I’ve been using GoPro’s Mission 1 Pro action camera for a few weeks now. I’m not quite ready to make a final decision on it yet, but I’ve definitely learned a few things to know if you’re considering buying one. I tested a variety of features, from a new slow-motion mode to 50-megapixel stills capture, and it impressed in some ways — and left me wanting more in others.
But I’m not ready to give it a review yet. The reason is that I have a very early sample with unfinished software that doesn’t represent how it would work if you bought it. My first model even had a pre-production lens, which was replaced on the second unit I received. So even though there are things I’ve been able to test, it’s not fair for the camera to take my review away from what I’ve seen so far.
But here I am it can be I told you.
How much is the Mission 1 Pro?
The Mission 1 Pro is on sale now for $700. Then there’s the base Mission 1, which has the same large sensor and processor as the new Pro model but lacks the slow motion capabilities. It costs $500. At the top of the range is the Mission 1 Pro ILS, which has the same specs as the model I was reviewing but uses a smaller four-thirds interchangeable lens — a first for any GoPro.
The ILS model — due out later in the year — will also cost $700. It’s a model I really enjoy, but I’ll get into that later.
Captured in DNG raw and edited in Lightroom, the camera’s wide angle lens allowed me to capture more in one shot.
Why is Mission 1 Pro exciting?
The Mission 1 Pro has a new GP3 image processor and a large 1-inch sensor. GoPro claims it offers better dynamic range and low-light performance. More importantly, it offers an impressive 960fps frame rate for slow-motion video and 8K open-gate recording, meaning it captures video using every sensor.
Those are powerful specs from a device that fits in the palm of your hand and is fully waterproof, even without a diving case.
Is the Mission 1 Pro slow enough?
On paper, a lot. It can shoot at an impressive 960 frames per second, which is the kind of speed you usually find in dedicated slow motion cameras. But there are caveats. First, it will only capture this footage in full HD, so if you’re working on a 4K or 8K project, you’ll need to upscale that video and may lose quality as a result.
The camera cage, grip and shutter button add bulk to the camera, but make it more ergonomic when you’re out and about to shoot.
It only recaps for 10 seconds at a time, so you’ll need to adjust your timing if you want an epic shot; you can’t just leave it running for minutes and hope you get a shot. But I don’t think that’s a problem. It’s important to remember that reducing 10 seconds of 960fps video to a 30fps timeline results in about five minutes of slower video.
My preferred slow motion is to shoot at 240fps, a camera that can reach 4K resolution and in its Log color profile for better colorization in post production. That 240fps frame rate still gives an impressive 8x slow motion effect when played back at 30fps and well exceeds what my professional Canon R5 or Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K Pro can achieve.
How is the average video quality of the Mission 1 Pro?
This is where I can’t really answer with any certainty. The photos I’ve taken so far have been hit and miss. I found the automatic white balance to be unreliable, often producing slightly unnatural colors and forcing me to instead shoot using manual white balance — which, to be honest, I’d like to do anyway to ensure consistent colors in the shot.
At times I also found the image processing went too far in the light shadows and saturated the color, resulting in a more HDR look than I would have liked. That’s why I prefer to shoot my videos mainly using the 10-bit Log profile, which gives me more flexibility to adjust my recordings for post production.
I heavily edited this still image, captured in raw DNG. Besides adjusting the white balance, since the auto settings look too cool and magenta, I also bring the highlights down a touch. Images look good, although the wide lens’s sharp focus means they aren’t quite as sharp, as the focal plane is much improved at infinity.
Overall, the image quality seems solid, although it doesn’t look any better than the already excellent Hero 13 Pro it replaces. The biggest improvements to this model seem to be aimed at those looking for more advanced slow-mo capabilities.
That said, it’s important to remember that I installed at least four firmware updates during my testing and received the final production hardware a few days ago. I haven’t had a chance to re-test it in many different situations. It’s certainly off to a good start, but whether it does enough to justify the upgrade over the previous model remains to be seen once I’ve spent more time shooting in both daylight and low-light conditions.
What about still images?
Well, at least based on my testing so far. The wide-angle lens means fine detail isn’t great, but if you like to capture those big, sweeping vistas on your travels, it’ll be great. It shoots in DNG raw and my advice is to use it: Manual color control has been important to me, as is the ability to bring back shadows and highlight details in Adobe Lightroom.
This direct camera image, captured in JPEG with manual white balance, isn’t bad but I think it looks over-processed, with over-exposed shadows, resulting in an HDR-style image.
By editing my raw DNG file, I was able to keep the shadows realistic, thus maintaining the dark vibe I was going for. I love how the wide angle lens allowed me to use these leaves as a natural frame for the waterfall.
What about battery life?
Again, it’s impossible to say for sure yet as software updates will play a big role in how the camera saves power. However, the battery life of the new Enduro 2 battery is already strong. Even after a long day of photographing levada tours on the beautiful island of Madeira, I still return to my accommodation with plenty of battery left.
What new accessories are available for the Mission 1 Pro?
There’s a new camera cage that comes with a removable grip and a cold-shoe type shutter button. While it makes the usually very small camera much larger, it also makes it as easy to hold and operate as a regular compact digital camera.
The Enduro 2’s new battery should provide enough juice for a day of mixed shooting.
GoPro has also announced a set of wireless microphones that will work with cameras without the need for external receivers – just like DJI did with its mics and Osmo cameras. I haven’t tried this yet, but for content creators and vloggers this might be worth buying.
What about the Mission 1 Pro ILS interchangeable lens?
This is a model I am very happy with. While the Mission 1 Pro’s specs on paper are impressive — especially when it comes to slow motion — I’m not a fan of the ultra-wide-angle, focused look achieved by “regular” cameras like these. Sure, they’re great if you want a big field of view when you strap one on your head and hurtle down a mountain on a bike, but GoPro cameras have never challenged traditional filmmaking.
But strap on a small, high-quality four-thirds lens from the likes of Panasonic, Olympus or Voigtlander and now you’ve got a decent setup capable of high-speed shooting at the focal length range, adjustable focus and shallow depth of field for cinematic bokeh — all from a camera body small enough to fit in your coat pocket.
I’m really excited to spend some real time with the Mission 1 Pro ILS and see if GoPro can really play in the field of high-end cinematography.
There’s even a screen on the front to help you frame those selfies.
Should you buy the GoPro Mission 1 Pro?
I’m still in the early days of testing but I can say a few things with certainty. The 960fps slow-mo mode is an amazing title, but its use is frankly quite niche. I struggled to even find props to shoot and was really happy with a short clip of a dove flapping its wings. Think hard about whether that kind of slow motion is really important to you, especially considering your limitations.
Aside from the slow-mo capabilities, the overall quality I’ve seen so far isn’t leaps and bounds beyond what the company offers with its Hero 13 camera. So if you already have the latest GoPro and use it mostly to shoot in 4K at 24, 30 or 60fps standard, then I don’t think you’ll see much benefit. But for those of you upgrading from a much older model — like the Hero 7 — you’ll definitely see an increase in quality.
The real fun will come when the ILS model arrives and we can pair that large image sensor and slow motion capabilities with a high quality lens. Stay tuned for that.
