GoPro Max2 360 Camera Arrives with 8K Recording, New Features, and Aggressive Pricing

GoPro has officially returned to the 360-degree camera market with the release of the GoPro Max2 360, a long-awaited successor to the original Max. This updated model aims to push immersive video capture forward with its headline feature: 8K resolution recording.

But resolution alone isn’t the only talking point – the Max2 introduces a combination of practical design changes, stabilization tech, and AI-assisted tools that could reshape how creators use 360 footage.

The Max2 360 houses a 1/2.3-inch sensor, which on paper looks modest compared to rival offerings, yet GoPro has managed to squeeze out 8K 30fps video with 10-bit GP-Log support. The higher resolution is especially crucial for VR experiences, where viewers only see a cropped portion of the entire frame. Alongside video, the camera can also shoot 29 MP spherical photos. To keep footage steady, the company has included Max HyperSmooth stabilization with full 360 horizon lock, ensuring even the wildest action shots stay watchable.

One of the standout updates is the replaceable lens system. A cracked or scratched lens no longer means a trip to the service center – users can simply pop out the damaged cover and slot in a fresh one, without tools. This is complemented by six integrated microphones for spatial audio and Bluetooth audio support, opening up possibilities for wireless narration and external audio devices.

For mounting flexibility, the Max2 provides multiple options: the classic ¼-20 tripod thread, GoPro’s familiar folding fingers, and a new Magnetic Latch system first seen on the Hero 13 Black. The camera itself weighs just 195g, is waterproof to 5m, and comes with built-in GPS. Beyond hardware, GoPro is leaning heavily into AI-based features such as object tracking and MotionFrame editing, plus cloud-powered workflows via the Quik app for those who want quick social media-ready edits.

Alongside the flagship 360 model, GoPro introduced two new products: the Lit Hero mini action cam and the Fluid Pro AI gimbal. The Lit Hero is designed for portability and low-light utility, packing a built-in adjustable LED light, 4K/60fps video capture, 2x slo-mo, 12 MP photos, and stabilization. At just 93g with a waterproof rating of 5m and a 1,225 mAh Enduro battery, it caters to vloggers and travelers needing compact versatility.

The Fluid Pro AI gimbal, meanwhile, expands beyond GoPro cameras to support smartphones and compact cams up to 400g. With 3-axis stabilization, AI-driven subject tracking, an integrated fill light, and an impressive 18-hour battery life, it’s pitched as a universal stabilizer for creators who juggle multiple devices.

Pricing is another surprise. The Max2 360 is launching at $499.99, with pre-orders shipping from September 30. The Lit Hero will be available for $269.99 and the Fluid Pro AI gimbal at $229.99, both hitting shelves on October 21. For context, many enthusiasts expected GoPro’s new 360 model to breach the $1,000 mark, making the announced price point comparatively aggressive.

Reactions from early observers are mixed. Some praise 8K as essential for immersive VR footage where lower resolutions quickly fall apart, while others argue that the small sensor could limit low-light performance, making 8K feel more like a spec-sheet win than a practical upgrade. Competing brands like Insta360 and DJI are already offering larger 1/1.3-inch sensors, placing GoPro under pressure to prove that its software and stabilization can offset the hardware gap. For many, the Max2’s combination of replaceable lenses, AI-assisted editing, and aggressive pricing might be enough to justify giving GoPro another look in a highly competitive market.