360 cameras use two lenses to simultaneously record everything happening around you, then stitch it together with software. That means you never miss that shot, but because there are essentially two cameras in one, they are more expensive than their action-camera cousins. Right now, though, you can grab my top-pick 360 camera, the GoPro Max 2, for 40 percent off ($299).
GoPro
Max 2 360 Camera
The GoPro Max 2 (7/10 WIRED Recommends) is my favorite 360 camera, and that’s still true even with the release of the new Insta360 X6. The X6 is more versatile—it can serve double duty as an action camera and 360 camera better than the Max 2—but judged purely on video quality, I prefer the Max 2. And at this price, you can grab the Max 2 and a GoPro Hero 13 for just $30 more than the X6.
The Max 2’s dual 14-mm (35-mm equivalent) lenses each record to a 1/2.3-inch chip, yielding what GoPro calls “True 8K” video. The large sensors provide sharper, clearer footage than other 360 cameras, and advanced users can record 10-bit color in log for greater flexibility in post-production color grading. Don't want to futz with log video? That’s no problem, as GoPro’s natural-looking color rendition in the default color profile is still the best I’ve tested.
Sharing the same triple mounting system as other GoPros, the Max 2 uses folding fingers, a tripod hole, or a magnetic system. This means you can mount the Max 2 just about anywhere. It also has the simplest lens-cover replacement process if you scratch it (I’ve been using mine for a year now and have no scratches, but it’s nice to know you can easily fix any).
As an action camera, you get all the usual GoPro video modes, including HyperSmooth video stabilization, horizon leveling, TimeWarp time-lapse-style video, and more. The Max 2’s one shortcoming is audio recording quality—it’s not the best. The easiest fix is to get a Bluetooth mic, which you can then pair with the camera. Check out the deal on the DJI Mic 3 below.
More Action Camera Deals
DJI
Mic 3 Wireless Microphone
GoPro now makes its own microphone, which I am still testing, but DJI’s Mic 3 wireless system is currently our favorite external mic. The sound quality is great, the noise-canceling handles wind and other issues when shooting outdoors, and it even supports professional timecodes.
GoPro
Mission 1 Pro Camera
The GoPro Mission 1 Pro is the best action camera you can buy. It uses a 1-inch sensor, which delivers excellent 8K video, with astoundingly good slow-motion capabilities (240 frames per second in 4K). Low-light performance, once the bane of GoPro cameras, is finally very good in the Mission 1. There are loads of other features too, but my favorite part is that footage from the Mission 1 has a more cinematic look than other action cameras I’ve used.
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