GoPro’s New 8K 360 Camera Has Swappable Lenses
▼ Summary
– The GoPro Max2 is an upgraded 360-degree camera launching September 30th for $499.95, featuring improved 8K/30fps video and a new 4K/60fps single-lens mode.
– GoPro claims the Max2 captures “true 8K” with 16-21% more usable resolution than competitors by not counting overlapping pixels from its dual lenses.
– Key upgrades include support for Bluetooth microphones, a larger 1.82-inch touchscreen, a bigger removable battery, and 13 voice commands in 11 languages.
– The camera’s lenses are now user-replaceable without tools, featuring strong optical glass with a water-repelling coating.
– Footage can be edited on a smartphone using the GoPro Quik app for AI tracking or manual framing and is compatible with the pro-oriented GoPro Labs beta program.
GoPro has officially launched the Max2, its next-generation 360-degree action camera, bringing a significant leap in resolution and user-friendly features. This new model arrives six years after the original Max, offering 8K / 30fps 360-degree video recording, a notable upgrade from the previous 5.6K maximum. Priced at $499.95, it presents a competitive alternative to rivals like the DJI Osmo 360 and Insta360 X5, matching the launch price of its predecessor while packing in substantial improvements.
A key advancement is the camera’s ability to capture what GoPro calls “true 8K.” The company asserts that by not counting overlapping or unusable pixels between its dual lenses, the Max2 delivers 16 to 21 percent more usable resolution than competing 8K 360 cameras. This enhanced clarity is crucial for creators who use 360 cameras not just for immersive video, but as a tool to capture everything happening around them. The high resolution allows for the extraction of high-quality, standard flat videos in post-production, which are ideal for sharing on social media. The camera also supports a single-lens mode, enabling 180-degree video capture at up to 4K / 60fps.
The physical design retains the familiar, compact form factor, though the Max2 is slightly taller, thicker, and 36 grams heavier. It features a 1.82-inch LCD touchscreen, which is 10 percent larger than the screen on the original model. Familiar features like a six-microphone array with wind noise reduction, GPS, and waterproofing down to 16 feet are carried over. New upgrades include support for Bluetooth microphones, allowing users to record audio directly from wireless earbuds. Voice control is now available in 11 languages with 13 different commands, and the camera is powered by a larger, removable 1,960mAh battery. On a full charge, it can record 8K footage for up to 66 minutes, extending to 90 minutes at 5.6K resolution.
One of the most significant new features is swappable lenses. Following in the footsteps of competitors like the Insta360 X5, the Max2’s lenses are constructed from strong optical glass with a water-repelling coating. If a lens becomes damaged, it can be replaced tool-free by simply twisting it off. For editing, footage is managed through the GoPro Quik app, where users can leverage AI-powered tracking to automatically follow a subject or manually choose their framing by moving their phone while watching the 360-degree playback. While designed for ease of use, the Max2 also supports the GoPro Labs beta program, which unlocks advanced professional features such as higher bitrates and on-screen histograms through optional firmware updates.
(Source: The Verge)
