GoPro max review
Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Go!
Have you met a sound card that looks like a flash drive, and even contains a real flash drive inside? This is exactly what the X-Fi Go USB sound card is.!
Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Go! was introduced in the fall of 2008. The name X-Fi Go! can be perceived as the command “march!” or the slogan “go ahead, X-Fi!”
While X-Fi Go! can be connected to any computer with USB input, be it a desktop PC or laptop. The card is distinguished by its record miniature size and the absence of unnecessary functionality. only an output and a microphone input are available. The output can work as a line-out or headphone-out. When turned on, the card asks what the user is connecting right now. In the case of headphones, X-Fi CMSS-3D Headphone audio processing and a special preset in games are activated.
Oddly enough, the manufacturer is counting on using this card, first of all, on stationary computers. The scenario of use is as follows: the user writes saves, patches, mods to the built-in memory (the drivers for the card are already written to the flash drive). Next, the gamer goes to the gaming club and connects it to the computer available there, and then uses it with convenience. In order not to get a virus or accidentally delete saves, X-Fi Go! Has a hardware write-protect switch.
The card has no hardware DSP. But all EAX versions are supported by software, up to EAX Advanced HD 4.0.
The main competitor of the card is the integrated sound of the motherboard. Let’s try to compare them with each other.
| Parameter | Integrated sound | X-Fi Go! |
| Price | free (cost of codec 1) | 60 |
| DAC / ADC quality | mediocre to good depending on model | OK |
| Convenience | mediocre | OK |
| Number of channels | 2 in laptop, 8 in desktop | 2 |
| Digital output | absent in notebooks, present in desktop | absent |
| EAX support | software EAX2.0, unchanged since 2000 | software EAX4.0 |
| Number of DirectSound3D / OpenAL buffers | 32 | 64 |
| Identifying a Connector in a Socket | Yes | Yes |
| Driver functionality | mediocre | very good |
| Headphone support | from mediocre to acceptable | OK |
As you can see from the table, since the X-Fi Go! the card is software, it falls short of full-fledged X-Fi. On the other hand, it is cheaper than hardware cards and has advanced functionality.
A more functional Creative software card is Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1, which has analog 5.1 output, digital output, line-in.
X-Fi Go! can work with USB1.1 port, but it is recommended to use USB2.0. To make sure that the card is operating at maximum speed, just look at the connection speed in the control panel of the card. it should be Full Speed.
When the signal passed through the internal path of the card, the measured delay for the MME interface was 34 ms. On the analog path 58 ms. Most likely, such a large buffering was introduced to improve the stability of the work. Enabling CMSS-3D increases latency to 75ms.
It’s very strange that the card’s specifications describe 24-bit support for recording and 16-bit for playback. As testing shows, the internal path of the card is absolutely 24-bit. Another thing is that converters do not go beyond 16 bits.
Passport specifications Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Go!
| Interface | USB 1.1 (USB2.0 recommended) |
| Playback | 16 bit / 48 kHz |
| Signal / noise | ≥96 dBA |
| Recording | 24 bit / 48 kHz |
| Input impedance | ≥2.2 kΩ |
| Connectors | Microphone input (minijack) Headphone output (minijack) |
| X-Fi technologies | X-Fi CrystalizerX-Fi CMSS-3D EAX Advanced HD 4.0 Open AL |
| Dimensions (edit) | 27.6 x 10.4 x 66 mm |
| The weight | 17 g |
| Memory | 1 GB |
Supported OS list: Windows 7 64/32, Vista 64/32, Windows XP 64, Windows XP SP2, Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004.
The appearance of the card control panel is familiar to us from the Audigy2 and X-Fi sound cards. But most of all similarities with Creative software cards like X-Fi Surround 5.1.
RightMark 3D Sound Diagnostics
Features: DirectSound 2D Hardware: Yes DirectSound 3D Hardware: Yes EAX 1.0: Available EAX 2.0: Available EAX 3.0: Available EAX 4.0: Available EAX 5.0: N / A
Rates: dwMinSecondarySampleRate 100 dwMaxSecondarySampleRate 192000
Free buffers stats: dwFreeHw3DAllBuffers 64 dwFreeHw3DStaticBuffers 64 dwFreeHw3DStreamingBuffers 64 dwFreeHwMixingAllBuffers 64 dwFreeHwMixingStaticBuffers 64 dwFreeHwMixingStreamingBuffers 64
Max buffers stats: dwMaxHwMixingAllBuffers 65 dwMaxHwMixingStaticBuffers 65 dwMaxHwMixingStreamingBuffers 65 dwMaxHw3DAllBuffers 65 dwMaxHw3DStaticBuffers 65 dwMaxHw3DStreamingBuffers 65
Misc stats: dwFreeHwMemBytes 0 dwTotalHwMemBytes 0 dwMaxContigFreeHwMemBytes 0 dwUnlockTransferRateHwBuffers 0 dwPlayCpuOverheadSwBuffers 0
The device supports EAX up to and including 4.0. There are 64 hardware buffers. The same diagnostics for the X-Fi Surround 5.1 card, which suggests universal drivers.
Testing in RightMark Audio Analyzer 6.2.3
| Testing device | X-Fi Go! |
| Sampling mode | 24-bit, 44 kHz |
| Interface | MME |
| Testing chain | line-out |
| RMAA Version | 6.2.3 PRO |
| 20 Hz. 20 kHz filter | ON |
| Normalize amplitude | ON |
| Level change | -5.4 dB / 5.3 dB |
| Mono mode | OFF |
| Calibration singal, Hz | 1000 |
| Polarity | correct / correct |
| Frequency response (from 40 Hz to 15 kHz), dB | 0.17.2.03 | Average |
| Noise level, dB (A) | -83.1 | Good |
| Dynamic range, dB (A) | 82.9 | Good |
| THD,% | 0.049 | Good |
| THD Noise, dB (A) | -63.8 | Poor |
| IMD Noise,% | 0.346 | Average |
| Stereo crosstalk, dB | -83.9 | Very good |
| IMD at 10 kHz,% | 8.909 | Very poor |
| General performance | Average |
| Testing device | X-Fi Go! |
| Sampling mode | 24-bit, 48 kHz |
| Interface | |
| Testing chain | line-out |
| RMAA Version | 6.2.3 PRO |
| 20 Hz. 20 kHz filter | ON |
| Normalize amplitude | ON |
| Level change | -5.4 dB / 5.3 dB |
| Mono mode | OFF |
| Calibration singal, Hz | 1000 |
| Polarity | correct / correct |
| Frequency response (from 40 Hz to 15 kHz), dB | 0.21.2.98 | Average |
| Noise level, dB (A) | -82.7 | Good |
| Dynamic range, dB (A) | 82.5 | Good |
| THD,% | 0.049 | Good |
| THD Noise, dB (A) | -63.8 | Poor |
| IMD Noise,% | 0.054 | Good |
| Stereo crosstalk, dB | -80.7 | Very good |
| IMD at 10 kHz,% | 0.059 | Good |
| General performance | Good |
We tested the Sound Blaster X-Fi Go! in speakers and headphones. Comparison was made with integrated HDA audio based on ALC888 and ALC889A codecs. The first one was located in a laptop, the second in a desktop PC. Also, the X-Fi Titanium card was tapped as a reference in the same conditions.
In high-quality active stereo speakers X-Fi Go! shows the sound level of the ALC889A. This is a good result for the Creative card, since the ALC889A codec has high passport parameters, for example, 108 dBA signal-to-noise ratio, and, as our last testing showed, it sounds very decent.
The real gradation takes place in the Philips SHE (16 Ohm), Creative HQ-1500 (32 Ohm), Sennheiser HD600 (300 Ohm) headphones. The first place among the cards in terms of quality was taken by X-Fi Titanium. The purest and most comfortable sound, the low-frequency register is normal. X-Fi Go! has its own cutoff on bass even at high impedance, so there is a little less bass (but they are audible) and a little less detail. Next, in terms of quality, comes ALC888. a very strange codec. Setting the volume above 5% can damage the headphones (and possibly the user’s ears). The bass is about the level of X-Fi Go !, but the sound is very sharp. The worst impression in the headphones is made by the ALC889A. there is a strong dip in low frequencies and the character is even sharper, repulsive. The situation improves with increasing impedance. On the Sennheiser HD600, the lows are almost completely restored, but there is a problem of the lack of volume headroom. The situation with integrated audio can vary greatly from computer to computer, however, these codec models are quite modern and widespread.
In total, the sound of X-Fi Go! has significant advantages when working with headphones.
X-Fi Go! interesting and unusual product. Although Creative positions this card purely for gamers, it may be interesting for regular users as well. The card outperforms integrated sound in all respects, is inexpensive, and has good driver support. For those who have X-Fi Go! not enough, X-Fi Surround 5.1 or X-Fi hardware cards can be recommended.
GoPro MAX. conclusions
For many years, the American company GoPro has produced exclusively action cameras and accessories. If you are into active sports, including alpine skiing, water skiing, snowboarding, skydiving or bungee jumping, then you simply must have a camera from this family. For a long time there was even a joke: “I bought myself a GoPro, now I have to live interestingly!”.
Since 2004, the company has been producing the Hero line of cameras. During this time, the brand name has become a concept for any action camera, just as the Xerox brand name has become a household name for everything that copies documents. It is not uncommon for cases when, when speaking of “gooproshka”, they mean any action camera, even from GoPro, even from Sony, even from Xiaomi.
So, the company has been creating some of the best action cameras for a decade and a half. Interestingly, during this time there was an attempt to release their own GoPro KARMA quadrocopter, but the project literally did not take off. A three-axis GoPro KARMA Grip was also created, but still the main product remained the Hero line cameras. Many people fell in love with them and used them literally everywhere. For example, in almost all videos of the American drifter Ken Block, several dozen cameras are used. Almost all professional extreme sportsmen also use GoPro, and the picture from the cameras is constantly used in TV broadcasts with the X Games. You can also remember the full-length film “Hardcore” by Ilya Nayshuller, filmed with GoPro cameras.
And in 2019, a fundamentally new GoPro MAX camera appeared for the brand, which came to us for a test. Its main feature is that it is a 360-degree camera.
Note that the camera appeared on the market at a time when interest in 360-degree video declined slightly. Yours truly tested similar products from HTC, Samsung and LG. Where are they today? Apparently in the same place as portable virtual reality helmets. However, this is a completely different story.
GoPro MAX looks familiar to the brand’s devices: a small cube (64 x 69 x 24 mm) weighing 154 grams along with a battery. The external difference with the GoPro Hero 8 is a slightly larger size and the presence of two pupils, front and back. They provide a 360-degree view.
There is a GoPro logo on the front as well as a microphone. At the back, in addition to the same microphone grill (if you write 360-video, then the sound must be recorded from all sides!), The main element is a 2-inch touchscreen display. Unfortunately, we did not find information about the screen resolution anywhere.
On the side, under the protective cover, there is a USB-C port for charging, a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 1600 mAh and a microSD slot. You can install a memory card not lower than Class 10 or UHS-1 into the device. these are the recommendations of the brand. We’ll add a size tip: cards smaller than 32GB can be a bit cramped, since 360-degree video is so heavy. On the other side there is a mode change key.
Above is the recording start button. And all the precise control and camera settings are carried out through the touchscreen display. The physical keys are used precisely to turn on recording and switch modes: they are convenient to use, for example, with gloves. In addition, the camera supports voice control. up to 14 commands. During the test, she regularly responded to “GoPro, take a photo” or “GoPro, stop video”. naturally, in Russian.
But, perhaps, the main feature of the camera body is not two “eyes”, not a touchscreen display and not even buttons, but comfortable ears, or hinges. On the official website, they are called clamping rings and are intended for attaching accessories, which, if desired, can be quickly removed into the case and placed the camera vertically on any surface. Previously, there was no such thing in the cameras of the brand.!
But still GoPro is about accessories. The set includes only a standard mount for 3M tape: this way the camera can be glued, for example, on the hood of a car. In the case of MAX, you need to immediately attend to the purchase of the Grip monopod, which acts as a kind of selfie stick. It is permissible to use a third-party selfie stick, but it can fall into the frame on a 360 video, and the original accessory from such a video completely disappears!
Speaking of the delivery set. In addition to the GoPro MAX camera, battery and curved adhesive mount, it includes 2 protective lenses, 2 lens caps, a microfiber bag, mounting buckle and screw, as well as instructions and a warranty card.
| GoPro MAX Specifications | |
| Screen | 2 inches, touch |
| Memory card | microSD Class 10 or UHS-1 or higher (sold separately) |
| The size | 64 x 69 x 24 mm |
| The weight | 154 grams (including battery) |
| Battery | lithium-ion, 1600 mAh |
| Ports | USB-C, microSD |
| Voice control | there is |
| Video functions | 5.6K 360-degree shooting 30 fps, 1440p: 60, 30, 24 fps Max SuperView, wide. Linear, Narrow FOV, 1080p: 60, 30, 24 fps SuperView, Wide FOV, Linear, Narrow FOV |
| High bitrate video (H.264) | 78Mbps (1440p) |
| Photo Resolution | 16.6 MP 360-Photo, 5.5 MP |
| Timelapse intervals | 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 30, 60 seconds |
| Viewing angle | shooting in 360˚, Max SuperView, wide. linear, narrow |
| Video stabilization | Max HyperSmooth |
| Water resistance | 5 meters |
GoPro MAX Action Camera Review
GoPro MAX Features Overview
You have to understand that we are not facing a fully action camera and not a fully 360-degree camera. This is something in between, in fact a new product or even a class of devices that will suit both a moderate extreme and a travel blogger who wants to always stay in the frame. The latter is the main function and feature of the device. At the same time, let’s be honest, today nobody needs 360-degree cameras in their usual form and with the possibility of using virtual reality in a helmet. The very idea of turning the camera around while viewing instead of the operator is rather strange on the one hand, on the other, it requires special sophistication and costs when shooting. And the market has not been filled with VR devices. they are expensive and inconvenient, require powerful computers, and so on.
Full 360-degree video with GoPro MAX (uses a gyroscope when viewed on a smartphone)
Why was the GoPro MAX created? Yes, she shoots a video in 360, but we almost never upload it in its original form (although it is possible to upload a 30-second video in 360-degree form and a 90-second one to YouTube directly from the application), but we process it in a proprietary application and editing the video in Full HD. It’s easy (well, relatively easy): in the program, you can zoom the image, choose the tilt and direction of shooting. It is at this moment, and not during the shooting, that you actually turn into a cameraman.
An example of a 360-degree video uploaded from the GoPro app directly to YouTube, limited to 90 seconds
The GoPro MAX is not a professional camera. It is unlikely that we will see a full-fledged film shot on it. This is an amateur model for bloggers, for family use, for creating effective content on social networks. It is important to say that the camera has a Hero operating mode, in which it actually turns into a device of this line, shooting video from only one lens with a 180-degree viewing angle. But still, at this moment, she records video with a maximum resolution of Full HD, playing GoPro Hero 8 and less current models. What kind of professional production is this? But at the same time, you can edit a short and effective video from this camera, and this is a really cool opportunity.!
Mounted in the GoPro app with a 16: 9 aspect ratio
An interesting point. thanks to spherical photography, MAX provides very good stabilization, it also knows how to automatically level the horizon. It is worth noting the fact that the proprietary Grip monopod, which we talked about above, is automatically cut out of photos and videos. it has a specially calculated length and thickness. This attention to detail is amazing and delightful. And with 360-degree photography, this is very important.
In addition to classic video shooting, the GoPro MAX has other interesting features. For example TimeWarp 2.0. This is an automated time-lapse survey of hyperlaps. The camera automatically detects the speed of movement and selects the frame rate, aligns frames in hyperlapse relative to each other. At the same time, you can stop interval shooting and record part of the video at normal speed, which makes the picture really come to life! But there is also shooting of classic time-lapses here, and they look very impressive too.
GoPro MAX can also be used as a camera. In this case, you can shoot with one or both lenses.
It is not very interesting to watch 360-degree photos until I processed the image in the application and selected the panorama assembly point.
Can also shoot with one camera, taking classic 180-degree shots, just like with Hero cameras.
But the main thing in GoPro MAX is not the camera, but the proprietary GoPro app. Working with him, you understand that MAX is just a tool, and by turning on the program and loading content into it, you become an operator and director. It is the GoPro app that allows you to make 360-degree content suitable for distribution or sharing.
It is worth saying a little about him. For example, the direction of gaze can be set both using the gyro sensor of the smartphone (by turning the smartphone), and with your finger, rotating the 360-degree video on the screen. Editing is carried out by setting key points on the screen with the selected size of the plan and direction of view, the position of the horizon. Between them, the application itself imposes smooth transitions. Also, in the program, you can save absolutely any frame from the video as a photo, having also pre-processed it (by choosing the size and the assembling point of the panorama). And videos in the application can be created both horizontal and vertical, which is convenient for both YouTube and Instagram.
GoPro MAX. conclusions
GoPro MAX is not just a camera, it is a device of the future that allows you to shoot spectacular videos as if from the side without the participation of an operator. It is very convenient that you can shoot a video once and after the fact choose the direction of the camera, the close-up, and so on. over, it is possible to use one video several times: change key points, angles, aspect ratio and size. So, for Instagram, you can make a vertical video for Stories and a square one for a post, as well as render a video with an aspect ratio of 16: 9 and upload it to YouTube. In this case, the GoPro MAX, along with the GoPro App, is a true creative tool for the passionate. We can say that the control of the final video result is at your fingertips, and this is really very cool.
Perhaps the camera lacks output resolution. after all, we are already accustomed to 4K resolution. In addition, the MAX does not perform well in low light conditions. It’s also a bit of a shame that the accessory you really need for the GoPro MAX. the Grip monopod. will have to be purchased separately. On the other hand, you get access to a database of dozens of accessories.
But still, like any other camera, the GoPro is not as simple as it seems. It’s easy to shoot with, but the GoPro app is impossible to take on a swoop. It takes several hours of getting to know the application and working with the video to achieve a truly worthwhile result, which you will not be ashamed to social networks. You need to prepare for this, as well as for the fact that when shooting video with the GoPro MAX, you always remain in the frame. And take my word for it, it’s psychologically difficult to constantly smile for the camera and try to pose, and in the case of the GoPro MAX, this is simply impossible to avoid. But you can bring an interesting and unusual video from your trip and trip. Well, yes, as in the joke that we recalled at the very beginning of the article. with the GoPro MAX, as well as with the action camera, you will have to live interesting!
GoPro Max: 360 градусов экшена
- a simple tool for 360-degree photography;
- the ability to shoot in Hero mode;
- touch screen and voice control;
- the opportunity to be a cameraman and director after shooting;
- good image stabilization;
- the ability to shoot Timelapse and TimeWarp;
- access to several dozen GoPro accessories;
- moisture protection (up to 5 meters);
- high-quality assembly and recognizable design.
- insufficiently high resolution;
- weak work in low light;
- full potential is revealed only in the application;
- the capabilities of the application must be studied in sufficient detail;
- restrictions on downloading 360-degree videos from the application: YouTube. 90 seconds. 30 seconds;
- the set does not include the main accessory for 360-degree shooting. the Grip monopod;
- the camera always shoots you.
Shooting modes
The GoPro Max has two sides to its personality. This is primarily 360-degree shooting and all modes present on the Hero 8 Black.
You can treat Max as you would any other GoPro by capturing pre-made clips for YouTube. And if you want more, you can shoot 360-degree video and edit it in standard widescreen format with amazing panning and zooming.
OverCapture has been completely overhauled and renamed Reframe
GoPro has come up with the OverCapture concept on the Fusion camera. The idea was great, but the execution was not what we would like. You have to spend a very long time to get the results that GoPro promised.
OverCapture has been completely overhauled and renamed Reframe. It’s much simpler and uses a timeline that lets you quickly create neat effects right on your phone. precise control will be available, in desktop applications and via plugins for video editing. Fusion camera owners will also get a new editing style as the style changes throughout the GoPro app.
In addition to the OverCapture function, the GoPro Max has slightly better image quality thanks to elements such as tone mapping enhancements. They are made possible by using the GP1 processor that is used in Black cameras starting with the GoPro Hero 6 Black. In addition, the company claims that the sensors and lens hardware remain the same as on the GoPro Fusion.
Shooting video
Shooting 360-degree video looks great. The footage is very interesting to watch on your phone. To edit it in an easy-to-share form, you now just need to set a few “keyframes” in the GoPro app. This means that you work with the image using scaling and other manipulations to get the correct field of view at a specific point in the video. After that, the application smoothly transitions between these states.
The GoPro Max also includes a Quick feature in the main GoPro app. Quik allows you to automatically edit clips, in a public form, complete with music and automatically synced transitions. This is a pretty clever solution that takes the most interesting parts in the clips and uses them.
In addition, when shooting video, the Time Warp function is used. According to the developer’s description on his website, Max Time Warp is a regular TimeLapse, only slightly modified. The work of this function is that the camera creates still frames and glues them into a video. At the same time, at the same time, the picture is analyzed for changes in movement and light. When motion is detected, the camera automatically switches to video recording mode at normal speed. After that, when the movement ends, the camera switches back to interval mode.
In terms of audio recording, the GoPro Max has 6 microphones designed for surround sound recording. We recorded some of the music that was played on studio monitors using the Max and Hero 8 Black to listen to the quality of the mics themselves. While Max’s good results were not a surprise, it appears to have slightly lower bass levels and possibly better mid-range performance. On the other hand, the Hero 8 Black offers better treble sound.
GoPro Max design
The two biggest hardware upgrades to the GoPro Max are its size and screen. The GoPro Max looks much more than a regular Hero camera. It is slightly taller, but not much thicker than the Hero 8 Black. Thus, she feels confident in standard GoPro situations. It’s also much lighter, which is good news for drone owners.
Max has a water resistance rating of 5 ATM, like other GoPro Hero cameras. However, GoPro claims that the lenses are not very suitable for shooting underwater, as the image is blurry. Thus, the company hints that you can try shooting underwater, but don’t expect amazing results.
The Max controls are more like the Hero 8 Black controls because the Max has a screen. It allows you to switch between different modes without relying on beeps or a multicolor LED. The classic red “shooting” LED is still present on this camera. This is important because when shooting, the display turns off after a while. This wait time can be useful anyway, as the glowing screen tends to attract even more attention when your action camera is mounted on a tripod.
GoPro Max is equipped with a screen for more convenient control
GoPro Max Image Quality
The maximum video recording resolution has not changed. Max shoots 360-degree video at up to 5.6K resolution. GoPro Hero 7 Black or 8 Black are probably better suited for video shooting if you want to easily handle normal 4K footage when the GoPro is attached to your bike’s handlebars or your helmet.
GoPro Max supports HyperSmooth 2.0 stabilization mode
GoPro Max review: the most accessible 360 camera
Stabilization is the most impressive feature of the GoPro Max. Like the Hero 8 Black, it supports HyperSmooth 2.0. Since the Max has an even wider lens, there is more information outside the scene that can be used to stabilize. The camera also has a great horizon feature that keeps your footage upright even when your camera is tilted.
Surprisingly, stabilization does not in any way affect the width of the viewing angle or the resolution of the camera. The stabilizer on this camera is not optical, but electronic or software. On the GoPro Max, the gimbal is equipped with tilt sensors and a gyroscope. Such stabilizers, unlike optical ones, compensate for shaking due to the free area of the sensor, which significantly reduces the resolution of the camera. Nevertheless, do not be afraid to turn on the stabilizer when shooting, as on GoPro cameras, for the stabilizer, sufficient for its operation, the sensor area is preset, which is not involved in unstabilized shooting.
Our conclusion
GoPro Max cannot be considered a major upgrade to the Fusion camera. Despite the differences in image quality, lenses and sensors have not changed significantly. However, the real usefulness of the camera has changed a lot. GoPro has simplified the editing process and the camera itself is smaller and lighter. In addition, you can use it as a 360-degree circular camera.
The Max action camera offers superior stabilization for spectacular video recordings. The GoPro Max is a very useful and popular 360-degree camera. It is intended for those who want to film cycling, various holidays and family events.
Control
GoPro has made it easier to control your camera. In the previous model, we used buttons, voice control and a mobile editing app. Now a touchscreen has been added to this list. Previously, it was a monochrome square that displayed technical indicators. Max has more features.
The main function is the preview. In real time, you can see how the shooting is going. Before that, it was required to shoot and unload the materials, but they are voluminous for a panoramic camera. It’s a shame to shoot a video, and then notice that I forgot to remove the protective cap from the lens. Max has no such danger, because there is always a preview in front of his eyes.
The second function of the screen is to control the camera. It still displays the recording time, free space on the card and charge level. But now it is a touch screen, and through it the shooting modes are switched. To do this, you need to swipe left or right. Intuitive and simple control on the camera body.
Functions
Viewing angles are adjustable. They duplicate the GoPro HERO8’s range of viewing angles: wide, linear and standard. The standard viewing angle is the most difficult technically. It is used for macro. The peculiarity is that the included standard angle of view removes the fish-eye effect from the recording. This way you get close-ups without distortion.
Time warp. a mode for shooting time lapse in motion. HERO8 has this feature, and there stabilization works. Coconuts Hyper smooth stabilization also works, with it you get time-lapse shots with a “fixed” horizon. With this feature, you get smooth and accelerated spherical video in motion.
Shoots photos without distortion. Lenses with 270 ° are located on both sides. Because of this, the image overlaps and you get an image without gluing. Therefore, in post-processing you will be able to select an image in any direction without distortion.
Spherical mode for smartphones and Instagram. Optionally, you can generate a 16: 9 picture for viewing on smartphones and 4: 3 for posting on Instagram.
In addition, the camera has 2 slow mo modes.
The mobile application has been redesigned separately. Installation is now easier and faster. Removed footage will now take less time to process.
Design
The design of the camera has changed not only with the addition of the screen. One of the challenges that the engineers faced was to improve sound recording. For a panoramic camera, when it shoots in 360, it is important to also record surround sound along with the visual part.
In the previous model. Fusion. the sound was recorded by 4 microphones, which made it surround. The GoPro Max has 6 microphones, so the sound is more accurately distributed to the sides, and the recording is more realistic in sound. One of the microphones is directional, it is located next to the screen. This is convenient when you are filming your speech for a walk or blogging.
GoPro Max inherits a frameless mount from Fusion. On the underside of the case there are fold-out “ears” that connect with accessories. So no additional frames are required for the connection. You connect the camera to tripods directly. “Ears” are made of metal, so you don’t have to worry about their strength.
Fusion recorded on 2 memory cards. This was inconvenient because the camera would stop recording when the smaller card ran out of free space. Now, after a design update, the Max only has one memory card slot. Now it’s easier to upload captured frames to external media.
GoPro Max Review. GoPro’s flagship 360
The most anticipated new product of fall 2019 is the GoPro Max action camera. It came after the Fusion camera and has a list of updates, improvements and benefits. Today we’ll tell you what’s new in Max, and how to shoot in 360 now.
Stabilization
Max uses the Coconuts Hyper smooth stabilization system. This is electronic stabilization from GoPro HERO8 adapted to the format of a panoramic camera. Electronic image stabilization works differently for standard and spherical images. Due to the design features of the camera, stabilization is close to ideal.
For the traditional format, it works like this: the camera works with a pre-cut area of the frame. When the sensors detect displacement, the camera takes a part of the image outside of the frames, which crop the frame. The peculiarity of the panoramic camera is that it has no limit for additional material. Because of this, any shift is compensated for and the picture is smooth.
For 360 Coconuts, Hyper smooth works differently. To stabilize the spherical image, the camera “fixes” the horizon. After that, the image is stabilized along the mowing line and frame shifts are compensated for by processing. This is how the camera makes the shots smooth both in the plane and in the spherical format.
Equipment
Camera itself Storage pouch Battery Protective lenses and lens caps Cable Curved platform Mounting buckle and screw
Important detail: The battery is not compatible with the previous model. In Fusion and Max, you only need to use native batteries.
GoPro Max panoramic action camera review
It’s been a long time since we’ve seen the brand’s new action cameras. His name plays the same role as the word “copier”, when a trademark means any copier. In exactly the same way, the word “GoPro” has long become synonymous with an action camera, and deservedly so.
GoPro Max is perhaps the most concise name ever used. There is no digital index in this title yet. Having two hemispherical lenses, the device allows panoramic photo and video shooting, and with the use of stabilization, which is technically quite difficult to implement. At the same time, the sound can be recorded by six (!) Built-in microphones, creating an atmosphere of complete immersion in the recording.
This time, the task will be difficult. The camera in question has an unusual design that requires careful study and search for scenes to shoot, which is not easy to do in such a short time.
Design, technical characteristics
The packaging of the camera has a traditional design, consisting of a box with accessories and a transparent cover, under which the camera proudly flaunts on a pedestal.
In the accessories compartment, you can find the following components:
- a pad with a curved sticky base for attaching the camera to the helmet
- branded battery
- two protective lenses
- cloth case for carrying the camera, which has two s for storing lenses
- two protective lens caps
- USB to USB Type-C cable
- user guide
- warranty card, leaflets
What’s missing in the kit? Of course, mounts for all occasions: on the steering wheel, on a tripod or monopod, on the windshield of a car. Alas, all these additional accessories are traditionally purchased for GoPro and other “promoted” brands separately and cost quite a lot of money.
The body of the device is made of an aluminum base and durable plastic with a soft-touch rubber coating that prevents the camera from slipping out of your hands. The main lens here is considered to be the one that is located on the side that does not have a display. Although the parameters of both cameras are exactly the same, in contrast to the cameras of smartphones. There is a grill with holes next to each lens. built-in microphones are hidden under them.
The 34x19mm touchscreen display is good at picking up touch and recognizing swipes. Trying to operate the camera with gloved hands is useless. Unless, of course, the fingers of the gloves do not have special inserts.
Hemispherical lenses protrude from the body by 6 mm, this is required for panoramic shooting. But because of this, they are very easy to get dirty or damaged. No matter how you take the camera, wherever you put it. you must at least one lens, but you will “flash”.
From the controls there are only two buttons: on the side, to turn on the camera and change the shooting mode, and at the top, to start and stop recording. By the way, the camera can shoot without first turning it on. It is enough to press the record button and hold it for three seconds. the camera will turn on and immediately start recording in panoramic time-lapse mode. One short press will start instant recording in the default mode. The fastening ears were originally made: in order not to increase the dimensions of the camera and it was possible to install it vertically without the use of fasteners, they were made retractable into the recess, like the landing gear of an aircraft.
As usual, we deeply regret the lack of a standard threaded tripod hole. There is no mount more reliable than ordinary metal thread, which is available in absolutely any tripod and is wider than all other types of mounts widespread in all kinds of car / motorcycle holders, mini tripods, monopods, etc.
On the right side of the body there is a sliding hinged cover, it is fixed with a pawl. Under the cover there is a compartment for a removable battery, a slot for a memory card and a USB Type-C port for charging the battery.
The camera attachment requires additional fixation, which is provided by a rubber sealing insert. It will not allow the plastic legs to disperse, with the help of which the mount is snapped into the rails of the mounting platform.
The included protective lenses are non-threaded and fit tightly over the rubberized rims of the camera lenses. The covers are designed to protect standard lenses, without lenses. On the lenses, the caps are also held in place by friction.
With protective lenses put on, the camera seriously adds in size, but you have to worry less about the safety of the lens glasses.
Due to the fact that the structurally sealed device does not have any ventilation holes or open metal areas that remove internal heat to the outside, there are suspicions about possible overheating of the electronics during long-term operation of the camera. To check the camera for heating, turn on the recording and leave the working device for a while, after which we will take a picture of it with a thermal imager. The following shots were taken after 15 minutes of recording in 360 ° panoramic mode (dual camera shooting) to ensure that both sensors are warmed up for sure.
It can be seen that some areas of the camera body have heated up to 52 ° C. Somewhere here, most likely, a processor is hidden, which processes two video streams and stitches them into a panorama. Yes, the temperature is quite high, but still not so critical as to sound the alarm. It remains to add that the testing was carried out in a room with a temperature of 23-24 ° C.
The main technical characteristics of the device are shown in the following table:
This and other information can be seen on the product page.
First of all, let’s study the technical parameters of the video that the camera records. It offers a choice of three video shooting modes with different frame sizes and different frequencies, and there is also a choice of codec (except for panoramic shooting, it is always recorded in HEVC). By the way, the frequency also depends on the region settings, which are hidden in the camera in the parameter named “Flicker reduction”. In fact, this parameter is a PAL / NTSC switch, which means that the number of frame rates with which you can shoot is almost doubled. After all, NTSC is 24, 30 and 60 frames per second, while PAL is always a multiple of five, that is, 25 or 50 frames per second.
In the following table, you can see how the bit rate changes depending on the selected format and codec. It turns out that it is better to use compression in H.265 (HEVC), which seriously saves space on the memory card. On average by a third. And this is the first rule of using the camera.
| 4096 × 1344 | 24, 25, 30 | No | No | thirty | No | AAC stereo 192 kbps PCM 4 channels 6144 kbps |
| 1920 × 1440 | 24, 25, 30, 50, 60 | 78 | 60 | 60 | 45 | AAC stereo 192 kbps |
| 1920 × 1080 | 24, 25, 30, 50, 60 | 45 | thirty | 36 | 24 | AAC stereo 192 kbps |
Let’s clarify: the table shows the maximum bit rate with which the video is recorded at the maximum frame rate. As the frame rate is lowered, the bit rate also drops. For example, if a 1440p video at 60 frames per second has a bit rate of 60 Mbps, then in a video with the same frame size, but at 24 fps, the bit rate is reduced to 35 Mbps.
Bitrate in files is spent on the formation of key (I) and difference (P) frames, there are no bidirectional frames (B) in the stream.
Let’s continue our synthetic research. The next parameter, which is interesting and is, in fact, key for many cameras, is resolution. It is not difficult to measure it, everyone can repeat such experiments. To get a complete impression of the camera’s capabilities, we took measurements in all shooting modes, as well as with different viewing angles. And they did it for a reason. It turned out that changing the viewing angle tragically affects the resolution.
It can be seen that the maximum resolution is achieved in the 1920 × 1440 mode with the widest viewing angle: up to 1000 TV lines on the horizontal side of the frame. With a decrease in the viewing angle, the resolution drops down to 700 TV lines. In Full HD shooting mode, resolution also depends on the angle of view, starting with 800 TV lines on wide and ending with a funny 500 lines. This quality deformation suggests that the camera’s “native” shooting mode is the older one, with a frame size of 1920 × 1440, and obtained at the widest angle of view. When decreasing the angle, the camera just makes a crop of the frame, and the resulting piece of the picture stretches to the original area. This operation leads to a drop in detail. Here’s the second rule: henceforth we will only shoot in 1920 × 1440 60p mode with the widest angle.
By the way, an amazing thing! The activated stabilizer does not affect either the angle of view or the resolution of the camera. And this is strange, because the stabilizer in the camera is not optical, but electronic, that is, software (however, it seems that here it is also reinforced with tilt sensors, gyroscopes). Software stabilizers, unlike optical ones, compensate for shaking due to the free area of the sensor, which takes away a significant part of the resolution. But this is how it works in ordinary cameras, and this camera is a GoPro. Here, the stabilizer is initially allocated a sufficient area of the sensor for its operation, which is not involved in normal, unstabilized shooting.
From here we can deduce the third rule of shooting with this camera: the stabilizer can and should be used constantly, it does not lead to degradation of the picture. But, of course, except when shooting with a tripod. Because a working stabilizer with a fully still camera can give the effect of a floating picture.
You can clearly imagine the difference in detail and the nature of the picture, which give some recording modes, using the following freeze frames. This scene is mostly static, but we will definitely remove the dynamics. We apologize in advance for the leaden sky, but such is the latitude here.
Dignity
According to Apple, two materials were used in the creation at once: polycarbonate for the back and TPU for the sides. Surprisingly, there are no seams here, nothing like that. Everything is as transparent and accurate as possible. The case resembles a glass cocoon. And this is, of course, very cool. Through the case you can see the color of the device, an apple, somehow all this is very cleverly combined. And the cover here seems to be not a foreign part, but like the Predator’s armor. it’s strange without it, it’s cozy and good with it.
The installation of the case does not raise questions, you do not need to press very hard, you don’t need to hammer the iPhone with all your might. everything is as comfortable and good as possible. As you can see, the ends of the device are protected, there is a protrusion around the display and around the camera. the delicate glass turns out to be raised above the table. Reduces dust around lenses when used.
I really like the way the sleek case slips into your so easy and simple, just nice. You know, silicone cases cling to everything, but here once and that’s all. Great.
To some, the buttons seem a little tight. I think everything is just right here. The hole for the mute lever is sufficient, with any length of nails it is easy to find it.
disadvantages
The first drawback: the case is very slippery. I almost dropped it on the plane. keep in mind that such falls do not end well, smartphones easily roll into the slot on the side of the seat and only a team of specialists can get them out of there. That is, I say this in all seriousness, there are enough cases described.
But the silicone case on the plane can be safely resting on by opening the table, and you can also watch Kalina red. of course, you can put your iPad on, but on short trips I take a laptop with me, which I don’t particularly like to use in the air.
The second drawback: dust gets under the edges of the case. It needs to be cleaned periodically. Since the case is transparent, it is perfectly visible. You are sitting in the opposite lane, you have dust there. It’s not cool for a neat.
The third drawback: the back of the case is transparent, but only when you take it out of the package. In ordinary life, everything is in prints! Remember to periodically wipe the case with a soft cloth.
Verdict
I put on a Nomad for a day, everything is cool, but it is heavier, the apple is not visible, it sticks out of the the case is excellent, but, rather, for business trips or trips, when the plane is coming, and who knows what else.
Well, Apple’s transparent case is the perfect daily option for the iPhone 11 Pro Max. And the device is visible, and it is convenient to use, and wireless charging does not interfere. They promise that it will not turn yellow over time. I’ve been with him for several months. I will add impressions.
