GoPro has announced a trio of new products including a hugely updated 360-degree camera, lifestyle-focused mini action camera, and an AI-powered gimbal that’s not just compatible with GoPros (unlike its previous GoPro-only gimbal from 2016).
And, interestingly, what GoPro isn’t releasing this year might be just as notable: for the first time in over a decade, the brand will not be launching an updated flagship action camera this year, opting instead to focus on its new range and double down on last year’s HERO13 Black.
The all-new GoPro MAX2 leads the new bunch for the California-based brand, arriving as the successor to its original GoPro MAX from 2019. However, it’s a successor in name only, because unlike its predecessor – which GoPro marketed as a 3-in-1 multi-use model – the MAX2 is a fully dedicated 360-degree camera with specs that challenge the very best from other brands in its category.
Described by the brand as “the world’s best, most durable 360 camera”, the MAX2 features dual lenses and can capture “True 8K” video – which, according to GoPro, makes the MAX2 is the only consumer-grade 360 camera to deliver the full 8K resolution in terms of usable pixels. This, it says, is unlike its main competitors in the category – the Insta360 X5 and DJI Osmo 360 – that are marketed as 8K cameras, but include non-usable pixels (such as those lost during the overlapping – or, “stitching” – process to create a 360-degree shot) to arrive at 8K. In further comparison to the X5 and Osmo 360, GoPro claims its MAX2 delivers 16% and 23% better resolution than each of its competitor’s cameras, respectively.
As well as its high-resolution, the MAX2 also features 10-Bit Color processing, GP Log encoding and six on-board microphones that capture audio in 360, affording both professionals and advanced hobbyists more control over the final look and sound of their footage. The camera’s dual lenses are also fully replaceable and can be swapped out with a simple “Twist-and-Go” action, meaning should an accident happen (which is probably likely, given GoPro’s extreme sports audience) the camera isn’t rendered completely useless.
Other features found in the MAX2 include the ability to capture 360-degree still photos in 29-megapixels, with the ultra high resolution allowing users to crop and zoom into their imagery freely. AI powers the new camera, too, with modes like “AI Object Tracking” and “MotionFrame” providing users with multiple options when it comes to content capture. The MAX2 is powered by a 1,960mAh battery optimized for extreme weather, making it usable in a wide range of conditions and temperatures. It also includes built-in GPS, a feature GoPro claims isn’t available on another other 360 camera.
Alongside the MAX2, GoPro is launching a new, miniature action camera that it’s targeting towards the lifestyle crowd. The new GoPro LIT HERO is a small 4k camera with a built-in light – a “Whatever, Whenever” solution to your action camera needs, according to the brand. It can record 4k video at up to 60 frames per second, as well as “2x slo-mo”. Like almost all GoPro cameras, the LIT HERO is waterproof and can be submerged up to 16-feet (5-meters). It weighs just 93-grams (3.28-ounces) and can record up to 100 minutes of video at the highest setting per full charge.
GoPro is also – finally – releasing a new gimbal: the new GoPro Fluid Pro AI, a follow up to its GoPro Karma Grip from 2016. However, unlike the Karma Grip that only worked with GoPro cameras, the new Fluid Pro AI is compatible with everything from smartphones to point-and-shoot cameras weighing up to 400-grams (0.88-pounds), meaning creators on-the-go need not carry multiple devices. The 3-axis gimbal features interchangeable mounts, an intergrated fill light, and 18 hours of runtime per charge – power that can be used to charge your devices, since the Fluid Pro AI has a reverse-charging capability.
The GoPro MAX2 and the GoPro LIT HERO cameras are both available to pre-order now via GoPro’s website: the MAX2 is priced at £449.99 GBP / $499.99 USD and ships September 30, while the LIT HERO costs £239.99 GBP /$269.99 USD and ships starting October 21. The GoPro Fluid Pro AI gimbal will be available is dropping directly on October 21 and will be priced at $229.99 USD.
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