196 feet / 60 meters). It comes with one solid back door and one skeleton back door (the SuperSuite comes with two solid back doors and one skeleton back door). You can find it here.

Floats. Floats that wrap around the camera body will need to be ones designed specifically for the HERO8 Black. GoPro has released their own, recycling the Floaty name. Any pole floats or strap floats will work just fine.

Sleeve + Lanyard. I’ve found GoPro’s Sleeve useful as a light layer of protection when just out and about with hand-held shooting. But, annoyingly, the previous versions, of which I have several copies, don’t fit. They’re too small for the H8 Black’s body. Less importantly, the markings for the power button are in the wrong positions for the new camera, as are the microphone exposures. So there’s a new version just for the HERO8 Black.

Drone / Gimbal Cages

There’s no cage yet for the GoPro Karma drone or gimbal.

Filters

Many clip-on filters from the HERO7 Black won’t work on the HERO8 Black. That’s because of the different lens port design.

That also hold true for filters that attach to the SuperSuit dive housing. Again, the different lens port design means that the HERO8 Black won’t work in the Super Suit—you’ll need to use the similar Protective Housing instead.

Wrap Up

This is a running list that I’ll add to as I have a chance to try different accessories. Feel free to shoot me questions in the comments if something isn’t clear.

You can find GoPro’s official list of HERO8 Black accessories here. If you buy any of them from GoPro.com, it’s worth looking into the PLUS subscription program. One of the benefits of that program is 50% many of the accessories.

Images and product information from Amazon PA-API were last updated on 2020-11-13 at 20:08. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon Site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

More GoPro Tips & Tricks:

  • GoPro HERO8 Black product shots collage
    GoPro HERO8 Black has Landed
  • 01 havecamerawilltravel com 300x200 - Which GoPro HERO4 Accessories Will Work with the GoPro HERO6 Black and HERO5 Black?
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  • Nitecore UGP5 GoPro Battery Charger
    NiteCore UGP5 Charger for GoPro HERO5 Black Batteries
  • GoPro HERO5 Black vs HERO4 Black Right Side
    How to Turn On a GoPro that Won't Turn On
  • GoPro Batteries and Chargers
    How to Charge GoPro Cameras & Batteries
  • GoPro HERO5 Batteries and Chargers
    Batteries and Chargers for the HERO7 Black, HERO6 Black, HERO5 Black, and HERO (2018)
By David Coleman
Instagram: @havecamerawilltraveldc

Last updated on April 8, 2020

Categories: Accessories
Tags: GoPro HERO8 Black

I may earn a commission for purchases using links on this page. Learn more.

GoPro News & Deals

New Smart Remote GoPro will be announcing the new Smart Remote for the HERO9 Black on December 17, 2020. The HERO9 Black isn’t compatible with the previous version of the Smart Remote.

HERO8 Black firmware v2.0 now available. Enables webcam mode; enables Display Mod compatibility; expands HyperSmooth 2.0 High and Boost availability to more video settings; general bug fixes. Update through the mobile app or manually.

GoPro Launches New Live Streaming Service for GoPro PLUS. GoPro has launched their own live-streaming platform for PLUS subscribers. It’s a pretty bare-bones offering for now, with livestreams shared with a dedicated URL. This is alongside their efforts to make the HERO8 Black useful as a webcam when connected to a computer (via USB plug-in-play, not requiring the Media Mod accessory with HDMI out). New firmware adds that functionality for Mac users, and the Windows version is in Beta.

New GoPro Zeus Mini Video Light. GoPro has released released a new video LED light designed to complement their GoPro cameras. It’s tiny, waterproof, and has a built-in magnetic swiveling clip. It’s waterproof down to 33 feet (10 meters), has four levels of brightness, and includes a diffuser to cool the color temperature to 5000K. GoPro claims that the built-in battery lasts up to 6 hours (presumably at the lowest brightness setting, although they don’t specify). It’s available now and priced at $69.99.

DJI Osmo Action firmware update adds live streaming. DJI has released a firmware update for the Osmo Action (v. 01.08.00.10) that adds live streaming support, so you can upload directly to platforms like Facebook and YouTube (it goes through the DJI Mimo mobile app). They’ve also improved the in-camera video stabilization. You can find the new firmware here.

New Underwater Housing for GoPro HERO8 Black from Isotta. Isotta, an Italian brand specializing in underwater housings, has announced a new high-quality underwater housing for the HERO8 Black. It’s an aluminum housing depth-rated to 650 feet (200 meters), has a one-handed open/close switch, double o-rings, and can be used with filters. There’s also a dual-handled tray to go along with it. And like all their housings, it’s in their distinctive red. Priced at $450, it’s only for those who need a highly specialized piece of underwater kit. It’s available for preorder from underwater specialists Backscatter.

Light Mod Now Shipping The Light Mod, one of the three new GoPro accessories, is now shipping. It’s a standalone light that is waterproof, rechargeable and compatible with all GoPro mounts. It was originally announced along with the HERO8 Black, but it hasn’t been available until now. It’s priced at $49.99, and you can find them at GoPro.com.

GoPro MAX Now Shipping. The new 360° camera, the MAX, is now shipping.

GoPro HERO8 Black and Max Unveiled. The new GoPro cameras and accessories have been unveiled. I have a rundown of the highlights of the HERO8 Black here.

DJI Osmo Action vs GoPro HERO7 Black. I’ve posted my detailed hands-on comparison of the Osmo Action and the HERO7 Black. There’s a lot similar between the models, but once you start digging down into the details there are differences that can help in choosing between them. And each has strengths the other doesn’t have. You can find my review here.

GoPro HyperSmooth vs DJI RockSteady. The new DJI Osmo Action also has built-in electronic stabilization to smooth out video. They’re calling it RockSteady (GoPro has HyperSmooth). I’ve been out testing them side-by-side. You can see the results here.

GoPro Deals page. I’ve put together a dedicated page on GoPro deals. So if you’re looking for cheap GoPro deals, check it out.

DJI Osmo action 4K Camera. Best known for their camera drones, DJI has released a new 4K action cam that’s taking direct aim at the GoPro HERO7 Black. It shoots up to 4K60 video and 12MP stills, includes electronic stabilization, has high-dynamic range video at 4K30, voice commands, a touchscreen on the back and another smaller live view screen on the front, and is waterproof down to 36 feet (11 meters). It’s priced at $349, and they’re now available at B&H Photo.

Comments

  1. James Day says

    July 26, 2020 at 10:16 am

    Does an old GoPro Chesty (Hero 4 Silver) work with the new GoPro Hero 8 Black?

    Reply
    • David says

      July 26, 2020 at 11:34 am

      Yes. They both use the same mount, and there’s nothing else about the Chesty to make it specific to particular models (i.e., no USB, power, frame/housing, etc).

      Reply
  2. LaRene says

    November 29, 2019 at 7:01 pm

    I’m wondering if my remote control model ARMTE-001 will work with a GoPro 8 black?

    Reply
    • David says

      November 30, 2019 at 3:46 pm

      That’s the Wifi Remote, right? I’ve tried, but I’ve not been able to pair them even after changing the wifi frequency to 2.4 GHz.

      Reply

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About Me

I’m a professional travel & location photographer based in Washington DC and traveling all over. Seven continents. Dozens of countries. Up mountains. Under water. And a bunch of places in between.

I’ve owned and used every GoPro since the HD HERO and particularly like finding new and different ways to use them to capture photos, video, and time-lapse.

You can find my main site at havecamerawilltravel.com.

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