GoPro seems to be skipping the annual update to the HERO lineup, instead focusing on a long overdue re-entry into the 360º camera market, plus a compact HERO mini with built in light and an AI-powered smart gimbal.
Yep, a gimbal…which is more interesting than it seems thanks to a built-in camera that automatically tracks the subject (including you), letting you use it with a GoPro or any other action camera, smartphone, or sub-400g point-and-shoot. So, let’s start there…
GoPro Fluid Pro AI Gimbal
TBH, I’d written off gimbals long ago, mainly because modern action cameras’ built-in digital image stabilization is so good that gimbals no longer seemed worth the hassle. That, and getting them to track a subject properly with anything but a smartphone running a specific app simply didn’t work.
GoPro seems to have solved for that by giving their new Fluid Pro a built-in camera with fill light that lets it automatically track your subject…or yourself in selfie mode. That allows it to work with any small camera, and its robust enough to carry a GoPro fully kitted out a Media Mod, too.
Even better, that integrated camera lets you use hand gestures to control it. Or, connect it to the app for additional wireless controls like dolly zooms and more.
The handle doubles as a power bank for charging the camera when not filming, or deliver up to 6 hours when using AI tracking + light (and 18 hours with basic, non-AI use). Included mounting brackets make it easy to use with smartphones and small digital cameras, too.
MSRP starts at $229.99, ships late October.
GoPro MAX2 360
Designed to best Insta360’s X5, the GoPro MAX2 360 comes out swinging with higher-resolution 8K capture and six microphones for full surround audio.
So, how do they make better 8K than the competition’s 8K? GoPro says it’s about what pixels are actually captured, and that they’re capturing more of them at full resolution, using overlap to stitch together a full 360º image rather than upscaling or AI. And, none of the unused “black pixels” outside of the intended fisheye video are counted toward that 8K.
The result is a sharper image that lets you crop in more tightly without losing resolution. Combine that with up to 300Mbps bitrate and GP-Log/10-Bit color and you end up with a lot of ways to use the footage for pro-level output.
You also get up to 100fps at 4K for 3x slow motion (or 4x if you’re editing at 24fps), plus Hypersmooth stabilization even at 100fps.
On-camera POV and Selfie modes make it easier to capture what you want, which really means it makes editing it the app quicker and easier because it knows what you’re trying to focus on.
Or, just use the updated AI features in their QUIK app to track subjects and export quick, sharable clips. Built-in digital lenses let you quickly simulate HyperView, SuperView, Ultra Wide, Wide, and Linear modes, too.
It also adds more photo modes, capturing everything with 29MP pics. And lots more, here’s the overview:
For creators, one of the biggest updates is the ability to narrate your video with bluetooth earbuds, including Apple AirPods, while still capturing ambient sounds. And with six microphones, a future update will allow full 360º ambisonic audio recreation, allowing the sound to track with the subject for impressive surround sound edits.
One final feature that sets the MAX2 360 apart is the inclusion of GPS, letting you track speed and location and overlay that data on your video.
For creators who like to fully control every setting, you’ll now be able to download GoPro Labs firmware updates, opening up control of every. single. option. This adds to functionality for advanced features, and lets GoPro provide custom configurations to you, too.
MSRP is $499.99, available September 30. Lots of accessories available, too, and it comes with their folding fingers, magnetic latch, and 1/4-20 mounts.
GoPro LIT HERO
If you’ve ever wished your GoPro had a bigger sensor for better low-light performance, well…keep wishing. But in the meantime, the new LIT HERO adds a small light with removable diffusion cap, letting you brighten up closeups and selfies.
Whether it’s fill light in backlit situations, or just bringing up the detail in low-light settings, it’s a welcome addition to their HERO mini.
Otherwise, it’s a super simple action camera for folks who are focused on the moment, not the minutiae. It records only in 4:3 format, up to 4K60, and pops off 12MP photos.
The built-in battery is good for up to 100 minutes of full-resolution video capture. MSRP $269.99, ships October 21.
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