The GoPro Max 2 marks a turning point in the world of 360° cameras. After several years of anticipation, GoPro has finally unveiled a version capable of competing with current standards. On the agenda: true 8K video , improved battery life, and a host of features designed for both professional creators and athletes looking for immersive content.
In this article, we take a detailed look at all the technical specifications of the GoPro Max 2 , from its design to its stabilization, including its creative modes and accessories.
Design and ergonomics
The GoPro Max 2 retains the DNA of its big sister, but adopts a more robust design. It is:
- compact, with a format close to the first Max,
- waterproof up to 5 meters without housing ,
- built in a reinforced body to absorb shocks,
- equipped with two interchangeable lenses, easy to replace in the event of a fall.
Up front, there’s a color touchscreen for navigating menus, while on the back, a second screen is used for selfie mode. GoPro has designed the ergonomics so that creators can film in both 360° and classic Hero mode, without any hassle.
Sensors and image quality
The heart of the GoPro Max 2 is two 12-megapixel sensors capable of filming in 8K 30 fps . Unlike some competing cameras that use upscaling tricks, this is true native 8K .
Highlights :
- 360° video: 7680 x 3840 pixels at 30 fps .
- Other resolutions available: 5.6K at 60 fps, 4K at 100 fps.
- 360° photo: 29 MP (7680 x 3840 pixels).
- Color depth: 10-bit , with built-in GP-Log profiles and LUTs.
What’s impressive is the GoPro Max 2 ‘s ability to maintain a high level of detail, even in complex scenes (text, foliage, cityscapes). It’s a real qualitative leap compared to the competition.
Stabilization and immersion
The other strength of the GoPro Max 2 is its stabilization. It incorporates HyperSmooth Max technology, optimized for 360° video. The result: ultra-smooth images even in full action (mountain biking, skiing, motorcycling).
Available immersive modes:
- Tiny Planet : fun spherical effect.
- Spin/Flip : rotation effects to liven up videos.
- TimeWarp 360° : accelerated timelapse with perfect stabilization.
- Bullet Time : spectacular circular effect.
Add to that Horizon Lock and you have a camera capable of turning any shot into a cinematic sequence.
Battery life and battery life
The GoPro Max 2 features an improved removable internal battery. GoPro announces:
- up to 88 minutes in 8K 30 fps ,
- about 115 minutes in FullHD 60 fps ,
- and the ability to extend battery life via a USB-C external battery.
Compared to the first Max, this is a significant improvement, even if filming in 8K remains energy-intensive. For long sessions, you’ll need one or two additional batteries.
Audio and connectivity
GoPro has equipped the GoPro Max 2 with six microphones distributed throughout the housing, optimized for 360° recording.
Audio Features:
- 360° stereo sound with wind noise reduction.
- Compatibility with wireless Bluetooth microphones.
- Full voice control in multiple languages.
- Support for Apple AirPods to trigger recording.
In terms of connectivity, we find:
- Wi-Fi 6 for fast file transfer,
- Bluetooth 5.1 ,
- a universal USB-C port.
Storage and recording formats
The GoPro Max 2 accepts microSD cards up to 1TB (UHS-I V30 minimum recommended).
Formats and flow rates:
- Video: HEVC (H.265).
- Photo: JPG, RAW (.gpr).
- Standard speed: 60 to 120 Mbps.
- Extended throughput via Labs: up to 300 Mbps for professional shooting.
This flexibility allows you to film for both social media and professional production.
Photo and Creative Modes
Besides video, the GoPro Max 2 shines in 360° photography with its 29 MP .
Available modes:
- Gust.
- Night photo.
- Interval.
- SuperPhoto with built-in HDR.
It also retains signature features like PowerPano (instant panoramas) and classic night timelapses .
Accessories and compatibility
GoPro is accompanying the release of the GoPro Max 2 with a whole range of accessories:
- interchangeable lenses (easy replacement without recalibration),
- new invisible pole in lighter fiber,
- mounts compatible with the GoPro ecosystem (helmet, bike, car).
This is a major advantage: if you already have GoPro accessories, they will be usable with the GoPro Max 2 .
Pricing and Availability
The
GoPro Max 2
is priced at €519.99 at launch.
Two packs are available:
- Standard : camera + battery + cable + mount.
- Creator : camera + pole + creative accessories.
This is an aggressive positioning compared to the Insta360 X5 (€589.99) and the DJI Osmo 360 (€479.99).
GoPro Max 2: Who is it for?
The GoPro Max 2 is aimed at several profiles:
- Travelers : to capture immersive 360° landscapes.
- Athletes : perfect stabilization even in extreme situations.
- Content creators : Pro quality with 8K and 10-bit.
- Professionals : thanks to GP-Log mode and high bitrate.
Compared to the competition, the GoPro Max 2 has the advantage of being a versatile camera: it can be used both as a classic action cam and as a 360° camera.
So, does the GoPro Max 2 live up to its promises?
The answer is yes. The GoPro Max 2 is arguably the most advanced 360° camera GoPro has ever released. With native 8K , HyperSmooth Max stabilization, built-in microphones, and compatibility with the entire GoPro ecosystem, it’s poised to be the benchmark for 2025.
Sure, you’ll have to deal with large files and limited battery life in 8K, but that’s the price you pay for such quality. If you’re looking for a high-end, versatile 360° camera that’s ready to take on any situation, the GoPro Max 2 definitely deserves a place in your backpack.
Leave a Reply