GoPro - MAX2

Lol, scratched if you look at it, funny. Yeah and another thing is I’m still going to use my 11 and to have all the footage in the same place will be so convenient. Lastly, people that for some reason or another really don’t wanna like the max two, that are very high on the 360 and Osmo are acting like the gap is huge. Not leaving the ecosystem is an easier choice.

That’s what I think for low light I can work around it

I hear you, but I feel like all three are essentially equal and the max keeps me in the GoPro ecosystem. I’m game!

Max 2 sold out ?

Absolutely, if you mount it on the back you’d see more of the rear and front more your son. Just more detailed

Don’t scratch it lol I looked at it hard but waited

Insta360 X5 4k@120fps vs Max 2 4k@100fps / 72mp still camera vs 29mp still camera / Both sensors on the X5 are almost double the size of Max2 / Deeper water resistance / Bigger battery / Longer battery life / Removed lenses / Better software...

Before I do, I'm not just listing off specs. I'm giving a true representation of both units. You just lied about saying some software features don't exist, even though they do, you just don't know how to use them. You then listed off your opinion with 1 spec that doesn't actually affect any outcome of use. Well your software points is completely null and void. You think the GoPro software is good because it's so old and crap, that's not what most video editors want. Saying a software is better because it's featureless and old makes you sound old and out of touch with current tech. Regarding this nonsensical 'true 8k' marketing... If you understood cameras, you understand that it's null and void. Given then your packing that small amount of extra 'true (LOL) 8K' into tiny sensors. Both insta360 sensors are almost double the size making the actual real world results way better.

Upgrading from GoPro Max 😅

Got tired of GoPro and bought x5 with discount with Dell via Amex. Yes, the camera looks good, menu and screen (with the 360 preview) are definitely better than GoPro. In addition, while owning Max 1, I really envy the software and editing tools of Insta360. However, my concern is that the color of x5 looks unrealistic even with the normal color profile. When GoPro released Max 2, I was a bit skeptical but for the most part, I really like the video quality output. I don't see myself shooting 8k but with the log video that I can color grade, I was sold. Sold the x5 for $20 less vs brand new (because Amex had offers with Dell before). Yes, Max 2 performs poorly at night time. But honestly, do most people shoot 360 videos at night time? I suppose most people would take a 360 camera to shoot at night in bright places (eg Times Square, Shibuya crossing).

Because in non low light situations the colour and quality of the max 2 is a lot better. So if you don’t need low light capabilities then the max 2 is the way to go

Yep, that's not an issue. Most of these shots are pretty zoomed out, but even at a more normal 100% or 90% zoom, the quality is great and should mix with H13 nicely Here's some more "normal" footage (just made the file Public) for you to review: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CTfYfUU-PE](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CTfYfUU-PE) Note: this is with an earlier prototype model that didn't have final video / audio tuning, including for wind noise

I can only speak for myself, but personally, yes, I won’t ever be able to use my Max1s after seeing the quality improvements with Max2. Completely different levels of quality

This footage is with an early hardware model that didn't have audio tuning. So, these clips are more examples of the image quality, not the audio quality. What low light tests are you referring to? My low light shots look great https://preview.redd.it/bjtyt9d24xqf1.jpeg?width=4096&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7a5b3f6f1fa925d72329527bb60d17422c07ff47

Max2 is higher native resolution, 10-bit color, 300 mbps, has log profiles, is a smaller size, is less expensive, has removable lenses, better daylight image quality, unlimited cloud storage… pretty obvious choice if you’re not filming in low light

I regularly record for longer than 30 minutes with my Max2 and have never encountered overheating. But then again, my activities all have lots of airflow (motorcycles, paragliding, etc), and I always keep the front heatsink facing into the wind. If you do the same, you'll be fine

What settings are you shooting in? Have you made adjustments beyond the default resolution / bitrate / sharpening / ISO? I’m very impressed by the quality, because I adjust the setting to my environment to get maximum performance from the camera

On what budget and for what application? You can always spend ~$15,000 for an Insta360 Titan if you’re mounting it on a tripod. For action cameras in this form-factor and price range, Max2 is the latest & greatest.  Osmo360 has larger sensors, but the lenses aren’t replaceable, which is a bit of a non-starter for action environments

Don’t forget you can also shoot in a Log profile and color grade your footage (if you’re into that). This will give you the highest possible quality. 8K, 30fps, high bitrate, 10-bit color, GP-Log, low sharpening, low denoise, max ISO 400… from there, soon you can use GoPro Labs firmware to crank the bitrate to 300 mbps, use the GoPro Rec 709 LUT to convert the color space, grade the footage however you like, and so-forth. But even today, I find the quality quite good. But I’m not viewing in VR applications

Yep fair. The Labs FW for Max2 hasn’t been made public yet, but GoPro has talked about it extensively and it’s expected in the next week or so. I’m also eager to test. But I’ve tested the same 300 mbps on the Hero13, which uses the same processor as Max2, and it’s been stable, without glitches, and with great quality (at least with a quality Samsung SD card) - so, I’m confident the Max2’s Labs FW will deliver as well.

Any camera with a curved lens, like Max2, will produce blurry footage underwater unless you use a dive case with an air gap

That sure isn’t the verdict I remember from DC Rainmakers review

Basically that it’s a really good camera, except in low light iirc. There’s more nuance than that though, one of the big things he did criticise was Go Pros desktop software. I’d recommend OP just watch his (and as many others as possible) review.

The x5 doesn't shoot in real 8k,though, and isn't much better than the Max in video quality in the end result. So I've stayed with my max. But hope a max2 might move the needle.

Different use cases, I guess. I've never used an action cam indoors, and also never recorded voices / needed a mic. So for me those drawbacks are small.

Thanks. The footage looks good, but its hard to tell if it's any better than what the X5 or Osmo360 would've captured. When I say the gopro doesn't look as good, Im referring to comparison videos I've seen. I've even seen the creator say "its clear the max2 is better", yet I'm looking at it and thinking the complete opposite. This isnt about preference either. During a comparison, I can read words on a sign, but I can't read them from the Max2. Maybe I'll warm up to it like I did with the osmo360. I think the osmo360 is the best of the 3 at the moment.

I just watched Hugh's comparison video again. In good lighting, the osmo360 looks best out of the box. It's a little bit artificially sharpened to make it look clearer, which I dont mind. When you add sharpening in post, the Max2 does look better than the osmo360.  It doesn't make up for the small sensor though. I dont think I've ever filmed a 360 video at night, but a larger sensor does make a difference in daytime situations. The osmo360 is so much better than the max2 and the X5 in those situations. As I said before, if the insta360 would upgrade to 10 bit, they win. If gopro would upgrade to a larger sensor, they win. If DJI would add replaceable lenses, they win. The DJI and Gopro editing softwares need to improve also.

You have to read between the lines here and for fans of GoPro it is pretty scary... 1. the company is badly, badly bleeding money. 2. major sources like Bloomberg and others say bankruptcy in less than 12 months is likely (and they said that months ago already). 3. large layoffs have occurred multiple times over the last several years including earlier this year. the company is far and away the smallest now making action cameras like this and has a vastly smaller R&D budget compared to DJI and Insta360. 4. Max 2 is arriving 6 years after Max 1 and more than a year later than promised by GoPro initially yet lacks a sensor that delivers better low light performance and dynamic range that their competitors have had for multiple years now. It arrives with the smallest screen, no OLED, and lack of critical obviously needed accessories like a dive case. This isn't because they don't know how important those features are or that they wanted to keep the camera small (like their PR is trying to spin it) but because they can't afford to release a camera with better specs. 5. The new mobile software for editing Max 2 footage is decent but still lacks many, many of the features provided by similar software provided by Insta360 and GoPro has NOT updated the desktop software at all which continues to lack such basic features as auto keying of subjects in 360 footage. It's a mess. Why is this? They simply don't have the R&D personnel and budget to develop both mobile and desktop software at the same time. 6. The lack of a new flagship Hero 14 is because they 1) can't afford to release a new one right now on their shoestring finances and lack of R&D and 2) they know they can't continue to release "flagship" cameras with tiny sensors and try to pretend they are competent competing with the likes of the DJI Action 6 Pro or Insta360 Ace Pro 3 coming soon. I wish GoPro the best, but not only is there no flagship Hero this year... I'm genuinely concerned there will never be another flagship Hero again.

I've had almost every GoPro since the GP4. Just got the Max2, but in all honesty, I think my favorite is the 13 black.

I'm feeling pretty good. The weather's nice. My commute was better than average. Oh the GoPro Max 2? Preordered 2 days ago. Honestly even if it's exactly the same quality as my GoPro Max, the durable and replaceable external lenses pushed me over the edge. The prior Max would scratch if you looked at it funny and then you had to do the replacement process. I'm expecting the footage will look better than the original Max, I'm just saying even if it was the same it'd be worth half it's price just to not have to replace the whole camera every time it's accidentally set down without covers. We'll see how much better the 8k is than the 4k, might be great. Any increase in resolution will be nice for reframing. Because I'm on Gopro's $49/yr subscription, I got $100 off. The subscription's a great thing for that discount and more importantly the fact that I can set the cameras to upload their footage to the cloud and then clear their memory card. It's a nice set-and-forget process that just happens when I plug the camera in to charge. I run [this command](https://github.com/dustin/gopro) periodically on my computer to download all the footage from the cloud so I have a local copy. As far as I know the DJI and Insta do not have this kind of auto-upload-and-clear feature (I could be wrong). Nothing in the review videos I've seen so far pushed me to break out of that ecosystem, and GoPro is good about not overhyping their camera's specs or quality. I like shooting 10-bit log at high-bitrate on the Heroes, and will continue that practice with the labs firmware.

I'm feeling pretty good. The weather's nice. My commute was better than average. Oh the GoPro Max 2? Preordered 2 days ago. Honestly even if it's exactly the same quality as my GoPro Max, the durable and replaceable external lenses pushed me over the edge. The prior Max would scratch if you looked at it funny and then you had to do the replacement process. I'm expecting the footage will look better than the original Max, I'm just saying even if it was the same it'd be worth half it's price just to not have to replace the whole camera every time it's accidentally set down without covers. We'll see how much better the 8k is than the 4k, might be great. Any increase in resolution will be nice for reframing. Because I'm on Gopro's $49/yr subscription, I got $100 off. The subscription's a great thing for that discount and more importantly the fact that I can set the cameras to upload their footage to the cloud and then clear their memory card. It's a nice set-and-forget process that just happens when I plug the camera in to charge. I run [this command](https://github.com/dustin/gopro) periodically on my computer to download all the footage from the cloud so I have a local copy. As far as I know the DJI and Insta do not have this kind of auto-upload-and-clear feature (I could be wrong). Nothing in the review videos I've seen so far pushed me to break out of that ecosystem, and GoPro is good about not overhyping their camera's specs or quality. I like shooting 10-bit log at high-bitrate on the Heroes, and will continue that practice with the labs firmware.

Well lets see. Higher "True 8K" resolution compared to the competition which is upscaled 7.3K and 7.5K (approx). Still cheaper than the competition. Ease of use and workflow compared to the Insta360 software (seriously, logging into their app is more like logging into a social media site and the layout of the controls and workflow is a mess). Better form factor. Replaceable lenses that don't require special tools or calibration. Better color space. However the #1 reason people should buy the Max 2 over the competition? The GoPro Labs firmware. The features that firmware unlocks (motion detection, sound triggers, gps speed triggers, owner information, custom color curves, overlays, increasing bit rates, disabling mics, increasing gain on mics, the ability to run more complex scripts for custom filming condition needs and much much more). This is something that the competition can't even touch. So honestly, if you're a casual social media user uploading to Instagram or TikTok, then yeah, you may be better off using the competition. But if you're a professional film maker or content creator who wants the very best image possible with the highest resolution and the ability to customize the camera for your exact filming needs... then you choose the Max 2.

I have both GoPro and Insta360 cameras. The work flow on Insta360 is terrible by comparison. Not aware of any "motion sensing stop/start recording" on an Insta360. A sound trigger is not the same as voice commands. A sound trigger is Db based, so it's got many purposes when capturing wildlife for example. You don't need a PC or to do scripting to "change between" (not even sure that that means). All can be set up with a simple QR code via the QRcontrol app available for iOS and Android. You CAN however create advanced scripts on a PC if you want that option (but it's not required). Please, let's see you create a GPS based timelapse (instead of time based) on an Insta360. Heck, grab and X2... try powering it off with the app. Blow outs are bad for you? Great, install the GoPro labs firmware and adjust the exposure dampening. Do the same on the Insta360.. oh wait.. Tell you what, lets create a custom log curve for editing on the Insta360... oh wait.. Well surely you can set which audio channels to use or mute right?

It's an action camera, if you are filming action that you're participating in, you won't have overheating issues. If you leave the camera static though with no airflow, it will overheat. Just back from Florida, did hour long drives without any issues. Left it sitting in the sun recording without any aifrlow, and it overheating in 14 minutes (that's in 8K 30FPS, High Bitrate). So yeah, action no problem, but not a static filming camera for sure.

MAX2 if you want to try something new and exciting that changes the way you think about filming, Hero13 if you want the core experience from your hero 3 but with massive quality and usability upgrades.

I’ve been using it for 3 days now and it’s been amazing

Max2 image quality in good light, durability, and ease of lens replacement seem ahead of the competition.

I tried to reframe in 4K in Premiere and it does indeed look good. When your dog runs close to the camera, there's a bit of warping happening on the ground and the foliage due to the stitching I guess. Was your dog very close to the camera at this point (ie, less than 0.5 meters)? Also, I can hear a bit or wind gust near the end of the video, was the wind noise reduction activated? Thank you!

Preordered the Max 2 for this exact reason. I wanted to buy a 360 camera for skiing footage, and was initially going to get the X5, but once the Max 2 came out the advantages were clear. I don't care much about low-light performance (only low-light I ski in is night skiing under bright lights), I'm not worried about overheating (going fast in the cold should keep that at bay), the ability to replace lenses without a tool is amazing for me, and the camera size and shape is a huge benefit vs the X5. Obviously time will tell, but I think the Max 2 is easily the best option for snow sports.

Picked it up on preorder right away. I have a scratched Max 1. I wonder if they’ll warranty replace with a max 2 now

Since I just got my Max 2, I might wait a bit before trying to replace my Max

I had a little buyer's remorse this morning but this photo shows such a huge difference.

I've had the Max since it launched and overall I'm pretty happy with it. Daytime/good light footage is pretty good. Low light footage is pretty bad just like any other GoPro, but I was aware of that before getting it. I don't care about the lack of fast charging or no wireless microphone system like DJI. I'm not happy about the (almost) non existent desktop software, but I'll keep using the insta 360 studio....lol The one thing that I'm not happy about with this camera is the stitching issues it constantly throws up. Whatever position I film in, I can see the bad stitching when I go to reframe footage. I'm really hoping GoPro can sort this with software/firmware updates in the near future.

As I stated in my post, GoPro desktop software is a complete waste of time, useless for anything other than a simple bit of reframing. When I get back from several days of filming, for example.....a vacation, and I have several hours of footage from mixed devices such as my regular GoPro, osmo pocket 3 and mine and my wife's mobiles, the last thing I want to do (to get the most fom the max 2) is edit 360 video exclusively on a mobile app to then import it to my desktop for editing with the rest of my footage. Yes, insta desktop studio is better than the official GoPro desktop solution, significantly better. I knew that Insta software would almost certainly be better before the Max 2 even launched but had hoped GoPro would have at least try to give us something half decent with its launch. Over the years I've watched DjI and insta release various action cameras, and yes some things they have got right or improved apon but when it boils down to picture quality alone.....in my opinion, GoPro is still king. Every time they release a new camera, the same old 'GoPro bashing, on the payroll' reviewers trot out their day one (advertising) reviews spouting complete biased rubbish, and then few days later the real reviews surface with proper reviews. This time, it's been a little different, the real reviewers have spoken and it turns out GoPro have been a littbit lazy with the development of the Max 2 in several areas. I'll repeat....I don't need fast charging, or a decent wireless mic system and I can use the competitions (better) desktop editor, but this doesn't mean GoPro shouldn't have bothered. BUT.....I will not put up with the crappy in camera stitching on display in most of the videos I've shot...PLEASE FIX IT NOW GOPRO.

x5 has WAY better low light and way better software to edit the 360 video. The only way the max 2 could be competitive would be HALF the price of x5 at 250 or less, but if they cost basically the same, its just foolish to buy max 2.

I just got the max 2 and I love it,

I'm waiting for DCRainmakers camera comparison. Should be up this weekend. I really wanted the gopro to be great. I'm disappointed it's using the old gp2 chip and had the same sensor as my hero 7. Daytime footage from the max2 looks good to but geez that nighttime footage is bad.

So let me first say that what matters to me is that Max 2 looks better than the competition in most situations. The end result is better than their end result. When the Fusion is set to 5.2k and then changed to 4k and then 2k what changes on the sensor and lens? Nothing... When the beta firmware came out to get 5.7k nothing moves on the lens or sensor. How did we get the extra resolution? The projected light on the sensor didn't change but we got a bump in resolution somewhere. I think it's firmware that makes this change. Am I wrong?

Currently, I think it is the only 360 camera that can shoot in VR360 with horizon lock disabled with stabilization. This is important for VR360 roller coaster POVs designed for VR headsets. You have to have the ability to disable horizaon lock to simulate riding in the coaster. With horizon lock on the coaster spins around you during inversions and you don't feel the dips. I am basing this on the current update of the GoPro Player desktop software, which seems to work with the Max 2.

Just got my Max 2 and can confirm that you can disable horizon liock with stabilization on in 360 mode. This is the only new 360 cam that can do this which means if you are making vr content for youtube for vr headt sets, it is the only 8k vr360 camera out there that is useable for POV vr videos.Horizon lock does not capture a true POV view. Which means the Max 2 can do something that tyhe DJI and X5 can't. This is really important for VR360 content creators. Here is a sample VR360 video with the old GoPro Max with horizon lock on and off. [https://youtu.be/hSB\_EFE17pM](https://youtu.be/hSB_EFE17pM) You can tell with the horizon lock on, it get's really trippy looking and does not make you feel like you are actually riding the roller coaster.

With the insta360 desktop software, I can use one keyframe to turn the camera 180 degrees clockwise OR counterclockwise -- my choice. I can't do that with the GoPro Player. It'll decide for me (usually the way I don't want it). Sounds goofy, but if it can't even do that... Also tracking is available in Insta360. Reframing in general is far easier in the Insta360 software. Going back to the GoPro Player is a self practice in pain and suffering. The res of the Max 2 is compelling, but we're comparing it to the X5, which has been out since April. the X4 was released in April 2024. There is a good chance an X6 will be released in 6 months, again in April. The Max 2 was released 6 years ago. Will it take until *2031* for the Max 3? The other thing to consider with res is that I'm not exporting anywhere close to 8k, my videos of primarily viewed on a phone, and 16:9 1080p maximum. GoPro has also been signaling that it wants to be an AI company first, and a camera (hardware) company second, which isn't what I want.

The replaceable lenses on the Max 2 looks really great, even compared to the X5.

All else being equal, a larger sensor size makes for a better image. Are people going to wait another 6 years for a larger sensor in the Max 2 to happen?

The 8K video does look good recropped in 4K, at least to my naked eye on the GoPro App. Viewing it on a big screen, using desktop GoPro Player and Insta360 X4 footage side by side, I can tell Insta is upscaling the video and morphing pixels. Here is some sample footage in 8K for playing around: https://mega.nz/file/ooMyDTDB#jPV2sXoCiN5wa3j3KGXx-vzOPRwdJr4Q1erRSwclwew

My X4 is going in the drawer, after using the Max2 for the past few weeks.

Tested with a pre release Labs version for max2, EXPX works.

Yes GoPro has under delivered with the Max 2. They have been under delivering for the past few years but other options are limited. Image quality wise, Max 2 is still the best 360 camera out three.

I’m happy to see another year of new GoPros, especially the MAX 2! But its wild to see a year without a new flagship model. I’m fine with it but it’s just wild. They had a good run of every year flagships. I was covering these cameras since the Hero 2 and this is the first year that’s happened that I can recall since H2. There was a time we’d get 2-3 announcements in a year of new cameras! I hope these models do well and GoPro can continue onwards. Very excited to see the MAX 2 😃

Right. I was a little upset about the delayed release of the Max 2, but after seeing what they have accomplished, I'm glad they did wait.

Still seems like they took all this time to not even catch up to the X5. The bluetooth mic samples I have heard sound like the same garbage the Hero13 does while DJI/Insta360 both have special wireless mics with better sound. Then on low light tests, its like not even close the Max 2 is so bad in comparison. Sucks because I wanted to use my $100 gopro sub coupon for the Max2 or Hero14.. I figured it would integrate with consistent multi cam shots kayak fishing, and work with my remote, and time sync etc.. but it isn't better than my X5... so Ill probably just get an Ace Pro 2 to pair with my X5 for fishing.

MAX2 thoughts... GoPro needed to up the wireless audio game and they didnt. Samples sound just as bad as the Hero13 with a bluetooth mic attached. Meanwhile DJI and Insta360 have dedicated wireless mics with superior audio. Yeah, it looks better in daylight, but I've seen some low light and it is awful in comparison. Keep in mind that just being indoors you'll get very grainy video with the Max2. Didn't see yet if it works with the same magnetic battery charging cover as the Hero13, but I think it needs a redesign to have the wire going down. Cool they have 10bit, labs for higher bitrate, and editing stuff sorted out. I was going to get it if they fixed wireless audio, but at this point.. meh Ill keep my X5 going and likely switch from Hero13 to AcePro 2 for consistency while fishing.

I like it much for skydiving for its form factor. I assume DJI one is similar, but I had Max 1 for so long, gonna be an easy switch to Max 2. I also have X4 just to fool around

I ordered one. I ride motorcycles during the day so the low light was not a factor for me. I like the durability from what the reviews were saying so that was my main reason for going with it.

I have been using 360° cameras since 2017. I mostly film while traveling and take tiny planet pictures, which I have printed on canvas. It may be extremely important for a handful of people to film in poor lighting conditions, but for me it is not. Comparing specifications is childish. The image quality of the MAX2 speaks for itself. I turned my back on the market leader in this segment because, in my opinion, the company acts in a very unsympathetic manner. Nothing for the customer, everything for profit.

360 history so far has been Max, X3, X4 and X5. Really liking X5 and find I am using it for more than just running biking and hiking, which is my usual 360 usage. If I did not have X5 I would seriously consider Max 2, generally trust GoPro more than other brands for color science and reliability. I don’t see any significant benefits for Max2 over X5 and one major downside (wireless mic integration for X5 is excellent). Max 2 will appeal to loyal GoPro users who are either upgrading from Max or are jumping on 360 for the first time. I am a loyal GoPro user but moved to Insta360 for 360 cameras when X4 came out, after that X5 stepped up the performance considerably over the original GoPro Max. So for now I’ll watch from the sidelines.

360 history so far has been Max, X3, X4 and X5. Really liking X5 and find I am using it for more than just running biking and hiking, which is my usual 360 usage. If I did not have X5 I would seriously consider Max 2, generally trust GoPro more than other brands for color science and reliability. I don’t see any significant benefits for Max2 over X5 and one major downside (wireless mic integration for X5 is excellent). Max 2 will appeal to loyal GoPro users who are either upgrading from Max or are jumping on 360 for the first time. I am a loyal GoPro user but moved to Insta360 for 360 cameras when X4 came out, after that X5 stepped up the performance considerably over the original GoPro Max. So for now I’ll watch from the sidelines.

I’m not OP, but the 13 is a single lens camera with swappable lens covers that can change the FOV. The max 2 is out, you can order it now, and it’s a double lens 360 degree camera. They’re using the same sensors and lenses I believe. Do you want 360? If so, max 2 is your guy. Don’t care about 360? Then the 13 is good. Hell, the 10 and 11 are pretty damn good too.

I have only played around with it for about an hour, but I am not impressed. With the five-year difference over the original I expected better. It does a fair bit better in dynamic range (especially in video) they did fix a lot of chromatic aberration in the little bit of testing I've done and in some cases I can see a little more detail. But the noise is just as bad and it's not a lot more detail. Though the colors are better. I haven't had the opportunity to test this in full on overhead daylight but it was still pretty bright while I was outside testing it. In the pictures I put up there might be a little bit more detail in the leaves right above the camera and the grass might look a little better, but it's still not great. Yes, I know this is cropped in a decent amount, and obviously it's a 360 action camera. It's not going to match the quality of a DSLR. However, I just kinda expected better.

It's honestly almost more about the lack of increase in quality than the actual quality of self. I understand perfectly that even where we are is impressive for a 360 video and that form factor. I just would have thought after five years they could have done a little better. And wonder if anybody else is having better results. ( obviously, I want better quality or else I wouldn't have dropped that kind of cash on a new camera. It's just that I was expecting more.)

They are completely different cameras, don't buy a max2 if you really want an action camera. Get a 13.

When will they produce a Cycling Specific out front mount. I feel like Insta360 killed this game and realized there are a lot of people using their devices for cycling content. My fear is with the connection to Hollywood for filming, GoPro won’t address niche content creators like DJI and Insta360. Hope they prove me wrong. I’m going to bite the bullet and swap out a Hero13 for this Max2. Wish me luck!!

I have 2 hero 12 (one naked on FPV drone), hero 11 mini, and max 2, they've all been fantastic

1. When low light is not an issue. This is common in most action sports (which I assume is GoPro’s target market). 2. When temperature is not an issue. This is true in most outdoor motion sports where wind keeps the device cool. It is especially true when skiing and snowboarding. 3. When image quality is the highest priority. It looks like the MAX 2 has the closest to “true 8k”. This can be very important if you’re using the footage for high resolution VR headsets. 4. When form factor matters. The insta360 has an awkward tallish form factor that really only works well on a selfie stick, or on a vehicle / bike mount. On a helmet it sticks out really awkwardly. 5. When easily replaceable lenses are important Having said that, it’s not a slam dunk. I think the Osmo 360 fits a lot of the criteria that might make the MAX2 a choice over the insta 360.

The GoPro MAX 2 is WAY overdue - like 6 years. It needs to be a 3 year cycle at most. Otherwise agree once every year isn’t necessary.

Time lapse is a sort of “cheat” for good low light performance. Since it’s not real time, you can have a much longer shutter time to gather more light - so it’s not really indicative of low light performance / “fast lenses”. Having said that, it seems the MAX2 has a larger aperture for the same sensor size - f/1.8 versus f/2.2 on the original MAX1, so it does get 50% more light on the sensor.

Sensor size is still 1/2.3”. It’s a little disappointing TBH… ref: [https://gopro.com/en/us/shop/cameras/learn/max2/CHDHZ-311-master.html?tab=tech-specs](https://gopro.com/en/us/shop/cameras/learn/max2/CHDHZ-311-master.html?tab=tech-specs)

I’ve had mine for a couple weeks and have had no issues. Recorded from full battery until 0% with no heat issues (was on a motorcycle) picture is great. I’ve had the original Max for years, so pretty used to the workflow. I closely looked at all 3 current 360 cams and I think the Max 2 is the best

I’ve had mine for a couple weeks and have had no issues. Recorded from full battery until 0% with no heat issues (was on a motorcycle) picture is great. I’ve had the original Max for years, so pretty used to the workflow. I closely looked at all 3 current 360 cams and I think the Max 2 is the best

I want impressed with the X4 during adventures so I sold it and got a 13 and 12 to film back to back trying simulate 360 capture but at “10.6K”. That turned out to be more work than I wanted. I preordered the Max2 right after the press release. I have been much happier with it than the X4 or my pseudo 360. The replaceable lenses are a huge selling point to me. The image quality has been fine, not over heating, decent battery life. As for reviewers I have always had similar experiences as DC Rainmaker so I tend to trust his videos. For action uses get the Max 2. For other needs and especially for lower light scenes get the X5. Hopefully GP will release a better editing option as currently it is barely serviceable.

I recently purchased an X5 from Costco but ordered a Max 2 today. I'm curious to try them side by side and get some real hands on experience for myself. Low light doesn't bother me because that's not MY use case, but I could see it being a concern for others. I've also got my phone and my Hero Black and other options for low light recording.

I haven’t decided yet. I need to get out and try them both side by side for my particular use case. First impressions are positive with the GoPro. I enjoy being able to cover one lens and record from the other when the camera is mounted tight up against me. I also very much enjoy the grip and sturdy feel of the GoPro stick vs the Insta.

I’ve been using the Max 2 for the last 2 weekends, mountain biking in BC and have been recording entire shuttle laps without stopping (45+ min runtime in some cases when I forget to turn it off during trail side chats/repairs) and it hasn’t overheated on me yet 🤷🏼‍♂️. Ambient temps the first weekend were about 15-16C and the second weekend about 9C, but no problems with overheating, fogging on the lenses, or anything else. Lowlight isn’t phenomenal, but it isn’t any worse than my hero11 is, and it definitely beats the hero for stabilization. It used to be that the combo of low light, high ISO and auto shutter speeds pretty much rendered video useless on my old camera because the image stabilization would basically be non existent. Now it’s perfectly smooth on the max 2 because it records 360 and adjusts accordingly. Still somewhat noisy footage but nothing some noise reduction in DaVinci resolve hasn’t been able to solve. The only downside for me has been the workflow is a lot longer (and way bigger files) but that’s the price I knew I’d pay so I could pull vertical and horizontal footage out of the same clip. So worth it for me!

Already preordered and waiting for it to arrive! Super excited as I’m been a GoPro enthusiast for over 10 years. I’m loving everything they are bringing to the table with the MAX 2. As far as the low light, I could care less as the only nighttime shots I will get is star trails or vehicle lights anyway. All in all really excited and looking forward to creating content with the MAX 2

Not everyone needs or wants low light performance. For normal stuff the Max 2 offers slightly higher resolution which matters if you zoom in, a natural looking image, plus I think (at least on the Max 1) we had a rollercoaster YouTuber pointing out it's the only one where you can turn off horizon lock for naturally tilting footage. There's plugins for natively working in Premiere and now Davinci Resolve too. Then there's Go Pro labs with mods like very high bitrate. So maybe for your use cases the X5 is better, but there are differences that matter to other people and pros and cons of each. Sweeping statements like "just foolish to buy max 2" make no actual sense.

I partly agree, but I was hoping to replace my regular action cam and use the Max 2 with a chest mount for POV shots, as well as 360 shots with other mounts. After cropping the single lens footage, the resolution won’t even be 4K, and low-light stuff will be unusable.

The lenses on all of the recent GoPro models are directly bonded to the camera, the Max2 uses clear glass filters (similar to the square clear filter on the Hero 8-13). Optically the dome glass clear filter is very very good and scratch resistant. However there's still flaring and reflection because of the shape, it's a problem all 360 and fisheye lenses suffer from when you use any filter. The ease of replacement is the key, much easier than the X5 to replace.

I recently used my GoPro Max while fly fishing, it's nice to get the 360 view and different angles of the river, shore, fisherman and if fishing becomes catching the camera is always pointed in the right direction. Not a fan of the editing process though.

Max 2 360 would be the best for fishing because you can just set it on a tripod and get all the action from every angle with no camera operator.

I only have the Max, Max 2 is the new one. Mine does 360 and standard video. It mounts the same way as all GoPro cameras, so a mount kit has a lot of different options. I use a lot of sticky mounts for mountain biking and skiing, but also a chest mount. One that may work the best would be the bar mount-I use it on handle bars, seat posts and ski poles-it would easily mount on a fishing rod.

I only have the Max, Max 2 is the new one. Mine does 360 and standard video. It mounts the same way as all GoPro cameras, so a mount kit has a lot of different options. I use a lot of sticky mounts for mountain biking and skiing, but also a chest mount. One that may work the best would be the bar mount-I use it on handle bars, seat posts and ski poles-it would easily mount on a fishing rod.

As others said any GoPro from 11-13 (I would even say starting with Gpro 9) would work. I would also recommend the gorpox Max (360) great for something like shark cage where you can re-fesme the video later....just keep in mind 360 is a pia dealing with file sizes and whatever you do don't scratch the lenses

I've had * Hero 3 White * Hero 4 Silver * Hero 7 Black * Max (1) * Hero 12 Black and I still have all but the 3 white. The 3 white was the only 'bad' one I think, one where the camera really didn't live up to the hype for me and hence I upgraded quite quickly. As for my favourite? In the context of when they came out the 7 felt the most incredible, it really was a big jump with the stabilisation. But I probably shot most of my coolest footage on either the 4 Silver or the Max, just because of the time in my life I was using them and the novelty of 360 footage at the time.

Correction, it is just the max. Not max 2. Max 2 has not come out yet.

As a fellow snowboarder, for snowboarding gopro max is way better, but make sure you are comfortable snowboarding with a selfie stick because that is where the max’ strength/best view is. There is more post production work required with 360, but the video you can make are leaps and bounds better/easier than anything on a regular gopro attached to a head or chest or wrist or even a selfie stick.

Depends what you will do. If scuba diving, you need to make sure to use a non 360. Other activities you can use a 360/gopro max.

The Max will get everything happening around you rather than only when it’s pointed at. An Insta360 will do the same. New Max coming soon.

I second this about GoPro. I so regret buying a GoPro max a few years ago. I am technically inclined, and I have spent DAYS of my life trying to get GoPro files to play nice with other software. Not. Worth. It. If I was going to buy another one, it would be the new insta360x4

If you just want a 2d video, you're fine with GoPro. I was referring more to the 360 videos and telemetry data. Getting a 360 video to be editable in another program is almost impossible. And extracting the telemetry data (speed, acceleration, gps, lean angle, etc). There is a guy from Spain I think who sells a few programs, all for several hundred each, to extract the data.

I will say that trying to get Gopros to work for me has been one of the most frustrating experiences of my life. Essentially, GoPro is like Windows. Nothing works, its buggy as hell, and essential feature are limited. I fly an airplane and I have been trying to implement a safe way to record onto multiple gopros. Everytime I come up with a solution after hours of thinking, it turns out to be not possible. My current failed solution is to use GoPro labs to set the cameras to power trigger on and off with usb. Set duration to 5m and have a relay set to 5.5m that powers the cameras off. The 5m video will save and I will just loose the 30sec video which is fine. I will then be able to record in 5m increments which is exactly what I want. However, this does not work on the Max. It only works on every other GoPro model since 8. On the Max the only way to set a duration is to schedule a time (Go Pro thinks this give the same result as setting a duration - did I mention Microsoft-like stupidity in decision making?). I have no idea what time I may want to record so the Max's scheduled duration is useless to me, and really just kind of a dumb feature. I could get the Remote just for the Max, but then I am fiddling with more than just one switch while I am flying. I also can't repair cameras with the Remote - it only reconnects to the one camera when powered back on and I cannot get out of the plane in mid air to repair everything. Dash cams lack stabalization so that will also not work. Insane that there is no solution as I am sure others are trying what I am. Motorcyclist have the same need to pair multiple cams. Airplanes however, will not work via wifi given all the interference. It has to be wired in most cases. The only option is to fiddle with GoPros while flying and there are more and more plane crashes as a result of this. FlyGirl is likely one who was fiddling with her cameras before crashing and killing her and her father, among others. I imagine GoPros moronic decision to make multi-cam use impossible(it can only re-pair with one camera) has also killed a few motorcyclists. Go Pro software is buggy garbage and their decision making horrendous. DJI or Insta, both have more solid software and better touchscreens, will hopefully give consumers all that they want. We just have to wait. For some reason no one sees multi-cam usage as being a need but I gaurantee you the demand is only going to grow. GoPro sucks!

I'm really waiting to see that low light performance compared to the Insta. As a year round bike commuter using the Max as a dashcam, people in cars still try to kill me when it's dark during my commute, they aren't compassionate enough to wait for summer. That makes resolving details a lot harder October through March.

Yeah I think my mix paralysis has more to do with my own mental dispositions than a general state of things. I'm on GoPro Max and I've heard that Insta's tools are better.

Well count me as another vote against GoPro Max. My personal experience is that it's an inferior device.

Unfortunately i bought an x4 just before the x5 came out. It is still within the return window. Should I return it and get the x5 for $150 more? Prior to the x4 i was using a gopro max and the main reason I changed to x4 was battery life and easier editing workflow. I have been pleased in both regards.

my max is incredible and i’m a moron — the stabilization is incredible and for live music (i’m usually filming myself from the ground in wide or super wide ) and it’s the coolest coolest footage — plus the microphones do a pretty great job

A 14 won’t be out this year. And likely not until at least Spring. If you need it, just get the Max.

I've had a GoPro Hero 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, and 10, as well as the Max. I've go over 2,000 skydives with GoPros on my helmet, including world records and jumps into the Blue Hole in Belize. I've taken them to every continent (including Antarctica) for running and scuba diving and overall travel. So I use GoPros a lot, and I use them in environments that are pretty tough on them. One thing that's been annoying is the heavy push to GoPro subscription. Their cloud storage is just awful. The money is better spent on something like Dropbox or Box. Their software has been pretty terrible too. Hardware wise, they've been hit or miss. Sometimes it's software, sometimes it's hardware. They can corrupt video files, do a weird "gets hot after charging and locks up so that you have to pull the batteries", they can stop mid recording. All of that with the proper recommended cards. Some have just been lemons, probably a bad solder or heatsink contact. Sometimes it's fixed in a firmware upgrade. They're notorious in the skydiving community. "Did you get it?" "No, it stopped recording 5 seconds in." "It froze up". That kind of thing. Not all the time, not even frequent, but enough that it's annoying. And each model seems to have their own little quirks. My Hero 7 and 10 has been solid for the most part. My 9.. not as much. My Max is a piece of shit. My next 360 camera will absolutely not be a Max, and probably won't be whatever they come out with next. My next action camera probably won't be a GoPro.

My Max wasn't the most reliable thing. Sometimes it would lock up while off, so pressing the button to record wouldn't do anything, I would have to pull the battery to reset it. It would also do the same "charging crash" my Hero 10 does sometimes, where it would get really hot and drain while plugged in instead of charge, and I'd have to pull the battery again. More than one skydive I've not recorded because of that on the Max. I just stopped using it for most jumps (than and dealing with the footage was a pain).

There are some jumps I just really want to have, like special jumps, world records, that kind of thing. It's hard to trust the Max. I did recently do a jet jump out of Perris DC-9 and it worked OK.

I've got a bunch of other cameras in my life, and the GoPros are the only ones where when I press the record button, I'm not sure it'll actually do anything.

If it’s your first action camera, I typically recommend a regular action camera ( not a 360 camera) Most people will find the editing process and the quality of the 360 camera to be a pain, where as a regular action camera is just easier to use and much higher resolution. If you really need a specific 360 type shot, then maybe it’s worth the effort. I think 360 cameras are good additions if you already have a regular action camera and people seem to like the insta 360 x4. I have the GoPro max and it’s fine but I still use my GoPro 12 way more

I have the GoPro Max since many years and love it. The Inta360 options are all objectively better performing, but there's a couple reasons why I'm never changing to Insta360: - The GoPro is just cheaper: Buy it directly from GoPro and you get a pretty big discount with their annual subscription. - If I destroy my GoPro (as long as I don't lose it), I can have it replaced for 100 bucks. - The protective lenses for the GoPro, while crap quality compared to the Insta360 ones, are also very cheap. - With the quite cheap annual subscription, I can store unlimited video in the GoPro cloud (I've already got terabytes upon terabytes on there, it would cost a fortune to store that any other way). I'm just waiting for the damned GoPro Max 2 that is FINALLY supposedly supposed to release this year.

The Max has been VERY good to me over the years

Was hoping more from GoPro. Was expecting good low light capability as I shoot primarily in dark environments. I switched from the original GoPro Max to X5 and the experience has been great, full editing features in mobile and desktop app with no paywall. Still staying with Insta360 for now.

I don't think insta 360 makes good cameras. I just like that form factor. My first GoPro was the session. It wasn't the best camera but my Hero 12 and Max don't fill what it could.

GoPro 360 works fine mounted 5’ up my lines

I loved my fusion, I like the 360 but I feel the fusion had better quality