There was a time when GoPro was the only name in the action camera space. The brand had arguably the best sensors in the game, plenty of aftermarket parts like snap-on ND filters, and software that had been honed over the years. But was it that GoPro was the best in the business or quite literally the only name in the game? It looks like we're about to find out.
GoPro has just teased its next-generation 360-degree camera, and it's about time because the previous iteration—the GoPro Max—came out in 2019. Now, GoPro has teased the GoPro Max 2, and you can check it out below.
Obviously, the post leaves a lot to be desired in terms of specs, but it'll be going straight up against the DJI Osmo 3 and, its biggest competition, the Insta360 X5. Although nitty gritty specs aren't available, I hope the Max 2 will at least come with interchangeable lenses, as 360 lenses are prone to scratches, and updated editing software to stand toe to toe with Insta360's.
In terms of specs and hardware, the Max 2 is going to have to come in with a max resolution of 8K at 30fps, at least, and 5.7K at 60fps. But where it's more important for us riders and motorcycle content creators is connectivity with microphones. DJI cameras connect directly to DJI mics, and the latest Insta360 cameras can pair with Cardo and Sena headsets.
But even if the Max 2 elevates above the competition in all the aforementioned areas, I don't know if it'll be enough.
Since GoPro's peak stock price of $93.85 in 2014, it's lost 99.13% of its value. Today, GoPro's stock is worth around $0.82 per share, and the company is a shadow of what it once was. I don't believe an action camera company can survive solely off of a standard action camera anymore—it needs to have a diverse range. Insta360 has honed in on 360-degree cameras and mini magnetic cameras, like the Go 3S, whereas DJI has taken to the skies, so what will GoPro do to reimagine the action camera?
Let us know what you think GoPro has to do to make a comeback in the action camera scene, and if the Max 2 could be its ticket back to the top.
