I tested GoPro's intriguing Mission 1 interchangeable lens camera with Micro Four Thirds glass — and the experience is the opposite of what you expect from GoPro

GoPro has unveiled its Mission 1 Pro ILS, a camera that marks a significant departure from the company's usual rugged action cameras. This new member of the Mission 1 family replaces the fixed lens found in its siblings with a Micro Four Thirds mount, dramatically changing the camera's purpose. Instead of being a dependable companion for adventurous activities like surfing or mountain biking, the ILS becomes a creative instrument that expands GoPro's 1-inch sensor's capabilities with a wide array of lenses.

From inexpensive vintage prime lenses to specialized optics that wouldn't fit in a traditional action cam body, the ILS makes the 1-inch sensor more versatile than ever. In the author's experience, the ILS with a Laowa 7.5mm F/2.0 lens and GoPro's Point-and-Shoot Grip proved to be a rewarding yet challenging camera. It demanded careful consideration of settings and focus, which may not be comfortable for long-time GoPro users.

However, the payoff was sharper, more thoughtful footage and stills. The ILS' true strength lies in its versatility, allowing users to capture extreme close-ups impossible with a regular GoPro or experiment with different looks by swapping lenses. Despite its flexibility, the ILS comes with trade-offs. It is more expensive than other GoPro models, less rugged, lacks autofocus and horizon lock, and its companion Quik app constantly pushes users toward a subscription instead of simply facilitating shooting.

Despite these drawbacks, the ILS remains a compelling and distinctively different GoPro, albeit one that expects more from its users than previous models. Priced at $699.99 / £599.99 / AU$1,099.95, or $599.99 / £509.99 / AU$949.95 for subscribers, the ILS represents a significant investment. However, given the limited alternatives in its category, it stands alone without direct competitors to match its price.

The camera launches officially on September 2nd, 2026, alongside a companion app called Mission Monitor. Notably, the ILS costs the same as the standard Mission 1 Pro did at launch, while the Mission 1 Pro has since dropped in price by $100, to $599.99. This price difference may influence the decision to invest in the ILS, depending on the specific shooting requirements.