Price and Availability

At the time of writing, GoPro is yet to reveal the exact prices of any Mission 1 camera. However, we can expect more information between April 19-22, and we’ll be sure to update this versus once we find out the pricing.

In terms of availability, GoPro explains that customers will be able to pre-order the Mission 1 Pro from May 21st ahead of its official launch on May 28th. As for the Mission 1 Pro ILS, GoPro has stated that it will be available from the beginning of Q3 2026.

Both have a 50MP sensor and GP3 processor

We’ll start with a key similarity between the two cameras. Both the Mission 1 Pro and Mission 1 Pro ILS are equipped with a 50MP, one-inch sensor and sport GoPro’s GP3 processor. It’s also worth noting that these are the same specs as the GoPro Mission 1.

The 50MP sensor features a larger surface area, native 1.6µm pixels and 3.2µm fused pixels which GoPro promises ensures both cameras are able to capture more light in darker and trickier environments. Plus, thanks to the 5nm GP3 processor, the Mission 1 series should see “category-leading battery runtimes and thermal performance” too. 

Finally, both the Mission 1 Pro and Mission 1 Pro ILS sport an AI Neural Processor Unit for “next-generation” video pixel processing and better low-light image performance.

We’ll have to wait until we get our hands on either of the cameras to confirm GoPro’s claims, but it’s fair to say at this early stage, the Mission 1 series certainly looks promising.

GoPro Mission 1 Pro ILS is mirrorless

One of the key differences between the Mission 1 Pro and the Pro ILS is that the latter is mirrorless. In a nutshell, this means the ILS model uses electronic viewfinders (EVFs) to display images digitally, rather than using a mirror to reflect its image onto an optical viewfinder. The ILS model also has an interchangeable lens mount that supports Micro Four Thirds (MFT) lenses and adapters which, according to GoPro, allows a “virtually limitless range of lenses to be paired with the camera”. 

With this in mind, if you want a more versatile camera that allows you to play around with different lenses and adapters, then the ILS is the more suited option out of the two.

GoPro Mission 1 Pro ILS supports in-camera HyperSmooth stabilisation

A feature first introduced on the Hero 7 Black, the Mission 1 Pro ILS supports GoPro’s in-camera image stabilisation technology, HyperSmooth. This feature works by cropping a small amount from the edge of the frame to help reduce camera motion, so recordings aren’t wobbly or jittery. 

GoPro also states that the ILS’ HyperSmooth works with “any rectilinear, prime focal length lens” for added versatility too.

GoPro Mission 1 Pro is water resistant

Even without housing, which is sold separately, the Mission 1 Pro can survive in up to 20m (66 feet) of water. However, if you opt for a protective case then the Mission 1 Pro will be water resistant down to a whopping 60m (196 feet), plus the case’s built-in mounting fingers will allow you to capture content both horizontally and vertically too.

In comparison, GoPro states that the Mission 1 Pro ILS is “weatherproof”, but doesn’t actually expand on what that means. Perhaps it might not be as water resistant as the Mission 1 Pro without a case, but we’ll have to wait for GoPro’s confirmation. 

Early Verdict

Promised to be the world’s “smallest, lightest, and most rugged 8K and 4K Open Gate cinema cameras”, the Mission 1 series is undoubtedly one of the most exciting camera launches of the year so far – although we’ll have to wait and see how they really perform in everyday use.

At this early stage, the Mission 1 Pro ILS is best suited for those who want the flexibility and versatility that comes from swapping out lenses. On the other hand, the Mission 1 Pro is a great choice for those looking for a compact action camera that will see them through most uses.

We’ll be sure to update this versus once we review both the cameras.