The GoPro Max 2 is the most convenient 360 travel camera, and it's $100 off

The GoPro Max 2 is a long-awaited upgrade after the company’s first Max 360 camera launched in 2019. Since then, GoPro has updated its Hero series with a more powerful processor, a new design, and modular lenses, among other things, but left a six-year gap in its 360 camera series.

In this time, competitors have pushed the boundaries of what you can expect from these cameras. However, the GoPro Max 2 manages to hold strong, despite the intense competition. After carrying the Insta360 X5 and now the Max 2 on all my travels this year, I’ve come to the realization that 360 cameras are the ultimate travel cameras.

However, that doesn’t mean I want to drop $500 on one of them, especially when accessories are an added cost. That’s why this GoPro Black Friday deal is so attractive. The GoPro Max 2 is selling at its all-time low price for Black Friday. While it was recently launched for $500, the Max 2 is available at a 20% discount — bringing the price down to $400, which is more affordable than the Insta360 X5.

I carried the GoPro Max 2 on my trips to Barcelona and Mexico City. In the two weeks, it was clear that this camera is a huge improvement over its predecessor. While Insta360 still beats it in a couple of areas, the Max 2 is all about convenience (and some pro features). Here’s what it’s like to use the new GoPro 360 camera, and why you should consider it as your next travel camera.

Also: These 12 surprisingly useful tools are all on sale for Black Friday

GoPro puts convenience at the forefront of its new Max 2

The GoPro Max 2 looks similar to its predecessor, with a squarish design. It is thicker and heavier (195g) than the Max (160g) but lighter than the Insta360 X5 (202g). I like this design because it feels natural to mount a squarish camera on a bike or helmet, whereas X5’s elongated design is better suited for a stick.

Like all 360 cameras, the GoPro Max 2 aligns its two lenses on opposing sides, which wasn’t the case with the 2019 model. These are user-replaceable lenses, so if you break one, you can replace it instead of buying a new camera altogether. It is really easy to swap, too. You need to twist, make a quarter turn, and the lens is ready to pop off. This is more user-friendly than the Insta360 X5, which requires special tools (included in the replacement kit) to change the lenses.

You get a power button on the right side, which can start recording with a single press if you have QuikCapture enabled. On the left side of the camera lies the panel cover for battery (now bigger than before), microSD slot, and USB-C port.

On top is the combined shutter release/record button, and at the bottom, you get a standard tripod mount, along with a pair of fingers that fold out to create a thumbscrew screw mount. It also supports easy-to-use magnetic mounting for a total of three mounting options. On the rear, you get a 1.82-inch touch screen, which is fine to use in daylight.

Under the twin 14-mm (35-mm equivalent) lenses lie a 1/2.3-inch sensor each. GoPro is marketing the Max 2 as a 360 camera that records “True 8K” (10-bit) video, taking a dig at competitors, which technically don’t do 8K. 

GoPro points out that some of the pixels are lost on other 360 cameras because you’re recording circular video on a square sensor. Both DJI and Insa360 use algorithms to output 8K. In contrast, GoPro says that its 8K footage has more pixels, making the Max 2 a “True 8K” camera. I’m not sure if the casual end user cares about any of these extra pixels, but there are other noteworthy features that put Max 2 ahead of the competition.

I prefer GoPro Max 2’s natural color science

I like GoPro’s natural color science more than Insta360’s oversaturated colors, which look artificial in comparison. The Max 2 also retains your natural skin tone, and you get a better contrast with more realistic colors in videos. The X5, in comparison, turns the blue skies to a bluer, hyperreal look. I’m sure many would prefer the color pop on Insta360 X5 but once you compare the footage, the Max 2 starts looking more compelling.

The GoPro Max 2 also shoots sharper videos in bright light environments, where I use my action cameras the most. However, it falls behind in low-light conditions, and the Insta360 X5 is just better for that use case.

In 360 mode, you can shoot at up to 8K30/25/24 frames per second (fps). At 5.6K, you can choose from 60/50/30/25fps, and at 4K, you get 100/90/60/50fps. These can be recorded in color depths of 8-bit, 10-bit, or GP-Log with LUT, which is great for professionals.

Also: I tested the modular GoPro Hero 13 Black, and it’s a fantastic travel camera (especially at $100 off)

The 10-bit color option gives you a lot more latitude in post editing. In comparison, the X5 can record at up to 8-bit only. Like most 360 cameras, you can use the GoPro Max 2 in single-lens mode if you don’t want to reframe every shot. It essentially becomes a 4K Hero 13 Black in single lens mode. 

The Max 2 is a more lucrative option for the pros because of support for GoPro Labs, an alternative firmware for power users that unlocks options like 300Mbps bitrate recording – up from the default 120Mbps maximum. This lets you add an on-screen histogram and digital spirit level, and customize every button. Again, making it more convenient to use than its competitors.

While the GoPro Max 2 wins in image quality and color science, it doesn’t match the audio recording capabilities of the Insta360 X5. It records decent audio but falls flat compared to X5.

The battery life is an improvement over the predecessor, but not by a mile. I’d recommend buying an extra battery if you’re planning to shoot for the better part of the day.

Shooting 360 footage is only 50% of the job, and it is useless if you can’t edit it easily. The Max 2 uses GoPro’s revamped Quik mobile app and a desktop software for both Mac and Windows to edit videos. I have a mobile-first workflow, so I used the Quik app for this review.

I loved the Object Tracking feature, which allows you to select a subject within the 360 footage and lock it so the software keeps the subject in focus for the whole shot. Insta360 also has a similar feature, and it works equally well. It is not perfect, but it does help my amateur editing abilities. Unfortunately, this feature isn’t available on the desktop app. Overall, the Quik app is intuitive and fun to play around with.

ZDNET’s buying advice

Overall, the GoPro Max 2 is a more convenient and easier-to-use 360 camera than its competitors. From magnetic mounting to user-friendly replaceable lenses and a squarish design, it feels more intuitive to use.

The Max 2 also offers sharper footage (in daylight) with natural color science and 10-bit recording, which would be applauded by the professionals. It misses the mark in low-light, but if you’re like me who records most of his videos during the daytime, the Max 2 is a good buy, especially at $100 off.

How I rated this deal

Based on the 20% savings being offered, ZDNET’s rating system gives this a 3/5 Editor’s Deal rating. The GoPro Max 2 is a superb travel camera and a nice blend of convenience and functionality. This is the best price we’ve seen on the company’s new 360 camera

When will this deal expire?

Amazon’s Black Friday sale ends Dec. 1. That said, deals are subject to sell out or expire at any time. You can find this deal at Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Target, and other participating retailers. 

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