I used GoPro’s Mission 1 Pro. Here’s what you need to know

I’ve been using GoPro’s Mission 1 Pro action camera for a few weeks now. I’m not quite ready to give a final verdict, but I certainly learned a few things that are worth knowing if you’re considering purchasing one. I tested a range of features, from the new slow-motion mode to shooting 50-megapixel stills, and it impressed me in some ways – and left me wanting to know more about others.

But I’m not ready to give it a rating yet. The reason is that I had a very early sample with unfinished software that is not representative of how it might work if you purchased one. My first model even had a pre-production lens, which was changed on the second camera I received. So while I was able to test some things, it’s not fair to the camera to base my assessment on what I’ve seen so far.

But here’s what I can tell you.

How much does the Mission 1 Pro cost?

The Mission 1 Pro is on sale now for $700. Then there’s the base Mission 1, which has the same large sensor and new processor as the Pro model, but lacks the slow-motion capabilities. It costs $500. At the top of the range is the Mission 1 Pro ILS, which features the same specs as the model I tested but uses an interchangeable micro four-thirds lens mount – a first for any GoPro.

The ILS model – due out later this year – will also set you back $700. This is the model I’m most excited about, but I’ll get to that later.

Why is Mission 1 Pro exciting?

The Mission 1 Pro features a new GP3 image processor and a larger 1-inch sensor. GoPro claims it offers better dynamic range and low-light performance. Most importantly, it offers an astonishing 960fps frame rate for slow-motion video and 8K open-door recording, meaning it captures images using the entire sensor.

These are powerful features in a device that still fits in the palm of your hand and is fully waterproof, even without a dive case.

Is the slow motion of the Mission 1 Pro good?

On paper, very. It can shoot at an astonishing 960 frames per second, which is the kind of speed you’d normally only get from dedicated slow-motion cameras. But there are caveats. First, it will only capture these images in Full HD, so if you are working on a 4K or 8K project, you will need to upscale these images and you could potentially lose quality.

It also only shoots in short bursts of 10 seconds at a time, so you’ll need to get the timing right if you want an epic shot; you can’t just let it run for a few minutes and hope you’ll succeed. But I don’t think that’s a problem. It’s important to keep in mind that slowing down 10 seconds of 960fps footage on a 30fps timeline results in approximately five minutes of slow motion video.

My favorite slow motion is shooting at 240fps, which the camera can achieve at 4K resolution and in its Log color profile for better color grading in post-production. This 240fps frame rate still delivers an impressive 8x slow motion effect when playing back at 30fps and goes well beyond what even my professional Canon R5 or Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K Pro can achieve.

What is the overall video quality of Mission 1 Pro?

This is where I can’t really answer with certainty. The footage I’ve shot so far has been hit or miss. I found the auto white balance a bit unreliable, often producing slightly unnatural colors and forcing me to shoot using manual white balance – which, to be honest, I’d probably want to do anyway to ensure consistent colors in a photo.

I also found at times that the image processing went a little too far in brightening shadows and saturating color, resulting in a more prominent HDR look than I would have liked. This is why I prefer to shoot my footage primarily using the 10-bit Log profile, which gives me more flexibility to adjust my footage in post-production.

Overall, the image quality seems solid, but not noticeably better than the already excellent Hero 13 Pro it replaces. The biggest improvements in this model seem to be aimed at those who want more advanced slow motion capabilities.

That said, it’s important to remember that I installed at least four firmware updates during my testing and only received final production hardware a few days ago. I haven’t had a chance to test it again in a wide range of scenarios yet. It’s certainly a good start, but it remains to be seen whether it’s enough to warrant an upgrade from the previous model once I spend more time shooting in daylight and low-light conditions.

What about still images?

They’re fine, at least based on my testing so far. The super wide-angle lens means fine detail isn’t great, but if you want to capture those huge, panoramic views on your travels, this will be fantastic. It films in raw DNG and my advice is to use it: having manual control over colors has been essential for me, as has the ability to remove shadows and highlight details in Adobe Lightroom.

What about battery life?

Again, it’s impossible to say for sure at this point, as software updates will certainly play a significant role in the camera’s power efficiency. However, the new Enduro 2 battery life already seems solid. Even after a long day shooting footage on levada rides on the beautiful island of Madeira, I always came home with plenty of battery to spare.

What are the new accessories for the Mission 1 Pro?

There’s a new camera cage that has a removable handle and some sort of trigger that fits into the cold shoe slot. While this makes the typically very small camera much larger, it also makes it easier to hold and use like a regular compact digital camera.

GoPro also announced a set of wireless microphones that will work natively with the cameras without the need for external receivers – much like DJI does with its Osmo mics and cameras. I haven’t tried them yet, but for content creators and vloggers, this will probably be a must-buy.

What about the Mission 1 Pro ILS interchangeable lens?

This is the model that excites me the most. While the Mission 1 Pro’s on-paper specs are impressive – especially when it comes to slow motion – I’m generally not a fan of the super-wide-angle, fixed-focus look achieved by “traditional” action cameras like this. Sure, they’re great if you want a big field of view when you strap one to your head and rush down a mountain on a bike, but GoPro cameras have never challenged traditional cinema.

But attach a high-quality micro four thirds lens like that of Panasonic, Olympus or Voigtlander and you now have a suitable setup capable of high-speed shooting in a range of focal lengths, adjustable focus and shallow depth of field for cinematic bokeh – all from a camera body small enough to slip into your jacket pocket.

I’m really excited to spend some real time with the Mission 1 Pro ILS and see if GoPro can really play in a more professional cinematic arena.

Should you buy the GoPro Mission 1 Pro?

It’s still early days of testing but I can say a few things with certainty. 960fps Slow Motion is an amazing title, but its application is arguably quite specialized. I even struggled to find things to photograph and was only really happy with a brief clip of a pigeon flapping its wings. Think carefully about whether this type of slow motion is really important to you, especially given its limitations.

Beyond the slow-motion capabilities, the overall quality I’ve seen so far doesn’t go beyond what the company is offering with its Hero 13 camera. So if you already own a recent GoPro and use it primarily to shoot 4K at a standard frame rate of 24, 30, or 60 fps, I don’t think you’ll see much benefit from it. But for those of you upgrading from a much older model – like the Hero 7 – you’ll definitely see an improvement in quality.

The real excitement will come when the ILS model arrives and we’re able to combine that larger image sensor and slow motion capabilities with a professional standard lens. Stay tuned for that.