- GoPro unveils its Mission 1 action camera series, with three new models
- They all feature a new 1-inch 50MP sensor, GP3 processor and record 8K video
- An “ILS” model features a Micro Four Thirds lens mount
GoPro stock has been declining lately, especially with increased competition from DJI and Insta360, but the OG action camera maker is back with a bang with its new Mission 1 action camera series.
This is GoPro’s biggest shake-up since it went digital 20 years ago, with three “pro” models to choose from; the Mission 1, the Mission 1 Pro and the curious Mission 1 Pro ILS – the latter features a Micro Four Thirds lens mount and is directly compatible with hundreds and hundreds of lenses.
Alongside the cameras, GoPro will launch new accessories, including its first wireless microphone kit. And in case you missed it, GoPro recently revealed its own gimbal, so its line of accessories continues to expand.
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I spoke with GoPro ahead of the announcement, and its spokesperson explained how the brand has sought to address many of the perceived drawbacks of its current action cameras, previously led by the Hero 13 Black.
Thanks to a new GP3 processor, GoPro claims the Mission 1 series of cameras will have industry-leading battery life and thermal performance – yes, they won’t overheat even when static in a hot room – while a new 1-inch sensor is much larger than that used in the Hero Black models and will undoubtedly improve image quality, especially in low-light conditions.
Pre-orders for each model begin on May 21 and will be fully available from May 28, with pricing to be confirmed. There’s a lot to discover here, so let’s take a look at the main features and what to expect.
Mission 1 / Mission 1 Pro
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First up, the Mission 1 and Mission 1 Pro models. They’re essentially the same, except the Pro version (above, with sunshade) has a few extra features, which I’ll come back to.
Both cameras are equipped with the new GP3 processor, a 1-inch 4:3 sensor and take 50 MP photos and 8K 30 fps / 4K 120 fps open-door videos (the “Pro” version shoots 8K at up to 60 fps).
Previous GoPro action cameras offered excellent image quality in good light, but this new series looks to improve things in low light with what GoPro says is 14 stops of dynamic range.
The larger sensor and new processor also combine with higher bitrates of 240 Mbps, HLG-HDR and GP-Log 2 color profiles, and 10-bit color depth for what should be the best image quality from a GoPro to date.
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With a new Enduro 2 battery (which is backwards compatible with the Hero 13 Black), video recording times are claimed to be at least five hours at 1080p 30fps and three hours more for 4K 30fps. They’re also GoPro’s most rugged action cameras yet, with 65ft/20m waterproofing and a bright 2.59-inch rear OLED screen.
It’s slow-motion recording where the Pro version really shines, thanks to its stunning 960fps slow-motion video mode. This is available for 1080p recording, while the standard Mission 1 is limited to 240fps. At 4K resolution, the Mission 1 Pro can shoot up to 240fps, while the Mission 1 is capped at 120fps.
The audio recording also sounds impressive; there are four internal mics and internal 32-bit floating audio recording – these are very professional features. And Bluetooth 5.3 lets you connect to compatible mics for clear audio, including GoPro’s new Wireless Mic Kit.
What you don’t get with either model the Hero 13 Black offers is the auto-sensing lens module setup. Instead, you just get the redesigned 159-degree field-of-view lens with a hydrophobic coating to keep water droplets flowing.
Mission 1 Pro ILS
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Moving on to the ILS version: it offers the same photo and video capabilities as the Mission 1 Pro, the main difference being that it has a Micro Four Thirds lens mount and as such it is only weatherproof and is not fully waterproof like the fixed lens Mission 1 Pro is.
This curious design trait means that the ILS is more of a compact cinema camera than an action camera, although it has a similar form factor to the other models.
Now I say “curious” because there is a mismatch between sensor size and lens mount format. The 1-inch sensor is smaller than the Micro Four Thirds sensor the mount is designed for. A 1-inch sensor has a crop factor of 2.7x, while Micro Four Thirds is 2x.
I don’t think I’ve ever used a camera with a 1-inch sensor and a Micro Four Thirds lens mount. I’m particularly intrigued by the ILS model and can’t wait to try it. This extra crop factor will limit the lens choice for fans of a super wide-angle perspective, but on the other hand, the telephoto reach will be improved.
Perhaps making the ILS body a little larger and equipping it with a Micro Four Thirds sensor would have been the smart thing to do, but this setup could have various advantages, and at the very least, hundreds of lenses are already available.
I asked GoPro if it would consider making its own lenses based on the Mission 1 Pro ILS, but as expected, it declined to comment.
There will be various Mission 1 series bundles, including a Grip Edition, Creator Edition, and Ultimate Creator Edition, with more details to come as we build up to launch.
GoPro just returned to earth after its NASA adventures aboard the Artemis II – and now, with its biggest product upgrades in decades, it really feels like GoPro is back in the frame against DJI and Insta360. What do you think of GoPro’s Mission 1 series? Be sure to vote in the poll below and let me know what you think!
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