Summary
- GoPro has announced the MISSION 1 lineup of cameras and accessories.
- These cameras take GoPro in a new direction, with a focus on professional creators and enthusiasts in mind
- Some models will be available toward the end of May, with the entire lineup launching by the third quarter of 2026.
GoPro has been facing brutal competition over the last couple of years from competitors like DJI and Insta360. On April 14, the company finally announced its answer: the new GoPro MISSION 1 series of cameras.
This new lineup doesn’t just improve on GoPro’s existing cameras — it’s taking the company in a whole new direction. GoPro is making these with professional creators and enthusiasts in mind, and isn’t even calling them “action cameras” anymore. Instead, they’re “compact cinema cameras,” and they look awesome.
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The MISSION 1 camera lineup
The MISSION 1 lineup includes three news cameras and an accessory ecosystem. The three models share some core specs: a new 1″, 50MP sensor and a new “ultra-efficient” GP3 processor that combine to capture stunning footage. Additionally, they all have 32-bit Float audio, which should dramatically improve audio quality in loud environments. This combination yields a big step up in video quality compared to the typical GoPro Hero models.
MISSION 1 PRO
The MISSION 1 PRO is the flagship model. It can shoot at 8K60, 4K240, or 1080p960 at 16:9 resolution. It also shoots in Open Gate 4:3 mode at 8K30 and 4K120, making these the first compact action camera capable of shooting in 8K Open Gate. For those who don’t know, Open Gate refers to using the entire sensor to capture video, rather than cropping. You can then crop in editing, giving you a lot more flexibility.
Thanks to that, and the new GP3 processor, GoPro claims the MISSION 1 PRO offers “category-leading image quality, battery life and thermal performance for mission-critical reliability in extreme use cases.” There are several editions of the PRO model, including a Grip Edition, a Creator Edition, and an Ultimate Creator Edition. These are just the PRO camera bundled with various accessories.
MISSION 1 PRO ILS
The highest-end model of the new lineup. The MISSION 1 PRO ILS is the same base as the Pro, but features a mirrorless design and a Micro Four Thirds (MFT) mount. The MFT mount lets you swap lenses with a wide variety of aftermarket options, making it extremely flexible.
MISSION 1
The entry-level MISSION 1 is “the same as the flagship in every way,” but is limited to 8K30, 4K120, and 1080p240 at 16:9 resolution and 4K120 in Open Gate. GoPro says this model is “perfect for the creator who doesn’t require the higher Open Gate resolutions and category-leading frame rates of the flagship model but still wants the outstanding low-light and image quality benefits of the new 50MP 1” sensor and ultra-power-efficient GP3 processor.”
The MISSION 1 accessories
Along with the MISSION 1 camera lineup, GoPro is releasing a series of MISSION 1 accessories, including:
- A wireless mic system.
- A Media Mod designed for the MISSION 1 series.
- A Point-and-Shoot Grip.
- An Enduro 2 2150 mAh battery.
- A protective housing that’s waterproof to 196ft.
The MISSION 1 PRO, MISSION 1 PRO Grip Edition, and MISSION 1 will be available for preorder starting May 21st and will hit shelves May 28th. The MISSION 1 PRO ILS, MISSION 1 PRO Creator Edition, and MISSION 1 PRO Ultimate Creator Edition will be available in the third quarter of 2026. The accessories will launch between May and the third quarter of 2026.
There is no word yet on pricing, but given the focus on pros, I’d expect price hikes compared to GoPro’s previous lineup. Meanwhile, if you plan to pick one of these up, check out ways to repurpose your older GoPro models.
