Is This Enough to SAVE GoPro?

Is This Enough to SAVE GoPro?

GoPro's Current Challenges and the Mission 1 Pro

Overview of GoPro's Situation

  • GoPro is facing significant challenges, including declining share prices and competition from Chinese manufacturers.
  • The release of the new Mission 1 Pro is seen as a critical opportunity for GoPro to recover.

Introduction to the Mission 1 Pro

  • The Mission 1 Pro is described as an expensive action camera that produces exceptionally high-quality footage.
  • Jordan Drake introduces himself and sets up the review context by highlighting the camera's capabilities.

B&H PayU Credit Card Benefits

Purchasing Gear at B&H

  • B&H offers a PayU credit card that allows customers to save on sales tax when purchasing gear.
  • Customers can also finance purchases over six months or a year with this credit card, making it easier to manage costs.

Comparing Mission 1 Pro with Hero 13 Black

Review Methodology

  • The review compares the new Mission 1 Pro with the older Hero 13 Black to assess performance differences in various situations.
  • Acknowledgment of recurring errors in naming during editing, emphasizing attention to detail in reviews.

Key Features of the Mission 1 Pro

Sensor and Image Quality

  • The standout feature of the Mission 1 Pro is its larger type 1 sensor, which enhances video sharpness and low-light performance.
  • Introduction of GP Log 2 profile for improved dynamic range, boasting up to 14 stops.

Camera Variants

  • Discussion about other models in the Key Mission family, including variations without higher-end recording modes.

Design and Usability

Physical Characteristics

  • The camera weighs more than previous models (207g), indicating a sturdier build.
  • Retains familiar interfaces like touch screens and physical buttons designed for ease of use while wearing gloves.

Durability Features

  • Waterproof capability down to 20m without additional housing; suitable for most water activities except scuba diving.

Lens Design Considerations

Focus Limitations

  • Larger sensor design results in increased minimum focus distance (2 feet), affecting shooting dynamics compared to Hero Black’s closer focus (1 foot).

Recording Modes Available

High Resolution Options

  • Ability to record in impressive formats such as 8K open gate at lower frame rates (30 fps).

Additional Recording Capabilities

  • New mode allows recording at faster frame rates (4K open gate up to120 fps), providing flexibility for different filming scenarios.

Dynamic Range Performance

Comparison Tests

  • Testing shows better highlight retention and cleaner shadows with Key Mission compared to Hero Black under similar conditions.

Trade-offs Between Resolutions

  • Notable noise issues arise when comparing shadow details between resolutions; users must choose between higher resolution or better dynamic range.

Audio Quality Insights

Microphone Performance

  • Internal microphone performs adequately but struggles with isolating speech; external mics recommended for better audio capture.

Audio Capture Flexibility

  • Supports multiple audio input methods including USB-C connections while maintaining weather sealing through Bluetooth options.

Photography Capabilities

Photo Quality Assessment

  • Can capture high-resolution photos (50 MP raw); however, ergonomics may be less favorable due to ultra-wide lens design.

Overheating Concerns Addressed

Testing Results

  • No overheating issues were encountered during regular use; controlled tests showed varying run times based on recording settings.

Recommendations Based on Usage Scenarios

  • For longer recordings or hotter environments, using standard frame rates yields significantly longer battery life without overheating concerns.

Final Impressions on GoPro's Future

Overall Evaluation

  • While offering superior video quality and low-light performance, limitations like minimum focus distance could hinder creative uses.

Market Positioning Challenges

  • Competition from compact vlogging cameras poses a challenge despite unique features like ruggedness and advanced slow-motion capabilities.
Video description

Now saving when you shop for your favorite gear at B&H Photo is even easier with the B&H Payboo Credit Card which lets you Save the Tax — you pay the tax, and B&H pays you back instantly! (Save the Tax on eligible purchases shipped to eligible states.) OR you can pay over time with our 6 & 12 month financing (on minimum purchases of $199 for 6 months, and $599 for 12 months). Terms apply, learn more at bhphoto.com/payboo.  Credit card offers are subject to credit approval. Payboo Credit Card Accounts are issued by Comenity Capital Bank — It’s been a while since we saw a massive upgrade from GoPro, but the new Mission 1 Pro certainly qualifies. With a new 8K Type 1 sensor, incredible slow motion, and a more rugged build, it looks like the ultimate action camera on paper. But are there tradeoffs to this performance? Jordan Drake has been testing, and he’s found some doozies. Buy the GoPro Mission 1 Pro: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1964094-REG/gopro_mission_1_pro.html/BI/19083/KBID/10687 — Sign up for a PetaPixel Membership and download full-resolution RAW and JPEG sample images here: https://petapixel.com/sample-galleries/ Rental equipment provided by The Camera Store: https://www.thecamerastore.com PetaPixel exclusively uses Audio.com music in our YouTube show: https://audiio.com/petapixel Check out our PetaPixel Shirts at: https://store.petapixel.com — 0:00 - Intro 3:23 - Mission 1 Models 4:01 - Design and Controls 5:20 - Waterproofing 5:48 - The Lens 6:45 - Recording Modes 8:01 - Slow Motion 9:26 - Dynamic Range 10:47 - Low-Light 11:40 - Audio 13:06 - Photography 13:59 - Overheating 15:47 - Should You Buy It? #gopro