GoPro MAX: Full Review

The GoPro MAX 360 is an innovative new action camera that offers the ability to shoot immersive 360-degree video and photos. It features two ultra wide-angle fisheye lenses that capture a full 360-degree field of view. This allows users to capture unique perspectives and produce engaging, interactive content.

The MAX has the versatility of a traditional action camera combined with advanced 360 capabilities. It shoots up to 5.6K30 video and 16.6MP photos. The camera has built-in video stabilization to deliver smooth footage. Overall, the GoPro MAX 360 opens up new creative possibilities that a standard action camera cannot provide.

Design

The GoPro MAX has a unique cube-like design that sets it apart from traditional action cameras. At 64mm x 67mm x 25mm, it’s compact enough to easily fit in your pocket or attach to helmets and gear. The rubberized exterior helps provide shock absorption and a secure grip.

Weighing in at just 154g, the MAX feels lightweight during use. The materials consist of a durable polycarbonate plastic shell surrounding an aluminum inner frame. This construction allows the camera to withstand splashes, rain, and accidental drops without damage.

The cube shape allows the MAX to capture 360 footage and photos, thanks to its dual fisheye lenses on the front and back. The sleek yet functional design makes the MAX stand out as a versatile action camera.

Another noteworthy product is the GoPro HERO11 Black. This model brings advanced features, including a new image sensor for better low-light performance and higher resolution. Its rugged build, user-friendly interface, and HyperSmooth 4.0 stabilization technology make it a top choice for both amateurs and professionals. Additionally, it supports live streaming and comes with voice control capabilities, enhancing its versatility for various action-packed activities.

Video Quality

The GoPro MAX has excellent video quality capabilities for an action camera of its size. It can shoot video at up to 5.6K resolution at 30 frames per second (fps), providing extremely sharp and detailed footage.

The MAX has a few different video modes to choose from:

• 5.6K30 - The highest resolution available at 5.6K (5760x2880 pixels) with 30fps. This produces stunningly detailed video ideal for cropping and using in professional productions. The high resolution comes at the cost of large file sizes.

• 4K60 - Shoots 4K video at 60fps for smooth, high resolution footage well-suited for action shots. 60fps provides more flexibility for slow motion in post.

• 1440p60 - Shoots at 1440p resolution with 60fps. Provides a nice middle ground between 4K and 1080p in terms of resolution and file size.

• 1080p240 - 1080p resolution at an incredibly high 240fps frame rate to achieve 8x slow motion when played back at 30fps. Great for super smooth slow-mo shots.

• 360° 5.6K30 - Shoots 360 degree video at 5.6K resolution. Allows for unique immersive footage.

Overall, the GoPro MAX provides excellent video resolution and frame rate options to suit both professional and casual users' needs. The high frame rates at 4K and 1080p are great for capturing fast action smoothly.

In addition to the GoPro MAX, the GoPro HERO10 Black is another fantastic option for capturing high-quality video. It offers up to 5.3K resolution at 60fps, providing incredibly detailed and smooth footage. With enhanced image stabilization technology, it ensures steady shots even in action-packed scenarios. The HERO10 Black also includes features like live streaming, advanced time-lapse, and improved low-light performance, making it a versatile and powerful choice for both amateur and professional videographers.

Photo Quality

The GoPro MAX takes 16.6MP photos, which is a solid resolution for an action camera. 16MP gives you enough detail to capture sharp images and allows for some cropping flexibility.

The image quality itself is quite good for an action cam. Photos are sharp and have natural looking colors. Dynamic range is also decent, allowing you to capture highlights and shadows in the same shot. Low light performance is pretty good too thanks to the f/2.2 aperture lens. Noise levels stay relatively low even when shooting in dim conditions.

You can shoot both 360 degree and standard photos with the MAX. The 360 photos allow you to capture an entire scene and even reframe later in the app. Standard photos use the main lens, ideal for regular point-and-shoot needs. Overall the photo capabilities make this a very versatile action camera.

Audio Quality

The MAX has excellent audio quality thanks to its six built-in microphones. There are two directional microphones on the front for capturing high-quality audio during vlogging or interviews. There are also four microphones around the camera for capturing immersive 360 audio.

The microphones do a great job of picking up voices clearly while minimizing wind noise. You can adjust mic levels manually in the app if needed. The MAX records audio in stereo 48kHz or ambisonic formats, providing lifelike immersive audio for your 360 videos.

The directional microphones excel at capturing voices and audio from the front, while the 360 microphones create an immersive soundscape all around you. This makes the MAX a versatile camera for both traditional and 360-degree video capture. Overall, the audio quality helps make videos shot with the MAX engaging and lifelike.

Stabilization

The GoPro MAX has excellent stabilization thanks to Hypersmooth 2.0. This second generation of GoPro's advanced stabilization technology works incredibly well to smooth out video footage, even when filming fast motion activities like mountain biking or skiing.

Hypersmooth 2.0 combines both electronic stabilization and mechanical stabilization to achieve smooth video. It works by cropping into the ultra wide field of view to counteract camera shake, while the mechanical stabilization comes from the camera's ability to shift the lens itself to further reduce vibrations. This dual approach results in gimbal-like stabilization without the need for any extra accessories.

In testing, Hypersmooth 2.0 lived up to its promises and produced stable, shake-free footage in a variety of conditions. It works well for handheld shooting as you walk or move, and also handles bumpier activities with fast motion. Overall, the stabilization helps ensure your videos come out fluid and watchable, with none of the seasickness-inducing shakiness you can get with lesser action cameras. This excellent stabilization paired with the 360 degree capture makes the MAX stand out for its ability to deliver smooth, immersive video.

App Connectivity

The GoPro MAX has excellent app connectivity through the GoPro mobile app (available for iOS and Android). The app makes it easy to control the camera remotely, view and transfer media, create quick videos, and more.

Some of the key GoPro app features when paired with the MAX include:

• Live streaming - Stream live video directly from the MAX to social media. The app lets you switch between front and rear lenses.

• Viewfinder - See a live preview from the MAX on your phone and control the camera remotely. The intuitive app interface makes capturing shots simple.

• Editing - Use the app's editing tools to create short videos with transitions and music in just a few taps.

• Media transfer - Quickly download photos and videos from the camera to your phone for easy sharing. No need for cables.

• Camera, mode and setting control - Change resolutions, fields of view, modes and all other camera settings right through the app.

• Overcapture - Easily reframe 360 footage into standard 1080p video using your phone's screen.

• GPS overlays - Add animated GPS stickers and telemetry data to videos with a tap.

• Social sharing - Share videos and photos directly to social media from the app.

Overall, the deep GoPro app integration makes the MAX incredibly versatile for capturing and sharing immersive 360 content. Controlling the camera from your phone and accessing media is seamless.

Battery Life

The GoPro MAX has a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 1530 mAh. This allows you to record video continuously for up to 78 minutes at max settings in 360 mode, or up to 155 minutes in Hero mode, according to GoPro.

Real world battery life can vary quite a bit depending on your settings and usage. Using features like GPS, voice control, and live streaming will drain the battery faster. Recording at higher resolutions and frame rates will also reduce battery life.

Cold weather can also decrease battery life. To maximize battery life, be sure to turn off features you don't need, and lower video resolution if possible. Carrying extra batteries or an external USB power bank can help ensure you don't run out of juice at a critical moment.

Overall the battery life is decent but not exceptional. The ability to swap batteries is handy for longer shoots. Serious users may want to invest in the optional GoPro Battery BacPac for extended recording times.

Price

The GoPro MAX has a retail price of $499.99. This puts it at the higher end of the action camera market, but the price tag is justified by the MAX's cutting-edge feature set.

For a camera that can shoot 360 video in 5.6K resolution, 16MP spherical photos, and 1080p live streaming, the MAX delivers tremendous value. The ability to capture immersive 360 footage and traditional point-of-view video in one compact device is a game-changer.

The MAX's unique combination of 360 and traditional capture modes makes it versatile for all kinds of content creation. At this price point, it outshines single-lens action cams with similar specs. The MAX's 360 abilities and suite of pro-level features make it a worthwhile investment for serious content creators looking to future-proof their gear.

While $499 is not cheap, it's a fair price that reflects the innovation packed into the MAX. For those seeking a do-it-all action camera at the forefront of technology, the MAX represents a good value proposition. It's pricey, but you get what you pay for - a premium device that delivers exceptional video quality and creative possibilities.

Summary

The GoPro MAX is an innovative 360 camera that offers some great features but also has some limitations.

Pros

• Excellent 5.6K spherical video and 16MP 360 photo quality
• User-friendly touch screen interface
• Effective stabilization for smooth footage
• Convenient mobile app for remote control and editing
• Waterproof and durable design

Cons

• Below average battery life
• Lacks some advanced manual controls
• Requires stitching for standard video
• On the expensive side

Overall, the GoPro MAX is a versatile 360 camera that delivers great image quality, stabilization, and a streamlined shooting experience. It's a good option for content creators looking to capture immersive 360 footage and photos. However, the price is quite high and the battery life could be better. For standard video, a traditional action camera like the GoPro HERO10 offers more control and convenience. But for 360 capture, the MAX is one of the best consumer-level options available.