After teasing users for almost five months since the launch of Hero8 Black, GoPro finally released their much anticipated GoPro media mod. With some users immediately calling the accessory overpriced and of poor quality. In my opinion, not accurate. GoPro accessory quality in recent years has been outstanding. It also functions as intended, and I think very well for its price.
After GoPro took some heat for making the use of external mics a little harder with the Hero5, 6, and 7 series cameras. For instance, In that series of cameras, GoPro forced users to purchase a $50 proprietary (3.5mm mic adapter) audio accessory. The GoPro Pro 3.5mm mic adapter. Being almost half the size of a GoPro itself adding some serious bulk. If users wanted to use an external mic using 3.5mm jack. This made putting together a GoPro vlogging setup a lot more cumbersome. However, it did, on the other hand, open up some opportunity for third parties to make holders and such for this combo. This makes the GoPro media mod a welcome addition to the GoPro accessory world.
GoPro finally answering back with a more vlogger friendly option with the GoPro media mod. I can now confirm after using it for a few months now it is not cheap plastic. GoPro in recent years has been making accessories with glass-filled nylon.
Using GoPro Media Mod
This material has a flat slightly textured surface. For instance, Media Mod allows the use of both powered and non-powered mics using 3.5mm jack. Pictured above shown using the Rode VideoMicro mic. It can be used on the media mod’s top and side cold shoe mounts. With the best success using the side mounting location. However, you will want to use a mic like this in the Linear lens setting to keep the windscreen out of frame. If you require the wide normal GoPro view, the windscreen will be in your shot. Or use the Rode video micro without the windscreen.
Also, I found significant improvements with the GoPro media mod and camera fit. With previous generation HERO5, 6, and 7 cameras into the gimbal cage. Getting the camera lined up with the USB-C connection was difficult. Not with HERO8 inside the media mod. Your GoPro HERO8 camera will slide right into the contact easily. Is the GoPro media mod perfect? No. I don’t believe most can be. Here is a group of tips for getting started with your GoPro camera. Finally, what are your opinions on this accessory?
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