• 3 min read
GoPro Mission 1 Pro nails 8K video but stings on price
GoPro’s Mission 1 Pro brings 8K/60p, a 1-inch sensor and tougher build, but its $699 price and weak stills performance limit the appeal.
Image: TechRadar
GoPro’s Mission 1 Pro pushes the company further into premium territory, adding 8K/60p video, a new 50MP 1-inch CMOS sensor, and a tougher body that’s waterproof to 66ft / 20m without a housing. TechRadar’s verdict is largely positive: this is a highly capable action camera that also works well as a simple vacation video camera, especially with GoPro’s optional point-and-shoot-style grip. The catch is the price.
According to the review, the larger sensor gives the camera its best-ever low-light performance for a GoPro, while HyperSmooth stabilization, subject tracking, HLG HDR, GP-Log2, and manual control over ISO, EV, white balance, and shutter speed make it feel notably more serious than earlier models. It can also shoot 8K/30p open gate using the sensor’s full 4:3 area for more flexibility in editing.
Battery life is another highlight, with roughly two hours of 4K/60p recording on a single charge. The camera uses a 2150mAh Enduro 2 battery and supports V30 and Class A2-rated microSD cards, but there’s no internal storage, so you’ll need to buy a card separately.
Pricing and Mission 1 Pro variants
The Mission 1 Pro is available now for $699 / £599.99 / AU$1,099.95 without a membership, or $599 / £509.99 / AU$949.95 for GoPro members. The simpler Mission 1 costs $599 / £529 / AU$949.95 non-member, or $499 / £439.99 / AU$799.95 for members. A Mission 1 Pro ILS variant, priced the same as the Pro, is set to launch later in 2026.
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A bundle with the point-and-shoot grip costs $779.99 / £679.99 / AU$1,229.95, and the grip alone is $99.99 / £89.99 / AU$154.95.
The standard Pro unlocks features missing from the base model, including:
- 8K at 60fps
- 8K Open Gate 4:3 recording
- 4K slow motion at 240fps
- 1080p at up to 960fps
The upcoming ILS model is aimed more at filmmakers, replacing built-in autofocus and the standard ultra-wide lens with manual focus control and a Micro Four Thirds mount for interchangeable lenses.
Great for video, less convincing for photos
The camera body is designed to take abuse, with a shock-resistant shell, support for temperatures from -20C to 45C, and controls that are easier to use with gloves. It also has a 2.59-inch OLED rear touchscreen and a 1.4-inch front LCD for vlogging.
TechRadar says the optional grip makes the Mission 1 Pro feel much more like a compact camera for casual video capture, helping keep hands out of frame and making it easier to shoot at the beach, festivals, or on trips.
Preset modes include Vlogging, SportPOV, TimeLapse, Open Gate, SlowMo, Low Light, and Dive, and the reviewer found 4K open gate to be the best all-round choice because it balances quality, reframing flexibility, and battery life.
Low-light video is one of the biggest gains from the new sensor, especially in the dedicated low-light mode, though the review says the camera still struggles in true darkness.
Where the Mission 1 Pro falls short is still photography. TechRadar says the fixed-focus setup, minimum focus distance of around 60cm, optimal focal distance of about 1.5m, and digital zoom all make photo shooting less satisfying than expected. Landscapes can look slightly soft, and close-up shots are effectively ruled out.
TechRadar scored the camera 5/5 for design, 4.5/5 for performance, and 3/5 for value. The review was first published in July 2026.
Computing Editor
Tomas lives in the terminal. He covers chips, laptops, and operating systems with a focus on performance and efficiency. He reads kernel changelogs the way other people read fiction, and he's always on the hunt for the perfect mechanical keyboard switch. If it processes data, Tomas has an opinion on it.
via TechRadar
