Cameras

The GoPro MAX2 is Insta360 X5’s tiny yet mighty rival

And DJI Osmo 360’s closest counterpart

Published

September 25, 2025

Vincenz

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

GoPro is always known for their action-packed HERO cameras.

But, if you’ve been wondering when the brand is going to release Insta360 X5‘s direct contender, the time has finally come.

The GoPro MAX2 has just arrived — which is a much-needed refresh since its first iteration way back in 2019.

On paper though, it’s closer competitor is none other than DJI’s Osmo 360.

And as coincidental as it seems, the MAX2 launches the same day as DJI’s Osmo Nano — also a contender to Insta360’s GO 3S.

MAX’d Out

After almost six years of nothing, GoPro went all out with MAX2’s host of upgrades.

First and foremost, its 360-degree video recording maxes out at 8K/30fps with 10-Bit LOG support. Insta360 X5 only has 8-bit color depth alongside its proprietary i-Log Encoding.

Max video bit rate of the MAX2 caps at 120Mbps (versus 180Mbps) but 300Mbps is achievable through GoPro Labs together with GP-Log with LUT Encoding.

360-degree slo-mo is also possible at 4K/100fps. Higher resolution 5.6K/60fps shooting is doable as well, but at the expense of the lesser 2x slo-mo capability.

Although GoPro’s shiny new model has a wider aperture of f/1.8 (versus Insta360 X5’s f/2.0), it has a smaller 1/2.3-inch sensor size (versus 1/1.28 inches).

The MAX2 can even shoot wider than wide POVs with the Max HyperView digital lens. This delivers 180-degree 4K/60 clips. That’s alongside four (4) other digital lenses: Linear, wide, ultra-wide, and Max SuperView.

GoPro won’t miss out its stabilization prowess with Max HyperSmooth that promises maximum smoothness even in the roughest conditions. 360 Horizon Lock is also there to keep all your shots leveled — regardless if you’re spinning, flipping, or even chasing your pets (or kids).

If you’re concerned about picture-perfect moments, it can capture 29MP 360-degree shots plus 12MP through a single lens. That’s lesser though compared to X5’s 72MP + 18MP combo.

Other features are found on both: ISO 6400 sensitivity limit in videos, H.265 video compression, RAW image support, three color profiles (Standard, Vibrant, Flat), 6-mic array, stereo audio recording, microSD support, and USB-C charging.

DJI Osmo 360 – Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

On paper, at the very least, DJI Osmo 360 exceeded the limits in certain aspects: 4K/120fps support (single-lens), up to ISO 51,200 sensitivity, 120MP 360-degree photos, , built-in 128GB storage, faster USB-C 3.1 transfers. Best of all? Its massive pair of 1-inch image sensors.

Compact Companion

With dimensions (WxHxD) of just 64 x 69.7 x 48.7mm, the GoPro MAX2’s squarish body is obviously smaller than the elongated form of the Insta360 X5.

Still, the Osmo 360 is smaller and lighter at 185 grams (versus MAX2’s 195g or X5’s 200g).

Albeit, that means it has a smaller 1960mAh battery capacity. But, coined from the term “Enduro”, it’s able to resist operating temperatures between -10 to 35 degrees Celsius (or 50 to 95-degrees Fahrenheit).

Touchscreen display is a tad bigger at 1.82-inch over MAX’s 1.67 inches. However, Osmo 360 is more operable with its tad larger 2.0-inch screen size.

Although GoPro claims it’s the “toughest” 360-degree camera, it’s only capable of withstanding below 16ft. (or 5m) underwater. The Osmo can go deeper down to 33ft. (10m) while nowhere near X5’s 49 ft. (15m) claim.

While GoPro tells the lenses are made from a super-strong optical glass, they’re still user-replaceable just in case one gets cracked — pretty much like its Insta360 counterpart.

All in all, the MAX2 offers significant upgrades over its predecessor — larger image sensor, bigger battery, better hardware and software feats.

Most of all, going past its 6K recording limits (or 5.6K when stitched).

Quik and Easy

GoPro also has a host of in-app capabilities post recording.

Aside from the built-in Subject + Object Tracking, it will be easier to track, focus, and edit your videos through GoPro’s Quik app along with these tools:

Reframing
MotionFrame
Keyframes
CameraFX

GIF by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Having the ability to shoot 360-degree isn’t limited to POVs and Selfies, the MAX2 can also shoot videos meant for both TikTok / Instagram Reels (vertical) and YouTube (horizontal) without the hassle of stopping and switching in-between.

Other creative capabilities by GoPro are present as well:

360 Night Effects (Star Trails, Light Painting, Vehicle Light Trails)
Time Lapse + Night Lapse
Max TimeWarp
Scheduled Capture
Timecode Sync

Lastly, recording audio with an external wireless device through Bluetooth is possible. Whether that’s an AirPods, any type of TWS earbuds, or other wireless mics, it will be more than helpful for interviews.

You can also control your MAX2 remotely via voice commands.

Pricing and Availability

The GoPro MAX2 launches for US$ 499.99 / EUR 519.99 / GBP 449.99 / SG$ 700.00. That’s quite cheaper than Insta360 and DJI’s latest offerings.

Early MAX2 buyers will also get a FREE 1-year GoPro Premium Subscription with unlimited cloud storage, damaged lens replacement, and as much as 50% off of official mounts (through its magnetic latch) and accessories — including the 4ft. (1.2m) and 9ft. (2.7m) Extension Poles.

It will then be renewed yearly at US$ / EUR / GBP 49.99 or SG$ 68.98.

Related Topics:GoPro GoPro MAX 2 GoPro MAX2

Cameras

Kodak Charmera gets seven Y2K-inspired designs

It’s the perfect way to soothe your inner 90s child.

Published

June 17, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

A Kodak Charmera is the latest camera fad to hit social media by storm. The tiny camera is now a must-have for anyone collecting memories. Of course, the appeal is the nostalgia of using an old point-and-shoot. If that’s why you have one of these cameras, the Charmera has a new Millennium Edition, which amplifies the nostalgia factor with seven Y2K-inspired designs.

The original Charmera is a product of 80s technology. Though it can capture photos at a resolution of 1440 x 1080, it’s still delightfully lo-fi. Photos are grainy and don’t really look great, but that’s just the charm of the camera. It’s reminiscent of those times when you can simply turn on a point-and-shoot and capture a moment quickly without thinking about composition or contrast.

The new Millennium Edition, which launches today, adds seven new designs to the Charmera. Unlike the more traditional designs of the initial release, the new release typifies the aesthetics of the 90s to the early 00s: bold colors, metallic finishes, and chrome. All of these are represented in two or three options of the Millennium Edition.

It’s just a design update, though. Other than how it looks, the Millennium Edition is identical to the original camera. Still, if you’re a huge fan of the early 00s aesthetic, these seven designs might be a must-have as well.

Cameras

What HYROX Hong Kong looks like up close

Photographed on the Canon EOS R6 Mark III.

Published

June 11, 2026

MJ Jucutan

HYROX drew people from all over the world for a single purpose: finish the course. In Hong Kong, athletes showed up at AsiaWorld-Expo ready to run, row, and push through 8 stations of pure functional fitness.

So, we brought the Canon EOS R6 Mark III to capture one of the most demanding fitness races on the planet.

The Expo floor is a lighting nightmare, a mix of harsh overheads and deep shadows, but the 32.5MP sensor handled the contrast without breaking a sweat.

The 40fps electronic shutter and Pre-continuous shooting meant we were already capturing the moment half a second before we consciously decided to press the shutter.

Covering a race means staying mobile, and the 8.5-stop IBIS let us move freely alongside athletes without losing the shot. The Dual Pixel CMOS AF II stayed locked on athletes even when they were squinting through the final stretch.

What came out were stories of triumph and determination. Even when their bodies were screaming, they pushed through anyway.

This is what HYROX Hong Kong looked like from the inside.

Words by MJ Jucutan. Photos by Sky Rodillas.

Cameras

Insta360 GO 3S gets retro makeover

Tiny camera, vintage vibes

Published

May 14, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

Insta360 GO 3S Retro Bundle Edition is bringing a touch of nostalgia to its tiny POV camera lineup.

The company has announced the new Retro Bundle Edition for the GO 3S, combining the wearable 4K camera with accessories and software features inspired by classic film photography.

At the center of the bundle is the Retro Viewfinder. It transforms the tiny camera into a handheld shooter with a waist-level framing experience reminiscent of vintage film cameras. Instead of relying on a screen, users can compose shots through the optical finder for a more deliberate shooting style. The viewfinder also includes a built-in selfie mirror.

The bundle also includes a Battery Pack that extends recording time to up to 76 minutes while supporting charging during recording. An NFC Custom Skin allows quick access to the Insta360 app by tapping a smartphone against it.

Other accessories include a wearable strap and the Magnet Pendant for hands-free POV capture.

To match the retro-inspired hardware, Insta360 is also adding exclusive film-style filters including Negative Film, Positive Film, and Sticker Filter. Five additional built-in color profiles are also included: NC, CC, GR-F, Mono, and Vintage Vacation.

Despite the nostalgic styling, the GO 3S keeps its modern action camera features. The 39g camera can shoot 4K video with FlowState Stabilization, supports QuickCapture, and is waterproof up to 10 meters.

Price and availability

The Insta360 GO 3S Retro Bundle Edition is now available in Canvas White and Classic Red color options. Pricing starts at US$249.99 for the 64GB version and US$269.99 for the 128GB model.