


Film All Your Adventures for Less With the GoPro Max, Currently $121 Off on Amazon


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GoPro Max Gets a Price‑Drop: Amazon’s Latest Deal on the 360‑Degree Action Camera
If you’ve been eyeing the GoPro Max as a potential upgrade from a regular GoPro HERO, Amazon’s recent promotion could finally tip the scales. For a limited time, the camera is available for $121 off the regular price—bringing it to roughly $319. That’s a sweet deal for anyone looking to dive into 360‑degree filming without breaking the bank.
The article on CNET’s “Deals” page (accessed through the link “https://www.cnet.com/deals/film-all-your-adventures-with-the-gopro-max-at-121-off-on-amazon/”) breaks down the offer and offers an in‑depth look at why the Max still stands out among the action‑camera market, even as newer GoPro models roll out.
What Makes the GoPro Max Special?
At its core, the GoPro Max is a hybrid camera that can shoot both linear (standard) footage and full‑sphere 360° video. Its two 12‑megapixel lenses—each paired with a built‑in microphone—allow users to capture footage from every angle, then stitch it together in post‑production or in the GoPro app. The dual‑lens system also makes the Max unique in its ability to shoot linear video at 4K resolution and at 10 fps, which is useful for traditional action footage.
Key features highlighted in the article include:
- 360° Video and Photos: The Max shoots 5.2‑K stereo 360° video and 20‑megapixel photos at a 6:5 aspect ratio. The GoPro app enables automatic stabilization, color correction, and even face‑tracking.
- Linear Video Capability: When you need a more conventional look, the Max can film 4K linear video at 10 fps, offering higher detail for those who want the crispness of a HERO‑style shot.
- Built‑in Microphones: Dual microphones pick up audio from multiple directions, with an option to separate the soundtracks for more control in editing.
- Battery Life and Heat Management: While the Max’s battery still lags behind the HERO8 and HERO9, the camera’s thermal management system keeps it from overheating during extended 360° recording sessions.
- Accessory Ecosystem: The camera is compatible with GoPro’s extensive range of mounts, housing, and accessories, including the “Max Head Strap” and the “Max Backpack.” The CNET piece points out that the Max’s 1.33‑inch charging port is standard, making it easy to swap batteries between devices.
The Deal in Context
The $121 discount places the GoPro Max at a retail price that sits comfortably between the HERO9 and the HERO10 lineup. The CNET article notes that, although the Max doesn’t have the same cutting‑edge sensor as the HERO10 (which offers 5.3‑K 360° video), it still delivers a unique value proposition for users who want both 360° and linear shooting from a single device.
- Current Retail Price: $440 (original MSRP) minus $121 equals $319.
- Comparison to HERO10: The HERO10 is priced at roughly $500 for the 16‑gb variant, so the Max still offers a more affordable 360° option.
- Bundled Accessories: The discount does not include accessories; however, the article suggests pairing the camera with the “Max Head Strap” (about $35) and a “5‑Minute Battery Pack” ($25) for a complete setup. That totals roughly $379, a fair price for a “first‑time” 360° camera.
The promotion is “time‑limited” and appears to be available on Amazon’s UK and US sites. According to the CNET report, the sale is expected to run until the end of September, so buyers should act quickly.
Why You Might Still Choose the Max
Beyond the price, there are a few compelling reasons to pick the Max over the newer HERO models:
- All‑In‑One Solution: For adventurers who want the flexibility to shoot traditional action footage and 360° scenes without switching gear, the Max is a practical, single‑camera approach.
- Strong Community Support: GoPro’s community remains active, especially for the Max’s 360° features. Plenty of user‑created tutorials exist on platforms like YouTube and GoPro’s own forums.
- Future‑Proofing: With GoPro’s shift toward 360° cameras, the Max is positioned as a “gateway” model, giving users exposure to the new workflow before deciding whether to upgrade to the Max 2 or the upcoming HERO11.
Potential Drawbacks
The article also points out several concerns that might make buyers hesitant:
- Battery Life: 360° footage consumes more power than linear shots. At the $319 price point, the Max doesn’t come with a spare battery, so you’ll need to purchase a “5‑Minute Battery Pack” or a “2‑Pack” if you plan on extended shooting sessions.
- Software Updates: While GoPro’s GoPro App remains robust, some users have reported lag during the 360° stitching process, especially on older smartphones. GoPro claims it will continue to roll out firmware improvements.
- Price Sensitivity: In markets where a standard HERO camera is cheaper than the Max (often around $200–$250 for a HERO8), budget‑conscious buyers might still see the Max as a premium option.
How to Purchase
The article provides a direct link to Amazon’s product page, where users can add the camera to their cart and apply the discount at checkout. Amazon’s standard shipping and return policies apply, which is a plus for risk‑averse buyers who might want to test the Max before committing. Additionally, the “Buy with Prime” option offers free two‑day shipping for Prime members—another layer of convenience.
Bottom Line
For anyone looking to experiment with 360° video or who wants a versatile camera that can do both linear and spherical filming, the GoPro Max offers a compelling proposition—especially at the discounted $319 price. The device still feels slightly dated compared to the latest HERO models, but the cost advantage, combined with GoPro’s ecosystem and community support, makes the Max an attractive buy for adventurers and creators who don’t want to carry a dozen cameras.
Whether the deal will hold or the Max will be replaced by a newer model soon after depends on GoPro’s release cycle. Still, for those who want a proven 360° camera without the premium price tag of the Max 2 or the HERO11, Amazon’s current discount is a win. Keep an eye on the deal, but act quickly—if the promotion is indeed set to expire end‑of‑September, you’ll want to lock in the price before the next price hike.
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Read the Full CNET Article at:
[ https://www.cnet.com/deals/film-all-your-adventures-with-the-gopro-max-at-121-off-on-amazon/ ]