GoPro has confirmed that it is working on a new 360-degree camera, the GoPro Max 2, which will be a successor to the original GoPro Max that was launched in October 2019. The company’s founder and CEO Nick Woodman announced the news at the GoPro 12 launch event, saying that the new GoPro Max 2 “is in the works and will be worth the wait”.
What is the GoPro Max 2?
The GoPro Max 2 is a 360-degree camera that can capture immersive videos and photos from every angle. It can also transform into a single-lens action camera with a touch of a button, giving users the flexibility to switch between different modes and perspectives.
The GoPro Max 2 is expected to improve on the features and performance of the original GoPro Max, which was one of the first consumer-friendly 360 cameras on the market. The GoPro Max had a dual-lens design with two 16.6-megapixel sensors, a built-in touchscreen, six microphones, voice control, GPS, and stabilization.
The GoPro Max also had a unique feature called Max HyperSmooth, which enabled users to create smooth and stable videos without using a gimbal. The camera also had a feature called Max TimeWarp, which allowed users to create time-lapse videos with 360-degree motion.
Why is the GoPro Max 2 important?
The GoPro Max 2 is important because it will be GoPro’s second attempt at making a 360 camera that appeals to a wider audience. The company has faced stiff competition from other brands like Insta360, which have been more innovative and aggressive in the 360 camera market.
Insta360 has released several models of 360 cameras with advanced features like modular design, 1-inch sensors, HDR capabilities, AI-powered editing, and selfie mode. Insta360 has also made its mobile app more user-friendly and intuitive, making it easier for users to view and edit their 360 videos.
GoPro has been lagging behind in terms of software and features for its 360 camera. The company has not updated its GoPro Max for a long time, and it has not added any new features or modes to its mobile app. The company has also not released any desktop software for its 360 camera, unlike Insta360.
The GoPro Max 2 will be an opportunity for GoPro to catch up with its rivals and showcase its expertise in making action cameras. The company will also be able to leverage its loyal fan base and strong brand recognition to market its new product.
What can we expect from the GoPro Max 2?
GoPro has not revealed any details or specifications about the GoPro Max 2 yet, but we can make some educated guesses based on some clues and rumors.
First of all, we can expect the GoPro Max 2 to have better image quality and resolution than the original GoPro Max. The original GoPro Max could only record videos at up to 5.6K resolution at 30 frames per second, which was lower than some of its competitors like the Insta360 One X2, which could record at up to 5.7K resolution at 30 frames per second. We hope that the GoPro Max 2 will be able to record at least at 6K resolution at 60 frames per second, or even higher.
Secondly, we can expect the GoPro Max 2 to have better stabilization and horizon leveling than the original GoPro Max. The original GoPro Max had impressive stabilization with its Max HyperSmooth feature, but it still had some limitations when it came to horizon leveling. Horizon leveling is a feature that keeps the horizon straight and level in your videos, regardless of how you tilt or rotate your camera. The original GoPro Max could only do horizon leveling in Hero mode (single-lens mode), but not in 360 mode (dual-lens mode). We hope that the GoPro Max 2 will be able to do horizon leveling in both modes, or even better, have an option to lock the horizon in any direction.
Thirdly, we can expect the GoPro Max 2 to have better software and editing features than the original GoPro Max. The original GoPro Max had a decent mobile app, but it lacked some features and modes that were available on other 360 cameras. For example, the original GoPro Max did not have a selfie mode, which is a mode that lets you capture yourself in the center of the 360 video, while hiding the camera’s body and tripod. The original GoPro Max also did not have any fun transitions or effects, which are features that let you add some creativity and flair to your 360 videos. We hope that the GoPro Max 2 will have more features and modes in its mobile app, or even better, have a dedicated desktop app for its 360 camera.
Lastly, we can expect the GoPro Max 2 to have a similar design and price as the original GoPro Max. The original GoPro Max had a compact and rugged design, with a built-in touchscreen, six microphones, voice control, GPS, and water resistance. The original GoPro Max also had a reasonable price of $499. which was comparable to other 360 cameras on the market. We hope that the GoPro Max 2 will retain these qualities, or even improve on them.
When will the GoPro Max 2 be released?
GoPro has not announced any official release date or availability for the GoPro Max 2 yet, but we can make some predictions based on some hints and patterns.
First of all, we can assume that the GoPro Max 2 will be released sometime in 2023, since GoPro has confirmed that it is working on it. The company has also said that it plans to expand its camera lineup in 2022, adding two more models alongside its current Hero and Max cameras. This means that the GoPro Max 2 could be one of those new models.
Secondly, we can assume that the GoPro Max 2 will be released around September, since GoPro has a tradition of launching its new cameras in September every year. For example, the original GoPro Max was launched in September 2019, along with the GoPro Hero 8 Black. The GoPro Hero 9 Black was launched in September 2020, and the GoPro Hero 10 Black was launched in September 2021. Therefore, it is likely that the GoPro Max 2 will follow the same pattern and be launched in September 2023.
Conclusion
The GoPro Max 2 is a highly anticipated 360 camera that will be a successor to the original GoPro Max. The new camera will be expected to improve on the image quality, stabilization, software, and features of its predecessor. The new camera will also be expected to compete with other 360 cameras on the market, especially from Insta360. The new camera will likely be released in 2023, around September. We are looking forward to seeing what GoPro has in store for us with its new product.
