GoPro Cameras Get Major Photo Update

GoPro's Mission 1 Pro and Mission 1 ILS action cameras have received a substantial firmware update aimed at enhancing their photographic performance. The update addresses previous issues with slow photo processing, a significant drawback that hampered the cameras' utility for still photography. Previously, capturing even a single 50-megapixel RAW image could take nearly four seconds to process between shots, rendering the feature impractical.

The new firmware introduces much faster processing, allowing users to capture multiple photos in rapid succession. By pressing the shutter button, the camera now takes an instant photo and queues subsequent shots for processing. This enables users to take numerous photos consecutively. Holding the shutter button allows for a burst of up to 50 photos at 12-megapixel resolution or 20 photos at 50-megapixel RAW.

While these improvements enhance the speed of photo capture, users still need to check their shots after a sequence. The base Mission 1 Pro, with its default wide-angle lens, may still exhibit a fish-eye effect in RAW format, though JPGs can be captured in a linear mode. The Mission 1 ILS, while benefiting from faster RAW capture, still requires manual focus and focal length input for its swappable lenses, limiting its appeal to dedicated photographers seeking advanced features.

The company's most expensive cameras are now more capable, and there is hope these advancements will be integrated into more affordable models in the future. This software enhancement comes after recent corporate activity, including a significant acquisition. The improved slow-motion and photo software could be a valuable addition to a wider range of GoPro products.