Why I love my GoPro Hero9 for underwater photography

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It's no secret that I love photography. It's a staple of not only my blog, but my entire lifestyle. That being said, it seemed only appropriate that I add a GoPro to collection considering how often I go on adventures where a normal DSLR just isn't practical. I've now had my GoPro for a little over 3 months and I've taken it on enough trips to finally be able to give a personal GoPro Hero9 review. 

As many of you may already be aware, the Hero9 came out in the fall of 2020 and has received much praise since its release less than a year ago. These durable little cameras are beloved by sportsmen and hobbests alike due to the unmatched versatility and ability to be taken almost anywhere due to their lightweight, compact, and practical nature. With accessories like mounts for helmets, snorkels and even drones, it's no wonder why GoPros are so popular among such a huge array of demographics, and now, with the front-facing screen addition of the Hero9, they're becoming a favorite with vloggers too.

That being said, I invested in a GoPro for one specific reason: underwater photography. So, as far as vlogging and front-screen usage goes, I can't speak much to that. But the photography and videography aspect? In my world, it's been unmatched. I never found it to be practical to buy an underwater housing unit for my DSLR, considering they are just as expensive if not more than a GoPro --plus if my DSLR gets wet then I'm honestly SOL, and it's not a risk I'm willing to take.

So, it just didn't seem to be in my personal best interest to invest in an underwater housing unit when I could get a camera made specifically for water. Not to mention my phone, as "water resistant" as it may be, isn't the quality I need for photography.

Thus, I made it a priority to bring a GoPro into my life.

Before I get too far into this post, I wanted to mention that I found it appropriate to write this review just in time for Prime Day because I actually bought my GoPro Hero9 from Amazon; they have a "renewed" option which meant I got a slightly better price than buying a brand new one. (And why pay more if you don't have to, right?!)

Here's what I love about the Hero9...

1. Spectacular Photo/Video Quality

As someone who not only relies on great photos for marketing, I also sell my best photos for stock photography. As a stock photographer, a camera with good specs is a must-have, and good specs don't seem to be a stretch with the Hero9. The thing I love the most about the GoPro Hero9 is that the photos are great directly off of the camera, which omits the necessity for a lot of post-shoot editing. You can see the video quality here. 

2. Many Built-In Options (yet user-friendly)

From built-in hyperlapse to changing the file types from JPEG to RAW, GoPro makes up for what it lacks in lenses by giving you a lot of rein with this camera. While some of the options may be overkill to the Average Joe, as a professional photographer, having the ability to choose how and when the camera shoots is of utmost importance. That being said, it's also so user-friendly that it doesn't take a pro to understand how to use it. 

3. It's Durable AF

Saltwater and sand may be a killer for most gadgets, but not the Hero9. From strapping the GoPro to my dog to taking it to the beach and deep spring caverns, there isn't much that this little camera can't handle. Of course, I'm not purposely smashing it off of concrete or anything crazy like that, but I also can't say I haven't dropped it in the sand a few times and dusted it off without any problems --and that's an aspect I, as someone who lives in Florida, can really appreciate. I mean, really, I can't even begin to imagine the consequences of dropping a DSLR in something like sand. 

4. So...Many...Accessories 

From filters to housing and mounting units, there are a ton of accessories you can get for the Hero9 that will really upgrade your photography game. The best part about it is that most of these accessories are very reasonably priced for what you get. The underwater dome I purchased for mine was the most expensive accessory I've had to buy yet (and I have a lot) for $50, but it was worth every penny. I also invested in a snorkel with a built-in mount (pictured above), and this starter pack which contains filters, cases and so much more. 

Do you have a GoPro? Tell me about your likes and dislikes of it in the comment section! 

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