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GoPro Media Mod Review For Hero 9 &10 Black Cameras
In this GoPro Media Mod review I take a look at the mod being used with the new Hero 10 Black camera.
I weigh up whether all the additinal features are worth having for vlogging, bike trail riders, hyperlapse recording and so on.
Let’s delve straight in to read my candid views on the official GoPro Media Mod.
Design & Build Quality
The form factor of the Hero 10 is exactly the same as its predecessor the Hero 9. This means the Media Mod is compatible with both of these camera models.
A latch similar to the one on the Hero 10 camera body itself opens the door for access to the mod. This felt a little stiff at first, but with practice and several installs of the camera it became fairly easy to place the camera inside.
The surface of the latest Media Mod has a textured feel to it which means it won’t scratch as easily as the Hero 8 version which became rather scuffed after prolonged use.
Overall, the Media Mod has a solid feel to its build, how it takes a strong impact during a dynamic outdoor activity remains to be seen. I’ll let you know on that score when I take the mod to the ski slopes.
Installing The Hero 10 Into The Media Mod
To install the Hero 10 into the Media Mod is a quick and easy process. It’s just a matter of removing the door at the side of the Hero 10 that covers the battery / micro SD card slot.
With the door removed on the camera. Open the latch on the side of the mod and carefully slide the camera into the wraparound outer shell until it sits firmly in place. Now close the door of the mod until the latch is secure.
Shutter & Mode Buttons
Hero 10 owners will be pleased to see both the shutter and mode buttons are covered with a rubberised material that depresses firmly onto the camera’s integral buttons with a precise feel.
Media Ports
There are 3 media ports for plugging any extra mods into.
- 3.5mm mic port
- USB-C charge port
- HDMI-out port
I like the fact all 3 ports are protected with rubber grommet covers to keep dust and moisture out. Note that the Media Mod is only weather resistant and not waterproof.
The 3.5mm mic port will accept any 3rd party mic with a 3.5mm jack. Which is great if you may decide to attach a wireless mic system for example.
The USB-C charge port being situated at the rear is a major bonus for me. Having the USB-C cable leading from the rear of the mod simply means it doesn’t stick out, making it less vulnerable to being caught or knocked.
If you’re a mountain bike trail rider you’ll know how important it is not to have any extra gear from being ripped off by a tree branch.
The mini HDMI-out port allows for a color LCD screen to be plugged into the Hero 10. You can of course use this port to plug directly into a smart TV at home or in the office.
Cold Shoe Mounts
There are two cold shoe mounts to be found. One atop of the mod next to the shutter button. The second shoe is located under the directional mic, adjacent to the media ports.
Having several shoe mounts opens up the possibility of attaching a combination of two accessories, a choice from an LCD color screen, LED light or perhaps a larger unidirectional microphone inside a cradle.
For vlogging you may want to attach a front facing LCD screen, plus an LED light to raise the exposure level of skin tones on your face.
This is where the Media Mod is great for those who already own a Hero 10 and into recording vlogging type video clips for YouTube or Instagram.
Built-in Directional Mic
The built-in directional mic does a good job of eliminating wind noise when you have in place the supplied foam mic cover.
The sound recorded from the Media Mods mic does tend to have less gain compared to the internal mics onboard the camera itself. This can be addressed in post production video editing without too much additional work.
I found the voice commands to be more responsive in windy conditions also which is an added bonus when your hands are busy.
Additional Mods
GoPro offers both a Light Mod, plus a Display Mod as further additions to the Media Mod. You can of course use any 3rd party LED lights or LCD screens to display video live or playback from the micro SD card.
I personally use a Lume Cube Panel light for adding additional lighting where needed. The Lume Cube has more features such as variable color temperature adjustment, something the GoPro Light Mod doesn’t.
Final Thoughts
I did spend some time personally weighing up whether I actually needed the GoPro Media Mod for my new Hero 10 camera. The answer was of course a definite yes.
I prefer the USB-C port being at the rear of the mod compared to the pass-through charging door which has the lead sticking out from the side of the camera.
The two cold shoe mounts are really useful for doing a whole range of different types of filming and photography setups. From vlogging to overhead table top video, which I use quite often when reviewing gear for YouTube.
My only reservation was the cost. It’s not super expensive to buy, however it soon starts to add up when you’ve just bought a new Hero 10, a spare battery and a couple of extra mounts.
I would suggest looking at the GoPro Subscription Service if you plan to buy a new camera, plus several accessories and the mod. This is what I decided to do and on reflection it has proved to be worthwhile.
Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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