If you’ve been ever-so-patiently waiting for a modern 360º camera from GoPro, or wanting something that worked better in low light, today’s your day. They’ve even added a stand-alone gimbal that lets your camera (or your phone) track you automatically.
There may not be a new flagship HERO this year, but these updates give them two interesting new entries into an increasingly competitive market. Here’s what you need to know…
GoPro MAX2 360
The flagship in the launch is the new MAX2 360, which bumps quality to “True 8K 360 Video” with a claimed 21% more resolution than the competition. Competition that, by the way, has been perfecting 360º cameras for quite a while in GoPro’s category silence (looking at you, Insta360), plus a new entry from DJI, which has been generally well-received.
It brings the expected features like 10-Bit color, GP-Log, and the ability to make your selfie stick disappear. Where it stands out is with six mics that creates an “audio field of view”, plus Bluetooth mic compatibility. And, it’s the only 360º action camera that has GPS built-in, no need to pair with your phone to capture that data.
For video, it has up to 300Mbps Bitrate, a free unlock if you opt into their GoPro Labs firmware update. This gives you access to more advanced features for more advanced users.
The Quik App makes edits easier, with the ability to pan your phone around or let it automatically follow a subject. AI-enhancements make auto-editing for quick shares even better and faster, too. POV and Selfie modes make it easier to capture what you want for less editing, too.
It also introduces twist-to-replace glass lenses, so no worries if you get a few scuffs. A 1960mAh battery delivers long life, even in cold temps. MSRP is $499.99, ships September 30.
GoPro LIT HERO
The new waterproof, ultra-compact LIT HERO is like a mini GoPro, but with a light built in for those “whatever, whenever” moments in lower light situations, like parties, tunnels, night rides, etc.
It captures 4K60 Video, has 2X Slo-Mo Playback, and 12MP still photos, all in a fixed 4:3 ratio for lots of cropping options. Magnetic mounting and a feathery 93g weight make it easy to use anyway, anywhere.
Built-in Enduro battery can capture up to 100 minutes of video on the highest quality setting. MSRP is $269.99, ships October 21.
GoPro Fluid Pro AI Gimbal
As good as digital image stabilization is, there’s still a use case for gimbals. And if you’ve found them, the new Fluid Pro AI Gimbal combines a 4-axis gimbal with AI subject tracking. Even better, it can lock on facing outward or inward, so you can track your friend or yourself(ie).
Plus, it works with more than just GoPro’s cameras – stick your phone or any small point-and-shoot camera under 400g in there and it’ll work with those, too. How? Magic. And a built-in camera that tracks your subject.
It also has a fill light for ambience, and doubles as an external battery pack, with up to 18 hours of use (as a gimbal, anyway) per charge. It’s all yours for $229.99, ships October 21. PS –
