Well, we knew it was coming. I suppose it still is in effect, as all we have is a teaser press release, but at least GoPro has said there is a new model(s) coming, just not that is the much hoped for Hero 14.
Nope, instead the company has opted for what they suggested they MIGHT do which is bring out a new line of GoPro it calls the “Mission 1” line, which are going to be 4K and 8K compact cinema cameras aimed at filmmakers and “creators and aspiring enthusiasts” according to the company blurb.
Three Models
What we do know so far is there are three models on the way, the Mission 1 Pro, Mission 1 Pro ILS and the Mission 1. The following straight from the press release:
- The MISSION 1 Pro features a Cutting-Edge 50MP 1″ Sensor; Incredible Low-Light Performance; 8K60, 4K240, and 1080p960 Ultra-High Frame Rates; 8K30 and 4K120 Open Gate Video Capture; and New GP3 Processor Delivering Category-Leading Image Quality, Battery Runtime, and Thermal Performance for Extreme Use Cases.
- The MISSION 1 PRO ILS— A New Class of Ultra-Compact Mirrorless Cinema Camera with the Same GP3 Processor and 1” Sensor as MISSION 1 PRO, Compatible with Micro Four Thirds (MFT) Lenses for Expanded Cinematic Versatility
- The MISSION 1 is the same as MISSION 1 PRO, but with 8K30 Video Capture; 4K120 Open Gate; 4K120 and 1080p240 Slo-Mo Frame Rates
There is also a Mission 1 accessory ecosystem that includes a new wireless mic system; point-and-shoot grip and powered grip; higher-capacity Enduro 2 battery; i/o expansion media mod and “more”.
GoPro says it will unveil all the new products at the upcoming NAB show on April 19th. No prices have yet been announced.
My Thoughts
I have to think it’s a brave move (as Sir Humphrey would say). Only recently GoPro announced it was slashing staff numbers due to lower sales – I’d suggest DJI especially, and Insta to a lesser degree, pillaged a lot more than GoPro expected when these two entered the market. GoPro owners are traditionally a very loyal bunch and vocal in that loyalty, but a series of what can only be called uninspiring upgrades from Hero 11 to 12 to 13 models that didn’t address the two main core problems of overheating and low light capability, tested even the most loyal of users.
Conversely, neither the DJI nor Insta offerings suffered from these two issues.
Branching out with a whole new line that, in reality (without knowing more) are just ruggedised 4/3rds mirrorless cameras isn’t going to create a new market for GoPro I wouldn’t have thought.
“With the launch of the MISSION 1 Series, GoPro is entering the premium end of the digital imaging market in a significant way,” said Pablo Lema, GoPro’s Senior Vice President of Product. “The combination of our new 50 megapixel 1” sensor and ultra-efficient GP3 processor sets a new performance bar for compact cinema cameras, enabling resolutions, frame rates, low-light performance, runtimes and thermal capabilities never seen before in cameras this small. We expect the MISSION 1 Series to expand the creative potential of filmmakers and creators around the world, similar to the impact GoPro made when it pioneered the category for durable, ultra-capable compact cameras.”
Whilst it’s an interesting market to go for, it isn’t a big one, and one that in most cases is catered for by existing manufacturers who, let’s face it, are not going to let GoPro muscle into their turf without making a bit of noise. It certainly isn’t the mass market GoPro had all to itself for so long.
I could be wrong; time will tell.
Lackl of PR in Australia
What I do know is that GoPro as a company has not been doing themselves any favours PR wise here in Australia at least. It terminated its association with ThrivePR back in August last year, and despite repeated attempts by email, phone and carrier pigeon, have just not bothered to reply to anything I have sent them to find out what they were up to.
Even its Australian distributor on the Gold Coast couldn’t help, as the US based GoPro PR division is seemingly isolated from any other department in the company. Or simply as I said, it can’t be bothered.
Even the latest Mission 1 press release, which I would have thought somewhat important on a worldwide basis I found by accident.
As I said, time will tell, and I’ll keep you updated as much as I can. I simply don’t see people banging down the doors of their local JB, HN or Camera House store to buy one of these new models I’m afraid.