When the US government agencies first brought up security concerns over the world’s largest drone maker’s ties to China, the conversation centered on drones. But when the Federal Communications Commission added all foreign-made drones to its Covered List late last year, the group specifically called out DJI, effectively banning not just its future drones but its cameras and accessories as well.

One of the most popular vlogging cameras has gotten caught in the crossfire between DJI and the US government – and now even its lookalikes are getting held back. The new DJI Osmo Pocket 4 and 4P won’t be coming to the US, and now lookalikes Xtra Muse 2 and Muse 2 Pro have pulled pre-orders from the US.

The DJI Osmo Pocket series may look strange, but the camera’s gimbal-camera-in-one combo has proven successful for vloggers and content creators. After the Osmo Pocket 3 launched in 2023, the camera’s unusual design and features quickly went viral on social media, leading to a months-long waiting list to find one in stock.

The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 has now been replaced by the DJI Osmo Action 4 and the more advanced 4P. But the vlogging camera arrived after the FCC ban, and as such, the update to the popular vlogging camera isn’t coming to the States.

Now, even the popular Pocket camera’s copycats are becoming difficult to find in the US. After the FCC fined Xtra for failing to respond to inquiries, the agency is seeking public comment over potentially adding the company – as well as eight others selling suspected copies of tech from banned companies – to the Covered List.

Unlike DJI’s addition to the list, the FCC is considering a retroactive ban, which would revoke FCC approval for previously announced products, not just prevent future cameras from getting the necessary approval.

In the meantime, it appears that Xtra has started refunding US pre-orders for the new Xtra Muse 2 and Muse 2 Pro, along with removing the products from the website and halting pre-orders.

The Xtra Muse 2 is a key example of the drone ban’s effects beyond the cameras destined for the skies. The decision to add all “foreign-made drones” to the covered List is a move that effectively puts drone tech on pause in the US. While there are a handful of American drone companies, none of them make consumer drones for hobbyists, beginners, or pro photographers and videographers beyond multi-million dollar budget Hollywood films.

But, DJI is explicitly named on the Covered List. The “all foreign-made drones” addition would have effectively kept DJI’s future China-made drones out of the US, but specifically naming the company also prevents DJI’s non-aerial cameras from entering the US. (Previously existing DJI products are still legal to buy and use in the US; the FCC Covered List currently only prevents future products announced after the ban from receiving FCC approval).

As an American drone pilot, the foreign-made drone ban is a frustrating pause that will prevent me from accessing the latest drone technology until either a US company emerges or regulations change.

But perhaps the most frustrating aspect is that the DJI ban came without a security review – and encompasses far more than drones. The National Defense Authorization Act gave DJI a year to pass a security review or face an automatic ban, but the legislation failed to name what government agency would even be responsible – and then the review never actually happened.

DJI has already been placed on the FCC Covered List, but the turmoil over DJI-branded products (and lookalikes) in the US is far from over. The FCC is currently seeking public comments on the proposed ban for the companies selling products with similarities to those on the Covered List, including Xtra.

DJI’s fight isn’t over either – the drone-maker has filed a lawsuit against the FCC over banning the company without a security review. The lawsuit is ongoing.

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The DJI Pocket 3 is still available in the US – and the new Insta360 Luna is also available in the US.

The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 Dual Battery Bundle has dropped to just £289 at Park Cameras, down from £345 and saving you a cool £56 on a powerful 8K action-camera double-power package.

For anyone looking to capture high-quality footage while travelling, cycling, skiing, hiking, or simply recording everyday adventures, this is a deal that deserves attention. The Ace Pro 2 combines a compact and rugged design with detailed 8K video, strong image stabilisation, and the flexibility required for fast-moving action.

Low-light performance is another major strength. Action cameras have traditionally struggled once the light begins to fade, but the Ace Pro 2 is designed to produce cleaner, more detailed footage across a broader range of conditions, making it a versatile option for both daytime adventures and evening shoots.

Its flip-up screen also makes framing considerably easier, particularly when filming yourself or creating content for social media. Combined with intelligent shooting modes and straightforward controls, it offers a polished experience without forcing you to spend hours working through complicated settings.

This particular bundle includes a second battery, giving you more time to keep recording before needing to recharge. That is particularly useful for longer days outdoors, holidays, events, and any occasion where access to a power socket may be limited.

At just £289, the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 Dual Battery Bundle offers a great deal of action-camera performance for the money. You can get the camera with one battery for £279, but we strongly advise you to get the bundle for another tenner – as it is by far the best deal.

GoPro is in financial trouble – but the action camera giant’s latest move under the threat of potential bankruptcy reflects the company’s founder and CEO’s outlook for the brand. Nicholas Woodman, founder and CEO, is expected to loan the company $20 million through the purchase of shares, the company announced on July 08.

Last month, GoPro filed “going concern” paperwork that informed investors that the lowered sales numbers and higher material costs could mean that the company “may be required to significantly reduce, restructure, cease operations, or seek protection under the Federal bankruptcy laws although no specific plans to file for bankruptcy protection have been initiated or considered.”

That potential bankruptcy news followed an announcement that GoPro is considering a potential sale or merger, a move that Woodman said that he “fully supports.”

The announcement for the $20 million loan from the company’s founder also comes with an update on the brand’s search for a potential merger or buyer, as Woodman says that the plan “continues to progress.”

"An independent committee of the board of directors evaluated a range of financing options and concluded this structure offered the most favorable terms for GoPro and our shareholders," Woodman wrote in a statement. "My financing reflects my enthusiasm for GoPro and its several go-forward opportunities. I continue to strongly support the board's evaluation of strategic alternatives, a process we announced on May 11, 2026, and which continues to progress."

The $20 million loan isn’t the first time Woodman has made a change to aid the company – Woodman declined his own salary for part of 2025.

Woodman’s loan is expected to be due in two years with a 6.5 percent interest, but the paperwork filed along with the announcement suggests that if GoPro is sold, the new buyer also takes on the agreement.

Woodman founded GoPro in 2002, launching the first camera in 2004, before bringing the company to public trading on the stock market in 2014. Woodman, now 51 years old, launched the company with a film camera in a waterproof case after a surfing trip left him frustrated that he couldn’t find a camera to capture photos of himself surfing.

In the last financial year, GoPro reported a US$93.5 million loss, selling around 20 percent fewer cameras than the year before. The increased competition in the action camera category, along with Increased material costs, including the higher cost of memory, plays into GoPro’s financial struggles.

GoPro has met the lowered sales with the launch of the Mission 1 series, bringing a one-inch sensor into the action-cinema camera Mission 1 Pro, alongside a fall 2026 launch of a mirrorless camera with the same sensor.

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I love photographing the stars, but my favorite lazy photographer astrophotography hack is to start a time-lapse – and then go to sleep. The GoPro Mission 1 Pro seemed ripe for such a shot.

GoPro says that the battery life is the best yet, and the larger sensor improves low-light performance, so I abandoned the newest GoPro on a beach overnight.

The Mission 1 Pro isn’t the first GoPro that I’ve used to photograph the night sky. I’ve previously set up my GoPro Hero 12 Black on a time-lapse during northern lights activity so I could move around and snap a variety of different compositions with my mirrorless camera.

I was surprised at how well the action camera then managed to capture the night sky – but in the past I’ve always used the GoPro Volta battery tripod in order to record a complete time-lapse from darkness to sunset.

Curious to see just how much the camera’s new 1-inch sensor and larger battery make a difference, I set the new Mission 1 Pro on a tripod just after midnight and started recording.

I set the camera to create a 4K timelapse, as I wanted more detail than FullHD but didn’t want a lot of noise with the starlight conditions. That meant the still images were around 8MP.

I set the camera up to use a slower 20-second shutter speed, to let in the most light and blur the lake. I programmed the camera to take a photo every minute, shooting both an assembled video and JPEG images, and then went to sleep.

Under these settings – and a hot summer evening – the Mission 1 Pro managed to record from about 00:20 to 05:30. That was long enough that I had to cut the last second off my video, as the battery lasted long enough to run just past sunrise and overexpose the last few frames.

That’s an impressive length of time for such a small camera to keep shooting without plugging into an external battery pack.

The still photos that the GoPro stitched into a video are equally impressive, coming from such a small camera and as 8MP shots. The stars aren’t quite tack-sharp, and I did pull up the shadows a bit to see more detail from the lake shore, but, I thought the shots were very good coming from an action cam rather than a mirrorless camera.

Yes, I could get more resolution by using 8K or shooting 50MP RAW photos – but I wanted to balance low-light quality and battery life. Considering the GoPro still recorded past sunrise, now I’m eager to try an 8K timelapse next.

The GoPro Mission 1 Pro feels like a natural evolution for the popular action camera maker. The camera still looks, feels and operates like a GoPro, but that boosted sensor and battery are a welcome change.

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Byron Seven a tech maker, designer, and self-proclaimed everyday cary gear enthusiast, has created this pistol-grip accessory for the new Insta360 Luna series of cameras – but does it look a bit too like a gun?

Byron says "I put a lot of thought into how tools feel, function" but commentators have seen this new design and not all can see themselves using it.

@donalleniii, on Instagram, said "I think I have too much melanin in my skin in the United States to safely operate this camera" – alluding, perhaps, to the 3-times higher rate of shooting of minorities by police in the USA (see NIH data).

It is far from the only comment that suggests many will be sceptical for the same reason.

More light-hearted is @thegolden_gff, who notes "It’s All good until you film the president…"

Nevertheless, there are plenty of comments expressing enthusiasm, and others looking for variants for the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 and DJI Osmo Pocket 4 cameras already on the shelves.

The Insta360 Luna Ultra, seen here, is Insta360's first pocket gimbal-style camera, and in many ways instantly the best pocket gimbal camera. It brings new features like a detachable remote monitor and microphone and dual cameras.

Incidentally, if you're wondering, I've reviewed the cameras but not the grip. Both the Luna cameras, and the DJI cameras that seem to inspire them, can be used in the horizontal way that seems to inspire the gun-like grip, and it works especially well for some shots, like rotating views. They are normally held, though, vertically, so I'm not actually sure the grip is ideal in all situations.

The Luna is not the cheapest gimbal-style camera and many already have the popular DJI offering, which explains the demand for alternatives which is appearing already (amongst those prepared to risk holding the "gun").

Interstingly this is not the only experimental design seen on the Byron Seven site, and he has addressed DJI devices before – though not all his filmmaking and phone holder alternatives are quite so reminiscent of a Glock.

Indeed he claims he engineered a 'real camera' from a DJI Osmo Pocket with a rig design.

I've not had the chance to test that, either, but the attention to detail is impressive – I can't argue with @divyanshudn who said: "the amount of custom 3D prints for a single video ! Kudos to you"

I've held the new white version of the new flagship DJI OSMO Pocket 4P in one hand, and the black in the other, but I still can't tell you the release date or price!

DJI showed the Osmo Pocket 4P White Edition at a "Product Premiere," so now we're just waiting on the price and release date – and it's time to start putting the pieces together.

It is now a few weeks after the black model was put in my hands at the Cannes film festival hands-on. That suggests we're getting closer to a final on-sale date.

On the price side, there is evidence to suggest that it might be lower than its new arch-enemy (and competitor for top spot in the pocket gimbal camera guide): the newly-launched Insta360 Luna Ultra.

Finally, in China, DJI is accepting orders at CNY 3,799 (around $525) ffor the Pocket 4P already.

Not only does this suggest the moment is very nearly upon us worldwide, but even allowing for higher taxes and the costs DJI will face shipping from China – that's still likely to convert to a figure lower than the Luna Ultra, which went on sale at prices starting at $769.

That's a reasonably steep price, reflecting Insta360's confidence in the product, but that the pocket gimbal camera is a new contender and isn't without the odd hint of being a first-generation product.

DJI has got history in the field (hence the iterative number 4).

The key difference between the Pocket 4P and the recently released Pocket 4 is the addition of a second camera covering 60mm EFL. The Pocket 4 was an incremental update to the already impressive Pocket 3, and only had the 20mm camera with 1-inch sensor.

That sensor affords the camera a 17-stop dynamic range according to the company, and DJI has introduced a new D-Log 2 profile.

Something also worth noting is the effect that all this has had on the price of the Pocket 4's predecessor, especially as Amazon's Prime Day sale is still on today.

One of the other side effects isn't to say that there aren't good deals on the Osmo Pocket 3.

The GoPro MAX2 has dropped to its lowest-ever price of just $299, down from $499.99 and saving you an awesome $200.99 on GoPro’s latest 360-degree action camera.

For anyone who has always wanted to experiment with immersive video, this is a deal that immediately deserves attention. Rather than forcing you to choose a single viewpoint while recording, the Max 2 captures everything around you and allows you to select the best angles afterwards.

That freedom makes it particularly useful for travel, cycling, skiing, hiking, and action sports, where it can be difficult to predict exactly where the most exciting moment will happen. You can record first, reframe later, and create several different shots from the same piece of footage.

The GoPro Max 2 can capture detailed 8K 360-degree video, giving you greater flexibility when cropping and reframing your footage. GoPro’s stabilisation technology also helps keep everything looking smooth, even during fast-moving adventures.

Its rugged design and replaceable lenses make it a practical option for creators who plan to take their camera into demanding environments. It can also produce more traditional flat videos from its 360-degree footage, making it far more versatile than a conventional action camera.

At just $299, the GoPro Max 2 has become considerably easier to recommend. With a huge $200.99 saving and its lowest-ever price, this is one of the strongest 360-camera deals I have spotted and a brilliant opportunity to try immersive filmmaking without paying the original premium.

The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro – sometimes sold for MORE than the recommended price – has finally seen a discount. Amazon Prime day has brought a handy 15% off the RRP of this GoPro-beating 4K Action Camera. Personally, I'd rush out and pick one up (if I didn't already have one of these cameras in my house!)

Sure, this is no longer the newest model, which is probably why it is finally on sale for less than the asking price, but for a long time the relatively large imaging sensor (1/1.3-inch) set it apart from the others – even now it's a feature everyone is trying to copy.

That makes it good for underwater and caving, or indoors, or evenings – basically anything with imperfect light, while it's still well-built and great with HDR for water, snow, and sand, so you're not missing out!

The Action 5 Pro also introduced a pressure sensor – that records metadata to your video, and so records your altitude or depth. (It can also link wirelessly to a GPS device – like a phone or watch – to record your location data to the video too).

We see a lot of competition for action cameras, but with the Action 6 being the only new model DJI brought out since this (and GoPro having decided to create a new, more expensive tier called 'Mission'), this still makes sense for most people – especially at a discount.

When I wrote my full review, I gave the Action 5 Pro 4.5 of 5 stars and my main complaint was honestly that it looked a bit boring! You might say that is a plus point. It won't distract!

Plus it is robust and reliable, the 4K video is excellent (and you can have slow-mo up to 960fps). It's a lot cheaper than your phone, too, so you can feel a lot safer about throwing this thing around while still getting pretty stunning footage!

In general, I love an action camera, and DJI's quality is at the top of the tree (as our best action camera guide tends to reveal). I sometimes lament the lack of built-in GPS, but that is something you can solve with a phone link if you really want to add location & speed metadata at all.

Taxes and inflation might make almost everything feel more expensive, but there is something particularly satisfying about getting a newer product for the same price as the model it replaces.

That is exactly what has happened with the GoPro LIT HERO, which has dropped to just $179 – the same price the original HERO launched at in 2024.

The Lit Hero might not be the most powerful action camera straight out of the box, especially when compared with some of the more advanced models currently on the market. Its feature set is more streamlined, and serious filmmakers may still prefer one of GoPro’s flagship cameras, but that is not really the point of this model.

This is an action camera designed to be simple, affordable, and easy to carry. For holidays, family adventures, days at the beach, cycling, hiking, social media clips, and everyday recording, it offers plenty of GoPro appeal without forcing you to pay a premium price.

Its compact design also makes it the kind of camera you can throw into a pocket or small bag and take almost anywhere. Rather than worrying about complex settings or carrying a full filmmaking setup, you can simply switch it on and start capturing the moment.

There are certainly more powerful action cameras available, but many of them also cost considerably more. At $179, the Lit Hero becomes a far more approachable option for beginners, casual users, and anyone who wants a dependable everyday action camera without paying flagship money.

The fact that you can now buy the newer GoPro Lit Hero for the same price as the "original" Hero launched in 2024 makes this deal even sweeter. It might be cheap, but at $179, this is one seriously lit GoPro deal.

The DJI Osmo Action 7 could be less than 12 weeks away, according to this product history – but some people have suggested that there might be something even sooner than that.

Looking at the number of days that each of the Osmo Action cameras has spent in DJI's list as the flagship before being superseded by a new model, we can see that – at the moment – a life of somewhere between 322 and 425 days seems realistic. We are already at 216.

The first iteration, admittedly, had a very different 896 days. But that was an Action camera during the days of a global pandemic, so there was likely no hurry for a replacement – and there were some unavoidable delaying factors.

For several generations, DJI has comfortably sat at the top of my best action cameras guide thanks to the company's superior low-light capabilities and, frankly, better pricing than the iconic GoPro brand.

The latest GoPro Mission 1 Pro has upped the game for action cameras in several respects, at least for the American brand, by delivering 8K. DJI, however, was already offering most of this – for a lower price. So what can it do, on the technical side at least, to stay ahead of the game?

Bigger sensors have been part of DJI's path before, but there might be a sensible limit in action cameras. DJI has already included a variable aperture in the Action 6, a "feature" that GoPro resisted.

The other most obvious upgrade would be 8K 60fps video, since 8K has been a widely promoted feature not only of the GoPro but also the AcePro 2 from Insta360.

I would anticipate, too, iterative updates to what might be considered 'AI' software – electronic image stabilization, horizon steadying and face tracking.

The real difference for customers, though, will likely still be the lack of first-party support for the DJI camera in the US. DJI has not sold it directly in the US since the company was added to the covered list, though we know that it is still fighting this decision…

If you’ve been looking for a pocket-sized camera that delivers genuinely professional-looking video, the Amazon Prime Sale has produced a tempting Prime member-exclusive offer.

The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 has dropped to just £289, down from its usual £389 price tag, giving you a tidy £100 saving on one of the most capable compact video cameras currently available.

DJI designed the Osmo Pocket 3 specifically for creators who want high-quality footage without carrying around a full camera rig. Despite its tiny footprint, it packs serious imaging power thanks to a large 1-inch sensor and a built-in three-axis mechanical gimbal that keeps footage incredibly smooth even when you’re walking or shooting on the move.

What makes the Pocket 3 stand out from typical action cameras is its focus on video quality and usability. It can record detailed 4K footage at high frame rates and features intelligent subject tracking, making it ideal for vloggers, travel creators, and anyone filming solo content. The rotating 2-inch touchscreen also makes it easy to switch between horizontal and vertical shooting depending on where your footage will be shared.

In practice, the Osmo Pocket 3 feels like a tiny professional camera rather than a gadget. The stabilisation is exceptional, the autofocus is quick and reliable, and the whole thing slips into a jacket pocket without a second thought. For travel shooters or creators documenting everyday life, that level of convenience is hard to beat.

At its normal price the Pocket 3 already represents good value for what it offers, but seeing it fall to £289 (or £384 for the comoc deal) during the Amazon Prime Sale makes it a particularly attractive buy. Deals on DJI’s newer creator tools don’t appear all that often, so when they do, they tend to attract plenty of attention.

If you’re looking for a lightweight vlogging camera that delivers stabilised 4K footage with almost zero setup time, this Amazon Spring deal on the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is easily one of the most compelling creator bargains of the sale.

The DJI Osmo Action 4 Essential Combo has just dropped to only $169, down from $199, delivering a sweet $30 saving on one of the most capable action cameras in its class - while being at its lowest-ever price!

Price tracker

Feb 2025 to June 2026

Price change ($)

month

DJI Osmo Action 4 Essential Combo

Price change Data

Timestamp (month)	DJI Osmo Action 4 Essential Combo ($)
1	289
2	209
3	219
4	289
5	249
6	289
7	289
8	239
9	289
10	289
11	219
12	199
13	229
14	229
15	229
16	256
17	229
18	169

For anyone looking to capture high-quality footage without stretching the budget, this is a deal that immediately demands attention. Action cameras can quickly become expensive, especially once you start adding accessories, but this bundle keeps things simple, affordable, and ready to shoot straight out of the box.

What makes the Osmo Action 4 stand out is its ability to deliver consistent, reliable performance in a wide range of conditions. Built around a larger 1/1.3-inch sensor than many rivals, it is particularly strong in low light while still producing crisp, detailed 4K video when the action speeds up.

Whether you are shooting fast-paced outdoor adventures, family holidays, biking clips, travel content, or everyday vlogs, this is a camera that feels ready for almost anything. Its strong stabilization, rugged body, and easy-to-use controls make it just as useful for casual creators as it is for anyone wanting to take their action footage more seriously.

The Essential Combo adds even more value to the package, bundling in the key accessories you need to get started without immediately hunting around for extras. That is a big part of the appeal here, because it removes the friction and lets you focus on filming rather than building out a setup piece by piece.

At $169, the DJI Osmo Action 4 Essential Combo becomes a seriously tempting entry point into high-quality action filmmaking. With a $30 saving on the table, this is one of those deals that feels easy to recommend, especially if you have been waiting for the right moment to pick up a powerful, compact, adventure-ready camera.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is already giving us something completely different and, for once, I am not talking about a new camera, a new lens or some clever broadcast trick hiding at the edge of the pitch. This time, the most exciting viewpoint in soccer is coming directly from the referee.

The tournament opened on Thursday, with referee body cameras being used across all 104 matches, giving fans a live or replay view from the official’s own perspective. The small headset-mounted “Referee Body Camera” captures the game from pitch level, offering a view that feels far more immediate than the usual high broadcast angles.

FIFA’s technology partner, Lenovo, has also applied AI-based real-time stabilization to reduce motion blur by up to 50%, with servers installed at the Dallas International Broadcast Center to support the system. FIFA has said the footage is not part of the standard feed supplied to media partners, but is instead being used as a separate broadcast tool.

And honestly, it is brilliant.

We have become so used to watching soccer from a safe distance. The main camera sits high in the stadium, giving us the tactical shape, the passing lanes, the defensive line and the bigger picture. That is essential, of course, but it is not how soccer feels when you are on the pitch.

The referee camera changes that. Suddenly, you are not simply watching the game; you are inside it. You see players closing down space, bodies moving across the frame, boots flashing past the ball, and the sheer speed of decision-making in a way that the traditional broadcast camera rarely captures.

That was always the promise of the system when it was tested at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, where fan reaction was strong enough for FIFA to develop it further and roll it out for the biggest tournament in world football.

As Pierluigi Collina, chairman of FIFA’s Referees Committee, put it: "We think that it is a good chance to offer the viewers a new experience, in terms of images taken from a perspective, from an angle of vision which was never offered before".

That is exactly why this works so well. It is not just a gimmick or a novelty angle thrown in for its own sake. It genuinely adds to the storytelling of the match.

A high broadcast camera can show you where a player is running, but a referee’s-eye view can show you how fast that player arrives. It can show the intensity of a challenge, the chaos inside the box, and the small details that disappear when viewed from several rows above the halfway line.

The South Korea equalizer in the first round of Group A games was a perfect example of why this technology feels so exciting.

Hwang In-beom’s goal against Czechia was already a superb World Cup moment, but the pitch-level perspective helped underline the speed and sharpness of the move in a way that the standard broadcast angle simply could not.

That is where referee cameras become more than just another viewpoint. They bring us closer to the game's rhythm and emotion, and for anyone who loves cameras that is a fascinating sight.

It also says something about the wider appeal of point-of-view footage. We are living in an age where viewers want to feel part of the action, not just observe it from a distance. That is why POV cameras have become so popular with cyclists, skiers, motorcyclists, vloggers, wildlife shooters and adventure filmmakers.

So, while most of us will not be running around the middle of a World Cup match with a referee headset on, anyone wanting to replicate that immersive first-person look should take a look at our best POV cameras guide.

What I like most about FIFA’s referee camera system is that it does not try to replace the main broadcast. It adds another layer. It gives us a view that feels more human, more frantic, and more connected to what is happening on the pitch.

For years, sports broadcasting has been about bigger cameras, longer lenses, drones, cable cams and ever more complex replay systems. But here, one of the most effective innovations is a tiny camera worn by the person trying not to become the story.

And that is why it works. The referee camera gives soccer a new visual language. It shows the game from the middle of the storm, and if the early footage from the 2026 World Cup is anything to go by, it might become one of the most exciting broadcast developments the sport has seen in years.

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The DJI Osmo Pocket 4 has been released and the Pocket 4P has been shown to journalists (including me), but the cameras lack one feature that the big new competitor from arch-rival Insta360 will bring to the market: a detachable remote control. Not built-in as standard, at least.

The Insta360 Luna and Luna Ultra are also in that pre-release stage; I've seen them and had hands-on experiences, but the final on-sale date is still a little way in the future.

However, if you are looking for a camera from DJI that has a detachable touchscreen, I remembered this morning that you can actually already buy it.

If you want a camera set up with a detachable remote from DJI, you'll find that you actually already own the 'camera' element. That's because the device I'm talking about is the DJI Osmo Mobile 8P, which is a gimbal for your phone – and its major new feature was a magnetically-attached detachable touchscreen with remote control for the gimbal.

This was a spectacular update from the previous gimbals, able to share the screen from your phone to help compose shots remotely – as well as encasing the thumb-controlled joystick and the record button in an even smaller (albeit thicker) remote housing than the one for the Luna.

I find it interesting that this product could be developed by a product development team at DJI HQ for the Mobile 8P phone gimbal, without the idea making its way to the new DJI Osmo Pocket 4P gimbal cameras.

Was it a deliberate choice or do the teams not communicate?

Will it actually set the Pocket 4 and 4P back against its new competition? The DJI Osmo Pocket 4 (the single camera version) already has the advantage of being on sale already, but once all four devices are out – and in all the various colors we've seen (black and white variants) – could the remote make a big difference?

I think there is a lot of potential for the Luna to win because its detachable remote has one extra benefit: a built-in microphone. To be fair, both DJI and Insta's pocket gimbal cameras support wireless microphones – but a built-in detachable mic is a usability boost in some situations.

A gimbal means smooth video. Remote controls like the one on the Luna or the Mobile 8P are ideal for a piece to camera because you can use the device's built-in tripod to position the camera, then ensure your shot is perfect from a distance.

As to which you choose, what matters now is your intended workflow. Whether you want to shoot video straight to your phone or to a dedicated camera, the choice is between these brands (and how much you spend).

Insta360's price point is that of an 8K camera for "a new generation of content creators" (as Max Richter, joint CEO of Insta360, put it). The Mobile 8P, on the other hand, is a premium camera gimbal, and arguably the best smartphone phone gimbal, but that's a much lower outlay.

It's also worth adding that all the cameras in question can be remotely controlled by phone apps, too, but phone apps aren't the same and don't have physical joysticks.

Wearable and not much bigger than your thumb, the POV camera is a new sub-category of action camera that is exciting for vloggers and anyone who wants to capture their lifestyle with as little interruption as possible.

If the traditional boxy GoPro-style action camera is too big, then wearable POV cameras are the solution. Some are small enough to be known as pill cameras (but not for medical reasons). Most designs now include the very practical magnetic clip – so much so that "magnetic camera" is another term for them. They are worn as easily as modern wireless microphones, and sport a range of different solutions to control.

Like the traditional action cameras, these cameras compete on their compact nature and low weight, their ability to capture high-resolution (and store it), and the ability to get stable video despite being worn on clothing. Desirable features also include waterproofing, a good battery life, and some form of remote control – via case, app, or both.

Image stabilization takes processing power, but there is no way that you can wear a camera on a hat, your chest, or handlebars without it picking up some movement. I've already picked all the best action cameras; here I've looked closely at the best tiny POV cameras and put them to the test myself.

Best for most people

Coming with a battery housing (”Action Pod”) that boasts a folding 2.5-inch touchscreen, from which the detachable 4K 60fps camera pops out, even without the ‘tiny camera’ option, this would be a compelling action camera with the vlogger’s favorite benefit of a good-sized fold-up display. A nice touch is that a MicroSD card can be added to the Action Pod to increase storage options, though video is initially recorded to the camera’s internal memory.

The camera has a 1/1.28-inch image sensor, making it ever so slightly bigger than any of the competition. The result is a camera that has very little in the way of compromise, and even has an acceptable low-light mode.

As camera-only, it can be worn in two main ways – clipped onto a hat or, thanks to the magnet, worn on a pendant. Typically, you'd hang the chain around your neck and the other side of the magnet behind your clothes, so you can pop the camera on and off very discreetly. Cleverly Insta360 has also designed the pendant to be twisted to set the camera angle up or down – a very useful touch.

Insta360’s image stabilization does seem to have the edge, and includes a horizion balancing mode which many find useful. There is also support for Insta360's microphones for vloggers.

Read my full review of the Insta360 Go Ultra and see sample video

Best for pro quality

Offering creatives the benefit of a The 1.9-inch display isn’t the biggest in this list, but it is a crisp OLED touchscreen which I found great to use (it's responsive) and it’s worth remembering that it is easily detached from the camera so you can keep it nearby if you are worried about the size. The design also means you can point the camera away from or toward the 'screen side' when it is attached to the "Multifunctional Vision Dock" as DJI call it.

The camera’s other big plus point is the 4K120fps slow motion (though this comes at the cost of the stabilization, but 4K60 can be captured with DJI's impressive digital stabilization – which, like Insta360's, can balance the horizon if you want). Another nice touch is pre-roll (hit record after the moment!), though this feature is never quite as good as I hope – because you do need the lens pointing the right way!

The key advantage, though, to this camera is the 10-bit recording in DJI's D-Log M, which allows a lot of flexibility for those who like to preserve color and brightness information until the edit.

DJI has also built in a receiver for the company’s own microphones, as well as cramming stereo mics into the frame. Included with the camera 9either 64GB or 128GB versions) you'll find a hat clip and a magnetic lanyard, as well as a protective case and a ball joint mount with a suction cup (to, perhaps, sticck the camera on a dashboard?)

See my full DJI Osmo Nano review for a sample video

Best cheap

This is a super-cheap camera without a screen, small in design so it looks a lot like the Insta360 Go 3, or 3S, cameras. It it also worn with a magnetic lanyard so it appears to float on the fabric of what you are wearing but is held in place firmly enough for activity.

Unlike that camera, though, there is no separate wireless controller. There is a TF card slot (compatible with a MicroSD card) in the camera, and it records 4K video directly to this. Simple operation is via a start-and-stop button. It is incredibly compact and remarkably robust, constructed from a sturdy plastic composite that easily survives accidental drops. It also skips a display entirely to keep its footprint as small as possible, making it a very simple, no-nonsense point-of-view shooter.

In low light the camera will look a bit less than ideal – the noise or grain is a factor – but the 120-degree field of view has decent (if not perfect) clarity across the whole image.

The camera offers respectable battery life for an action cam, providing around 90 minutes of 4K recording or up to three hours if you drop the resolution down to 1080P (fine for action, not ideal for the kind of people who might have bought one of Boblov's body cams). Ultimately, for a starter camera or an affordable way to capture memories on vacation without worrying about premium low-light performance, it exceeds expectations at its bargain price.

See our full Boblov W4 review for sample videos

Best for low weight

The Insta360 Go 3S was the first 4K camera in this form factor (though the even cheaper Go 3 came before it if you're happy with 2.7K). It's light enough to clip nearly anywhere and go unnoticed, yet it retains the benefit of the magnetic pendant that many of the other cameras on this list offer.

Insta360 has not left this camera alone since launch, either. Retro chic fans will love the unique 3S Retro Bundle with old-style housing, with prism-and mirror framing device much like an old 110 camera.

In lower light, a camera this small will inevitably experience some "noise" (look a bit grainy), and the battery life is only 30 minutes when you're not inside the 'Action Pod' housing, but the housing can top it up fast. The housing also boasts a flip-up display which, again, makes this a handy vlogging tool.

The camera also has good image stabilization – including horizon balancing, and a 'kids mode' that enables you to let the kids wear the camera while you control it remotely (and they don't press anything that'll ruin your POV capturing of their future memories).

Read my full review of the Insta360 Go 3S with samples

Best glasses

An alternative to a clip-on or body-worn camera is a pair of sunglasses with a built-in camera – controlled from your phone. That is what Meta, the owners of FaceBook, created jointly with Ray-Ban (a brand you just might have heard of). The result is a very convenient in a lot of POV shooting situations.

Smart camera glasses work by connecting to your phone wirelessly, and you can command them from the touchpad on the arm, the app on your phone, or using the built-in microphone with an instruction beginning "Hey Meta...". For example "take a picture," but the AI can also take advantage of the camera to see from your POV, so you could also ask, "What does that sign mean?"

There are hidden speakers over your ears in the arms, which you can use to listen to music and take calls – though the sound is audible to anyone very near you.

Incidentally, here is a cost-saving option: The Gen 2 model that I have chosen here is the better quality option for photo/video with 3K recording but I'll freely admit to being the camera nerd. Just as good (as it uses exactly the same camera system and software) are the Oakley Meta smart glasses.

If you're looking for a cheaper way to capture the fun from your POV, and the specs don't matter the original RayBan Meta smart glasses are still Ray-Bans, so you still look cool, but will have enough left over for a nice holiday drink or ten too.

Read our full review of the Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2)

Cheap alternative

How we test POV cameras

Like everything, the best way to get to know something is to try it out in the real world, so this list includes products that we at Digital Camera World have hands-on personal experience with. That also means that if you want to know even more, you can tap through to a full detailed review.

See how we test cameras at Digital Camera World

Action camera giant GoPro is in financial trouble. On June 01, GoPro shared updated stock market filings warning of “substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue” as the action camera giant faces declining sales and the increasing cost of memory.

The Securities and Exchange Commission filing comes after GoPro has already shared that it is considering a potential sale, news that followed a a $93.5 million net loss for 2025 and $432.3 million in 2024.

The latest filing indicates further struggles for the action camera manufacturer, including both an 80% to 110% increase in memory hardware costs and reduced supply from its suppliers amid the AI data crisis. The report also indicates “further softness in sales” for April and May 2026.

The 8-K form that GoPro has filed with the SEC indicates that the company could struggle to pay its debts over the next 12 months. The form re-files the company's 2025 financial results with an auditor's report.

“Without obtaining additional sources of financing or consummating a strategic transaction,” the filing reads, “the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern would be materially and adversely impacted, and the Company may be required to significantly reduce, restructure, cease operations, or seek protection under the Federal bankruptcy laws although no specific plans to file for bankruptcy protection have been initiated or considered.”

While the filing indicates serious financial strain, the paperwork on its own doesn’t necessarily mean that bankruptcy is imminent – and the filings also state that no specific plans for bankruptcy have been considered. For example, Kodak filed a similar statement last year, but resolved its debts using a pension fund and ended the year in growth.

GoPro has already implemented some changes, including a 23% reduction in staff. The company also shared earlier this year that it is considering potential offers for a sale. However, concerns over the company’s ability to repay debt remain.

While the filings indicate lower-than-expected sales in April and May, the report does not mention the new GoPro Mission 1 series of cameras, which began shipping just days ago. The new series evolves GoPro’s offerings with a 1-inch, 8K-capable sensor (see more in our GoPro Mission 1 Pro review).

GoPro has not yet responded to Digital Camera World’s request for a comment.

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Take a look at the best action cameras, the best GoPro cameras and the best GoPro alternatives.

By using their POV cameras – from the Insta360 Go series – shared their toddler's perspective of the world and turned her into an unexpected star.

Rather than pointing cameras at their child, they found that the POV cameras were small and light enough to easily be worn on the young girl's baseball cap, clipped on with the lens facing her to record her expression as she explored her world.

The cameras offers a wide angle – both the models (the Insta360 Go 3S and Insta360 Go Ultra) appear in our guide to the best action cameras. The Go 3S has a 16mm EFL, and the Go Ultra 14.3mm – this means the camera can be this near the face and still allow the viewer to perceive the environment around as she explores locations like sandpits, puddles, and flower gardens.

By placing the camera at her height – just 2ft8 – and just in front of her she appears to be running toward it. The viewer sees her world – adults are giants,

Her parents said they would keep going while their daughter had that childish perspective "before she starts seeing it from an adult perspective, where everything has to make sense. Until that time, I'll keep recording, preserving these moments of innocence and joy."

Insta360 has shared some tips on using the Go 3S and the clip (which is included) to get the right angle – in essence make sure the camera is angled down.

The company has also added a Kids Mode to the camera which turns off the indicator lights and beeps, and, significantly, disables the record button on the small camera itself, giving parents remote control. That prevents little ones from stopping a recording.

The camera is also Apple Find My compatible, and shoots in 4K – the full review covers it in more detail. Insta360 is clearly steering into the popularity of the POV camera design this summer – it also has seasonal re-release of the mini camera with special retro compact camera styling called the Go 3S Retro Bundle.

The result is videos which have ranked amongst Instagram's most-liked posts of all time.

Pleased by the success achieved with its cameras, Insta360 has made a YouTube about the girl's break out startdom.

If you're interested in achieving the same, why not check our guide to the best body camerras.

GoPro is the name almost everyone associates with action cameras, but for those in the know, there is a bit more to it than that.

GoPro as a company has several product lines, and the traditional ‘GoPro’ – the action camera everyone thinks of under that name – is a sub-brand known as the Hero Black, now in its thirteenth generation.

The company has been very open about the demands that success has placed on the Hero Black camera; it still needs to be rugged, but filmmakers are starting to demand features like high resolution,

That’s where the Mission 1 series came along; a new ‘premium’ tier concentrating on the specs that people like me – photographers and video makers – are obsessed about.

The Mission 1 Pro, the camera I am testing, is the higher-spec of the first two cameras with built-in lenses (but a clever adaptor system). The third, which will come a little later, is a slightly different proposition – with a fully interchangeable lens system.

The key question – has GoPro done the right thing by, well, listening to requests from folk like me, and is it worth the investment?

GoPro Mission 1 Pro: Price

The Mission 1 Pro is $699.99 MSRP and $599.99 at GoPro.com for existing GoPro subscribers – that’s $100 more than the non-Pro version of the Mission 1, and notably more expensive than the Hero 13 Black, which will remain on sale, but is arguably the most compelling in terms of features.

GoPro are also creating a number of bundles – a Grip Edition ($779.99), Creator Edition ($1,099.99), and, coming later, an Ultimate Creator Edition $1,199.99.

GoPro Mission 1 Pro: Specs

GoPro Mission 1 Pro: Build and handling

If you’ve held one of the recent GoPro Hero Black cameras, the Mission 1 and Mission 1 Pro will not hold too many surprises for you. The essentials are very similar; a robust camera that gives an immediate feeling of confidence, with a waterproof door at one end.

That door is home to the battery, the USB-C port, and the MicroSD card slot (there is no additional onboard memory, unlike some competitors).

The battery supplied is a new 2150mAh “Enduro 2,” which is 13% more capacity than the Hero Black battery; however, the Enduro 1 battery will fit into the same slot, simply delivering slightly less life – good news for those who already own a GoPro.

The Enduro 2 batteries also boast a fast-charging tech which flies along, topping up about 80% in 20mins in my test.

Much like the tried-and-tested Hero Black, the camera design features a touchscreen at the back and an additional screen at the front next to the lens so selfies can be composed.

It isn't always easy to see this screen behind the lens protector, but it's only really a composition tool.

The lens itself is bigger, allowing for the 1-inch sensor that exists beneath it, and is cupped with a large rubber surround providing drop protection. This can be removed and pushed back into place reasonably easily. Moreover, the glass element that covers the lens can also be removed by twisting the mount, much like the Hero 12 Black and later, though of course it’s a different fitting.

This means it’s possible to easily replace a damaged cover, or fit lens adaptors, and these will identify themselves to the GoPro so it adjusts its settings accordingly – making it very easy to get the best possible results from attachments. From a user perspective, this is a little like the way a serious camera communicates with interchangeable lenses, though in fact it is one way; there is no focusing or adjustment taking place in the removable attachments.

It is especially ironic, though, given that the ILS version of the camera in this range (due in Q3 this year) has no means of identifying the lens attached, so focus adjustments will have to be entirely manual. That camera, though, is really more likely to be used for some specialist applications.

At the base of all these cameras is GoPro’s hinged doors, again as seen on previous Hero models. These have effective magnetic clips, which I certainly trust, for example, on the top of my cycle helmet. They fold out of the camera body, though, to replicate the traditional GoPro clip and which can survive even more extreme environments. The combined design remains excellent, and copes with the weight.

GoPro has added a new processor chip, the GP3, which offers more power than its predecessor. That is evident throughout the user experience, which just feels a lot less laggy than older GoPro cameras.

It has also been put to use with features like Subject Tracking, a video tuning mode for Dive that color-corrects automatically, and some processing in low-light images. Sport POV and Vlog are among others.

Stills photographers will appreciate the arrival of a grip (a little like the Insta360 one), and this is bolstered by the 50MP stills option as well as the standard 12, but it is in wide only because it uses the whole sensor. More usefully it's possible to take control of all the key exposure settings if you feel so inclined – though it's worth noting that there is no adjustable aperture, unlike the DJI Osmo Action 6.

The need for it on a camera this side is a matter for debate, of course, but in any case it is one less moving part!

GoPro Mission 1 Pro: Performance

When they handed the device to me to begin my early testing, the GoPro team explained that their imaging philosophy was not about creating excessive processing, even though there is now the capability of neural processing on board.

I think that is well evidenced in the very naturalistic-looking footage the camera produced in its default settings, though it wasn't always able to make perhaps the choice I'd have preferred about exposing for me in selfie / vlogging situations.

It was great to have the option of 10-Bit color, which is recorded with the new GP-Log2

Stills were genuinely impressive and I can see myself using this as a rugged compact camera, though it is a shame that the zoom has to be adjusted on the touchscreen.

As the adjustable visualizer below shows, the camera's built-in software has a great handle of very difficult light – better, arguably, than my Sony a7iii. The GoPro is wider than the 28mm option (as far as the kit lens on my Sony would offer), so took in even more bright and dark areas, yet

GoPro 12MP

Sony a7iii

The GoPro also offers a 50MP image which it described as 'W' (presumably 'wide') yet didn't seem to offer me any alternatives, I'm guessing because it was using every available pixel. Again, though, at default settings while the image is even wider than the standard photo mode, it handles the color in a way which feels more or less spot on despite the very harsh light.

The upshot is that the footage from the camera looks natural and can reasonably be intercut with other cameras.

To my eye, that is especially true of the low light mode, which is slightly less aggressive than some alternatives from DJI and Insta360. This might be a matter of personal preference – the more cinematic choice, perhaps? – but I think many will appreciate this approach. Moreover it's nice to finally have a GoPro that can compete in the low light territory at all.

GoPro Mission 1 Pro: Overall verdict

The camera produced some of the best footage I've ever seen from an action camera, and, for a company that has been languishing a little behind DJI and Insta360 in terms of the specification race, reaching that point seems like a significant achievement.

I genuinely feel like I've been experiencing a camera built with a philosophy much closer to mine, and that's a joy. I'd rather spend a little bit more to have the option of amazing frame-rate slow motion or really convincingly sharp 8K than spend nearly as much for something that cuts corners. Perhaps that's because I don't want to do the action in question too many times – and because I see these cameras taking over a lot of other jobs.

Catering for filmakers it is not without issues, of course. The camera is physically bigger, but that is addressed by GoPro's other smaller and lighter cameras (or perhaps some of the competition!) I would also argue that I still don't love a business model that seems to make subscription unavoidable, but at least there is a significant discount on the camera.

Some will wait, no doubt, for the micro 4/3rds swappable lens, but that won't be waterproof. This camera seems to me, for now, to be the cinematic best that cameras this rugged can actually be, and I love it.

Alternatives

How I test

I think the best way to get to know a camera is to take it out and use it, and that applies to action cameras especially. The Mission 1 Pro arrived in an especially sunny time and I've mostly been doing walks, so I imagine I'll be adding some additional thoughts when it cools enough for me to feel safe on my bike.

Insta360 has just launched a new bundle that turns the 3S into a ultra compact retro camera evoking design classics you'll remember your grandparents owning, but retaining the 4K video features too.

Targeting those who want to enjoy the tactile feel of shooting with a retro viewfinder, the GO 3S Retro Bundle includes a unique new housing for the 3S, as well as two new retro looks for the camera: Canvas White and Classic Red.

As well as an optical viewfinder, if you turn the device around there is a built-in selfie mirror effect.

The external design isn't the end of matters though. The Go 3S Retro bundle brings the style into the app with three exclusive film-style filters: Negative Film, Positive Film, and Sticker Filter.

The eleven color profiles also include five new film-inspired ones – NC, CC, GR-F, Mono and Vintage Vacation. The profiles can be applied in camera, so the experience is more analog than post-processing.

The Go 3S's original strengths are still accessible, as per my original Insta360 Go 3S review. It is a waterproof action camera, able to go up to 33ft (10m) underwater without a housing.

It features Insta360's "FlowState" image stabilization, and FreeFrame Video, which allows video to be exported in any aspect ration (so you can capture the best social and landscape clip at once).

There is also compatibility in the app with data from Apple Watch, Garmin and other devices to create overlays in export videos.

The camera pops out of the retro housing magnetically, and the Magnetic Pendant is included in the bundle. This is worn around the neck, typically beneath clothing so you can put the camera on top and wear it with minimal impact and capture first person perspectives.

The camera itself is just 39g and has built in memory (two options are available) and can record around 30 minutes of video, or up to 76 with the battery attachement (which can also clip into the back of the retro viewfinder, if desired).

The Insta360 GO 3S Retro Bundle is available now at the Insta360 store for 64GB and 128GB, priced at $249.99 / AU$469.99 and $269.99 / AU$499.99, respectively.

GoPro’s ability to stream POV feed to a smartphone and adjust the settings has been part of a patent dispute for over a decade, but a ruling from a federal judge on May 14 may have freed the action camera giant from an $8.2 million payment.

Last week, California District Judge William Orrick granted a post-trial motion that cleared the action camera giant from a $8.2 million patent infringement suit posed by lower courts in a case between GoPro and Contour IP Holdings LLC. (That converts to about £6.1 million / AU$11.6 million / CA$11.3 million.)

Orrick also turned down Contour’s request for a new trial that sought even more damages of $172 million (about £128.4 million / AU$247.7 million / $CA236.8 million).

The court case dates back to 2015 when Countour, a holdings company that owns and manages patents, and iON Worldwide filed a lawsuit against GoPro, claiming that several Hero action cameras infringed on a patent for the tech that allows the action cameras to have wireless real-time viewing and control through a mobile app. iON, a former maker of cylindrical-shaped action cameras, declared bankruptcy in 2016 and was later dropped from the lawsuit.

The lawsuit alleges that GoPro infringed on Contour’s patent that generates two video streams – one high quality to save to the memory card and a secondary lower quality stream. That lower-quality stream can be sent wirelessly, enabling live view of the camera feed from a mobile app as well as remote controls.

The patent infringement case doesn’t include more recent cameras from the action camera giant but included the GoPro Hero7 Black, Hero7 Silver, Hero7 White, and Hero8 Black, as well as the original Max. There was some deliberation on whether the Hero9 Black should be included in that infringement, but newer models since 2020 were not part of the case.

The claims have been in and out of the court system for more than a decade. In 2022, a judge ruled that the technology couldn’t be patented because it was “an abstract idea executed in a generic environment.” But when Contour appealed, a Federal Circuit reversed that decision in 2024.

In a trial in September 2025, a jury found that GoPro did not infringe on most of Contour’s patent claims, but did side with Contour on one “Live Preview” tech infringement, leaving GoPro with a $8.2 million payment.

However, the judge’s decision last week wiped out that debt, saying that the claim was invalid.

Contour could potentially file for an appeal, but, for now, GoPro has told investors that it has “no liability arising from the case.”

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Take a look at GoPro's new high-end cameras, the Mission 1 series. Or, browse the best action cameras.

Action camera giant GoPro is considering a potential sale of the company or another “strategic event” – and it’s a move that founder and CEO, Nicholas Woodman, says he “fully supports.”

Earlier this week, GoPro announced that it would find a financial advisor to help review potential strategies, which “could include a sale of the company or merger.”

Just two days later, the company announced that it had retained Houlidhan Lokey, Inc, a global investment bank with experience in both the defense and consumer sectors, to aid in that investigation.

While the news does not mean that a sale is certain, the announcement makes it clear that the action camera goliath is seriously considering a potential sale or merger.

The announcement actually stems from “several unsolicited inbound strategic inquiries” that GoPro received after it announced that it was looking into expanding into the defense and aerospace industries.

Woodman, who declined part of his salary after laying off 15% of the GoPro workforce, says that the potential change has his backing.

"I fully support the effort to review a potential sale of the company to maximize shareholder value, and this process has the full support of GoPro's Board of Directors and management team.”

At this point in the process, it’s unclear if the move will result in a sale, merger or another change – and GoPro notes that it has not set a timeline for reviewing the process, either.

While the announcement doesn’t come with a certain sale, one thing seems certain: GoPro is at least considering a potential sale.

The move comes as the action camera specialist has struggled amid rising competition in the market. In the first quarter of 2026, GoPro posted a 26% revenue loss year-over-year, stemming from a 29& drop in action camera sales.

The move, however, comes shortly after GoPro announced the new Mission 1 series, a more cinema-oriented line with larger 1-inch sensors. The Mission 1 line launches at the end of May with two fixed-lens models, with a mirrorless body expected to follow later this year.

GoPro’s recent expansion beyond action cameras – with both the defense industry and the launch of the cinema series – may be key to the offers the California-based company considers.

Woodman says that GoPro “has substantial unrecognized value,” hinting that the action camera giant’s reputation for durable, portable cameras could be integrated into other industries, much like the announcement to look into the defense sector and the Mission 1 cinema series.

For GoPro fans and users of the longstanding lineup of action cameras, the potential sale or merger could bring significant changes. Just how significant it will likely depend on what companies are in the running.

A sale to a company in the defense market, for example, could mean a significant shift compared to a sale to a consumer electronics or camera company.

The investment advisor that GoPro has selected has “strong ties” with both defense and consumer sectors, GoPro says.

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Browse the best action cameras or the best compact cameras.

DJI has just put out a teaser for what can only be the dual camera version of the – Osmo Pocket 4P if the naming scheme remains the same.

The idea of a dual-camera variant of DJI's gimbal-based camera has been rumored for nearly two years, since the Pocket 3 arrived and sold over expectations. Massively so, in fact – reportedly over 10 million units (KR Asia report). The Pocket 3's market dominance was occasionally associated with supply troubles, such was its popularity.

It had an 11-month run as the top video camera in Japan according to BCN data, and, inevitably, many expected its sequel to bring a raft of major upgrades.

When it did arrive, the Pocket 4 turned out to be more of a refinement, as I covered in Pocket 3 v Pocket 4. Now, though, we can see from this teaser that DJI had the anticipated premium dual-camera model up its sleeve all along.

DJI's teaser doesn't reveal the full feature set, but we can be reasonably confident that it'll beat the Pocket 4 in every category.

It's also possible to see, in the picture, the lens specs. Given that, we should expect:

• Main camera sensor to match Pocket 4 with 1-inch sensor
• 3x optical zoom
• 240fps 4K maximum
• 10-bit D-Log
• Rotating touch-screen – possibly larger than 2-inches, though any significant change would mean a larger device and bigger accessories, which feels implausible to me.
• Wi-Fi 6 and USB 3.1 connectivity
• Impossible to see from the image, but perhaps a bigger battery grip built-in? The detachable handle may be too little for 'Pro' use?
• Built-in beauty / glamour AI tools for vloggers

I am less convinced than some commentators that we'll see much of a change in size, but one big feature that DJI has had success with in its drone range is adding an axis to the gimbal to rotate the camera. At the moment even the Pocket 4 has a 3-megapixel crop for its portrait mode.

It's entirely my speculation, but there is clearly potential for premium vloggers here. Adding this exact feature distinguishes the Mini Pto drone range – currently DJI Mini 5 Pro – and makes it premium. Why not here?

Either way, we now know that this is definitely coming, and can expect to find out more soon – "Stay Tuned" is all we're told.

The new GoPro Mission 1 cameras are the company's first action cams with a 1-inch sensors, and fans of the brand are understandably excited by the prospect of a camera that combines the dependable rugged design with long-awaited features.

The thing is, those features are "long-awaited" for a reason. Other brands already had them. Not least Insta360, which had GoPro's Hero series comfortably beaten to 8K video with the Ace Pro and updated Ace Pro 2 cameras.

So when I saw that GoPro Mission 1 camera accessory list included a point-and-shoot grip I couldn't help but notice that it looked a lot look like the existing Xplorer Grip kit released over a year ago for both of those cameras.

And, in fact, that is only one of the options available to Insta360 customers, as last year we also reported on the possibility of a teased printer attachment for the Ace Pro. Well, now that's a real thing and you can get it.

Printers bolted to the camera might not be necessary, but they do look pretty cool, and given the price comparison versus the elusive GoPro Mission 1 it has another advantage.

So, the Ace Pro wins on attachments. And, crucially for many, with the lovely weather already here, it wins on availability. The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is also proven in serious reviews (including my Ace Pro 2 test); so all we have seen of the Mission 1 is samples released by GoPro and speculation.

The Ace Pro also carries the Leica branding which, lets face it, is pretty cool for a compact camera. More so, I might be tempted to argue, than 'GoPro' is amongst serious photographers.

More practically than the iconic red is that the Ace Pro has a flip-up screen, which makes it a much more flexible (literally) and practical device than GoPro's Mission 1, which still just has a body similar to the GoPro Hero 13 Black – a touchscreen flat to the back.

Think about it. If you were buying a new point-and-shoot camera, or the best camera for vlogging, you would likely expect a hinged screen.

You likely already have a more than decent camera with a flat touchscreen in the form of a phone. Why settle for less when the big argument for the Mission 1 GoPro cameras is the cinematography aspect?

I'd imagine that, if you're looking for a grip, you're thinking about using the camera at other angles. I know when I tried it I found it useful, but still rugged.

The Ace Pro 2 also shoots video in 8K and stills at up to 8192 × 6144 (50MP), which is exactly the same resolution that GoPro is promising. The difference is the Ace Pro 2 is on sale today – for rather less cash than GoPro plan to sell the Mission 1 series.

Even the version with the printer is cheaper than GoPro's as-yet-untested camera, and you can buy that today and be taking pictures by the time the battery is charged.

The one point-and-shoot category that has weathered the storm of smartphone photography (pun intended) better than most is the waterproof compact camera. I’ve been writing about cameras for more than ten years, and one of the cameras that I’ve seen requested repeatedly is a waterproof compact with a larger sensor.

But with the launch of GoPro’s Mission series with one-inch sensors, I have to wonder, are photographers finally getting that wish, just in an unexpected form?

Don’t get me wrong, the GoPro Mission 1 and Mission 1 Pro are not point-and-shoot cameras, or at least, not in their native form. The two new fixed-lens cameras look quite similar to GoPro’s flagship Hero cameras.

However, the launch comes with a point-and-shoot grip that converts those cameras into something that feels more like a classic compact camera, including a grip and a larger lever at the top that presses the camera’s shutter button.

GoPro isn’t the first to do this – Insta360 also has a grip option for the Ace 2, while third-party brands like SmallRig also offer add-on grips for action cameras. But, the grip combined with the one-inch sensor has me wondering just how well the Mission 1 could work as a waterproof compact camera.

While GoPro is calling the Mission series cinema cameras, the list of features hints at cameras that seem more than capable of taking still photos. The Mission 1 cameras use a one-inch Quad Bayer sensor. The Quad Bayer design means the camera can take 50MP photos, or combine four pixels together for a 12MP photo mode for less noise in low light.

And, like the Heroes before it, the Mission 1 and Mission 1 Pro are still waterproof – down to 66 feet / 20m without extra housing.

The one feature that doesn’t quite feel like a classic point-and-shoot is the lens. The Mission 1 and Mission 1 Pro use a lens that’s roughly equivalent to a 15mm lens on a full-frame camera. Like most action cameras, the lens uses fixed focus, which is fantastic for fast action, but limits shots like macro.

Using the Mission 1 (or the Mission 1 Pro) as a compact camera, then, it won’t have the zoom or the macro mode of popular waterproof compact cameras like the OM System Tough TG-7. But, the trade-off for that fixed lens is the larger sensor with a higher 50MP maximum resolution.

What’s perhaps most enticing is that the Mission 1 actually slides in at a competitive cost compared to popular waterproof compacts like the TG-7, which retails for $649 / £499 / AU$699 / CA$649.

In comparison, the most affordable Mission 1 camera – which doesn’t have 8K open gate but should have identical photo capabilities – will retail for $599 / £529 / CA$819 AU$949. That’s less than the TG-7 in the US, but slightly more in other regions.

Of course, adding the grip will typically add to the cost – though GoPro is including the point-and-shoot grip as a free add-on with pre-orders at the moment.

The GoPro Mission 1 series has only just been announced – it’s a bit too early to tell if the GoPro Mission 1 will, in fact, work as a modular sort of replacement for a waterproof compact camera. GoPro hasn’t even shared full specs yet.

But, based on what we know so far ahead of the camera’s official shipping date, I think it could be a distinct possibility that the GoPro Mission 1 could potentially be that larger sensor waterproof compact camera that photographers have been asking for – just in an unexpected form factor.

Pre-orders for the Mission Series are open directly from GoPro's online store.

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DJI has dropped a new teaser for a release on May 7, and the photography community is already in full detective mode.

The short clip has the tagline "Wonders in your Palm," a tantalizing silhouetted clip. The photography community has immediately begun examining the clip for details and comparing it to previous DJI releases to get an idea what to expect.

What are we looking at in the clip posted to DJI's social feeds?

It could be anything, from a new version of the DJI Motion Controller seen with DJI's best FPV drones, like the Avata 360.

Many DJI devices, after all, feature an apparently simple arrangement of control buttons like this, including the DJI Pocket 3 and Pocket 4. Or gimbals that do similar jobs; just look at the DJI Osmo Mobile 7P. All, of course, tuck more control options elsewhere, and we might be missing something in the dark.

Certainly, I've read some weird and wonderful suggestions from a broad range of sources. Some of my favorite, I admit, don't seem that likely. One commentator on the official DJI YouTube account suggests that it might be a mini shaver, and @alexkarl1967 sarcastically jokes, "Oh wonderful, an MP3 player with radio, thank you DJI."

On Instagram, boyanoo suggested it might be a DJI tamagotchi!

Several viewers identify the device seen in the hand as a remote, and – watching as an experienced tech expert – it's hard to dispute that.

It looks a lot like the Osmo Action GPS Bluetooth Remote Controller – the remote controller for DJI's existing action cameras (like the Osmo Action 6). In this case, though, at the beginning of the animation, we see something that looks like a handle...

That would make the most popular online guess – some kind of Osmo Mobile variant (8 Pro?) the most logical.

If we're looking at a handle with a remote, this would likely be a new or revised product. Handles exist on a lot of DJI devices, of course, which don't have remotes.

A remote wouldn't make sense on a drone controller (that's a remote device already), but on nearly anything else it does. There are some hopeful guesses looking for a Ronin RS 5 Pro – but check the recent RS 5 review – it is quite 'Pro' already.

In the meantime, do check our guide to the best phone gimbals and the best camera gimbals.

GoPro has used the Hero name since 2004, but the action camera giant is ushering a new era of cinema cameras with the Mission 1 series – and the upcoming 8K, 50MP cameras are already taking home awards.

GoPro announced the Mission 1 series ahead of the NAB Show and, rather than calling the tiny cameras “action cameras,” GoPro is calling the Mission 1, Mission 1 Pro, and Mission 1 Pro ILS “cinema cameras.” That’s due to the series's larger one-inch sensors and 8K capabilities, which, excluding the more affordable Mission 1, are also in open gate.

GoPro – who recently announced layoffs for 23 percent of its staff – needs the Mission 1 series to be well-received. The cameras don’t ship until May 28, but, recent awards suggest that the upcoming cameras have been well received.

During the NAB Show, the first time that the cameras were on display, the series took home three show awards, including the Best In Show award from RedShark News for the full series, while GoPro’s first mirrorless camera, the Mission 1 Pro ILS, won the CineD Best of Show award for the camera category and was one of ten to receive the ProductionHUB Awards of Excellence.

GoPro wasn’t among the awards given out by the NAB Show, where the Overall Project award went to BlackMagic DaVinci Resolve 21, which now supports photos as well as videos, and awards in the camera category went to Zenith Cameras, the Fujifilm GFX Eterna 55, Sony PXW-Z300 Camcorder, and the PortalCam spatial Camera for virtual production.

The GoPro Mission series was one of the key announcements during the National Association of Broadcasters Show held last week in Las Vegas, Nevada, and the awards hint at the cameras being well-received, alongside GoPro opening pre-orders early due to “enthusiasm from the community.”

All three of the newly announced Mission 1 cameras use the same one-inch Quad Bayer sensor with video up to 8K and photos up to 50MP. The GoPro Mission 1 and Mission 1 Pro look more like a classic GoPro with a fixed 15mm equivalent lens. The key difference between those two is that the model without the Pro in the name tops out at 8K30, and Open Gate is only available at 4K and lower resolutions. That differentiation means the GoPro Mission 1 retails for $599 / £529 / CA$819 / AU$949 while the Mission 1 Pro retails for $699 / £599 / CA$949 / AU$1099.

The third camera in the lineup is perhaps the most unusual: The GoPro Mission 1 Pro ILS is the action camera giant’s first mirrorless camera. The ILS launches later than the other two models, expected sometime in the third quarter of 2026.

Without the ultra-wide fixed lens that allows GoPros to use a fixed focus in design that keeps everything a certain distance from the lens in focus, the Mission 1 Pro ILS is a manual focus-only camera. The ILS uses a Micro Four Thirds mount on a one-inch sensor, which means a 3x crop factor. The ILS will list for the same price as the Mission 1 Pro.

Pre-orders for the Mission 1 and Mission 1 Pro are already open from GoPro’s online store.

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GoPro may be best known for action cameras, but if there’s one thing that’s almost just as synonymous with the GoPro name, it’s the accessories. The launch of the GoPro Mission series, then, unsurprisingly, came with several new camera accessories. But what’s most surprising? Most of them are backwards compatible with the Hero series.

The GoPro Mission series looks like a classic GoPro action camera, but the new series leans more towards high-end video with larger one-inch sensors capable of up to 8K open gate, along with the brand’s first mirrorless camera.

But another thing that GoPro cameras are known for is durability – I imagine NASA isn’t the only one still using an 11-year-old GoPro. Plus, the Mission 1 Pro ILS isn’t a replacement for the Hero13 Black, which will continue to remain available.

While some mods are exclusively designed for the Mission series, like the new point-and-shoot grip, ND filters, and Media Mod, these new GoPro accessories are backwards compatible with some Hero series cameras.

GoPro Wireless Mic System

With the Mission series, GoPro also announced its first mic – and it’s compatible with a number of cameras, including non-GoPro models. The wireless mic set has a USB-C receiver that allows it to work with a number of cameras and smartphones. GoPro Hero Black models and Mission series cameras have an easy pairing mode, GoPro says.

The mic offers 24-bit, 48kHz audio and works from up to 150 meters away. The kit includes two mics, a receiver, and a charging case, with a battery life of about 6.5 hours per mic.

GoPro Vertical Mount Adapter

Social media is all about those vertical videos right now – but GoPro hasn’t launched its own vertical mount until now. The Vertical Mount Adapter makes shooting vertically with a GoPro faster, even on mounts that don’t have the ability to natively tilt the camera to its side. The L-shaped adapter gives the GoPro three attachment points instead of mounting exclusively from the bottom. The adapter is also magnetic, so it’s made for quick swaps from vertical to horizontal and back again.

The Vertical Mount Adapter, which is made with aluminum, is compatible with the Hero12 Black and Hero13 Black cameras as well as the new Mission series. It mounts on other GoPro accessories using the traditional finger mounts, magnetic mount, or a 1/4-20 mounting tripod thread.

GoPro Volta 2

I’ve used the original GoPro Volta to keep a GoPro running long enough to capture a time-lapse of the northern lights all night long. GoPro is refreshing this popular accessory, which is an external battery, mini tripod, and grip all in one.

The update offers an even higher capacity battery at 5800mAH, up from 4900mAH. That’s good for up to 9 hours of 4K30 video.

GoPro Light Mod 2

One of the biggest accessories that can improve video footage is having enough light. The GoPro Light Mod 2 is a constant LED light that’s 33 percent brighter than the earlier version at 200 lumens. The light has a cold shoe mount, so it’s compatible with any camera that has a cold shoe mount, so it works with earlier GoPros with a media mod and can also be mounted separately.

Enduro 2 Battery

New batteries are typically not compatible with older cameras because they are a different size, but the new GoPro Enduro 2 battery is compatible with both the Mission series and the Hero13 Black. The catch? The battery life isn’t as long on the Hero13 Black as it is on the Mission cameras. A new charger that charges two Enduro 2 batteries at once is also launching.

The new GoPro accessories won’t be available until May at the earliest, but the company is launching each one on a rolling basis, so others may not arrive until the third quarter of the year (along with the Mission 1 Pro ILS mirrorless).

Pricing details have not yet been announced.

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The launch of the GoPro Mission 1 series is arguably the action camera giant’s biggest launch in several years, marking a shift towards high-end video. But in a letter to investors, CEO Nicholas Woodman is already hinting at what’s next for the company, including “utility-focused products” planned for 2027 and beyond.

The Mission series marks a major shift from the action cameras that have almost exclusively carried the Hero name since the first-ever GoPro camera in 2004. The Mission series uses larger one-inch sensors with 8K 60p recording, and while the Mission 1 and Mission 1 Pro take on a familiar GoPro form factor, the Mission 1 Pro ILS puts the action camera maker into the mirrorless arena for the first time.

This shift comes at a perilous time for the American camera brand – the company’s stock is at risk of becoming delisted, but has shown signs of recovery with stock over $1 since the announcement of the Mission series. The company has announced a 23 percent reduction in staff following a 25 percent drop in the number of action cameras sold last year.

But now, in a letter to shareholders as part of the company’s annual report, Woodman highlights where he sees the company headed next. The longtime CEO and founder’s boldest statement? GoPro isn’t an everyday camera.

“If your imaging needs are everyday…then we’re not the brand for you,” Woodman wrote. “But if you’re pushing the boundaries of capture and require mission-critical imaging tools that enable content like the world has never seen…then GoPro is your camera company.”

In a way, Woodman’s statement makes some sense – the number of smartphones that are increasingly becoming waterproof is likely one of the causes behind the company’s dwindling sales numbers, along with increasing competition from brands like DJI and Insta360.

But while a growing number of smartphones are capable of everyday waterproof captures, there’s also a growing number of content creators, a category that fits somewhere between consumers and professionals, that would be a smart target for the action camera company.

The launch of the Mission series raises questions about whether or not fans will see the long-awaited GoPro Hero14 Black. When I asked GoPro about the Hero13 Black, the company assured me that the camera would remain available but – as every company does – declined to comment on future products.

Woodman also dropped a hint about 2027 products, listing the new GP3 processor cameras (the Mission series), a motorcycle helmet being built with AGV, and ”the new specialized, utility-focused products we have planned for 2027 and beyond.”

“Utility-focused” could mean a lot of different things, but the phrase could tie into a major theme in Woodman’s letter: that GoPros are “tools, not toys.”

“As we look to grow, we consider what opportunities we have to develop imaging tools that become indispensable – tools, not toys– for markets and end users that need them most,” Woodman wrote. “How can we increase GoPro’s utility and relevance to new and existing customers in a manner that in parallel drives brand, financial, and shareholder value creation. Again, more tool…less toy.”

The letter comes along with the information for shareholders ahead of a vote, including proposing adding additional shares to create reserve funds to “ attract, motivate, and retain qualified employees.”

The Mission series is likely a critical moment for the longstanding action camera company. The company needs to strike a balance between retaining existing GoPro fans and attracting new customers. The first two Mission cameras start shipping on May 28, with the Mission Pro ILS slated for sometime in the third quarter of 2026.

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The GoPro Hero 12 Black Creator Edition Bundle dropping to $349 at B&H feels like one of those deals that immediately makes sense the second you see it.

That is a straight $200 cut from its usual $549 price, and for anyone who has been waiting to jump into action cameras or upgrade an older GoPro, this is the kind of discount that moves it from “maybe later” to “buy it now.”

What makes this offer hit harder is that this is not just the camera body on its own. GoPro's Creator Edition bundle includes the Hero 12 Black, the Media Mod, the Light Mod, and the Volta battery grip, which turn it into a much more complete content creation kit right out of the box.

That matters, because this bundle is clearly built for people who want to vlog, film, livestream, and shoot on the move without having to piece the setup together one accessory at a time.

The camera itself still has plenty going for it, too. B&H lists the Hero 12 Black as capable of 5.3K60 video, 4K120, 2.7K240, and 27MP RAW photos, and it also brings HDR capture, HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization, and improved battery performance over the previous generation. In real terms, that means this is still a seriously capable little camera for creators who want crisp footage, slow motion, and stabilization that can handle movement without the whole thing falling apart.

What really makes this deal stand out to me, though, is the value. B&H’s own related pricing shows the regular Hero 12 Black at $339.99, which means this Creator Edition bundle is sitting at just a few dollars more while adding the creator-focused accessories that make the system far more useful. At that point, it stops being a question of whether the bundle is worth it and starts looking like one of the smartest GoPro buys on the site right now.

If you are a content creator, traveler, cyclist, hiker, or just someone who wants a camera you can throw into a bag and use anywhere, this is the sort of deal that is hard to ignore.

The Hero 12 Black Creator Edition was already designed as an all-in-one package, but at $349, it feels less like a premium bundle and more like a bargain setup for anyone serious about video. For me, that $200 saving is not just a nice discount; it is what turns this into a genuinely compelling buy.

GoPro is the brand that defines the action camera. Many people I know, to my frustration, still call all of the neat little actioncams devices "GoPros" even when they're made by DJI, Insta360, or one of the other rival manufacturers. That is the kind of brand success that belonged to tranformational devices such as Sony's Walkman or Apple's iPod.

Now, though, like those products before it, the GoPro is struggling. There is less need for it, and those competitors have gotten good.

How has GoPro sought to solve the problem? Well, the company's new range of Mission 1 cameras offers a new name and the option of a significantly more irritating camera mechanism.

"Irritating you say? Are you mad – this is the choice photographers have been crying out for!" you respond.

I know what I mean. But let me explain.

Well, GoPro never really used autofocus on its previous cameras, so the company might not think it's a big thing.

The GoPro Hero 13 Black, the top of the line before the Mission 1 Pro ILS came along, had fixed focus. Objects in the foreground and the background appeared in focus (the reason for this was that the image sensor was relatively small).

Didn't GoPro say the Hero13 had interchangeable lenses?

Well, not exactly, though the company certainly gave that impression. The Hero 13 had swappable lens modifiers (Lens Mods) and filters and what made them relatively unique was the arrival of GoPro's 'HB-Series' which delivered auto-detection.

What that meant to the user was that when you put a lens modifier or filter onto the camera's main lens (which never changed), you saw what looked a bit like a part you shouldn't see for a bit – and, when you had finished, the camera sensed the change and made the necessary software adjustments.

What didn't happen, unlike the new ILS, is that you couldn't actually see the image sensor and (if you wanted to for some crazy reason) reach inside and prod it.

I'm sure one of the lenses was focusable?

That's right. The Macro Lens Mod had a focusing ring so the focus could be adjusted – traditional variable manual focus. The Macro lens could focus down to 11cm, while the standard lens was limited to about 60cm (problematic for selfies).

So that's what is happening again. Manual focus or Fixed Focus?

Yes and no. Yes, the focus will be manual, so a bit like the Macro Lens Mod on the Hero 13, but the Mission 1 cameras boast larger image sensors of 1-inch across the diagonal. That should mean that users wouldn't be able to take advantage of 'most' of the focal range being 'close enough' to in focus without the assistance of AF.

So there will likely be a need to adjust the focus, especially if a subject is relatively near the camera and any one of hundreds of MFT lenses is being used – but that from a camera without the ability to do so (or much in the battery tank if it did have the ability).

Which makes me think something worse...

Which leads me to this alternate theory about the Mission 1 Pro ILS. GoPro doesn't care about it.

It's for attention.

After all, if you could get an interchangeable lens, how much do you really want one with a 3x crop factor?

The other cameras are actually slated to arrive within a reasonable timeframe – around six weeks from now – but there is no fixed date for the mirrorless.

The Mission 1 fixed-lens cameras are clearly a replacement for the Hero 14 – designed to take on the large image sensor and adjustable aperture of the DJI Osmo Action 6,

Call me a cynic, but after all the delays that faced the GoPro Max 2 (which did, admittedly, make it to market in the end), it is hard to be convinced by news of new cameras from GoPro that seem to have R&D difficulties and are yet to get a fixed date.

As my colleague Hillary – explained, even if it does work as described, it sounds problematic. Lenses are going to partially block the front LCD. Stabilization sounds like it might be tricky, depending on the additional crop.

Is this really going to be a camera, or is it a hack project to get a few looks at a trade show before what will amount to be a rebranding of 'Hero 14' as 'Mission 1' and 'Mission 1 Pro'?

Only time will tell.

GoPro has just announced a new camera – the GoPro Mission 1 – in three distinct variants. The first two are both tiny 8K cinema cameras, but simply tweak the specifications between each other. The third goes all out and allows interchangeable lenses.

"GoPro is entering the premium end of the digital imaging market in a significant way" says the company's Senior VP Pablo Lema, and he isn't wrong about the step up from the GoPro Hero13 Black. That camera was slipping down the best action cameras league to newer competition from the likes of DJI, but the new Mission 1 boasts a 1-inch 50MP image sensor, which, GoPro tells us, offers up to 14-stops of dynamic range.

Backed up with the new image processing chip, the GP3, the company has previously shown, the Mission 1 Pro / Pro ILS cameras can even record 8K at 2x slow mo, through 4K at 8x slow mo (which, for the avoidance of doubt, means 240fps) right up to 960fps for 1080p (for up to 10 seconds). (The Mission 1 not pro is 8K30 at its limit and correspondingly less capable at slow motion too).

The improved GoPro specs don't stop at frame rates either. Data can be stored at 240Mbps, enabling HLG-HDR, 10-bit color and GoPro's GP-Log2, as well as support for Timecode sync.

There is an open gate sensor, which might help with image stabilization (the whole sensor's image is captured, not just the 16:9 that is being used). Sound recording is via four built-in microphones that pull in 32-bit float, as well as support for Bluetooth 5.3 mics.

On the other hand, is the design really that different from its predecessor (in so far as it has one) the GoPro Hero 13 Black?

To be honest, I'm not sure the bodies are as different as you might imagine if GoPro tells you the camera has a new name. The pictures tell you a fair bit there, but another clue for this journalist was the number of comparisons GoPro themselves made to the Hero series. To me, that implies this is seen as a successor, but one intended to make a splash (and it is waterproof to 20m / 66ft – except the ILS).

Now 'Mission' might seem a very topical name at this point in NASA's Artemis cycle, or if you happen to live in central San Francisco, but otherwise it's just a new name we'll have to get used to.

My theory is that GoPro weren't super excited by the idea of reducing the price of the previous 'Hero' model, so it thought that the upgraded model should have a new name. Then there is no need for GoPro to sideline its predecessor to obviously – and the company's cycle of reducing prices on the older model could break.

That doesn't explain the other new camera though – the Mission 1 Pro ILS, which boasts an interchangeable lens. That is a new feature for these compact cameras.

More than that, the swappable lens uses the MFT (Micro Four-Thirds) system, on a one-inch sensor, meaning that it's a bigger lens than the sensor. Presumably, this is essential because MFT is an established size, and GoPro is not in a position to establish a new lens size. DJI used MFT for the Inspire 2 drone, and users like me took advantage of the existing lens system when working.

Perhaps oddly, though, the GoPro cameras won't be capable of adjusting the focus on this system, presumably because the extra parts add size and weight. (It shouldn't be forgotten, though, that the camera system that the DJI Inspire 2 drone carried around supported MFT lenses with powered focus and zoom.)

Is ditching AF really a good idea?

Is getting rid of a feature like AF – key to the usability of cameras for many – really a brilliant idea?

To be fair to GoPro, the company is only really offering it as a way to help a niche gain access to interchangeable lenses. So it's a 'this or nothing' kind of choice, and most people would take the chance to choose themselves over simply not having access to the choice.

I suspect, though, that for many active sports fans the 13 capture modes in the cameras will be more than enough by way of settings, while those using the interchangeable lenses are less likely to be in a rough-and-tumble scenario, so won't mind stopping to check their focus.

Lest we forget, there are also other action cameras that have addressed some of the issues (like low light) that GoPro is finally taking on here. Check the very impressive DJI Osmo Action 6 or the Insta360 AcePro 2, the latter of which even has an equivalent to the point-and-shoot grip that GoPro has also just announced.

Check out our full guide to the best action cameras that are on sale now

After the massive success of Meta's Ray-Bans, Apple leaker Mark Gurman has reported that Apple is working on four frame designs for its own Smart Glasses and says that his sources expect Apple to offer more than Meta when it comes to the tech.

When Apple first started looking at body-worn tech, it hadn't considered the concept pioneered by Meta's Ray-Bans – that is camera-equipped sunglasses that do not have their own display. They have, nonetheless, made our best camera glasses list.

Instead, Apple, which already had the Watch division, began a 'Vision Products Group' (according to Gurman's source), and it was concentrating on what became the Vision Pro, a mixed-reality AR device with a wireless controller and iPhone connection, and standalone glasses.

Only relatively recently has the 'N50' concept, as glasses with a built-in voice-assistant (or at least access to a voice assistant) been added to that list, meanwhile the device tethered to the iPhone was scrapped (perhaps another way of looking at it is that it has simply been replaced?)

That's because this new product will be tightly integrated with the iPhone as a means of outdoing Meta. Apple generally likes to enter a market with a distinct advantage, and here Apple won't be buying a frame brand from EssilorLuxottica SA (who own Ray-Ban and Oakley) or Warby Parker.

Apple will, if experience is anything to go by, want its designs to be recognizable, just as the iPhone and the Apple Watch stand out against competitors, even across generations. The four styles Apple is currently working on are, reportedly:

• Large rectangular frames presumably not so very far away from the Ray-Ban Wayfarers concept
• Slimmer rectangles that Gruman suggests might be along the lines of the 'Tim Cook Look'
• Large circular or oval frames
• Smaller circular or oval frames

Other big subjects of discussion in Apple-land at the moment are the possibility of delays to the foldable iPhone – which took 5% of the company's share price when it was rumored in Asia, but turned out not to have much basis.

Those who have not enjoyed Apple's recent efforts at AI will likely be pleased to hear that John Giannandrea's time at the company overseeing AI should be ending this week, too. He was hired from the outside (by Tim Cook, from Google).

Check out the best camera glasses you can buy today, and the best iPhones

The DJI Pocket 4 announcement is now confirmed for April 16, with DJI releasing a teaser for the long-awaited pocket gimbal camera. The brief video clip appears to show one fewer camera than most rumors had anticipated, however...

Many people have speculated that an upcoming DJI Osmo Pocket 4 would, like some of DJI's higher-end drones – the Air 3S or the Mavic 4 being current examples – add multiple cameras to the gimbal. The idea would be exactly the same as it is in premium camera phones; the option to get optical telephoto shots without any of the extra size and weight that physical zoom components bring.

Instead, however, the device we see under DJI's "The world in my pocket" starts with a close-up too dark to show us anything before – lit only around the rim – but it then rotates the 'camera' before seeming to reveal an image sensor beneath that emerges right from the center of the 'gimbal'.

Now I can't say anything for sure about this, but the most logical interpretation is that a single image sensor is in the middle of the gimbal in this design – though presumably there is something good about it which is why DJI focus on it in the clip.

In recent teasers from DJI, like the "New Dimension" one, which appeared before the DJI Avata 360, the company wasn't shy about including 360-degree footage, but stopped short of showing us the craft for a few more days.

This time, there is only a week before we expect to see the Pocket 4 and learn answers to these questions.

One possibility that we have discussed is whether there might be more than one Osmo Pocket 4 model in DJI's roadmap to come – something that was suggested by leaker Camera Beta.

At the same time, we know Luna – a handheld gimbal-based camera – has been announced as 'coming' from Insta360, but unlike the Pocket 4, it doesn't have a date.

All we can say until next week is that the Osmo Pocket 3, a camera which has become a creator's favourite since launch in Late 2023, will have a sibling of some kind very soon. Keep watching these pages to see if the Osmo Pocket 4 can replace the unique contender for best vlogging camera.

GoPro is poised to launch new high-end cameras this month, but the brand’s push beyond the action camera comes at a rocky time within the US-based company. On Tuesday, April 7, GoPro announced a restructuring plan that includes a global reduction in workforce of about 23 percent of the company’s staff, which means around 145 employees.

The news comes from 8-K paperwork filed with the SEC, which is required documentation that informs stockholders of major changes. According to the announcement, the reduction in workforce will happen in the second quarter of 2026 and will be largely completed by the end of the calendar year.

The company estimates that the restructuring will carry a cost between $11.5 million to $15 million, which includes one-time termination benefits and healthcare. The restructure, GoPro says, is designed to “reduce operating costs and drive stronger operating leverage.”

GoPro currently has around 631 employees, so a 145-person reduction will put the company’s staff at under 500 employees.

The restructuring isn’t the first sign of trouble for GoPro – last year, CEO Nicholas Woodman declined his own salary. In the last fiscal year, GoPro reported US$93.5 million in losses and around 20 percent fewer action camera sales than in 2024.

But, the news comes as, later this month, the company plans to announce new cameras – and the teasers hint the launch goes beyond action cameras. When GoPro announced the new GP3 processor in March, it said the tech would be used inside “vlogging cameras, and ultra-premium compact cinema-grade cameras.”

Another potentially major change? GoPro has hinted that this new processor will also power cameras with larger sensors.

Last year was also the first time in a decade that GoPro didn’t launch a new flagship action camera at its fall event, announcing the Max 2 and Lit Hero instead of the expected successor to the GoPro Hero13 Black.

The restructuring plan, coupled with the company’s move into vlogging cameras and cinema cameras, suggests GoPro could look very different at the end of 2026 than it did at the start of the year. Beyond the change in staff, if the teasers are any indication, GoPro’s catalog of cameras may be about to look quite different.

GoPro said that the new cameras will be announced during the NAB Show in Las Vegas, which is scheduled for April 19-22.

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GoPro broke tradition when it didn’t launch the Hero14 Black last fall – but the update to the popular action camera series isn’t the GoPro that I’m most excited for as a camera expert. A new generation of GoPros is coming later this month – and as a camera expert, I’ve never been more excited for a new GoPro.

GoPro will launch “next generation” cameras later this month with a new processor capable of powering larger sensors – and no, that’s not an April Fools prank. GoPro has already confirmed that it’s launching next-generation cameras at the end of April. Official company teasers and press releases indicate that the company is working on a vlogging camera and a compact cinema camera, along with a confirmed launch date for the end of April.

GoPro has been steadily dropping hints as to what’s launching next month since announcing its latest processor, the GP3. The company has hinted that the processor will power cameras – yes, cameras plural – with larger sensors and CEO Nicholas Woodman has been saying that GoPro will be entering more advanced camera categories beyond action cameras since 2025.

GoPro’s teasers have not explicitly named the Hero14. But, it would be a terrible move for the action camera giant to not launch the expected Hero14 Black, so along with the teasers for entering into an advanced camera category, I’m expecting the Hero14 will come along as well.

As a professional photographer and GoPro user, I’m hoping the mysterious next-generation GoPros blend everything that GoPro is known for with the benefits of an advanced camera with a larger sensor. Specifically, my wishlist includes:

• GoPro-level stabilization: Shaky video is a pet peeve of mine, but stabilization is something that GoPro does well. If GoPro is targeting the vlogging market that’s in between novices and pro filmmakers, I think good stabilization is a must.
• GoPro-level durability: The teasers have already shown underwater footage, as well as shots in dusty locations. If GoPro’s advanced camera doesn’t at least withstand rain, I’m going to be majorly disappointed.
• New flexibility: One of the things that I don’t love about the action camera category is that it’s really just designed for POV and action shots. One of the teasers shows a close-up of the moon and some macro shots through, so I’m hoping the next-gen GoPro will have far more versatility.
• At least a Micro Four Thirds sensor (for the advanced camera): While GoPro’s official statements confirm that the GP3 processor will be able to handle larger sensors, “larger” isn’t very specific. I’m hoping for at least a Micro Four Thirds sensor for the more advanced vlogging camera, though at the right size and price, I would be okay with a one-inch sensor. That's for the "advanced" vlogging camera that's coming though, I'm expecting a smaller bump in sensor size – if at all – for the Hero14.

One of the biggest challenges that I think GoPro will face with these next-gen cameras is autofocus. GoPros use fixed focus; it’s a type that works well for action cameras when everything should be in focus. But a fixed focus won’t work on a larger sensor. GoPro is going up against camera brands that have a lot of experience building fantastic autofocus systems, so I think autofocus performance will be a key factor in just how well the upcoming camera(s) do.

I’ve never been more excited for a GoPro launch. But, I won’t have to wait long. GoPro says the next-gen cameras will be unveiled during the NAB show in Las Vegas, which is scheduled for April 19-22.

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Based on the teasers, this is what we know so far about the next GoPro. Or, browse the best action cameras or the best vlogging cameras available now.

If you’ve been looking for a pocket-sized camera that delivers genuinely professional-looking video, Amazon Spring Deal Days has produced a tempting offer.

The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Comobo has dropped to just $531, down from its usual $629 price tag, giving you a tidy $90 saving on one of the most capable compact video cameras currently available.

DJI designed the Osmo Pocket 3 specifically for creators who want high-quality footage without carrying around a full camera rig. Despite its tiny footprint, it packs serious imaging power thanks to a large 1-inch sensor and a built-in three-axis mechanical gimbal that keeps footage incredibly smooth even when you’re walking or shooting on the move.

What makes the Pocket 3 stand out from typical action cameras is its focus on video quality and usability. It can record detailed 4K footage at high frame rates and features intelligent subject tracking, making it ideal for vloggers, travel creators and anyone filming solo content. The rotating 2-inch touchscreen also makes it easy to switch between horizontal and vertical shooting depending on where your footage will be shared.

In practice, the Osmo Pocket 3 feels like a tiny professional camera rather than a gadget. The stabilisation is exceptional, the autofocus is quick and reliable, and the whole thing slips into a jacket pocket without a second thought. For travel shooters or creators documenting everyday life, that level of convenience is hard to beat.

At its normal price, the Pocket 3 Comob already represents good value for what it offers, but seeing it fall to $531 during the Amazon Big Spring Sale makes it a particularly attractive buy. Deals on DJI’s newer creator tools don’t appear all that often, so when they do, they tend to attract plenty of attention.

If you’re looking for a lightweight vlogging camera that delivers stabilised 4K footage with almost zero setup time, this Amazon Spring deal on the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is easily one of the most compelling creator bargains of the sale.

The DJI Osmo Action 4 Essential Combo has dropped to just $199, down from $289, delivering a sweet $90 saving on one of the most capable action cameras in its class.

For anyone looking to capture high-quality footage without stretching the budget, this is a deal that immediately demands attention.

What makes the Osmo Action 4 stand out is its ability to deliver consistent, reliable performance in a wide range of conditions. Built around a larger sensor than many of its rivals, it excels in low light while still producing crisp, detailed 4K video. Whether you’re shooting fast-paced outdoor action or everyday content, it’s a camera that keeps up without compromise.

The Essential Combo adds even more value to the package, bundling in the key accessories you need to get started straight out of the box. It’s the kind of setup that removes friction, letting you focus on shooting rather than figuring out what extras you might need. That simplicity is a big part of its appeal.

At $199, the Osmo Action 4 becomes a far more accessible entry point into serious action filmmaking. This is a camera that punches above its price point, offering strong stabilization, intuitive controls, and rugged durability that make it just as comfortable on an adventure as it is in a more controlled shooting environment.

With a $90 saving on the table, this feels like one of the standout action camera deals right now. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to pick one up, this is very much it.

The Insta360 GO 3S 128GB has dropped to just £239 in the Amazon Spring Deal Days sale, down from its usual £369.99 price. That’s a very welcome saving of £130.99 and makes this tiny action camera significantly more accessible for anyone looking to capture hands-free video without carrying bulky gear.

• See all of today's best cameras deals in the Amazon sale

Despite its incredibly small size, the GO 3S packs an impressive set of features aimed squarely at creators who want maximum flexibility. Designed as an ultra-compact wearable action camera, it can be mounted almost anywhere, allowing users to capture unique perspectives that would be difficult or impossible with a traditional camera.

The camera is capable of recording high-quality video with impressive stabilization, ensuring smooth footage whether you’re walking, cycling, travelling, or simply documenting everyday moments. Insta360’s well-known FlowState stabilization technology helps keep footage steady, even when the camera is mounted in challenging positions.

A major highlight of the GO 3S is its magnetic mounting system and modular design, which make it incredibly versatile in real-world use. The camera can quickly attach to clothing, helmets, bikes, or accessories, while the Action Pod provides additional controls and extended battery life when needed.

The 128GB internal storage offers plenty of space for recording clips throughout the day, making it ideal for vloggers, travellers, and content creators who want a simple point-and-capture experience without worrying about swapping memory cards.

At £239, the Insta360 GO 3S 128GB represents excellent value during the Amazon Spring Deal Days event. For anyone looking for a lightweight, creative video camera that can go almost anywhere, this current price makes it one of the most attractive compact action camera deals available.

Action camera giant GoPro just added another type of action to its toolkit: Livestreaming youth sports. A new partnership between GoPro and the youth sports app GameChanger now allows coaches and other authorized staff to livestream the game using the action cameras.

GameChanger is a free youth sports app from Dick’s Sporting Goods and houses features like game schedules and scorekeeping. The app previously supported livestreaming from a smartphone camera, but now the partnership allows GoPro models to stream the game. (Some Mevo, Obsbot, and XBotGo cameras are also supported.)

The new livestreaming feature doesn’t require a brand-new GoPro – in fact, models as old as the Hero7 will work with the livestreaming feature. But the update allows coaches and their support staff or volunteers to stream the game without leaving their smartphone mounted for recording.

There are some safety protections in place – in order to livestream, the team administrator must grant streaming permissions to whoever is handling the livestreaming, such as a coach, staff, or volunteer.

GoPro says that mounting an action camera to stream the game offers a wide-angle view of the full field. The action camera’s small size also makes it easier to shoot through chain-link fences, while waterproofing means streaming is still possible during rainy games.

Along with livestreaming, GoPro can also stream and record to the device simultaneously, or record the game without livestreaming to share later. GoPro cameras are also able to livestream through the GoPro Quik app, but the new GameChanger partnership opens up an easy way to share those games with the entire team.

The livestreaming supports a handful of GoPro models from the Hero7 to the Hero13 Black and even the GoPro Max, so livestreaming doesn’t require a purchase for those who already own one of the action cameras. Budget models like the GoPro Lit Hero aren't listed among the compatible options.

However, Dick’s Sporting Goods is offering a new bundle that pairs the Hero13 with the larger Enduro battery, a microSD card, mounting buckle, adhesive mount, USB-pass-through door (for using an external power supply while livestreaming longer games), and a carrying case for about $450.

GameChanger is available to download for free in the US and Canada; watching five livestreams per season is included with the free membership, but subscriptions are required for fans to watch more live streams. The app is free for team coaches.

For more details, read about how to livestream on GameChanger with a GoPro.

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The DJI Osmo 360 has just landed in its first-ever sale — and it’s hit its lowest price yet. Right now on Amazon, you can grab the Standard Combo for just £295, down from its original £409.99 - that’s a saving of £114.99. If you’ve been watching for DJI’s foray into 360 cameras, this is the moment to strike.

• See all of today's Amazon camera deals

What makes this deal stand out is that it’s not just a modest markdown - it’s a rare opening salvo. DJI’s new Osmo 360 hasn’t been discounted before, so this is your first chance to own it at this price. The Standard Combo gives you access to the core camera with essential accessories, making it a compelling entry point into high-end 360 filmmaking.

Specs-wise, the Osmo 360 is no gimmick. It delivers native 8K 360° video, thanks to its groundbreaking 1-inch imaging system, and supports D-Log M and 10-bit capture for serious post flexibility. You also get smooth 4K/120fps output in single-lens mode, horizon stabilisation, and full-frame panoramic capture - it’s a beast wrapped in a compact form.

In real-world use, the Osmo 360 is already impressing early reviewers and users. Its dual-lens design and smart stitching make immersive content seamless, and its internal 105 GB storage gives you breathing room before needing a microSD card. The magnetic quick-release system, waterproofing, and accessory compatibility also make it flexible for different shooting scenarios - from travel to extreme sports to vlogging.

That said, this is a cutting-edge product, so it’s not without trade-offs. Battery life under full 8K use is constrained (though DJI claims up to 100 minutes continuous 8K/30fps), and in some scenarios, the stitching boundary or low-light behaviour might show mild artefacts. But for a first-gen 360 camera with this level of ambition, the price makes those caveats far easier to live with.

Deals like this don’t linger. Amazon could quietly revert to the higher price or sell out entirely, and given that this is the first discount for the Osmo 360, we’re unlikely to see something better soon. If you’ve got 360 projects or want to future-proof your rig, don’t wait - £295 is a serious value for a camera of this calibre.

GoPro just had its Q4 earnings call and, a couple of days before, the company announced its GP3 image processor, which should be seen for the first time in cameras this spring – or Q2, as it was put to investors.

The reaction in the city was somewhat muted, but fair enough – the share price dropped based on the figures revealed, the obvious headline being that 2 million GoPros had been sold in 2025 (down from 2.2 in the year before), so the company slightly missed its target.

The format of these events – which happen every three months for investors – is necessarily bright and cheerful, but the revelation that the new image processor is to make its way into physical products so soon seems difficult to ignore.

Yes, it's true, I've heard Nick Woodman, CEO of GoPro, make one or two promises about devices that have gone onto be delayed. The world has watched as the GoPro Max 2, the company's 8K 360 camera, hit the market late.

But I think that's why things have to be different this time.

Another reason is that, with the slightly unusual 360 camera behind it, and the smaller GoPro Lit Hero also out of the way, the obvious next camera to refresh is the core of the company's business: the Hero Black, which for many years received an annual update, just like the iPhone.

Why didn't it happen last time, in late 2025? Because, I suspect, the new processor chip wasn't ready – and of course, because the company was focusing attention on the Max 2.

Now, if what I'm hearing is true – and the GP3 is a 5-nanometer system-on-chip (SoC) that delivers over twice the pixel processing power of the GP2 – then there is a good reason to update the flagship action camera, the GoPro Hero 13 Black.

Moreover, as an action camera expert, I've been maintaining the DCW best action camera guide. The GoPro has been slipping in the rankings as two key competitors – DJI and Insta360 – have concentrated on features that GoPro's processor and imaging chip has not helped it keep up with: low-light image processing.

Nick Woodman mentioned better battery life and "industry-leading resolutions and frame rates that go far beyond what the competition is capable of."

Now, even if there is a bit of exaggeration, it still seems likely we might see 8K on the GoPro Hero 14 Black. GoPro can already achieve a lot via 'burst' slow mo (as fast as 400fps) and sustained 120fps at 4K, but that could conceivably be doubled to 240fps at 4K with no worries about the camera overheating.

He did add, "When combined with low-light image sensors," so we can only assume they're coming – and "camera runtimes ranging from 40% to 90% longer" suggests that battery performance will be significantly better.

Get out of court and into development

"It's not the winning but the taking part that counts" joked one wag about GoPro's recent patent battles with Insta360. As a camera customer with a college-level understanding of law, I've got to admit that just knowing GoPro is expending a lot effort chasing competitors is a bit dispiriting.

Lawyers aren't cheap, whether you're an individual or a company like GoPro. (Even as I write this, I imagine my parents are wondering why I didn't follow that career path and ended up writing about tech.) The costs will be paid by anyone buying a GoPro and, personally, I'd rather that money was poured back into R&D than more spurious cases.

Don't get me wrong – it is, of course, well within a company's rights to defend its patents, but there are some things which seem more pressing.

And that's the point about the "taking part". It doesn't really seem like GoPro is concerned about winningl it comes across as somewhere between a desperate hope or just the time-honored strategy of making life difficult for the more successful company that you should have beaten 'fair and square'.

Would we have had a GoPro Hero Black with 8K sooner if the company had developed it first, rather than letting Insta360 beat it to the market and relying on ultimately unsuccessful court action to try to hamper its rival?

Will I buy a GoPro next time?

Ultimately, I'll just get the best camera for my needs (assuming there isn't a horrific sting in the tail in the form of a subscription that limits features if not acquired).

Action cameras are useful in so many ways, and GoPro has never really been out of the game. For people like me, who value low light performance (and, if I'm honest, aren't as high-speed in bright light as we used to be), it has been wise to examine alternatives for a while.

It sounds to me that the competition here is finally moving back to the tech first and the courts second – which is the way it should be, if you ask me.

And in that case, it feels like GoPro is going to deserve a lot of attention.

It's no secret that GoPro has had a rough spell, announcing yesterday that it lost another US$9.1 million in Q4, bringing it to US$93.5 million for the year. CEO Nick Woodman's solution – other than the new processor we have already seen – is elevating people called Brian.

Specifically, COO Brian McGee is having 'President' added to his title, with the goal of the company working better as a whole, while Brian Tratt will be the new CFO.

None of this means GoPro is going anywhere, and Woodman spoke of the program the company has created by which it is buying content from creators

He also spoke of the motorcycle helmet with built-in camera system which has long been expected since GoPro partnered with AGV Helmets and bought Forcite Helmet Systems – it seems that we can at least expect to get some glimpses of the first fruit of these deals (perhaps only in the form of teasers) before the year is out.

Woodman also spoke of the patent cases against Insta360, taking a slightly different view to the one I did. It seems that the CEO plans to "continue to defend" 1,500 patents, even though only a week ago the U.S. International Trade Commission seemed to take a different view. (I reported that GoPro lost 5-0 in that case).

More encouragingly, I'd say, for creators is GoPro's GP3 chip, covered recently, and Woodman says it has the company "fired up", with cameras resleases promised soon.

If you're a GoPro user, should you be worried? I don't think so.

Shareholders won't love the numbers, but the company has had to face tariffs, but still generated revenue of $202m versus guidance of $220 for 2025, so not far off, and still sold 2 million GoPro cameras. Subscriptions are not dropping significantly either.

That's still about 20% fewer cameras than in 2024, which superficially seems inevitable given the amazing competition that now exists in the best action cameras guide and the best 360 cameras, but at least GoPro is now a serious contender again.

If the GP3 chip lives up to the hype and starts shipping in devices as promised in Q2 2026 – perhaps only a month away – GoPro's future could be very exciting again.

After a series of delays, the ruling finally came in on the wire that Insta360 won all five of the patent claims brought against it by GoPro, brilliant news for innovation in the action camera space.

What was officially known as Investigation U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) No. 337-TA-1400 covered five "utility patents" around action cameras, targeting Insta360's image stabilization – including horizon leveling. This kind of tech is used in all premium action cameras, so the idea it could be the subject of a patent claim is a worry for consumers who want to see competition and price controls in this space (even if they do end up choosing GoPro).

There were also claims relating to distortion correction and aspect ratio conversion.

In all cases, the commission found that the patents were invalid or not infringed, and also reversed a previous judgement by an Administrative Law Judge in GoPro's favor.

This is significant because the ITC's ruling is effectively final in these cases, and ends GoPro's policy which has looked, to many, like an attempt to stay ahead not through innovation but using the help of the courts.

JK Liu, founder of Insta360, hinted that he shared this perspective when he said "The ITC's decision reaffirms what the industry has long recognized: Insta360's technology is built on true innovation. The facts spoke for themselves..."

"True innovators compete by building better tools. The ITC's decision allows us to continue doing what we do best: empowering users with bold, boundary-pushing technology."

And perhaps even less subtly:

"The future of this industry should be shaped by better products, not legal tactics that protect market share at the expense of consumers."

Back in the distant past, before I turned to the more enjoyable path of cameras, I picked up a degree in Law, so I can confidently say what is interesting here for the future is the number of patents which the authorities didn't feel were actually something GoPro could use against other companies.

Technologies like image stabilization cannot now be owned by GoPro and licensed – certainly the aspects they attempted in these cases.

This might prove to be good news for consumers in the end, as it increases the incentive for GoPro to earn income from consumer sales by innovating and impressing potential customers.

This is something GoPro has done well recently with the GoPro Max 2, one of the best 360-degree cameras, which is very much a direct competitor to Insta360's home turf.

The future can only get more interesting.

The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro – has seen a massive discount, earning the full Adventure Combo for the price of the camera. This is a massive 32% off the GoPro-beating 4K Action Camera. Personally, I'd rush out and pick one up (if I didn't already have one of these cameras in my house!)

This camera beats the rest for most action fans – like the Action 4 Pro before it – because it has a relatively large imaging sensor which means it's just as good for underwater and caving, or indoors, or evenings – basically anything with imperfect light. Oh, and it's still well built and hreat with HDR for water, snow, and sand, so you're not missing out!

The Action 5 Pro also introduced a new feature to the line – a pressure sensor – that records metadata to your video, and so records your altitude or depth. (It can also link wirelessly to your GPS device – like a phone or watch – to record your location data to the video too).

We see a lot of competition for action cameras, but with the Action 6 being the only new model DJI broguht out since this (and GoPro not having moved on at all), there is a lot to be said for grabbing this camera when it's priced so well.

Personally, I gave the Action 5 Pro 4.5 of 5 stars when I reviewed it, and my main complaint was that it looked a bit boring! Arguably, that is a plus point – it is very robust and dependable, the 4K video is excellent (and you can have slow-mo up to 960fps). It's a lot cheaper than your phone, too, so you can feel a lot safer about throwing this thing around while still getting pretty stunning footage!

In general, I love an action camera, and DJI's quality is at the top of the tree (as our best action camera guide tends to reveal). I sometimes lament the lack of built-in GPS, but that is something you can solve with a phone link if you really want to add location & speed metadata at all.

Insta360 CEO Liu Jingkang – perhaps emboldened by DJI's international troubles – took the opportunity of the Insta360 Annual Conference yesterday to officially announce 'Luna', a new gimbal-based camera similar to the massively popular DJI Pocket 3 but featuring two cameras.

The image in this post on X, posted by reliable DJI rumor source Quadro_News seems to suggest he too thinks that DJI needs to be mindful of the Insta360 announcement.

In case it had missed your attention, there have been a lot of rumors, too, about the prospect of a DJI Osmo Pocket 4, but no confirmation as yet. That is perhaps why competitor Insta360 might have taken the opportunity to steal a march on the announcement.

What was not given was a price or shipping date, only the information that it would arrive in the first half of 2026. Essentially, that's any time between March and the end of June.

It is clear, though, that the prototype depicted – and now publicly named as 'Luna' by JK – has all that is required to be a serious contender to the rumored specifications of the future DJI Pocket 4, let alone the existing Osmo Pocket 3, boasting as it does a dual camera system.

While the full specifications were not revealed, CEO Liu Jingkang did tell assembled press that the device was not built on DJI tech – Insta360 is building its own technology.

The structure of this new pocket gimbal camera appears to be based on a modular design, so batteries or other modules could be detached and added.

If you are saving up, I'd suggest that you anticipate a price somewhere between $499 and $699 on the grounds that those are competitive prices with the DJI Pocket 3, the success of which has made it something of a target.

Creators will also likely be able to take advantage of other Insta360 systems like the Mic Air. See the company's strong position in my guide to the best 360 cameras and the 8K action camera the Ace Pro 2, though its rivalry with DJI is also growing as it invests in a drone arm – called Antigravity.

Another year, another slew of camera rumors – but I’ve been noticing something a little odd with a handful of camera rumors lately. More than one brand known for action cameras is rumored to be working on cameras that fit under the more traditional type of camera rather than the action camera genre.

For the most part, action camera makers make action cameras, and camera makers focus on compact cameras and mirrorless cameras – although there are a few exceptions, like the Sony RX0 II. But a handful of rumors making the rounds seem to hint that brands like Insta360 and DJI could be crossing the line into more high-end camera territory.

One of these rumors has been fueled by the CEO of Insta360, who posted a photo of the back of a camera that looked nothing like what the 360 and action camera maker has currently on the market. Rumors are swirling that the camera shown in that photo could use a 20MP Micro Four Thirds sensor.

But Insta360 is not the only one. Rumors are swirling once again over the idea of drone and action cam giant DJI making a mirrorless camera. No, this isn’t new – rumors of a DJI mirrorless date back to at least DJI’s stock acquisition of Hasselblad. One rumor last year even said such a camera would be out before 2025, and, well, that never happened. The latest talks suggests (or perhaps hopes for) a larger sensor cinema camera from DJI.

These early 2026 rumors aren’t the first hint that action camera makers may be growing out of their usual label. Last year, GoPro CEO Nicholas Woodman hinted that the company was looking to expand into an adjacent product category in 2026: “the higher-end low-light camera category for vloggers, prosumers, and professionals.”

Now, Woodman’s comment isn’t enough to determine what format such a higher-end camera could be – he very well may have been referring to an action camera with a larger sensor and not something like a vlogging camera or mirrorless camera.

But what’s interesting about these recent rumors is that they all seem to have a common theme – action camera makers breaking out of the category and into more advanced camera types.

The camera industry feels poised on the edge of another industry shift. Compact cameras have made a comeback (though far from the categories hey dey). More cameras have arrived with a vlogging and cinema focus as video becomes the dominant social media traffic driver.

And now, if the rumors are any indication, it seems action camera brands may be poised to dabble in more camera categories. Of course, it’s often hard to pick apart the made-up ramblings from the rumors that come from industry leakers. But, if the hints offered by GoPro and Insta360’s CEO provide any indication, the lines between action camera makers and traditional camera brands may be less clear-cut in the future.

Such a shift may be needed – GoPro is struggling enough financially that the CEO refused his salary last year. Insta360, with its wide product line that now spans 360 cameras, traditional action cameras, and even a drone, has reported boosted sales.

I am, admittedly, dubious about some of these action camera rumors, but I suspect 2026 may be a key year for action camera makers.

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There have been a lot of rumors swirling about the DJI Osmo Pocket 4, an expected updated after around two years, but now an apparent user manual page has been circulated on Chinese micro-blogging site Weibo – and it doesn't quite meet expectations.

The post, from the ever-busy "Independent Photographers Association" feed, shows what is claimed to be the operating instructions for the Chinese version of the gimbal camera.

In contrast to the DJI Pocket 3, there is a Zoom button and a customizable button, as well as the return of familiar features, like the rotating display screen which also serves to switch the device on and off.

This isn't the first leak or speculation about a Pocket 4, but this has been a hugely busy area recently. It's worth remembering, however, that was true before the Osmo Pocket 3 came along too (we ran a story at the time asking if that was the most leaked camera!)

What has made this especially interesting is that many – including me, I admit – have shared posts that suggest a 'Pro' camera is coming along featuring a dual-camera system, similar to that seen on higher-end mobile phones. That is definitely not seen in these leaked images.

It is also true that some have even suggested that DJI will not actually be producing a dual camera system at all. We now expect a gimbal camera system from DJI's arch competitors Insta360 too, and the CEO has reportedly suggested that this is the case – something confirmed by a very dependable DJI leaker, Igor Bogdanov:

That's not to say that there won't be a dual camera system coming from DJI, especially as there has been suggestion such a device has been seen in testing.

It does seem to say that the device that has been seen recently, however, is more definitely the competitor.

That is hotting things up, and good news for potential customers – especially in territories where (however unfairly) restrictions are being placed on DJI.

Check out what the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 will be up against in our rundown of the best pocket gimbal cameras

Helmet cameras (or bicycle-mounted cameras) are nothing new. They've become an essential element of city cycling in a world where it seems like every car, truck and bus driver loves to hate cyclists. But now a new start-up, Luna Systems, is attempting to take bicycle cameras to the next level, raising them from simply documenting road hazards, to actively monitoring and warning you of potential dangers.

The new Luna Oculus camera harnesses the power of AI to provide "greater situational awareness through detection of blind spots, close passes, and headway distances".

Exact camera details are still unknown, but at the core of the system is a rear-facing camera that connects to a companion smartphone app (a separate, conventional helmet cam was used to film the promo video). AI then identifies nearby vehicles, pedestrians, potential obstacles and even potholes. This information is relayed in real time to a camera feed with overlays that’s displayed on a handlebar-mounted phone, with audio alerts providing additional feedback. The rider then benefits from proximity warnings, collision and pothole warnings, intelligent evidence recording, post-ride mapping of incidents, and blackspot identification. The tech aims to provide a cycle-specific take on the kind of safety systems we now see built into modern cars, like blind spot monitoring and forward collision detection.

Apparently Luna Systems has raised €1.5m in funding to bring to market this new camera safety system for cyclists and motorcyclists, with retail availability said to be coming later this year. Luna Systems' CEO Andrew Fleury states that "Six in ten people are still too afraid to cycle in their area". "In most countries, people will wait years for perfect cycling infrastructure. Meanwhile, technology is already here that can play a huge role in bridging that gap, helping everyone feel safer as they move through their city.

AI-powered cycling cameras are certainly intriguing, but as cyclist myself who's no stranger to city riding, I remain to be convinced that a smart camera would really make it appreciably safer to mix with vehicular traffic. Ultimately, even with the help and early warnings from AI, cyclists are always vulnerable to drivers of motor vehicles. While it's useful to be able to video potential incidents as you ride, it won't stop you getting hurt if a collision was to happen. Ultimately, the only way to effectively minimise this risk remains to create segregated cycling infrastructure.

If true, this unverified leak could be brilliant news for the vlogging community – a serious competitor for the DJI Pocket 3 camera at the same time that DJI is facing trouble releasing new products in the USA. The patent images look genuine, but the source has gone further than that, generating final images for a bit more attention. Here we'll deal with the facts...

I've been reviewing the new Insta360 Link 2 Pro camera this weekend, so I'm more than aware of the company's capabilities when it comes to gimbal-based cameras, and it has already occoured to me (and a lot of other photographers and video makers) that it would make a lot of sense to see something like this come from Insta360 when, scrolling down my tweets – I mean 'X' – I saw the above post.

Now the problem is that, while it's easy enough to find a leaked patent and diagrams, all that really tells us is that someone at Insta360 also had the idea – not that a product is on the way, or that it is definitely coming, or when. All of that is what we'd really like to know.

The writer at The New Camera claims to have conducted more research, hence the discovery of the patents (filed in China, which makes sense) and a modular design. This, again, seems very likely (DJI opted for a modular design if you count the expandable battery – adding a removable gimbal head doesn't seem to be much more taxing.

The next question is just how reliable the source is, and, historically, we've not had a lot of information from them which has panned out, but there are certainly a lot of interesting posts.

The other thing I'd say is interesting is that more reliable DJI rumor souces have NOT mentioned this story yet...

Self-styled 'tech detective' Igor Bogdanov is sharing pictures of a pair of upcoming DJI Osmo Pocket 4 cameras, apparently, but I might have expected him to mention a big competitor if he thought it was serious or imminent.

That's not to say it's not coming – in fact I very definitely think it'd be mad NOT to take on this product category given the tech available to Insta360. I just don't think we've learned that much of interest just yet.

A leaker, Camera Beta, has posted yet another update about the much-rumored DJI Pocket 4 in one of many indicators from regular DJI leakers that suggest a busy product program for 2026 for customers everywhere except the USA – where, unless things change, the company is not allowed to introduce new products.

What is especially interesting about this leak, if true, is that it seems to provide a date (and one slightly later than we might have thought). We're also seeing repeats of the 1-inch CMOS sensor and up to 120fps 4K (some would point out that suggests enough power for 8K).

Other leakers have confirmed the idea that the launch has been pushed to late Q1/early Q2 – though the images shown above from the Amazon leak have Euro pricing, so the device might be available sooner in China, DJI's home territory.

Another reliable DJI leaker, Igor Bogdanov, has shared a new picture which seems to confirm the idea that there will be two versions of the next model. We have speculated about this in the past, the likelihood being that there will be a single camera model and a dual camera 'Pro' edition commanding a higher price tag.

The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 has been one of the most surprising and popular cameras on the market, and has not only impressed users but received the sincerest form of flattery in the form of mimicry from other brands who have introduced rival pocket gimbal cameras, so a sequel is certainly expected and it makes sense for there to be more options.

DJI also, after all, offers a similar technology in a much higher-end form for professional filmmakers in the form of the DJI Ronin 4D – a cinema camera with a built-in stabilizer.

Looking into early 2026, the Pocket 4 isn't the only device around which rumors seem to be coalescing. There have also been a lot of images from these same sources about the Avata 360 – a drone to take on the Antigravity A1, which is, for now, the world's only 360-degree drone.

What makes this image more interesting than some of the very many clips and images of the Avata 360 that have been shared online recently is that we see little details like the lens cover which look a little more difficult for AI to have generated.

If that battery charging hub design is right, it still isn't clear to me if we're looking at a drone under 250g as Antigravity has managed and some of the commenters are hoping for – it seems unlikely given the size compared to the controller.

Finally, it is important to note that there has been no movement yet on the so-called DJI drone ban, but the Department of Commerce has at least held back on banning existing DJI models, so Americans will still be able to buy DJI products that already exist and are widely used.

US-based customers can feel a little more confident that DJI will still be around and selling, but there is no reason to wait for the Avata 360 or the new Pocket 4 – both the Pocket 3 and Antigravity A1 in their respective spaces are the most up-to-date models that are likely to be available until US/China relations take a significant thaw led by a change in the US political situation.