GoPro Mission 1 Pro ILS Review: Is $699.99 Worth It for Lens Flexibility?

The GoPro Mission 1 Pro ILS is a specialized tool for creative individuals who prioritize flexibility and image quality over the brand’s signature ease of use and ruggedness. It offers a unique opportunity to leverage GoPro’s excellent 1-inch sensor with a vast array of Micro Four Thirds lenses, but this comes at the expense of convenience and durability.

Introducing the GoPro Mission 1 Pro ILS: A New Direction

The GoPro Mission 1 Pro ILS represents a significant departure for GoPro, marking its first foray into interchangeable lenses. This camera pairs the company’s acclaimed 1-inch sensor with the versatility of a Micro Four Thirds mount, a stark contrast to its fixed-lens predecessors. It is the third model in the Mission 1 series.

Unlike the rugged action cameras GoPro is known for, the ILS is designed as a creative instrument. It encourages users to think more deliberately about their shots, focusing on image quality and lens choice rather than simply capturing every moment on the fly.

The Unexpected Challenge of Using the ILS

Using the GoPro Mission 1 Pro ILS is a fundamentally different experience from operating a typical GoPro. It demands a slower, more considered approach, requiring users to pay close attention to settings and focus. This can be a significant adjustment for longtime GoPro users accustomed to its point-and-shoot nature.

Achieving the desired results involves a steep learning curve. The payoff for this increased effort is sharper, more thoughtfully composed footage and still images. A major hurdle in this new workflow is the complete absence of autofocus, a feature central to GoPro’s previous designs.

Unlocking Versatility: The Power of Interchangeable Lenses

The primary strength of the GoPro Mission 1 Pro ILS lies in its remarkable versatility, largely thanks to its native Micro Four Thirds mount. This opens up a world of hundreds of compatible lenses, far beyond the fixed 14mm lens found on the standard Mission 1 Pro.

This allows for specialized shooting scenarios, such as extreme close-ups that are impossible with a regular GoPro. GoPro provides an official compatibility list to guide users in selecting the right optics, making it arguably the most adaptable camera the company has ever produced.

Trade-offs and Considerations for the ILS

This increased flexibility comes with notable compromises. The GoPro Mission 1 Pro ILS is expensive and significantly less rugged than other GoPro models. It also lacks the crucial features of autofocus and horizon lock.

Instead of being waterproof, the ILS is only weatherproof. Unlike the standard Mission 1 Pro, which offers 20m waterproofing without a housing, the ILS should not be submerged in water, a substantial departure from GoPro’s traditional durability focus.

Price and Value Proposition of the Mission 1 Pro ILS

The GoPro Mission 1 Pro ILS is priced at $699.99. For existing GoPro subscribers, the price is reduced to $599.99. These prices are for the camera body only, and users must purchase Micro Four Thirds lenses separately, as GoPro does not offer its own.

This cost is identical to the standard Mission 1 Pro’s launch price. However, the standard model has since seen a $100 price reduction. This means the ILS carries a $100 premium over the fixed-lens Mission 1 Pro, which includes a built-in lens, 20m waterproofing, and autofocus.

Verdict: A Creative Tool for the Dedicated User

Despite its compromises, the GoPro Mission 1 Pro ILS stands out as a genuinely distinct and capable GoPro camera.

It demands more effort from the user than its predecessors, but this is intrinsic to its nature as a creative tool. The Laowa 7.5mm f/2.0 lens, a manual focus and aperture prime, exemplifies the intended usage for this camera.

This camera is not for everyone. Its appeal is targeted towards a niche audience willing to invest the time and effort to unlock its creative potential. The result is a different, more deliberate kind of GoPro experience.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Price: $699.99 (Body only); $599.99 for GoPro subscribers.
• Sensor: 1-inch sensor with Micro Four Thirds mount.
• Durability: Weatherproof, not waterproof.
• Features Lost: Autofocus, horizon lock, 20m waterproofing.
• Lens Mount: Native Micro Four Thirds mount.
• Internal Storage: None; requires microSD cards (V30 or Class A2 rated).
• Video Capabilities: 8K Open Gate up to 30fps (no crop) / 8K/60p (cropped).
• Weight: 197g (excluding lens).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the GoPro Mission 1 Pro ILS?

The GoPro Mission 1 Pro ILS is a specialized camera that combines GoPro’s 1-inch sensor with a Micro Four Thirds lens mount. It’s designed for creative flexibility rather than the rugged, point-and-shoot action typically associated with GoPro products.

Why is the ILS different from other GoPros?

Unlike traditional GoPros, the ILS requires users to manually focus and work harder for shots. It sacrifices features like autofocus and waterproofing for the ability to use interchangeable lenses, making it a more deliberate creative tool.

What lenses can I use with the GoPro Mission 1 Pro ILS?

The ILS features a native Micro Four Thirds mount, allowing compatibility with hundreds of Micro Four Thirds lenses. GoPro offers an official compatibility list to help users choose suitable optics.

What are the main downsides of the GoPro Mission 1 Pro ILS?

Key drawbacks include the absence of autofocus and horizon lock, its weatherproof rather than waterproof design, and a higher price point compared to the standard Mission 1 Pro. Manual focus on small screens can also be challenging.

Worth it if: You are a dedicated creator seeking maximum lens flexibility and image quality from a compact camera and are comfortable with manual controls and a less rugged design.
Skip if: You need a highly durable, waterproof action camera for extreme sports, prefer the simplicity of autofocus and automated settings, or are on a tighter budget.