GoPro Max 2

The GoPro Max 2 marks GoPro's return to the 360° camera space, and its headline feature is true 8K 360° capture. That puts it in the running for the sharpest footage in its class. For riders, cyclists and outdoor creators who already live in the GoPro ecosystem, the familiar mounting options are a real convenience. You get GoPro-style mounts, a tripod thread and magnetic mounting, so it should slot into existing rigs with little friction.

The most meaningful practical upgrade over the original Max is user-replaceable lenses. On a 360° camera the bulging lenses are always exposed, so being able to swap a scratched one rather than send the camera away is a genuine quality-of-life improvement. This camera is best suited to daylight adventure shooters who want high-resolution 360° footage and are comfortable editing on a phone. It is a less natural fit for night shooters or anyone wanting a desktop-centric, RAW-based workflow.

On resolution and versatility, the Max 2 is strong. 8K 360° video with 10-bit color gives editors more room to reframe and grade, and the high-frame-rate modes add flexibility for slow-motion action. Six microphones suggest GoPro has taken immersive audio seriously, though we can't speak to how it sounds in practice from the information available.

The compromises are significant, though:

• Low light: This is the clearest weakness. Testing shows it falls behind the DJI Osmo 360 when the light drops. That matters given how often action footage spills into dusk or indoors.
• Battery life: One test recorded roughly 30 to 40 minutes when shooting 8K. That is workable for short clips but limiting for long rides or sessions without spare batteries.
• Workflow: The process is heavily mobile-focused, and there is no RAW support for 360 photos. Enthusiasts who want maximum control over stills may find that frustrating.
• Processor: The Max 2 reportedly uses the older GP2 chip rather than GP3. That may help explain some of its limitations, though we can't confirm the real-world impact.

One important caveat: we have no pricing information. Value is therefore impossible to judge, especially against the DJI rival it trails in low light. Replacement lenses at $49.99 are a reasonable ongoing cost. Overall, the Max 2 is an excellent daylight 360° camera with sensible durability gains, held back by low-light performance and battery endurance.