The GoPro Fusion and GoPro Max are two of the most popular action cameras on the market. Both cameras offer high-quality video and photos and a host of features that make them ideal for capturing action shots.
So, which one is right for you? Let’s look at the GoPro Fusion vs Max to find out.
Specs
Design
- 64 x 69 x 24, 154g, 5ATM GoPro Max
- 74 x 75 x 40 mm, 220g, 5ATM GoPro Fusion
The Max is significantly smaller than the Fusion, and the difference is even more noticeable in person than the stats show. Whereas the Fusion looked odd when fastened to a bike helmet or handlebars, the Max seems almost identical to a Black camera.
It has also had its internal mechanics simplified. According to GoPro’s Vice President of Product Management, Pablo Lema, the Fusion includes two SD cards since it is basically two cameras back to back.
The Max only has one, which is a microSD card. Because the data from two cameras must be written over a single pipeline, this raises the issue of bit rate. When recording flat footage at 1440p, the Fusion’s maximum bit rate is 120Mbps, while the Max’s is 78Mbps. There is, however, a leveler. Instead of MP4, the Max uses the more efficient H.265 codec.
Both cameras have a 5ATM water resistance rating, which means they may be submerged and snorkeled. However, their lens designs create distortion underwater, and they require more care than the GoPro Black series.
Because their 180-degree lenses protrude from the shell, they are more vulnerable to damage. GoPro manufactures small plastic domes that clamp onto each of the Max cameras for more dangerous shoots.
Display
- The 1.7-inch color touchscreen on the GoPro Max
- Fusion GoPro: Monochrome LCD
The GoPro Max boasts a 1.7-inch screen on the rear or front, which you can flip over for a vlog-friendly configuration while using one side of the camera’s view.
One of the most significant changes on the Max is the ability to shoot non-360 video.
The Fusion doesn’t feature a traditional LCD screen, instead opting for a small monochrome display that displays the mode, battery life, and remaining SD card capacity. It doesn’t allow for composition because there isn’t any other option than to point a lens at the subject and make sure it’s in the sharpest section of the frame.
Modes of shooting
- Up to 5.6k 360, 1440p (1920 x 1440) flat GoPro Max
- Fusion GoPro: Up to 5.6k 360°
If you look at the raw specs of their 360-degree capture, the Max and Fusion appear to be highly identical. They can shoot 360 videos at up to 5.6k quality at 30 frames per second, with 3k resolution also being an option.
GoPro’s newest Max adds a slew of new modes to the mix. Four non-360 action camera viewpoints are comparable to a Black camera, and TimeWarp, the time-lapse video option, debuted with the Hero 7 Black.
The maximum resolutions of these non-360 modes are 1920 x 1080 or 1920 x 1440, thanks in part to the large sensor crop required. Non-360 footage does not support 4K.
According to GoPro, the lenses and sensors of the two cameras are similar, but the maximum resolutions of their stills are different. The Fusion takes 18-megapixel photographs, whereas the Max takes 16.6-megapixel photos, although this is due to the Fusion’s ability to shoot RAWs. The JPEGs are still 16.6 megapixels.
A new Powerpano feature is also available on the Max. To allow you to get the camera in place, it snaps a 270-degree photo with a 3-second timer. Unless you flip the perspective around for a panoramic selfie, Powerpano captures the entire scene except for the part with you.
While the Fusion predominantly uses H.264, the Max also supports H.265 (HEVC) encoding. The H.265 codec is substantially more efficient because of Max’s GP1 processor, which has been utilized in Black versions since the Hero 6 Black.
Stabilization
- Hyper smooth 2.0, Horizon Leveling, GoPro Max
- Fusion Stabilization for GoPro Fusion
Both the Fusion and the Max have the optimum stabilization recipe. Because they capture the entire world around you, the amount of movement buffering they can provide is virtually limitless. The software for GoPro makes excellent use of this range.
As a result, the only real limit is the blurring of the frames themselves during motion, which is a trade-off between the benefits of lower ISO and the risk of noise when employing faster exposures in low light.
These cameras are great stabilizers, but the Max has one more trick. Horizon Leveling is a feature that ensures your footage is perfectly straight even if the camera isn’t. Fusion users can accomplish this in post-production, but the GoPro Max does it. Of course, this is a model that you can toggle on and off in the shooting options menu.
Audio
- Six microphones surround the GoPro Max (no external)
- Four planar mics for GoPro Fusion (no external)
Planar audio is captured by the Fusion’s four microphones, which collect sound from everywhere around the camera but on a single plane. GoPro has added two more cameras for 360-degree audio.
But, where have they gone? One mic is on the front of the Fusion, and three are on the top. Max has two microphones on top, as well as mic grilles on the front, back, and one side. This indicates that there could be a second microphone in the front grille, positioned to replace the mic that would otherwise be on the mic-free side.
There isn’t one on this side because Max’s battery door is there.
Neither camera features a 3.5mm mic input, and neither supports the Hero Black range’s USB-C mic adaptor. The Hero 8 Max employs the same GP1 CPU platform as the Hero 8 Black, so this is a bit of a letdown.
Workflow
The workflow was not quite as advertised when the Fusion was first released. Early Fusion promos featured great editing, demonstrating the 360-degree capture’s capabilities.
OverCapture was the notion that allowed you to do this, but you had to tilt your phone and pinch-zoom during playback to record the editing sweeps and zooms you wanted. This is about to change, affecting both Fusion and Max owners.
Reframe is a new type of OverCapture that employs keyframes rather than a live performance of the camera movements you wish. You might have utilized this method if you altered Fusion footage with pro video software and a plugin.
This is fantastic news for individuals who don’t want to spend hours fine-tuning their edits and instead enjoy dramatic, smooth effects in minutes.
Reframe is a new type of OverCapture that employs keyframes rather than a “live performance” of the camera movements you wish. You might have utilized this method if you altered Fusion footage with pro video software and a plugin.
This is fantastic news for individuals who don’t want to spend hours fine-tuning their edits and instead enjoy dramatic, smooth effects in minutes.
If you still use GoPro competent, see this article: How To Use A GoPro For Beginners
FAQs
Is the GoPro Fusion worth it?
The GoPro Fusion has a lot of potential; it can shoot gorgeous 360-degree video, has a terrific over capture option, and is water-resistant and stabilized. While the Fusion can undoubtedly shoot the best 360 videos of any camera under $1000, the process can be arduous.
Is the GoPro Fusion a water-resistant camera?
Fusion waterproofing is available right out of the box.
Fusion is waterproof down to 5m (16ft) without housing if all camera doors are closed.
What is the battery life of the GoPro Max?
The battery lasts roughly 85 minutes of 360-degree recording or 105 minutes of single-lens footage in 1080p (16:9) or 1440p (4:3). Wireless transfer is also included.
Is a waterproof case required for the GoPro Max?
The GoPro Max, which was also announced in 2019, is waterproof without the need for additional housing. Before capturing your aquatic escapades, all you have to do is make sure the camera door is closed. The GoPro Max 360 can reach depths of up to 5 meters (16 feet) in water.
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Conclusion
Ultimately, the GoPro Fusion vs GoPro Max decision depends on personal preference. If you are looking for a high-quality action camera that is versatile and easy to use, the GoPro Max is likely the right choice.
However, if you are looking for a specifically designed camera for action shots, the GoPro Fusion is likely the better option.
Staaker.com hopes this article was helpful!
