GoPro has recently unveiled its brand new Mission 1 series of action cameras, which includes the Mission 1 and the Mission 1 Pro iterations.
As GoPro claims the series sports the “world’s smallest, lightest, and most rugged 8K and 4K Open Gate cinema cameras”, what actually separates the Mission 1 Pro from the Mission 1? Should you choose one over the other based on what you’re shooting?
While we’re yet to get our hands on any of the GoPro Mission 1 series, we’ve assessed the specs of the cameras and noted the differences and similarities between the Mission 1 Pro and Mission 1 below.
We’ve also rounded up the best action cameras too.
Price and Availability
At the time of writing, the exact pricing for the GoPro Mission 1 series has yet to be revealed. However, given its Pro moniker, we can reasonably expect the Mission 1 Pro will be more expensive than the Mission 1.
The Mission 1 and Mission 1 Pro will both be available to pre-order from May 21st and will officially launch from May 28th.
Both feature a 50MP sensor
We’ll start with a key similarity between the Mission 1 Pro and Mission 1, as both are fitted with a 50MP, one-inch sensor. According to GoPro, the new sensor features a larger surface area and larger native 1.6µm pixels and massive 3.2µm fused pixels, which should capture more light in darker environments. This sensor, combined with GoPro’s GP3 processor that promises better efficiency and thermal performance, is promised to “set a new performance bar for compact cinema cameras”.
In addition, the entire Mission 1 series is equipped with an AI Neural Processor Unit for video pixel processing and “stunning” low-light image performance too.
Of course, we’ll have to wait until we review the series to see how they measure up to GoPro’s claims. Having said that, they certainly sound like promising cameras.
Both promise over five hours of recording
Another similarity between the cameras is with their respective batteries, as both are equipped with an Enduro 2 cell, which is also compatible with Hero13 Black cameras too. In fact, the Mission 1 series can also work with the Hero13 Black Enduro battery too, although you should expect shorter run times compared to its own Enduro 2 cell.
Speaking of run times, GoPro promises the Mission 1 series deliver over five hours of recording at 1080p30 and over three hours at 4K30 too.
Both are waterproof up to 20m
Naturally as action cameras, it’s always good to know how durable a device really is. Fortunately, both the Mission 1 and Mission 1 Pro are promised to be waterproof up to 20m (or 66ft), without the need for any additional equipment or additional housing.
Not only that, but each camera is equipped with 13 capture modes, which includes an activity-specific underwater colour science and tuned-stabilisation in Dive Mode. So, not only can the cameras withstand submersion, but they should capture underwater scenes well too.
GoPro Mission 1 Pro has a choice between Editions
While the GoPro Mission 1 comes as is, there are a few bundles available for the Mission 1 Pro. There’s the Mission 1 Pro Grip Edition which is bundled with a two-in-one grip and includes cold shoe mounts, 1/4-20 magnetic latch mounting and mounting fingers, while the Pro Creator Edition includes a Mission 1 Series Mod for I/O port expansion and built-in microphone, a Volta 2 Battery Grip and a Wireless Mic Complete kit too.
Finally, there’s the Mission 1 Pro Ultimate Creator Edition which doubles GoPro’s Fluid Pro AI gimbal, Wireless Mic Complete Kit, Light Mod 2 for portable lighting, and the Mission 1 Series Mod for I/O port expansion.
At the time of writing, we don’t know how much each Edition will cost.
GoPro Mission 1 Pro has up to 8K60fps video capture
Although both are fitted with 50MP lenses, the Mission 1 Pro has a few additional tricks up its sleeve. While the Mission 1 offers 8K30 video capture, the Mission 1 Pro supports 8K60 and 1080p960 ultra-high frame rates too.
In fact, the Mission 1 Pro promises to offer “category-leading” video resolutions, frame rates and slow motion, with GoPro promising the camera offers the “highest frame rates and slowest Slo-Mo rates in category”.
Otherwise, both cameras support 4K120 Open Gate, and promise 50MP image capture and better low-lighting performance too.
Early Verdict
Both the Mission 1 and Mission 1 Pro undoubtedly sound like promising action cameras, thanks to their mighty 50MP sensors, decent batteries and water resistance. However, the Mission 1 Pro has the edge if you want so-called “category-leading” video resolutions, with support for 8K60 video capture. With that in mind, if that’s important to you then the Mission 1 Pro is the option to go for.
We’ll be sure to update this versus once we know the prices of the series, and when we get to test both cameras out.
Stephan is the sports journalist for the Maple Grove Report.
