Quick notes
- GoPro HERO has a narrower 155° FOV, but it also offers a linear FOV option (122°) for more traditional-looking footage.
- Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a casual photographer, GoPro MAX and GoPro HERO offer exceptional capabilities for capturing your most thrilling moments.
- GoPro MAX has a wider field of view (190° in Max SuperView mode) than GoPro HERO (155°).
In the realm of action cameras, two titans stand tall: GoPro MAX and GoPro HERO. Both offer exceptional capabilities, but which one reigns supreme? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key features, pros, cons, and differences between these two powerhouses.
Key Features
| Feature | GoPro MAX | GoPro HERO |
| — | — | — |
| Lens | Dual 180° lenses | Single 155° lens |
| Resolution | 5.6K30/3K60 | 5.3K60/4K120 |
| Frame Rate | 60fps (5.6K)/120fps (3K) | 120fps (5.3K)/240fps (4K) |
| Field of View (FOV) | 145° (SuperView)/190° (Max SuperView) | 155° (Wide)/122° (Linear) |
| Stabilization | Max HyperSmooth | HyperSmooth 4.0 |
| Waterproof | 5m (16ft) | 10m (33ft) |
| Weight | 163g | 154g |
Pros and Cons
GoPro MAX
Pros:
- 360° Capture: Captures immersive, spherical footage.
- Stabilization: Max HyperSmooth provides unparalleled stabilization.
- FOV: Ultra-wide 190° Max SuperView FOV for capturing vast landscapes.
Cons:
- Resolution: Lower resolution (5.6K) compared to HERO.
- Frame Rate: Limited frame rate (60fps) at 5.6K resolution.
- Weight: Heavier than HERO.
GoPro HERO
Pros:
- Resolution: Higher resolution (5.3K) with faster frame rates.
- Frame Rate: Up to 240fps for slow-motion shots.
- Waterproof: Deeper waterproof rating (10m).
Cons:
- FOV: Narrower 155° FOV compared to MAX.
- Stabilization: Slightly inferior stabilization to Max HyperSmooth.
- 360° Capture: Not capable of capturing 360° footage.
Differences
1. Lens and FOV: MAX has dual 180° lenses for 360° capture, while HERO has a single 155° lens. MAX offers a wider FOV (190°) in Max SuperView mode.
2. Resolution and Frame Rate: HERO has a higher resolution (5.3K) with faster frame rates (up to 240fps), while MAX has a lower resolution (5.6K) with a limited frame rate (60fps) at 5.6K.
3. Stabilization: Both cameras offer excellent stabilization, but Max HyperSmooth in MAX is slightly more advanced than HyperSmooth 4.0 in HERO.
4. Waterproofing: HERO has a deeper waterproof rating (10m) compared to MAX (5m).
5. Weight: HERO is slightly lighter (154g) than MAX (163g).
Which GoPro is Right for You?
The choice between GoPro MAX and GoPro HERO depends on your specific requirements.
- For immersive 360° capture: GoPro MAX is the clear winner.
- For high-resolution, high-frame-rate footage: GoPro HERO is the better option.
- For excellent stabilization: Both cameras provide great stabilization, but Max HyperSmooth in MAX has a slight edge.
- For durability and waterproofing: GoPro HERO is more waterproof and has a sturdier construction.
- For portability: GoPro HERO is lighter and more compact.
Features in Detail
Stabilization
Both GoPro MAX and HERO offer impressive stabilization, but Max HyperSmooth in MAX is slightly more advanced. It uses a combination of electronic image stabilization (EIS) and optical image stabilization (OIS) to deliver exceptionally smooth footage, even in extreme conditions.
Resolution and Frame Rate
GoPro HERO has a higher resolution (5.3K) and faster frame rates (up to 240fps) compared to MAX (5.6K/60fps). This makes HERO ideal for capturing high-quality, slow-motion shots.
Field of View
GoPro MAX offers an ultra-wide 190° FOV in Max SuperView mode, which allows you to capture vast landscapes and immersive action scenes. GoPro HERO has a narrower 155° FOV, but it also offers a linear FOV option (122°) for more traditional-looking footage.
Waterproofing
GoPro HERO has a deeper waterproof rating (10m) compared to MAX (5m). This makes HERO more suitable for underwater activities and extreme environments.
Weight and Portability
GoPro HERO is slightly lighter (154g) and more compact than MAX (163g). This makes HERO more portable and easier to carry around.
Final Note: Choosing the Best GoPro
Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a casual photographer, GoPro MAX and GoPro HERO offer exceptional capabilities for capturing your most thrilling moments. GoPro MAX is the ultimate choice for immersive 360° capture, while GoPro HERO excels in high-resolution, high-frame-rate footage. Ultimately, the best GoPro for you depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which GoPro has the best stabilization?
GoPro MAX has slightly better stabilization than GoPro HERO thanks to its Max HyperSmooth technology.
2. Which GoPro has the wider field of view?
GoPro MAX has a wider field of view (190° in Max SuperView mode) than GoPro HERO (155°).
3. Which GoPro is more waterproof?
GoPro HERO has a deeper waterproof rating (10m) than GoPro MAX (5m).
4. Which GoPro is lighter?
GoPro HERO is slightly lighter (154g) than GoPro MAX (163g).
5. Which GoPro is better for 360° capture?
GoPro MAX is the better choice for 360° capture thanks to its dual 180° lenses.