Three hundred and sixty-degree digital action cameras are the latest photography technology trend. These devices are fantastic for creating VR footage and immersive content. The GoPro Fusion is one such product that represents GoPro’s first foray into the 360-degree camera market.
This superb and compact device features hallmark design and durability that you would come to expect from a GoPro device. Furthermore, as you will see below, the GoPro Fusion provides amazing image and video quality through a high-quality camera and lens.
Main Features
First, let’s look at the basic features and specifications of this 360-degree camera. The first thing you will notice about the GoPro Fusion is the brilliant camera quality. You can record 360-degree footage at an incredible 5.2k resolution. In addition, the 18MP camera allows you to capture beautiful, high-detailed spherical photos.
We have listed the basic specifications of this device below:
- Weight: 8 ounces
- Dimensions: 1.6 x 2.6 x 2.9 inches
- Camera: 18MP
- Video: 5.2K UHD / 1080p
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- Slow-motion: 2x
- Audio: 360 Planar
As with other GoPro devices like the GoPro HERO8, the GoPro Fusion is small and compact. At just eight ounces, it is a lightweight camera but still durable.
It is also compatible with a range of standard GoPro accessories like the monopod, sticker mount, and standard action camera mount. This means you can attach it to your helmet, or equipment like a bike or surfboard.
Design
The GoPro Fusion looks fantastic. It has a sleek, rounded design with stylish black and grey colors. Furthermore, the exterior is minimalistic with only one button (the record button), and a small LCD screen.
There is no LCD screen for playback which could be considered a negative, but you can upload content straight to an external device for compilation, so this is not a huge problem. The screen on the camera is simply used to display the battery life and basic settings like video quality and current run time.
This 360-degree camera also has a standard action camera mount that protrudes from the bottom of the device. This means you can connect it to a tripod, monopod, or other similar clamping systems.
We like the excellent waterproofing of the external material. You can use the GoPro Fusion in water up to 16ft (or 5m). This is without the need for an external housing – this provides excellent flexibility and means you can use the device underwater without the need for a bulky waterproof casing.
Performance
The GoPro Fusion offers an experience unlike standard action cameras. This device is used to create stunning 360-degree video, and spherical images – and it does this extremely well.
The camera quality is excellent and the images and video you can create look phenomenal. This device isn’t just a gimmick – it can be used to produce professional digital content.
Aside from the camera quality, the GoPro Fusion has brilliant functionality. Firstly, you can fully control the camera from your smartphone using the GoPro App. This includes playback, recording, and editing. The app allows share photos and videos to external sources.
We have to mention the built-in gimbal-like stabilization too. The camera has superb stabilization technology that allows you to produce smooth 360-degree content without shaking and motion blur.
The only downside we found was the need for two MicroSD or MicroSDHC Cards. This is to enable fast processing of the 360-degree content. GoPro also advises that you used MicroSD cards that have a class 10 rating or UHS II or higher.
GoPro Fusion vs. Insta360 One X
So how does this fantastic 360-degree camera compare to other popular models? One of the best comparative items is the Insta360 One X. It is widely regarded as one of the best 360-degree cameras available; so, let’s see how the GoPro Fusion compares.
These devices are similar and offer similar functionality. Both devices allow users to create high-quality 360-degree media. We have listed the basic specifications of each camera below:
| GoPro Fusion | Insta360 One X | |
| Weight | 8 ounces | 3.2 ounces |
| Dimensions | 1.6 x 2.6 x 2.9 inches | 4.5 x 1.8 x 1.2 inches |
| Camera Resolution | 18MP | 18MP |
| Video Quality | 5.2K UHD | 5.7k UHD |
From these basic specifications, we can see that the Insta360 One X is slightly lighter. In terms of overall dimensions, it is difficult to compare. The GoPro Fusion has a square design, while the One X has a rectangular design that is thinner.
The camera quality for taking photos is identical – both benefit from an 18MP camera. The main difference is the improved quality of video for the Insta360 One X – it offers a slightly higher video resolution at 5.7 UHD compared to the GoPro Fusion’s 5.2K.
In terms of accessibility, both devices offer WiFi connectivity and are controllable by an accompanying app. Furthermore, both have built-in image stabilization. Moreover, both have only a basic screen for displaying image settings and battery life.
The main difference is the different features available. The Insta360 One X has a few more different shooting modes such as time shift, and hyper time-lapse. In addition, the One X has a drift mode which allows you to produce fantastic slow-motion moving footage.
There isn’t much to choose between these two devices. While the Insta360 One X may have more functionality, the GoPro Fusion still offers brilliant functionality and quality 360-degree recordings to match. Either device is an excellent choice for this type of photography.
Should You Purchase the GoPro Fusion?
We feel this is an excellent product that is up there with other notable 360-degree cameras. The GoPro Fusion is also affordable, but you should consider how much usage you will get out of it, as we would class it as a specialist device.
This 360-degree camera is perfect for sports content, vlogging, and outdoor adventures. It allows you to quickly and effectively create high-quality spherical content without much effort. The camera quality is amazing, and the device is highly functional.
