The competition for the best 360 camera is heating up. While companies like DJI and Insta360 are already well established in this space, GoPro is stepping back into the ring with the launch of its new flagship, the GoPro Max 2.
One of GoPro‘s main selling points for the Max 2 over rivals is its video quality. The company says the camera’s 1/2.3-inch sensor captures true 8K 360-degree video at 30 frames per second. GoPro emphasizes that this is native 8K resolution, meaning it does not use software upscaling or artificial intelligence to achieve that quality. The camera also shoots at other resolutions, including 5.6K30 and 4K100 for high-quality slow-motion footage. For color graders, it supports 10-bit video and a flat GP Log color profile.
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Durability features include a waterproof design that can withstand depths of up to 4 meters. Like the Insta360 X5, the Max 2 has lenses that can be replaced by the user if they are damaged. Under the hood, it runs on GoPro’s GP2 processor for quick start-up times and is equipped with six microphones for capturing spatial audio. For connectivity, it supports Bluetooth 5.3, USB 3.0, and Wi-Fi 6.
To make editing easier, GoPro has updated its Quik app. The software allows users to reframe their 360-degree videos, letting them choose the best angles before exporting a standard, flat video clip. It also comes with other features.
A key improvement in this new model is its battery life. The GoPro Max 2 is equipped with a 1960mAh battery, which is about 23 percent larger than the battery in the previous model. GoPro has not provided specific recording times but states that the camera should last “all day” on a single charge. This will most likely depend on the kind of usage, though.
The GoPro Max 2 is priced at $499(~Php29,000) and is now available for pre-order in the United States. No word yet regarding global pricing and release date.