The GoPro Mission 1 Pro ILS is probably the most unusual mirrorless camera of 2026 –but now it’s a TIME Best Invention for shattering “that silver ceiling”

The GoPro Mission 1 Pro ILS, introduced in 2026, is an unusual mirrorless camera that combines a one-inch sensor with a Micro Four Thirds sensor and offers 8K video recording at an entry-level price. Now, TIME has named it one of the Best Inventions of 2026, recognizing its originality, efficacy, ambition, and impact. While action cameras are typically not known for producing Hollywood-level footage, the ILS reportedly "shatters that silver ceiling."

The ILS is unlike any other GoPro or mirrorless camera on the market. It retains the one-inch sensor used in the fixed-lens Mission 1 and Mission 1 Pro models, enabling videos up to 8K. However, it pairs that with a larger Micro Four Thirds lens mount, but without electronic contacts for focus-by-wire lenses. This makes the ILS a manual-focus-only camera that doesn't support focus-with-wire lenses from standard GoPro lenses.

Despite its small size, similar to the fixed-lens camera, the ILS needs an external support system when used with heavier lenses. The swappable lenses also mean that, unlike a traditional GoPro, the ILS isn't waterproof, but it can be splash-resistant with a sealed lens mounted on the front.

At a retail price of $699 / £599 / AU$1099 / CA$949, the ILS targets a niche market of creators seeking high-quality 8K footage in a portable and affordable package. The camera has received praise for its unique combination of features, with the reviewer noting that there's "nothing like the GoPro Mission 1 Pro ILS, at least not in the same price range."

8K60 and 8K30p video options at this price point with swappable lenses are a rare sight. While the manual focus and one-inch sensor present limitations, the ILS's charming small, affordable design that still reaches 8K makes it a compelling choice for those in need of a highly specialized camera.