GoPro Hero 8 release date: the 4K/120 FPS feature might prove detrimental if the battery isn’t upgraded

There are a lot of expectations surrounding the GoPro Hero 8. But after the recent leak that made its round on the web in the past couple of weeks, the excitement surrounding the next entry took on new heights.

This isn’t surprising given that the GoPro Hero 8 is heavily expected to arrive next month or in October. So what’s new?

Well, if the rumors are to be believed, it appears that the GoPro Hero 8 will be outfitted with some heavy changes. For starters, the GP1 of the Hero 7 is supposedly going to be upgraded to the GP2, which will be great seeing the former already proved to be quite the processor.

GoPro Hero 8 and the changes that the GP2 will bring

The GP2’s addition will be affecting the GoPro Hero 8’s low-light capture. It will also improve video stabilization – which is insane given that the HyperSmooth is already incredible – and the zoom-in quality will also be seeing a bump in performance, TheVerge reported.

But arguably the most interesting feature that the rumor is claiming is that the GoPro Hero 8 can shoot a 4K video at 120 fps. While most users wouldn’t be that thrilled about this aspect, those who are in the sports action scene would definitely welcome this feature with roaring applause.

GoPro Hero 8 and the battery life issue

However, there is some bad news. The rumor didn’t mention any upgrade on the GoPro Hero 8’s battery, which is worrying since users have been asking the company to address this issue. As it stands, the Hero 7 can last an hour and 45 minutes on casual usage. Shooting at 4K/60 fps, however, drains the battery life much faster and reduces its longevity to a measly 45 minutes.

Now, if the GoPro Hero 8 will be outfitted with the same battery as the Hero 7, and if the rumor holds true that the next iteration can indeed shoot at 4K/120 fps, then expect the battery life to not last that long. With regards to its price, the rumor made no mention of it either.

Hopefully, the company price the GoPro Hero 8 competitively. But an action camera capable of 4K/120 will not come cheap, that’s for sure. We may be looking at a price point north of $400. In any case, we’ll just have to wait until next month if the company finally breaks its silence about this upcoming version and if the rumors are indeed telling the truth.