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GoPro has unveiled three new cameras that offer fast frame rates for slow-motion shots, a larger image sensor and interchangeable lenses. Dubbed the Mission 1 series (the company dropped the “Hero” name to differentiate them), the entry-level and mid-range models can be pre-ordered and will be available globally on May 28. The high-end Mission 1 Pro ILS — with interchangeable lenses — is scheduled to arrive in the third quarter. The basic Mission 1 costs $600 (£530, AU$950), while the Mission 1 Pro and Pro ILS cost $700 (£600, AU$1,100). Existing subscribers to the GoPro cloud service get a $100 discount, plus pre-orders that include a point-and-shoot grip can cost up to an additional $100.
As a video producerPerhaps unsurprisingly, it was the top-of-the-range ILS model that got me most excited. The camera is responsible for photographing Incredibly amazing shots Which made the internet collectively wet its pants with excitement this March. The footage showed a lot of shallow depth of field and extremely zoomed-in shots of the moon, none of which would have been possible with the company’s usual wide angle Hero action cameras.
Thanks to its Micro Four Thirds lens mount, the Mission 1 Pro ILS is the model that interests me most.
But the ILS model includes a Micro Four Thirds lens mount, allowing you to use actual photographic lenses from the wide variety of companies that have supported the format over the years. It’s a great move, since there’s a wide range of lenses and adapter options for this mount, from ultra-wide-angle models to wide-aperture standard primes and even long telephoto zooms.
At its core, the camera uses a 1-inch sensor paired with the company’s new GP3 image processor. GoPro promises improved dynamic range (which we saw in the teaser shots), improved night photography, and 10-bit Log codecs. Then there are the wild specs: 8K photography at 60fps, 4K video at 240fps and up to 960fps at 1080p. This is the kind of high-speed shooting you’d normally expect from dedicated slow-motion cameras – so having it in an action camera is really exciting.
The middle model – the Mission 1 Pro – has the same sensor and processor and offers the same high-speed capabilities as the ILS version, but with a fixed wide-angle lens. It’s basically the same as a regular GoPro Hero, but with a huge boost in performance. The entry-level model – the Mission 1 – has a larger sensor but does not support high-speed shooting.
GoPro says this photo was taken using one of the new models, all of which are capable of shooting 50-megapixel still images.
I’m really excited about the new models, as it’s been a long time since I felt like a GoPro was truly innovative for video pros. with Competitors like DJI Increasingly, insta360 GoPro dominated social media feeds with higher-spec models and broader product offerings (like the DJI Osmo Pocket 3), and it needed to make a big splash and do more than just iterate on its existing lineup, especially with its plans It cut more than 20% of its workforce this year.
While the entry-level Mission 1 feels like a repeat (based on the specs, at least), the Mission 1 Pro’s high-speed capture gives a real reason to pick it over its rivals. More importantly, it’s the interchangeable lens model that stands out here, making the GoPro a viable option for high-end cinematic producers who don’t just want POV shots of a mountain biker descending the slopes.
I still have my reservations about the camera. The lens mount means it’s not completely waterproof (unlike almost every GoPro launched in the past decade), and the 1-inch sensor results in significant focal length cropping, turning even a 10mm wide-angle into a 30mm equivalent view (although the demo we saw of electronic image stabilization at longer focal lengths was impressive). I’m also a bit disappointed to not see GoPro expand further with its image sensor for the higher-end model – a Micro Four Thirds sensor will allow for better image quality and will fit the lens mount natively.
However, it’s a camera that promises a lot from such a small body, which could make it ideal for attaching to vehicles or bikes. Its size makes it a compelling choice for FPV drones too, although the camera doesn’t support autofocus so you’ll need to manually adjust focus before taking to the air.
Another example image. The low-light performance and dynamic range are certainly unlike anything we’ve seen from a GoPro before.
GoPro promises improved battery life and faster charging times too, to give you more time to stay out and keep shooting. There will also be a range of accessories for cameras, including camera grips, lens hoods and media adjustments.
I’ll be testing the new combination over the coming weeks, and I’m really looking forward to seeing how much the new sensor and processor actually improve my video footage.