Everybody loves GoPros. They’re the best action cams around. However, we don’t know that many people who buy a new model every year, with most folks only upgrading after a few generations. So how do you get GoPro users to buy a new GoPro? With the GoPro Mission 1 Pro, they’re doing it by positioning the model as a cinema camera.
That’s right, GoPro’s newest rugged and compact camera is being billed as a filmmaker’s tool that you can use for serious cinematography projects. In fact, they’re billing it as the “smallest, lightest, most rugged cinema camera,” positioning it as much more than another action cam.
The GoPro Mission 1 Pro is a compact camera styled in the same general aesthetic as the outfit’s Hero line of action cams. Inside, it houses a new one-inch sensor that, the outfit claims, is 25.4 percent larger than that on the DJI Osmo Action 6 and 43.8 percent larger than the one on the Insta360 Ace Pro 2. Yes, calling your product a cinema camera and comparing it to action cams seems silly, but that’s what they’re doing here. That 50MP sensor records 8K footage at 60 fps, 4K at up to 240 fps, and 1080p at 480 fps, with the option for 10-second burst 960 fps 1080p footage for absolutely insane 32x slo-mo. It even supports 8K 30fps Open Gate video utilizing the full 4:3 sensor, giving you plenty of flexibility for reframing in post-production. According to the outfit, by the way, users can record in 8K up to 37 minutes without any added airflow, all while extending to double that if there’s strong airflow involved (e.g. you’re on the move or there’s very strong winds).
The camera comes with a high bit rate mode that let you capture the best image quality possible at up to 240 Mbps, all while letting you record in HLG-HDR, 10-Bit Color with GP-Log2, and Timecode Sync for multi-camera shoots. It’s also equipped with the outfit’s new GP3 image processor, which, they claim, offers “best-in-class resolutions, frame rates and image quality.”
The GoPro Mission 1 Pro offers 13 different capture modes that triggers the camera to automatically make the necessary adjustments. In Vlog Mode, for instance, it will frame scenes to focus on faces and prioritize tone mapping, while Dive Mode triggers underwater color schemes and tuned stabilization. Of course, you can also bypass the intelligent settings if you want full control of every variable. It uses the new Enduro 2 battery, which is rated for over three hours of 4K/30p video capture between charges. Like other GoPros, the batteries are swappable, so you can carry spares to stave off downtime during shoots. It’s also compatible with GoPro Hero 13 batteries, although that offers much shorter recording times.
For audio, it has a four-mic system with 32-bit float, stereo recording, and built-in wind noise reduction, so it should capture decent sound without an external mic in tow. Other features include a new fixed lens with a 159-degree field of view, an OLED rear display, waterproofing up to 66 feet, raised buttons that can be operated with gloves, and a removable lens hood.
The GoPro Mission 1 Pro will be available for preorder May 21st, with deliveries slated to go out on May 28th. No pricing has been announced.