Detailed breakdown of GoPro’s three new models launched in Malaysia last week — Fluid Pro AI, Lit Hero and MAX2— including their specs, enhancements, and how they stack up vs competitors.
Summary Table
Model | Type / Use Case | Key Specs | Big Enhancements | Strengths vs Competitors | Weaknesses |
MAX2 | 360° Camera — immersive, adventure & VR-style content creators | True 8K 30fps 360° video; 5.6K@60fps; 4K@100fps; 29MP 360 photos; GP-Log, 10-bit color; six-mic array; waterproof to ~5m / 16ft; removable “Enduro” battery; twist-on / replaceable lenses; new larger touchscreen; high bitrate options; upgraded GPS, Bluetooth mic support | Much higher resolution (true 8K) in 360 mode; lens covers swappable without tools; better audio; greater bitrates; bigger battery; more rugged design; better low-temp performance | Beats most existing consumer 360 cameras on resolution and bit depth; however, low-light performance, size, weight, and overheating in 8K may still lag slightly vs some rivals with specialized sensors or cooling. | |
Lit Hero | Compact lifestyle / action camera for “anytime, anywhere” use, especially low-light or casual adventures | 4K up to 60fps video; 2× slo-mo; 12MP photos; built-in light (cluster of 4 LEDs) next to lens; rugged design; waterproof to 5m / 16ft; weight ~93 grams; magnetic mounting; supports 4:3 aspect ratio (for more immersive / social formats); Enduro battery with ~100 minutes 4K video recording at highest setting (with light off) | Integrated light is a unique plus in this segment so users don’t need separate lighting gear; better framerate (4K/60) vs older “entry-level” cameras; rugged build and magnetic mount adds versatility; lightweight | Competes well vs mid-entry action cams and smartphones with add-on lights; but range/brightness of light probably limited vs dedicated lights; in very dark or long-distance shots, separate lighting might still be needed. Battery life with light on will be shorter. | |
Fluid Pro AI | AI-powered 3-axis gimbal stabiliser for multi-camera creators (GoPro, phones, compact cameras) | Payload up to 400 grams; works with GoPro cameras, smartphones, point-and-shoots; 3-axis stabilisation; AI subject tracking (face/body), gesture recognition; built-in fill light; up to 18 hours runtime; acts like a power bank; interchangeable mounts; open to panoramic / timelapse modes etc. | Big step up vs basic phone gimbals: higher payload; better tracking + fill light built in; strong battery life; compatibility with more devices; more “smart” features out of the box. | Price is higher vs simpler gimbals; size and weight may still be a factor; battery life drops significantly when tracking + light on; might be over‐kill for casual users. |
Detailed Descriptions & New Enhancements
MAX2
- What’s new:
- True 8K resolution in full 360° video. This means no AI upscaling; GoPro states this gives ~21% more usable resolution vs some competitors in the 360 space.
- Lenses are twist-off, glass optical, water-repellent, and replaceable in the field without calibration. That reduces risks of scratches or damage rendering whole camera useless.
- 10-bit color with GP-Log mode: better dynamic range, more post-production flexibility.
- Six-microphone array, support for spatial / Bluetooth mics etc. Improved audio capture.
- Larger battery (Enduro version) built for cold weather; better waterproofing, rugged tolerances.
- Improved app/software: better reframing tools, new editing features, high bitrates (up to 300 Mbps via GoPro Labs) etc.
- How it compares to rivals:
- Insta360 X4, for example, is strong in 360 content; the MAX2’s true 8K is a big competitive edge.
- The replaceable lens covers and rugged build help durability vs cameras where you’d need full replacement or complex repairs.
- Better audio and high bitrate make it more suited for professionals/vloggers wanting high-quality immersive content.
- Limitations:
- Low light tends to be a weakness — even with improvements, small optics & 360 stitching make dark scenes harder.
- 8K video is heavy on storage, battery, heat. Users will need good SD cards and power management.
- Slightly heavier and bulkier vs simpler action cams or single-lens cameras.
Lit Hero
- What’s new:
- Built-in LED light (cluster of 4) next to the lens for low-light or night use; with optional diffuser, gives softer lighting. Eliminates or reduces need to carry a separate light.
- Upgraded video spec: 4K60. Many lower-end action cams (or bargain models) are 4K30; this gives smoother motion, better slow motion potential.
- Lightweight (93g) and rugged, waterproof to 5 m. Magnetic mounting system adds flexibility.
- Photo mode: 12MP in 4:3 aspect ratio; supports social media formats (cropping to vertical). Enduro battery with ~100 minutes at 4K highest setting (light off) is decent.
- Strengths vs competition:
- Compared to a lot of entry-level action cams or smartphone setups plus light, Lit Hero integrates lighting, ruggedness, decent framerate.
- Good pick for lifestyle content, travel, social media creators who need portability + decent image quality.
- Weaknesses:
- Light has limited effective range; won’t replace a strong LED setup for dark environments or long distance.
- Slight extra weight & cost vs “barebones” models without light.
- Battery life likely significantly lower with light on.
Fluid Pro AI
- What’s new:
- AI subject tracking: face/body, gesture recognition controls. More “smart” than many gimbals that just stabilise.
- Built-in fill light: helps when the subject is under-lit; many gimbals either require external light or none at all.
- Long battery life: up to 18 hours for general use; with tracking + light maybe 6 hours. That’s significantly better than many small gimbals.
- High payload capacity (400g): so you can mount fairly large phones, compact cameras, or GoPros with housings etc. Interchangeable mounts add flexibility.
- Strengths vs competition:
- Prices are higher, but feature set is strong: many phone gimbals don’t have built-in light or quite this much runtime.
- For creators who often shoot solo (vlogging, adventure, etc.), auto-tracking + fill light is very useful.
- Weaknesses:
- Bigger size and cost. For casual users, might be overkill.
- Battery consumption spikes when tracking + light are on; logistical challenge on long shoots.
Specs Snapshot
Here are more precise spec figures:
Product | Price RM | Weight | Waterproof Rating | Video Modes | Photo Modes | Battery / Runtime |
MAX2 | $499.99 | ~195g | 5 m / 16 ft | 8K30 (360°) / 5.6K60 / 4K100 etc; GP-Log & 10-bit color | 29MP (360); single-lens stills (lower MP) | Enduro battery; around 66 minutes at 8K; more when using lower resolutions or modes. |
Lit Hero | $269.99 | ~93g | 5 m / 16 ft | 4K60; 2× slow motion; various aspect ratios; built-in light | 12MP 4:3 stills | Enduro battery; ~100 minutes continuous 4K recording with light off. With light on, expect less |
Fluid Pro AI | $229.99 | Payload limit up to 400g (device + mount) | N/A (it’s a gimbal; not waterproof in itself) | Stabilised video with AI tracking; works with various devices; uses integrated fill light; pan-tilt ranges (360° pan, ~320° tilt) | — | Up to 18 hours runtime in “base state”; shorter when using tracking + light simultaneously. |
How They Compare to Current Competitors
- Vs Insta360: Insta360’s X-series often competes closely in the 360 camera segment. The MAX2’s true 8K, replaceable lenses, and 10-bit GP-Log put it in strong position. Limitations in low light or software still matter, but GoPro is making big strides.
- Vs DJI: For gimbals, DJI’s offerings are strong, but many lack built-in lighting or long battery life paired with AI tracking, which Fluid Pro AI offers.
- Vs smartphones: Lit Hero gives advantages in ruggedness, waterproofing, physical mounting flexibility, plus built-in lighting vs a desktop phone-plus-clip-on-light setup. Also likely better stabilization/video processing for action.
GoPro is distributed by Ban Leong Technologies Sdn Bhd