It was awaited for six years, now it's 3,200 CZK cheaper. GoPro MAX2 shoots true 8K

GoPro made fans wait a full six years for the successor to the original MAX model – and according to reviewers, it was worth it. AlzaPlus+ members can now buy MAX2 for 9,743 CZK instead of 12,990 CZK. Tom’s Guide awarded it Editor’s Choice, calling it a professional 360° camera, while TechRadar wrote that it offers the best image quality in good light among all current small 360° cameras.

👍 Get it if you shoot action in daylight, want maximum image quality, and will utilize GoPro’s massive ecosystem of mounts.
🤔 Hesitate if you shoot a lot after dark or dive – it lags behind competitors in low light, and its water resistance ends at five meters.
💰 Price tag: 9,743 CZK makes it the cheapest of the trio of flagship 8K 360° cameras on the market.

True 8K, not marketing hype

GoPro emphasizes “true 8K” for MAX2, and it’s not just wordplay – the camera records 8K at 30 frames per second with at least 3,840 active pixels in each axis, which, according to the manufacturer, means up to 21% higher resolution than competitors. Reviewers confirm this: in good light, the image is sharp and vivid, appearing more natural than with Insta360 X5. For creators who further process the footage, support for Log profile and 10-bit color depth is crucial – it provides much greater freedom for color corrections in post-production. Those who just want to quickly edit video on their phone will appreciate modes like Bullet Time, timelapses, SuperNight, or the invisible selfie stick.

There are two practical advantages. Firstly, tool-free interchangeable lenses, which Tom’s Guide called best in class – crucial for 360° cameras where convex glass protrudes and can easily get scratched. Secondly, the shape: the MAX2 is stout and low, making it easy to mount, for example, on a helmet chin, where the elongated Insta360 X5 would be in the way. And, of course, the entire GoPro mount ecosystem.

Three recurring criticisms

Reviewers agree on the same weaknesses. The biggest is low-light image quality – at dusk and night, the MAX2 significantly loses to both the Insta360 X5 and DJI Osmo 360, which have larger sensors. The second is condensation under the lenses, which TechRadar observed during rapid changes in conditions (e.g., from warm to cold). The third is water resistance up to 5 meters, while the X5 handles 15 meters and is ready for diving; GoPro is still working on a dive housing. There have also been mentions of overheating, although Tom’s Guide, on the contrary, praised its good thermal stability – so experiences vary depending on conditions.

If you primarily shoot outdoors in daylight, want a durable body, and the sharpest image, the MAX2 for 9,743 CZK is a great buy; those who frequently shoot after dark or underwater should consider the Insta360 X5.

Do you shoot with a 360° camera, or is a classic action camera enough for you?

Source: Toms Guide, TechRadar