GoPro Max 360 Review

GoPro Max 360 Review for 2024

gopro max 360 camera review

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Last Updated: March 18, 2023

We all love carrying a digital camera when we go out for vacations, parties, or other events. Nowadays, a digital camera has become more than just an electronic gadget. You can capture your memorable moments and record amazing videos with sound.


With various options available, finding the perfect camera that can capture beautiful landscapes and your travel adventures becomes challenging. Whether you're a professional photographer or hobbyist, GoPro Max Camera is a fantastic model that you need. Go Pro camera helps you absorb the world in its 360-degree glory. It combines the 360-degree Fusion and the HERO 8 with additional exclusive features. 


The price tag of GoPro Max 360 naturally raises a question: Is it worth the hype? Is Go Pro 360 worth investing in? Does this latest electronic gadget provide immense value? Before investing in any camera, it is vital to read its users' reviews. It will help you better understand the reliability and suitability of your selected device. To help you make the wisest decision about the effectiveness of GoPro Max 360, we will review this model in depth. Our expert will uncover every nook and cranny, including video and photography features, pricing structure, design, and app integration.

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Brand: GoPro
Model: Max 360
Manufacturer: GoPro
Cost: $499

What makes it different: 360 view, 16.6MP, 5.6K30, Waterproof up until 16ft or 5m depth, 1080p livestreaming

Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi

Flash Memory Type: SD

Screen Size: 2 inches

Photo Sensor Technology: CMOS

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Pros and Cons of GoPro Max

Pros

  • Automatic 360-degree stitching 
  • Intuitive software tools
  • Integrated mounting clips 
  • Multi-functioning capabilities 
  • Waterproof even without a camera case 
  • Sturdy construction 
  • Ability to create professional-looking, dynamic clips 
  • Excellent video features with sound 
  • Robust stabilization 
  • 360 Mode & Hero Mode 
  • Flippable screen view 
  • Professional photo and video editing app 
  • Ability to work as a single lens 

Cons

  • Lack of HDR or RAW mode 
  • A bit costlier compared to other similar models 
  • Missing full manual control and desktop software 
  • Lack of traditional 4K video
  • Single lens capture can top out at 60fps
  • Heavier than other 360 cameras 

GoPro Max 360 Camera Review

GoPro Max in a box next to the case that it comes in

GoPro Max is a fantastic camera that combines the elements and features of the Fusion and HERO 8. This next-generation model features a super smooth 2.0, 5.6k video resolution. In addition, the Hero mode of the Go Pro camera and a revamped app is designed to help you handle your 360 camera efficiently.


Unlike some other 360 cameras, Go Pro comes with exclusive features. The 60fps mode of the camera enables you to record slow-motion videos with a resolution of up to 3k. This is an excellent new frame rate option for shooting some awesome-looking videos. The 360 mode of Go Pro Max allows you to shoot time-lapse for both video and photo. Finally, the Hero mode lets you use horizon level when shooting images and timewarp.


Unlike its first effort, the Fusion, GoPro Max is friendlier to use and manage. The Fusion was criticized for being too difficult for average camera users. You don't need any dual memory cards because the software tools with the Go Pro Max are excellent. It comes with a touch screen so you can adjust your settings easily. Although GoPro Max is a bit pricier than the 360 cameras, it is worth looking at if you're in 360-degree capture and editing.

Specifications of GoPro Max 360

The GoPro Max boasts many impressive features and capabilities that set it apart as a versatile 360-degree action camera. Here are the key specifications based on the provided information:

Photo Resolution: The GoPro Max captures high-quality images at a resolution of 16.6 megapixels, ensuring that your memories are preserved in stunning detail.

Video Resolution: Record 360-degree videos in 5.6K at 30fps, or switch to HERO mode for 1440p at 60fps or 1080p at 60fps, offering flexibility in capturing your adventures.

Memory: The GoPro Max supports up to 256GB of MicroSD cards, providing ample storage for your photos and videos.

Battery: The removable battery allows for around one hour of video recording, making it ideal for capturing short, action-packed adventures.

Sensors: The camera has Bluetooth, WiFi, and GPS sensors for seamless connectivity and location tracking.

Livestream: Enjoy 1080p livestream capabilities, allowing you to share your experiences with friends and family in real time.

Audio: With six built-in microphones, the GoPro Max records immersive audio to complement your visual content.

Video Modes: Choose from various modes such as PowerPano, slow motion, TimeWarp, and time-lapse to create dynamic and engaging footage.

Waterproof: The camera is waterproof up to 5 meters, allowing you to capture underwater adventures without needing additional protective housing.

Bit Rate: Record at a high bit rate of up to 78 Mbps for increased video quality and detail.

Stabilization: The HyperSmooth 2.0 stabilization ensures smooth, shake-free footage even in challenging conditions.

Other Features: Benefit from on-screen shortcuts, voice control, and a horizontal mode for added versatility and ease of use.

Weight: The GoPro Max weighs 5.8 ounces, making it a lightweight and portable option for on-the-go content creation.

Dimensions: The camera measures 2.7 x 2.5 x 1.6 inches, offering a compact design without sacrificing functionality.

Type: As a 360-degree action camera, the GoPro Max is designed for capturing immersive, wide-angle footage.

Price: Priced at $499, the GoPro Max offers a competitive option for investing in a high-quality 360-degree action camera.

Design & Setup of GoPro Max 360

The Go Pro Max shares its basic design cues with the Fusion. The Max resembles the Fusion with a rubberized exterior and matte grey finish. The model attaches to accessories and mounts through two metal fingers that fold out from its base. The sturdy design of the camera helps to avoid any potential slippage.


Compared to the Hero 8 Black, the Max also adds a color touch screen to help you adjust the settings and preview the frame from either of its lenses. With 64W x 69H x 25D (mm) dimensions, the GoPro 360 is larger than other conventional action cameras. However, it weighs 5.8 oz, which seems a little hefty, despite being 66g lighter than the GoPro Fusion.


The GoPro Max is easier to cycle between three different shooting modes, which are:

  1. Video
  2. Photo
  3. Timelapse


You just need to press the physical button on the camera screen to switch to your favorite shooting mode. In addition, you can tap on an icon on the touchscreen to toggle between shooting with both lenses and a single lens. It also lets you choose whether to view the action via touchscreen or through the front or rear lens. This facility makes GoPro Max use far better than the Hero 8 Black, as it took flake for not offering a front-facing screen. 

Video Features

The GoPro Max 360 is primarily designed for videography. It is an exceptional video camera with a multitude of options. It offers two different video modes, which have distinct features.

360 Mode

As GoPro is a 360 camera, you'll use its 360 modes frequently. This mode uses both camera lenses to shoot a 360 video. You can also re-frame your 360 tapes to make your shot smooth and cinematic. Finally, you can directly watch your video on a VR headset or upload it on YouTube or Facebook.


The Max creates the best-looking 360 videos but does not feature as many manual controls as it should. With 360 modes, you can't alter the shutter speed. This mode creates vibrant, colorful, and sharp videos closer to reality than the competitors. The Max does not make too much noise, even in a low-light environment. It utilizes a chip with superior-quality lenses designed by GoPro for video processing.

Hero Mode

The Hero mode is another primary video mode to shoot your videos. It lets you produce standard and non-360-degree videos using the Max. with the Hero mode; you can record videos in 1080p or 1440p. It also enables you to access a range of frame rates, such as 24fps, 30fps, 50fps, and 60fps. However, unlike other Hero cameras, the Hero mode of the GoPro Max does not offer 4k resolution for shooting videos.


With Hero mode, you can record slow-motion videos and an extra timelapse mode. The video quality may not be the most amazing when shooting in Hero mode, but you can use the GoPro app to combine the Hero and 360 modes to get incredible results. If you're new to the Max, you can also utilize GoPro's Hyper Smooth stabilization to keep your video steady. 

Photo Features

Just like the video capabilities, the GoPro Max offers fantastic photo features. You can use the following two significant modes to capture snaps:

360 Photos

With GoPro Max, you can shoot 360 photos of up to 16.6 megapixels. This resolution is not quite impressive because other 360 cameras can shoot up to 20 megapixels or even higher. As a result, the 360 photos shot with this camera are dynamic and vibrant but pixelated around the edges. When viewed on mobile phones, these 360 photos look excellent, but you may observe the lower resolution on larger screens. Unfortunately, the 360 photos of the Max lack HDR and RAW modes, which are ideal for getting the best possible images.

Power Panos

Power Pano is a unique photo mode offered by the GoPro Max. With this mode, you can take a single 270-degree panorama in a shot. With the front screen, you can also take some unique selfies.

GoPro Max App

GoPro Max is integrated with a revamped app, which helps in vast video creation. It allows you to combine multiple video clips and add music, text, titles, and transitions in just a few minutes. This can automatically connect and create the best part of your videos', making GoPro Max one of the greatest cameras.



The app has exclusive features like adding filters, changing speed, and combining different video clips. However, some users report that the GoPro Max app is missing parts. Secondly, the editing software is not available for Windows.

Final Verdict: Is GoPro Max 360 worth the hype?

Undoubtedly, the GoPro Max is a capable gadget that helps you get creative with your videos and photos while ensuring outstanding results. It is a complete package for shooting and editing professional-looking videos. It is a capable and easier-to-use 360 camera with various exclusive features. The full 360-filming, front-face screen, and hyper-smooth stabilization of the GoPro 360 make it an ideal piece for vlogging. Apart from exclusive features, the 360 Max lacks HDR and RAW modes. Some users also complain about the lack of manual control over the shutter speed.

Author Steven Dillon

Steven Dillon

Author


Steven is the founder and product tested for The Car Data,  that has extensive knowledge in automotive industry. While most of his free time he participates in typical "car guy" activities, his passion for cars, data analytics, and tech, always has his looking for the next cool tool, software, trend, etc. to share with his audience on The Car Data or on his Instagram.

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