GoPro Joins Micro Four Thirds Group, Fueling Camera

GoPro has formally become a member of the Micro Four Thirds System Standard Group. The action camera company's membership was confirmed in a press statement from OM Digital Solutions.

This development follows GoPro's April announcement of its professional-grade Mission camera series. That lineup included the Mission 1 Pro ILS, a mirrorless camera featuring a Micro Four Thirds lens mount. The camera offers a 50-megapixel 1-inch sensor, a GP3 processor, and RAW capture capability.

The Current Hardware Limitation

Despite having the Micro Four Thirds mount, the existing Mission 1 Pro ILS model is restricted to using manual lenses. It lacks the electrical contacts needed for autofocus and electronic communication with lenses. The 197-gram camera does, however, provide access to a range of manual optics for different applications.

Users can attach macro, telephoto, and wide-angle manual focus lenses. The mount also allows for the use of vintage lenses, PL-Mount cinema lenses, and others via adapters.

The Logical Next Step

Analysts see the official partnership as a precursor to a more integrated camera system. The next logical step for GoPro would be to create a true Micro Four Thirds interchangeable-lens camera. Such a device would need a lens mount with electrical contacts to enable autofocus and full lens functionality.

This move would significantly expand the pool of compatible lenses. A future GoPro camera could then potentially use every weather-sealed lens from Olympus, OM System, and Panasonic. OM Digital Solutions stated that GoPro's participation is expected to further expand the use of the Micro Four Thirds System in amateur filmmaking, professional video production and at the highest levels of cinema.

Potential Impact on the Ecosystem

Introducing an autofocus-capable Micro Four Thirds camera could benefit the broader lens ecosystem. It would provide more creative and practical options for filmmakers and photographers using the compact format. The partnership suggests GoPro is looking beyond its traditional action camera market despite recent financial challenges.

The company's new direction focuses on its compact cinema camera lineup. To fully leverage its Micro Four Thirds membership, GoPro may need to develop more advanced hardware. The industry is now watching to see if the company will build a camera that truly integrates with the established lens system.