Are you still searching for the GoPro Max review? Then, you need to see this review. The GoPro Max is a new camera that allows you to take a video that has a duration of up to three hours. This action camera shoots in 4K and can capture anything from your car driving down the road to a person on a long hike. Please keep reading for more valuable information!
GoPro Max Overview
You might see Max’s exterior as a mini version of the GoPro Fusion. The two cameras are located in the right corner of the Max, one on each side. They ship with protective lens covers.
The action camera comes with a soft microfibre pouch to make it easier to transport. Additional lens covers are included in this pouch for underwater shooting.
These covers snap onto the lenses easily, allowing you to simultaneously shoot underwater and above the water’s surface (with a clear dividing line).
The Max is like the Hero 8 and has a flip-out frame built into the underside. This allows you to attach frames or other accessories to mount the action camera. The standard screw will enable it to connect to any handle or mount in the GoPro range.
A small touchscreen at the bottom of the front/back is another important feature. This allows you to control and frame 360-degree video without being blind quickly. This is hugely important.
GoPro also added an advanced microphone system to the screen. This allows for better audio quality and ambient noise cancellation so that it can focus on your voice.
The durable metal cover seals the microSD card slot and battery, locking them behind a catch. It is very durable and can be removed with much force. Anyone concerned about water infiltration can also use it. The Max is water-resistant up to 5 meters, and the construction makes this clear.
Pros
- Amazing 360 video
- 360-degree photos
- Construction that is sturdy
- It is easy to achieve great results
- Amazing app support
- Flippable screen view
Cons
- Image stitching can appear sloppy
- High price tag
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GoPro Max Review
Design And Setup
The GoPro Max has twin offset lenses (one for the front, one for the rear) and differs in dimensions. However, it shares many design elements with Hero8 Black. The Max attaches mounts and accessories using two metal fingers.
They fold out of the base and can be tucked away when not in use. The rubberized finish and rounded edges, reminiscent of the Hero 8, give the camera a solid feel and prevent any slippage.
The Max measures 64Wx69Hx25Dmm and is larger than many traditional action cameras. It’s roughly the same width as the Hero8 but only 20mm higher. The Max weighs in at 154g and feels heavy despite being 66g lighter than its predecessor, GoPro Fusion.
It is easy to switch between Max’s main shooting modes, Video, Photo, and Timelapse mode. To switch between the three main shooting modes, you only need to touch a button on your camera body. You can toggle between shooting in 360 and standard mode by tapping an icon on your touchscreen.
The touchscreen allows you to choose whether the action is viewed through the rear or front lens. The Hero8 Black was criticized for not having a front-facing display as standard.
However, you can purchase additional Media and Display Mods to upgrade to one. This feature makes the Max far more attractive (albeit expensive) for blogging. This is in addition to the primary function of creating 360-degree footage.
A touchscreen is a must-have tool for stills and video. When creating 360 content, the best view comprises both lenses simultaneously. This 360-degree live view can only be viewed by pairing the Max to your smartphone using the GoPro app. You can also remotely operate the camera.
Features & Usability
The GoPro Max’s exterior design elements are similar to the Hero 8 Black’s, and the camera also uses the same operational interface. The touchscreen interface is the same for both cameras, except for the 360-degree action camera element.
However, navigation on the Max is more difficult due to the smaller screen. Both cameras can also respond to voice commands. This is great for when you don’t have a free hand or are wearing gloves.
Although operating the camera is easy enough, it takes some practice to master Max’s primary function: creating 360-degree footage.
The 360-degree view in the app is great for visualizing your shots. Once you have an idea of what you want, the touchscreen view will help you better visualize your footage.
Another function of the app is to let you view and edit your content. You can also download it in full 360-degree format to your phone.
You can then use the app’s in-app software for traditional stills or video extraction from raw 360 footage or go crazy with kaleidoscopic sequences of videos and videos with shifting POVs.
It is easy to use, powerful and more fun than any other app is currently available.
GoPro Max 360 Video
The Max replaces the GoPro Fusion and shoots 5.6K footage. It is more sensible to compare the Max to the Fusion than compare it with the Fusion. However, the Insta 360 One X is slightly more expensive in the UK but slightly less in the US.
The GoPro Max is shorter than the GoPro Max, making it easier to use as an action cam. However, it is thicker. This is likely due to the first difference in footage quality, the stitch-line.
Its thickness is what explains why the GoPro Max has an easier-to-see stitch line than the Insta 360. However, everything else about the video quality of the GoPro Max’s favour.
The Insta 360 has a less visible line, but the GoPro Max is more prominent. However, the GoPro Max is superior in all other aspects of video quality.
With 5.6K footage, you can comfortably capture 720p quality with some cropping. The colors are richer than the Insta 360 One X’s, and although there is no HDR mode, the Max has plenty of them.
360-degree video capture has the advantage of stabilization looking sensationally stable. The GoPro Max’s footage proves that. It seems almost like the camera is floating on top of a drone or gimbal when there is plenty of light.
Detail is strongest in the center of the lens, as with all 360-degree cameras. It is weakest towards the stitch line. While you may relax with framing, it is essential to remember that you should be careful.
Additionally, chromatic aberration occurs when the camera has intricate backlit detail. This can lead to purple fringing in the branches. However, the footage from the forest was the most fringing that we saw in about a month with most cityscapes and country scenes handled beautifully.
Nighttime is when a judder can creep in with every step.
The GoPro Max will not handle dark scenes, but you can see it walking through urban streets with lots of light pollution. This footage is perfectly usable for social sharing and not something we use in a feature film.
Max TimeWarp is the final 360-capture mode. Max timewarp can be edited much in the same manner as GoPro Max’s standard footage but also benefit from zooms, pans, and tilts.
The GoPro Max is not a traditional action camera and can’t compete with a Hero8 Black standalone Hero8 Black. Its resolution is 1080p 16/9 or 1440p 4/3.
It has four digital focal lengths, 13mm, 16mm, and 19mm. Smart horizon leveling is also available. Content always faces the correct way when it’s fired up. The picture was not tilted when we tossed the camera into the air, spinning it along the way.
This is great for video vlogging cam. It makes the footage look so gimble.
ProTune is also an excellent option for advanced users. It allows you to control your video’s bitrate, shutter speed, and white balance. This means that even though the capture does not have a cinematic look, it can be customized.
Single-lens footage is strong despite its low resolution. Full HD content will look good with respectable clarity. Despite being less rugged than a traditional GoPro, the Max can still handle the action.
It has waterproofing, incredible stabilization, and a GPS. PowerPano captures 6MP panoramics in an instant, which looks fantastic. Traditional 4:3 photos are shot at 5MP, which is poor indoors and at night. However, it seems great in well-lit environments.
GoPro App
The Fusion was a learning experience. For advanced editing programs such as Premiere Pro, you must first install a desktop plugin. The process was eventually made simpler by an mobile app. But, with Max, it’s been easy from the beginning.
After you have shot 360 videos, launch the app to view it. After pressing play, move your phone to a point in the desired frame. It is very easy.
It’s easy to edit the footage, add transitions, change the angle and view, and make adjustments. It’s also much easier than using a desktop editor suite because it’s mobile-focused. It’s also much quicker.
The iOS app has more features and is more reliable than the Android app. It also offers more control over transitions, and a more stable connection between your phone and your action cam.
Photos And Video
- 5.6k 360° footage at 30fps
- 16.6MP stills
- 2x slo-mo
- PowerPan – One Take Panorama
- Spherical audio
The Max is one of the most versatile GoPro action cameras ever released. It can be used as a 360-degree camera or in Hero mode. You need one camera.
Hero mode has one drawback. The resolution is limited to 1440p, and you have to use it in a 4:3 ratio. You can only get a 1080p maximum resolution if you need 16:9 video, which is more common for this format.
The Hero 8 Black is cheaper if you look for the best quality regular video footage. The Hero 8 Black has a higher quality video, which generally looks better.
It’s much fun to shoot a 360-degree video with Max. Stabilization is one of our favorite features. You can hold the camera handheld while you run or walk, and the footage stays stable and smooth with very little movement.
The stabilization feature locks the horizon in place to see footage the correct way. This is a testimony to GoPro’s algorithms that process footage and movement.
The 360-video file is approximately 5.6K in resolution once stitched together. However, when it’s edited into a flat-screen video, it will end up being a lower resolution, so it doesn’t always look sharp.
The footage can be bright and vivid if shot in bright sunlight with blue skies. Overcast conditions or Hero mode shooting 1080p can cause the camera to struggle to balance exposure, backlighting, and shadows.
This results in a dark image or an overexposed image that lacks detail. Although it’s not terrible, it could be even better.
The 360 camera’s stills capabilities are another significant advantage. You can take 360-degree photos using tiny-planet-spherical video effects, but you also have the option to create a PowerPano (a panoramic photo that it snaps with one click).
You don’t need to hold your smartphone still. The action cam will create the Panorama by using two lenses.
Image Quality
I’m a stills photographer so my main objective is cool still images, despite the GoPro being most well-known for its video capabilities. These small action cameras are not capable of capturing the same quality as professional-grade DSLRs or mirrorless cameras. Keeping things in perspective is important.
The GoPro Max’s image quality is stunning. The image quality is much better than that of your phone, and you can adjust the settings to tone the images very well. The Max’s lenses have very little compression, and are as distortion-free (if at all) as possible due to their wide angles.
The images don’t look so sharp that they are almost like video games. Its HDR gives your images a pop and wow factor.
Another interesting fact is that you can shoot vertically in Instagram Stories.
Battery & Connections
The GoPro Max’s 1600mAh battery will last you for 360-degree photography, vlogging, and smartphone pairing. However, you should only be shooting short clips (a few seconds every hour). You can also carry a spare battery or a USB-C charger for more prolonged use.
GoPro Max’s sound recording quality is excellent, capturing what GoPro calls “spherical” audio. However, the mics can be sensitive, so you might be covering it or rubbing it if you are holding the camera. To be safe, vloggers need to invest in a selfie stick.
The Max also supports voice control, which works well – another advantage over the Insta 360 One X. It also features a GPS. WiFi onboard means that the action cam can connect to your smartphone, but it can also connect to the internet and Livestream at 1080p to YouTube, just as the Hero8 Black.
Vlogging And Action
The GoPro Max is not a traditional action camera and can’t compete with a Hero8 Black standalone GoPro Hero 8 Black. Its resolution and frame rate is 1080p 16/9 or 1440p 4/3.
It is also an excellent solid selfie vlogging cam for ultra-wide vlogging, you can use it in conjunction with a screen that faces the viewer.
It has four digital focal lengths, 13mm, 16mm, and 19mm. Smart horizon levelling is also available. Content always faces the correct way when it’s fired up. The picture was not tilted when we tossed the camera into the air, spinning it along the way.
This is great for video logging and makes the footage look extremely gimble.
ProTune is also a great option for advanced users. It allows you to control your video’s bitrate, shutter speed, and white balance. This means that even though the capture does not have a cinematic look, it can be customized.
Single-lens footage is strong despite its low resolution. Full HD content will look good with respectable clarity. Despite being less rugged than a traditional GoPro, the Max can still handle the action. It has waterproofing, incredible stabilization, and a GPS.
PowerPano captures 6MP panoramics in an instant, which looks amazing. Traditional 4:3 photos are shot at 5MP, which is poor indoors and at night. However, it looks great in well-lit environments.
Conclusion
Due to its dual-camera setup, the GoPro Max is the most versatile camera the company has ever launched. It is easy to use, and it’s simple to edit the Max footage afterward. However, it’s not the best GoPro action camera. The screen is really small, and the lack of a frame-by-frame mode means it’s challenging to use for slow-motion shots.
Overall, GoPro has addressed the frustrations that came with the Fusion, making for a dual-camera that’s flexible and a whole lot of 360-degree fun. DreamCheeky hopes you found this article helpful and that it helped you pick the right camera for your needs.
