A new GoPro Mission 1 Pro review from WIRED gives the $699 action camera a 9/10 rating, calling it the strongest action camera available for buyers who can use its pro-grade video tools. Reviewer Scott Gilbertson said he tested the camera for several months across bikes, paddleboards, sailboats and zip lines, and found that its image quality separates it from GoPro’s Hero line.
GoPro announced the Mission 1 family earlier this year with a pitch built around 8K recording and a larger image sensor than typical action cameras. The lineup includes the Mission 1, the Mission 1 Pro and the Mission 1 Pro ILS, an unreleased model with interchangeable Micro Four Thirds lenses that WIRED said may appeal most to professional filmmakers. The Mission 1 and Mission 1 Pro are available now.
The Mission 1 Pro sells for $699 at Amazon and about $700 through GoPro and B&H Photo, according to WIRED. That makes it more expensive than the usual action-camera upgrade, and Gilbertson said the price is the obvious catch for buyers who just want an easy helmet or handlebar camera.
What does the GoPro Mission 1 Pro review say is new?
WIRED points to two main internal changes: a 50-megapixel Type 1 sensor and GoPro’s GP3 processor. The Type 1 sensor measures 13.2 by 8.8 millimeters, according to the review. That label is sometimes described as “1-inch type,” but the sensor is not physically one inch across, because camera sensor naming remains a small museum of bad historical decisions.
The larger sensor lets the Mission 1 Pro capture 8K video at up to 60 frames per second. WIRED said the camera records enough extra image area that 8K footage remains 8K even with GoPro’s HyperSmooth stabilization enabled, despite the stabilization crop. The camera can also shoot 4:3 open-gate footage at up to 8K 30 fps.
For slow motion, the Pro model records 4K at 240 fps and 1080p at 960 fps, though WIRED said the 960 fps mode is limited to 10-second bursts. Gilbertson found the slow-motion footage sharper and less “action camera” looking than earlier GoPro output, especially when using the 2x zoom at 4K 240 fps.
Why does GP-Log2 matter?
GP-Log2 is GoPro’s updated log recording format, meant to preserve more image information for color grading after shooting. WIRED said the Mission 1 Pro’s best results come when footage is edited and graded, especially in low light, though the default color profile was also described as natural enough for users who do not want that extra work.
The GP3 processor supports the camera’s higher frame rates, new low-light modes and in-camera subject tracking, according to WIRED. Gilbertson also noted improved audio, USB audio support, a slightly larger rear screen, more customizable menus and alternative GoPro Labs firmware that can enable features including video up to 300 Mbps.
Battery performance also drew praise. WIRED reported about three hours of 4K 24 fps shooting, charging to 80 percent in roughly 20 minutes and reaching a full charge in a little over 30 minutes. The larger battery works with the Hero 13, and Hero 13 batteries work in the Mission 1 Pro, according to the review.
Is the GoPro Mission 1 Pro worth buying?
WIRED’s answer depends on the buyer. Gilbertson said the Mission 1 Pro is the action camera to get for users who want the best image quality, stronger slow motion and footage that can be matched with more serious cameras after grading.
The drawbacks are practical. The camera is heavier than other models, has no built-in storage, and asks more from the person editing the footage. WIRED also found occasional jitter in very low light when HyperSmooth was active, with the suggested workaround being to disable stabilization and use a gimbal.
For buyers who want polished footage without post-production, WIRED said the Hero 13 may be the better fit. For professional users, Gilbertson suggested waiting to see what the Mission 1 Pro ILS offers when the interchangeable-lens model arrives later this year.
This story draws on original reporting from WIRED.
