GoPro has officially unveiled three new offerings for filmmakers and creators: the MAX2 360 camera, LIT HERO miniature lifestyle camera, and Fluid Pro AI gimbal.

The MAX2 is priced at US$ 499.99 while the Drone-Like Aerial Bundle which includes a carbon fiber extension pole and protective case retails for US$ 649.99.

On the other hand, the pocket-sized LIT HERO retails for US$ 269.99. Several bundles are also available starting at US$ 332.99. Lastly, the Fluid Pro AI gimbal sells for US$ 299.99.

MAX2: True 8K 360 camera

The MAX2 360 camera is easy to use, and features twist-and-go replaceable lenses made from durable, water-repelling optical glass.

The camera can capture up to 8K 360 video. That’s 21% more resolution than the competition for superior detail and sharpness.

Such quality is combined with the MAX2’s 10-Bit Color to enable the most professional-looking 360 content.

Users can also shoot in GP-Log to maximize dynamic range, details, and post-production flexibility.

In addition, for audio quality, there are six industry-leading microphones for 360 audio, along with improved Bluetooth functionality, 360 stereo audio, and advanced wind noise reduction.

For stills, users will also get 29MP 360 photos for a high resolution should they need to crop, zoom, and reframe via the GoPro Quik App.

Speaking of post-processing, the Quik App offers AI-powered tools. GoPro subscribers also enjoy unlimited cloud-storage.

LIT HERO: Capture whatever, whenever

The ultra-compact LIT HERO lifestyle camera features a built-in light, enabling users to capture photos and videos under various scenarios with a retro vibes look.

The camera can capture up to 4K resolution at 60fps. Creators can also film at 2x slo-mo for different uses.

There is also an optional 4:3 aspect ratio from which creators can get cropped vertical clips for social posts.

Built with GoPro durability, the LIT HERO comes with a rugged and waterproof design at up to 16 feet (five meters).

On a single charge, the camera can record continuously for over 100 minutes at its highest video setting.

Fluid AI Pro gimbal: For all creators

Lastly, the Fluid Pro AI gimbal is designed for GoPro cameras, smartphones, and even point-and-shoot cameras weighing up to 400 grams.

Designed to meet the needs of today’s creators, the AI Subject Tracking gimbal features a 3-axis gimbal with interchangeable mounts.

The tracker can lock onto a person’s face or body and automatically track them in frame with precision. This tracker can also face either forward or back.

The gimbal even comes with an integrated fill light should you need to balance the light in shots.

The Fluid Pro AI lasts up to 18 hours in one go, and can even double as a power bank.

I have a confession. When I first got the Insta360 X4 Air, I thought it was something I could take on easily. I’ve been reviewing tech for over a decade now. I’ve fiddled my way through enough of them to be in this headspace. But that was my mistake. 

The Insta360 X4 Air, being the first 360 camera that I spent longer than a day with, humbled me right away. Part of that humility came from realizing that shooting with dual 1/1.8-inch sensors and full 8K 360 capture isn’t just “point and shoot.” You’re not just framing a subject. You’re framing the entire environment, and that requires a different mindset.

It wasn’t the usual smartphone review that I could write in my sleep. It was something else entirely. Even as someone who has professionally produced videos for the web for years, this was something new to me.

The thing is, the way it’s being marketed is that it’s something you bring with you, turn on, and just forget about. Just let it capture everything and make your adjustments later. 

And to be fair, the X4 Air leans into that philosophy. AdaptiveTone, Active HDR, and InstaFrame Mode are designed around the idea that you shoot first and carve out the story in post. That runs counter to how I’ve operated, especially recently.

My philosophy is to be as intentional as possible with every shot and every frame. My post-production process starts as early as the time I conceptualize the video. 

With the volume of stuff that we have to produce, we don’t always execute this perfectly. But it’s a nice general guideline that has saved me multiple times on multiple projects.

An outdoor camera

I am primarily an indoors person. That’s why most of our 360 and action camera reviews were handled by our more outdoorsy member, MJ. And to its credit, the X4 Air is built for the outdoors in a very literal sense. 

It weighs just 165 grams, slips easily into any sling or backpack, and its user-replaceable lenses now have a tougher optical coating that doubles drop resistance. It also has waterproofing up to 15 meters, plus FlowState Stabilization and 360° Horizon Lock to keep things steady regardless of how chaotic the shooting environment gets.

So, does that mean myself and the Insta360 X4 Air are a mismatch? Not necessarily. I do travel a fair bit – at least once every quarter – and I can see the X4 Air being handy in those mostly work trips. 

And because it shares the same 8K 30 fps 360 video system and replaceable lens setup as the flagship X5, you’re not giving up much by picking the lighter option. It even supports most of the X5 accessories, which makes it a flexible travel companion.

Unfortunately, I had no such trips during my time with the X4 Air. That’s why I’m not exactly thrilled by the samples I produced. But that’s more a knock on my lifestyle than the camera.

 

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A post shared by Rodneil Quiteles (@rodneil)

360 camera: A new tool, a new challenge

Recognizing that I’m out of my depth and comfort zone, I quickly trooped to YouTube and looked up Insta360 sample videos. The videos were all incredible but none of them I could recreate right away. 

The X4 Air does make things friendlier with Twist to Shoot, Gesture Control, and Voice Control. You can start recording hands-free, which helps when you’re figuring out your flow. 

InstaFrame even saves a ready-to-share flat video on top of the full 360 archive. But you still need time to understand the angles, the movement, and the kind of shots that actually make sense once you start reframing.

I’m excited to take the Insta360 X4 Air in my upcoming trips and find a way to incorporate it into my workflow. I guess that’s the question you should ask yourself if this is a camera you’re eyeing. It’s an incredible tool, sure. But is it the right one for the content you intend to produce?

Too costly to try?

At PhP 21,999 (or PhP 24,999 for the Starter Bundle with the 114 cm Invisible Selfie Stick, lens cap, and extra battery), it’s quite an investment. 

You’re paying for the full 8K workflow, the stabilisation system, the improved low-light algorithms, the waterproofing, the tougher lens coating, and the AI-driven editing tools inside the Insta360 app. You’re also getting a one-year, 200 GB Insta360+ cloud subscription for backups and quick sharing.

The prudent thing to do is to do your research. Find out the work it takes to make the videos you want to make with a 360 cam and see if it’s something that you would be able to sustain.

@rodneilInsta360 X4 Air test clip. 🎳♬ som original – Darkness Music

Is the Insta360 X4 Air your GadgetMatch?

The Insta360 X4 Air is a Swipe Right, but you have to be purposeful about your intended use. Sure, you can do the just-turn-it-on-and-think-about-it-later approach, but I don’t think you’ll be maximizing it that way. 

At worst, it’s an expensive extra cam that you’ll only occasionally use. At best, it’s the tool that adds dynamic shots you simply can’t capture any other way.

Canon has officially announced the EOS R6 Mark III full-frame CMOS camera, along with the RF45mm f/1.2 STM lens.

The latest addition to the EOS R mirrorless line, the new camera paired with the large aperture lens is designed for enthusiasts and hobbyists.

The RF45mm f/1.2 STM is Canon’s widest aperture non-professional lens in the RF lens lineup.

This versatile and easy-to-use 45mm focal length on full-frame cameras broadens accessibility of an f/1.2 lens to users.

On APS-C cameras, users can expect a portrait-friendly 72mm full-frame equivalent focal length.

Faster, sharper

The EOS R6 Mark III features a higher 32.5-megapixel resolution and improved speed, performance, and reliability. It also incorporates powerful video capabilities.

Such resolution allows for finer details to be captured in higher definition, but with more cropping flexibility. The higher megapixel count comes in useful for faraway subjects shot with close crops.

On high-speed continuous shooting (electronic shutter) mode, the new camera can capture up to 150 shots at 40 fps.

And despite the higher processing load, it maintains the same high-speed continuous shooting rate (up to 40 fps on electronic shutter and up to 12 fps on mechanical or electronic first-curtain shutter).

In addition, the camera features a user-friendly pre-continuous shooting feature. Before the shutter button is fully pressed, up to 20 continuous shots can be recorded in any still format.

Meanwhile, autofocus algorithm enhancements offer more tenacious subject tracking. This simplifies the post-shooting workflow especially for shooting difficult subjects.

The EOS R6 Mark III also inherits the Register People Priority function found in the flagship EOS R1. This allows pre-registered people to be prioritized for detection and tracking when shooting photos and videos in group situations.

Leap in video capabilities

Moreover, the camera offers more recording and post-production options. It supports 7K 60p internal RAW video recording to a CF-express Type B card.

It is also the first EOS R series camera to offer 3:2 Open Gate recording at up to 7K 30p RAW.

This provides greater flexibility for reframing, especially when creating horizontal and vertical videos from the same footage.

And during recording, users can also simultaneously record a smaller MP4 proxy file or a 4K DCI Fine MP4 sub movie to its SD card slot.

In addition, recording formats have been expanded. There’s internal RAW recording, Canon Log 2, and HLG gamma recording. These are on top of the pre-existing Canon Log 3 and HDR PQ.

Support for the Cinema EOS range’s Custom Picture (CP) profiles, including custom LUTs helps set recording options like gamma, color sampling, and bit depth as well.

And like the EOS R5 Mark II, the EOS R6 Mark III supports waveform monitor display, as well as false colors and zebras.

New features like AWB Response and Shockless WB also enable seamless white balance transitions during video shooting, regardless if the AWB is utilized or the white balance is manually adjusted.

RF45mm f/1.2 STM: f/1.2 made accessible

As Canon’s first f/1.2 lens of its class, the RF45mm f/1.2 STM is a compact, lightweight, and affordable option for users who desire bokeh. It weighs about 346 grams and is the smallest f/1.2 lens in both EF and RF lens range.

The larger aperture also enables the lens to deliver greater low light flexibility and AF support. The 4mm focal length allows users to capture a natural perspective, moving seamlessly  between wide environmental shots and intimate closeups.

On APS-C cameras, the lens achieves a 72mm equivalent focal length. This, of course, is ideal for close-ups, portraits, and street photography.

The f/1.2 bokeh then levels up the shooting, as users can frame their storytelling in a more defining manner.

But if the entire shot needs to be sharp, just dial the aperture down to f/8 so the lens can deliver edge-to-edge sharpness.

Together, the lens’ maximum aperture allows ample light information to reach the new camera’s sensor.

This way, the Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system’s low light capabilities on the EOS R6 Mark III is fully maximized.

Plus, with 5-axis stabilization on the camera, the RF45mm f/1.2 STM delivers sharp, clean images at a slow shutter speed and lower ISO.