Hands on: GoPro’s new Mission 1 Pro is in a class of one

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Before signing on as Mashable’s tech editor, I reviewed the GoPro Hero12 and Hero13 Black for the site. Both were equally impressive cameras, while a little frustrating, with repeated improvements in battery life and new software features like direct video. Both cameras had the same GP2 processor and 1/1.9″ CMOS sensor as the Hero11.

This year, instead of dropping the Hero14 Black, GoPro introduced a new line of cameras with exciting new capabilities – the Mission 1 Series. Finally, we have GoPro’s new sensor and processor to play with.

I just started testing the Mission 1 Pro, and like my colleagues at CNET (both Mashable and CNET are owned by Ziff Davis), I’m not ready to make a final verdict. I can say that this camera has impressed me so far, and I’m excited to try and push it to its limits.

I can also tell you that while the new Mission 1 cameras solve some of GoPro’s recent problems, they don’t solve all of them.

Meet the GoPro Mission 1 cameras

The Mission 1 and Mission 1 Pro (the model I was reviewing) launch on May 28 for $599.99 and $699.99, respectively. In Q3, GoPro will also introduce the Mission 1 Pro ILS, a mirrorless version of the Mission 1 Pro with an interchangeable lens mount, allowing creators to use professional lenses with GoPro’s pocket-sized, ultra-durable cameras. I bet many photographers and videographers are happy with that one, it will also be priced at $699.99.

Both the Mission 1 and Mission 1 Pro introduce a new GP3 processor (finally), and a larger one-inch sensor with a native resolution of 7,680 x 5,760 pixels. For $100 more, the Mission 1 Pro also offers 960fps slow-motion video, 8K open-gate recording, and enhanced low-light video. You can capture 44.2MP stills for video or take 50MP action shots.

Both cameras are significantly larger and heavier than the latest Hero13 Black, yet they still feel like action cameras and offer all the durability and motion stabilization you expect from a GoPro.

GoPro Mission 1 Series: By the numbers

The Mission 1 is available on May 28 for $599 (or $499 for GoPro subscribers).

• New 1 inch sensor

• New GP3 processor

• Open Gate 4K120 video in 4:3

• 8K30/25 at 16:9

• Up to 8x Slo-Mo

• 4K120 in 16:9

• 50MP Photo + RAW

• HLG HDR / 10-Bit + GP-Log2

• Up to 5+ hours of battery life (2,150mAh Enduro 2 battery)

The Mission 1 Pro is available on May 28 for $699 (or $599 for GoPro subscribers).

• New 1 inch sensor

• New GP3 processor

• 8K30 (50MP) open gate video in 4:3

• 4K120 (12MP) open gate video in 4:3

• 16:9 video up to 8K60/50

• 960fps slow motion video (up to 32x)

• Up to 5+ hours of battery life (2,150mAh Enduro 2 battery)

• 50MP Photo + RAW

• HLG HDR / 10-Bit + GP-Log2

• Up to 5+ hours of battery life (2,150mAh Enduro 2 battery)

Along with the new cameras, GoPro is also introducing new accessories, including the new GoPro Wireless Mic Complete Kit (also, in the end), Point-and-Shoot Grip for Mission 1 Pro, new Media Mod, four-pack ND Filter, Protective Housing (waterproof to 196/60 meters), and Vertical Mount Adapter.

GoPro’s Mission 1 Series has a lot to offer professionals and creators

In a press conference before the launch, GoPro representatives told me that the Mission 1 Series is specifically designed to support professionals and creators who want a high level of control over their content. For example, the cameras offer a new bit-rate mode of 240Mbps, which just happens to be the specs required by Netflix for photos.

Mashable Light Speed

Their reviewer’s guide even includes recommended LUTs for video editing. And that’s a nice and easy way to answer the question: Is the Mission 1 Series right for me? I’ll put it this way: If you don’t work with LUTs, know what GP-Log2 means, or are obsessed with color grading, you probably don’t need to spend the extra money to invest in the Mission 1 Series.

GoPro Hero and MAX cameras will do just fine.

For professionals, creatives, and enthusiasts alike, the Mission 1 Pro seems impressive to me so far. It competes more with Sony’s vlogging cameras and BlackMagic’s cinema cameras than the average action camera.

The ability to capture open gate video in 8K and 4K will be a game changer for many people, and so will the larger sensor. So, although I can’t yet make a decision about the new sensor and processor, if you completely trust GoPro, I think you can safely invest in these cinema action cameras.

My very first impression

As you’ve shot with GoPro cameras before, the Mission 1’s larger sensor seems to give you more flexibility. The Hero13 Black is already equipped with digital lenses that allow you to change the field of view, but the Mission 1 has even more features to work with. It feels like a magic trick where you instantly go from the wide field of view of the Linear lens (22-27mm) to the classic GoPro fisheye view of the wide lens (16-24mm).

When editing, you can also switch back and forth from 16:9 to standard video aspect ratios like 3:4 and 9:16. Again, that’s not new with Mission 1, but with the larger sensor and open gate imaging, you have a much larger and richer canvas to work on.

Thanks to the larger sensor and the new GP3 processor, the new GoPro cameras also have significantly improved low-light performance. And for adventurers, classic GoPro features like motion stabilization and horizon lock should also work better than ever, as will digital zoom and subject tracking. The touchscreen and voice controls, automatic charging via WiFi, and the Quik app are all great features for me as well.

GoPro still faces a lot of competition, and the Mission 1 is only a partial fix

The name “GoPro” is still synonymous with action cameras, but the company is no longer the only name in the game. In recent years, Chinese companies DJI and Insta360 have launched impressive action cameras of their own, even offering better specs in some ways.

The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 offers variable aperture, Leica optics, and 8K shooting (Hero13 Black’s max is 5.3K). The DJI Osmo Action 6 Pro boasts better low-light performance than the Hero line thanks to its larger sensor. In addition, DJI also makes the very popular Mic Mini and Mic 3.

Over the past few years, I’ve seen DJI in particular become very popular with Mashable buyers, and I’ve had great experiences working with the DJI Osmo Mobile gimbal, Osmo Pocket cameras, and the popular TikTok-DJI Mic Mini. And while GoPro is now releasing its own wireless microphone kit, Insta360 has just released a great looking wireless microphone with a customizable e-ink display. If you want to stay within a single product ecosystem, DJI now has it a lot offering beyond action cameras and drones.

So, while the Mission 1 Pro (especially the upcoming Mission 1 Pro ILS) offers a boundary-pushing option for professionals and creators, for the everyday consumer, GoPro still has a tough job ahead of it. For example, I’m not sure why you’d buy a GoPro wireless mic kit unless it was part of a bundle or you’re deeply loyal to GoPro.

GoPro seems to take care of its loyal customers, and that’s not a bad thing.

Should you buy the GoPro Mission 1 and Mission 1 Pro?

If you’re a long-time GoPro fan looking to upgrade your camera, then the Mission 1 and Mission 1 Pro have a lot to offer. And with the $100 discount you get as a GoPro subscriber, these cameras are very affordable.

For now, I’ll say this: The Mission 1 Pro is expensive for a GoPro action camera, but it’s a good value for a cinema camera.