Picture this: the perfect weather, a free afternoon, and “Heard it Through the Grapevine” cued up on my headphones (multiple times). Turns out I’m only missing one crucial element for a great afternoon of longboarding; an action camera that forever changed my set-up and stuns competition, the GoPro MAX2.
No exaggeration—this camera is revolutionary. I was especially impressed because the MAX2 did more than just convince me it’s a great product. Using it changed my opinion on action cameras in general. In the past I’ve thought they were cool, yet I was hesitant to use them myself. It seemed like they might get in the way or be too difficult to use in extreme conditions (on the slopes or underwater make photo ops a tad inconvenient). The truth? I couldn’t have been more wrong. After my first trip testing the GoPro MAX2 I was instantly sold.
The award-winning camera is easy to use and provided me with great, professional quality footage. I actually can’t help but wish I’d had one sooner. (There’s one epic fall in particular I’d have loved to be able to go back and rewatch in 8k). Here’s a breakdown of the main features that caused me to fold on the GoPro MAX2, which happen to double as all the reasons why you need one too.
8k 360 degree camera so that you never miss your shot
Not surprising, the GoPro MAX2 is great for people on the move. With most cameras, the biggest difficulty with all that movement is getting the perfect shot. I’ve tried unsuccessfully many times to get cool photos on my phone while biking, skateboarding, and even hiking. Without fully stopping to get the framing just right, what you end up with looks like a conceptualization of the doppler effect. It’s not ideal for the already delicate balancing act (more delicate for some) of staying upright in a high speed or high-risk situation. This isn’t the case with the MAX2. The 360-degree element means that you can selectively go back, inspect, and reframe each picture or video. This ensures the perfect shot captured in 8k without needing to think or stop doing what you love.
While the original footage is shot in 360-degrees, it’s easily adaptable to fit your phone screen (or to go widescreen). It doesn’t matter which way the camera’s pointing. That’s not only a huge win because it makes recording fool proof, but also because it allows you to stay in the moment. There’s always the option to go back and inspect content to make sure you don’t miss what you’re looking for.
The camera is also compact and easy to hold. It offers invisible mounting, so you use a stick without it getting in the way. Potentially even better, you can also go hands-free by mounting it to your gear. For the highest quality, you can use the GoPro Fluid Pro AI Gimbal (which I’ll detail in my next review). I tried it each way, and while the Gimbal provides the best results, the simpler routes works too.
Built for convenience and durability
The Quik app makes going through your GoPro MAX2’s media extremely streamlined. The app pairs with your camera and reinforces that the MAX2 is built for convenience as well as performance. Photos and videos can be controlled and started right from your phone in addition to using the shutter button. Quik also provides easy review and editing options before you even download your photos (another process it expedites). As an amateur user, I had no problems figuring out how to use the system and still ended with great results. I also loved the app’s easy option for creating albums to organize photos and easily find favorites.
The list of ingenuities on this camera go on forever. A highlight button on the camera itself makes it easy to mark cool moments you want to review later. Voice control gives a hands-free option for use and invisible mounting means you won’t get in the way of, well, you. Improved mics deliver surprisingly impressive audio. A straightforward POV and selfie mode also helps fool-proof your content. These features make it a camera that can grow with you at all skill levels. Its durability means it can last you the whole way too.
Long lasting battery and camera versatility
Everyone talks about battery life. But this camera has great battery life. It charges super quickly and holds the charge really well. One issue I’ve had before with cameras and other high-tech devices is that they lose battery life quickly. They drain even if while they are not being used. On the other hand, the GoPro MAX2 held charges even with a couple of weeks bookended with longboarding trips. That’s high quality.
But possibly my favorite thing about the camera is how customizable your experience can be. It’s extremely versatile. Personalization starts with the ability to name your device and continues with being able to choose from a wide range of preset options. If you don’t find a setting you like, you can customize and save your own. Whether you are looking to record in time lapse or slow motion, emphasize high speed or high quality, the MAX2 has what you need. This duality is perfect for summer and winter hobbies alike and for toggling between them.
Conclusion—go GoPro MAX2
I’ve spent a lot of time testing this product. I can honestly say the GoPro MAX2 not only lived up to my expectations but exceeded them. The MAX2 has been a complete game changer for my set-up just in time for summer. While the $499 price point is higher than some, you get what you pay for. The best part is if I take another generational longboarding wipeout, we’ll be able to rewatch it in 8k.
But even with spills, I love the feeling you get while adventuring. That’s exactly the feeling that this camera helps you capture. GoPro did the impossible in providing such a user-friendly experience that still spits out such high-quality content. What’s more? They made it accessible at every skill level. This progresses their mission to help users share their experiences globally by reinforcing the idea that every person has experiences worth sharing. The moments, and the positivity they create, are what really matters. GoPro understands this. You can tell they make their products with the intention of coming alongside users to help make the most of what’s already there. That’s more than just a great camera, and yet that’s what’s delivered with GoPro MAX2.
Our reviews are always 100% independent. Gearadical may earn a small affiliate fee when you click and buy using our links.