The GoPro Mission One Pro autofocus problem
This is the GoPro Mission One Pro. It’s one of the most hyped cameras of the year because GoPro put a 1-inch sensor in an action camera.
There’s lots of 1-inch sensor cameras that fit in your pocket. The difference is rack focus. It does not have autofocus. That’s the first thing I point out when somebody asks if they should buy it.
Not sponsored. This is the honest take I filmed on Keli’i Discovers: The GoPro Mission One Pro Problem Nobody’s Talking About (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6L2KXPhGSM).
Everybody’s already talking about the features and settings. I’m nitpicking on purpose because you’re trying to decide whether this camera is for you.
What the 1-inch sensor actually gives you
If you’re an everyday consumer who wants a pocket camera for vlogging, yes — daytime footage is really good. Lots of open exposure. That’s what GoPro’s known for: high-quality footage in broad daylight.
You get a hood, which helps those shots. If you want more of that cinematic look and customizations, you do want an ND filter.
Zoo. Swimming. Tropical trip. Hiking. It’s convenient in your pocket and it’s durable. I used the quick capture on my Toledo Zoo trip. Turn-on is pretty quick. Standby runs well. It starts on the last setting, so you can grab moments on the go. That used to be unreliable on GoPro. That part got better.
What you still have to buy
You will need to buy a few things with this purchase.
- A microSD card
- ND filters
- You might want another battery — the updated battery supercharges fast (I said roughly five minutes and you’ve got a bunch of video shooting), but still
In the box? Paperwork. A couple of stickers. An adapter. Helmet mount. A quarter screw. That’s it.
Past GoPros used to send a hard-shell case so you could keep the camera and gadgets in one safe place. Not this time. You pretty much get the camera and a few little adapter pieces.
Mode switching vs DJI (for me)
I’m not trying to poop on GoPro. One thing I liked about DJI: if I’m on photo for a minute and I want my favorite video mode back, I click once and I’m there.
Not the case here. I have to click through every mode to get back to my favorite. Sometimes I miss it.
No swappable lenses — and the next one still won’t autofocus
This unit doesn’t have adjustable lenses. You’re not switching this lens out for the professional ALS-style setup.
The next Mission One where you can put an actual lens on still doesn’t autofocus. You have to manual focus. Some of you love that — you’re professionals. Everyday consumer? Not a thing.
What stayed vs what went back (for me)
Pros: I can see recommending this. Everyday user? More questionable. The 1-inch sensor hype is real in daylight. The missing autofocus, the click-through modes, the sparse box, and no hard case are why this isn’t the “just buy it” camera for me as a casual shooter.
If you know your settings and you want that sensor, this can be your lane. If you want point-and-shoot that racks focus for you, look elsewhere — including the pocket camera I keep coming back to.
Side-by-side with the Action 5 Pro is here: https://ohanareviewsblog.com/gopro-mission-1-pro-vs-action-5-pro/
The pocket camera I actually keep using is here: https://ohanareviewsblog.com/dji-osmo-pocket-3/
The Mission One Pro I used is here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GXLN7QNS?tag=keliidamen-la-20
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
More of what I actually use is on my Amazon shop: https://www.amazon.com/shop/kelii316?ref=ac_inf_tb_vh&ccs_id=120a8061-a4be-4c93-a985-b0cb3ac78064
Watch the full filmed take: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6L2KXPhGSM
Leave a Reply