GoPro have been producing epic action cameras for a while now and to some extent all will be fine for vlogging – however in the most recent version they have jumped up heaps in terms of quality and features, so lets run through the last 4 GoPro models in terms of their vlog limitations and advantages. So if you’re looking at the Hero 8 or Hero 9 as your GoPro for vlogging and are prepared to make some additional investment to bump up the audio quality the Media Mod + external mic combo is the way to go. Once you unplug the Media Mod, the normal preset settings return to whatever you had them set prior to plugging in the media mod. So you can see that here: Now the GoPro range have never been known for their epic audio quality – and although the Hero 7 upped the game and the Hero 8 built on this even more, for serious creators audio was still a huge barrier for using a GoPro for vlogging, especially over the likes of the Canon G7 X or Sony A6400with their option for external mics and flip up screens.

Another awesome feature is the Horizon Levelling mode (borrowed from the GoPro MAX) which makes for super steady footage.And last but not least, you can charge the entire setup (meaning, your GoPro) using the USB-C port on the outside. This is one major benefit to the Media Mod design, is that it has an externally accessible USB-C port for constant power-on charging if you want it: One of the main other accessories I’d add to any setup would be the Floaty Handle, which allows you to safely make use of the waterproof GoPro setup – something that is a huge advantage over traditional SLR and mirrorless setups.

When you look at some of the vlog setups people are using they’re pretty large, heavy and most importantly expensive – three things anyone looking to get into travel vlogging are trying to avoid! All the microphones given in the above list are highly rated products. You can choose any one of them based on your own taste and preferences. Next to that is the micro-HDMI port as well as the 3.5mm audio port. We’ll get into those in just a moment. Microphone & Audio Modes: Down at the bottom of the screen is where you can control things. There’s the familiar gallery icon, and then an eye icon. That eye icon is how you toggle between the two monitor/live recording modes. Went out for my first ride with the GoPro Hero 9 on Sunday. The footage and in particular the (unmodded) HyperSmooth 3.0 work and absolute treat! Just need to find the perfect chest mount angle and we will be right as rain!

So now with the GoPro Hero 9 I have approached it the same way, with adhesive dead cats on the top and front microphone. Initial results are pretty poor to say the least. Obviously the advantage of the Hero 9 or 10 though is already having the inbuilt, front facing screen, so no need for the LCD Mod on that one.

And of course one of the best things about GoPro is the range of accessories (both official and third party) you can utilise to get even more creative with your filming. In the case of the Video Micro, with the dead-cat installed it’s a giant fluffy beast, and gets in the way of the picture. I’m sure you could trim it or configure a different dead cat, but that video issue aside – it worked just fine.

I suspect the reason for the vast majority of people buying the Media Mod is for the 3.5mm mic port. Or at least the internet would say so (and I’d believe them). However, we’ll start with the onboard shotgun mic. But we’ll be brief, because…umm…it’s not awesome. Although the in built audio is also the best of the GoPro range – but a Hero 9 + media mod still comes in cheaper than the MAX on its own.