GoPro’s New MISSION 1 Line of Cinema Cameras Boast 8K Recording and Swappable Lens System

GoPro unveiled its MISSION 1 series today, a trio of compact cinema cameras designed to tackle both extreme action and demanding film work in a single robust chassis. The lineup includes the regular MISSION 1, MISSION 1 PRO, and MISSION 1 PRO ILS, all of which share the same cutting-edge 50-megapixel one-inch sensor, as well as a new GP3 CPU that pushes resolution, performance, and battery life further than anything GoPro has done before.

Each of the three models uses the same core components to give excellent low-light performance and up to 14 stops of dynamic range right out of the box. Individual pixels measure 1.6 micrometers at maximum resolution and combine to generate effective pixels of 3.2 micrometers while shooting 4K film, capturing substantially more light than rival action cameras’ small sensors. The GP3 chip handles the heavy lifting with power efficiency, preventing the cameras from overheating even while filming long, high-resolution clips, and allowing them to function for hours on a single battery charge.

The video options are quite impressive, especially since the MISSION 1 PRO and MISSION 1 PRO ILS can record 8K at 60 frames per second in the regular 16:9 aspect, 4K at 240 frames per second, and 1080p at 960 frames per second for silky-smooth slow-motion views. Both models feature open-gate 4:3 recording at 8K30 and 4K120 resolutions, providing filmmakers greater options when cropping later. The MISSION 1 base model steps things back a bit to 8K at 30 frames per second, 4K at 120 frames per second, and 1080p at 240 frames per second, but retains the 4K120 open-gate option. Every model can shoot 50-megapixel RAW photographs at up to 60 frames per second in bursts, and all can capture 10-bit color in either a GP-Log2 profile for grading or HLG HDR for extremely bright highlights.

Battery life has just become a whole lot better, with the upgraded Enduro 2 cell easily lasting over 5 hours at 1080p30 and more than three hours at 4k30 on any of the models – and charging faster than previous generations. Even at the highest settings, such as 8K60 on the PRO models, the cameras will gladly run for more than an hour as long as there is enough airflow due to the better thermal design. Storage remains simple with a microSD card, and the bodies are still waterproof down to a generous 20 meters without the need for an additional case.

The physical changes make daily use easier, since each camera now has a larger OLED screen on the rear and a front display for quick checks. The buttons are higher up, making them easier to press with gloves on, and the overall construction feels sturdy enough to survive rigorous use. Stabilization is implemented via the popular HyperSmooth method, which has been tuned to work well with larger sensor data sets. Audio has also advanced significantly, with four microphones on board capable of recording crisp 32-bit float sound, wind suppression, and compatibility for wireless mics or USB-C connected choices.

The Mission 1 Pro ILS includes a Micro Four Thirds lens mount, allowing you to use any prime lens while still benefiting from the camera’s full-fat HyperSmooth stabilisation. This gives up a world of possibilities for telephoto shooting, macro work, and custom glass, all without sacrificing the compact size or sturdy build quality that we’ve come to expect from GoPro. Meanwhile, the other two models include a fixed wide-angle lens with a 159-degree field of view and a retractable hood to reduce glare.

Mounting-wise, GoPro sticks with what we know and love, with built-in fingers and a magnetic latch that fits perfectly into their usual range of grips, cages, and housings. If you want to get a little more fancy, there’s a new point-and-shoot grip that includes cold-shoe mounts and a standard thread for easy setup. If you need even more flexibility, the extra media mods provide more input options.

GoPro plans to launch pre-orders for the Mission 1 and Mission 1 Pro on May 21, with the first units entering stores on May 28. The Mission 1 Pro ILS will be released later in the third quarter, but don’t worry, we’ll know precisely how much it will cost once the specifics are finalized. For the time being, the company is pitching the entire line as a more inexpensive option to get your hands on some significant tiny cinema equipment.
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