After a notable absence, GoPro has reintroduced its commitment to the 360-degree camera market with a refresh of the GoPro Max 360, first seen in 2019. This update, while not a complete redesign, brings significant improvements to the table without escalating the price, positioning it as an attractive option for both new users and loyalists.
What’s New with the GoPro Max 360?
- Mounting Flexibility: The refreshed GoPro Max 360 now supports all standard ¼-20 tripod mounts, enhancing its compatibility with a broader range of accessories. This change is facilitated by placing the mount under the camera’s folding fingers, a design element common to GoPro’s line.
- Battery Upgrade: The new model features an Enduro battery with a capacity of 1,600mAh, optimized for performance in extreme cold, down to -10°C/14°F. This improvement is aimed at users who engage in outdoor or winter sports where battery life can be a concern.
- Price Reduction: The most consumer-friendly update is the significant price drop; the refreshed GoPro Max 360 is priced at $350/£350/€400, a reduction of $150 from its original launch price. This makes it more accessible to a wider audience without compromising on core functionalities.
AI and Software Enhancements
- AI Object Tracking: The GoPro Quik App now includes an AI-powered object tracking feature, simplifying the editing process by automatically following subjects within the video frame.
- Enhanced Editing Tools: The app also introduces keyframing for adjusting camera angles and digital lens settings post-shooting, alongside automatic transitions and new CameraFX for dynamic effects. These tools aim to make 360-degree footage editing more intuitive and professional.
- Desktop Editing: For those who prefer desktop environments, the new Reframe plugin for Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects allows for advanced editing of 360 videos. This plugin enhances post-production capabilities, offering users the ability to refine their footage with precision.
- Cloud Storage for Subscribers: GoPro Premium and Premium+ subscribers benefit from unlimited cloud storage, facilitating the editing of 360 videos directly from the cloud, a boon for space management and collaborative editing.
Limitations
Despite these enhancements, the GoPro Max 360 still records at a maximum resolution of 5.6K, a limitation that has not seen an upgrade since its initial release. This is somewhat disappointing, especially when competitors like the Insta360 X4 have moved to 8K video capture. However, the Insta360 option comes at a higher price point of $500/€560, which might not be within everyone’s budget.
Market Position
The GoPro Max 360 refresh positions itself as a cost-effective choice for those looking into 360-degree video without the need for the highest resolution available on the market. Its updated features, particularly in software and mounting options, make it a compelling choice for both amateurs and professionals who value versatility and editing capabilities over raw resolution.
Conclusion
GoPro’s decision to refresh the Max 360 after five years, focusing on user-requested improvements like better battery life, more accessible mounting, and enhanced AI-driven editing tools, shows a commitment to evolution rather than revolution. For those not needing 8K and looking for a balance between cost and functionality, the new GoPro Max 360 might just be the perfect fit. However, for users where resolution is a critical factor, competitors offering higher resolutions might still hold the edge.
The refreshed GoPro Max 360 is now available, offering a blend of tradition with modern enhancements, proving that sometimes, the best updates are those that listen to the community without breaking the bank.
