GoPro has just released the GoPro Max for $499.99, this new 360 camera is a successor to the 2017 GoPro Fusion.
It is also GoPro’s answer to the Insta360 One X, while it borrows a lot from the One X, the GoPro Max has definitely added several of its own new touches and created a very useable 360 camera.
What’s new with the GoPro Max?
GoPro has improved upon the vast majority of the headaches that came with the Fusion such as, needing to be stitched together on a desktop computer and two separate memory cards to function.
The new GoPro Max shoots 16.6mp photos using dual 180-degree cameras; it is also capable of what GoPro is calling “Max Superview” and “PowerPano” photos.
Superview photos use one of the cameras to achieve 4:3 5.5 megapixel shots. PowerPano, in contrast, is 6.2-megapixel panoramic photos shot at 270 degrees.
Video, on the other hand, can be shot at either a 60 fps 1440p using only one of the lens or the 30 fps 5.6k spherical clip.
When shooting video you can utilize Max Hypersmooth, which according to GoPro is its newest form of video stabilization and offers more stability than ever before.
GoPro has added what they are calling “Max Timewarp”, this new mode creates time-lapse videos in 360 degrees. While this new feature is very interesting and fun to try, it is unfortunately very hard on the battery.
The GoPro Max has mounting prongs located on the bottom that allows for the mounting of accessories, all current accessories from GoPro are compatible with the Max.
It features microphones on all sides of the camera but one and maintains the button layout that was present on the Hero 8.
It comes with a touchscreen that is very similar to that of the Hero 8 but is slightly smaller in size. The menu systems between both devices are identical.
The touchscreen works very well, responding very quickly in all instances. Once you begin shooting the touchscreen loses all functionality beyond being a viewfinder for whichever lens you’ve chosen to use.
The GoPro Max also comes equipped with the ability to have the image on screen always stay level with the horizon regardless of which way the device is turned.
GoPro states that the Max is safe up to 16 feet underwater but that it is not an underwater camera; the 360 shots are a problem for GoPro currently.
This waterproofing is perfect for water sports such as surfing though, keeping your camera safe from any water exposure.
Compared to other 360 cameras like Rylo and Insta 360, the GoPro Max provides a very clean stitch after it has been exported, but does suffer from bobbing and some artifact appearance from things such as mounts.
This is due to the fact the GoPro Max uses software to stabilize its video.
From another point of view, the audio is top-notch, possibly the best for consumer action cameras as of now.
It has built-in wind reduction that works very well to keep things like voices clear while reducing wind sounds quite well.
Coming equipped with a battery that is somewhat larger than that of the Hero 8, it uses USB-C to charge. Most heavy users suggest getting two of the batteries for a full day’s use, which is often the advice for most GoPro cameras, especially if you plan on shooting lots of video as this puts a pretty large strain on the battery.
The GoPro App can be used to edit all footage taken with the Max; GoPro has managed to make the editing for 360-degree footage very manageable for all users regardless of video editing experience.
Mirroring the GoPro app, the desktop app known as GoPro Player is capable of all the editing of the mobile app as well as some added codec options.
Overall, the GoPro Max is definitely a much more user-friendly option when it comes to shooting 360-degree shots and videos.
Not only is the Max very easy to use out shooting footage but the editing in the app can easily be done by even the most novice of video editors.
It provides a style of photography that normally requires high-end, expensive equipment that most people would never have.
How does the app workflow compare to the Insta 360 One X? Specifically asking for reframing, key frames, subject tracking, etc.