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GoPro

MAX2

True 8K 360 action camera with twist-and-go replaceable lenses, 29MP 360 photos, 4K100 spherical slo-mo, 10-bit GP-Log, six mics, and 5m waterproof rugged body.

$500

Launch price

Released Sep 2025

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vs

JVC

GY-HC500U

Connected Cam 1-inch camcorder with 20x zoom, 4K60p ProRes 422 10-bit, HLG/J-Log1, 3G-SDI, weather sealing, and SRT streaming.

$3,395

Launch price

Released Sep 2019

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MAX2 is 6.1 years newer.

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Wins

1categories

MAX2

★ Wildlife★ Travel

Wins

1categories

GY-HC500U

★ Wildlife★ Video & Hybrid

13 categories tied

Which would you choose?

TL;DR — Key differences

MAX2 wins 1 categories·GY-HC500U wins 1 categories
  • BGY-HC500U has lower AF low-light limit (-3 EV vs 0 EV)
  • AMAX2 has higher Resolution (29 MP vs 9.35 MP)

Key specs at a glance

MAX2GY-HC500U
Resolution29 MP9.35 MP
SensorMFTMFT
ISO max25,60025,600
Burst20 fps20 fps
4K60 fps60 fps
IBIS7-stop7-stop
Weight580 g580 g
Battery640 shots640 shots

Size and weight, to scale

MAX2

134 × 91 × 72 mm

580 g (1.28 lb / 20.46 oz)

Credit card shown to scale as a size reference (ISO 7810, 85.6 × 54 mm)

Credit card

85.6 × 54 mm

for scale

GY-HC500U

134 × 91 × 72 mm

580 g (1.28 lb / 20.46 oz)

MAX2 and GY-HC500U share virtually identical body dimensions.

MAX2 and GY-HC500U weigh the same.

Depth (front-to-back): 72mm MAX2 · 72mm GY-HC500U

Sensor size, to scale

MAX2

17.3 × 13 mm · Micro Four Thirds

225 mm² area

GY-HC500U

17.3 × 13 mm · Micro Four Thirds

225 mm² area

Use-case scoring

Which one for what?

Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class

Use caseMAX2GY-HC500U
Portrait
5.0Fair✓ wins
4.0Fair
Sports & Action
6.5Good
6.5Good
Video & Hybrid
7.5Good
7.5Good
Landscape
5.0Fair✓ wins
3.5Limited
Travel
8.5Excellent✓ wins
7.5Good
Wildlife
9.0Excellent
9.0Excellent
Vlogging
7.0Good
7.0Good

Why pick one over the other

Reasons to choose

MAX2

  • Resolution

    29 MP vs 9.35 MP — higher is better

Reasons to choose

GY-HC500U

  • AF low-light limit

    -3 EV vs 0 EV — lower is better

Both cameras share

  • ✓AA filter — Both support aa filter
  • ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
  • ✓ISO max (native) — Both 25,600
  • ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
  • ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
  • ✓Burst (mechanical) — Both 8 fps

Pros & cons at a glance

Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.

MAX2

Pros

  • ✓True 8K 360 video (21% more pixels vs rivals)
  • ✓Field-replaceable twist-on lenses
  • ✓4K100 360 slo-mo + 5.6K60 360
  • ✓10-bit GP-Log + 300Mbps (GoPro Labs)
  • ✓4K60 single-lens + 180° HyperView POV

Cons

  • –360 workflow needs reframing in Quik
  • –$100 more than HERO13 Black
  • –1/2.3-inch dual sensors
  • –8K runtime shorter than 5.6K modes

GY-HC500U

Pros

  • ✓1-inch sensor + 20x f/2.8–4.5 zoom
  • ✓4K60p Apple ProRes 422 internal
  • ✓HLG / J-Log1 HDR
  • ✓3G-SDI + weather-resistant body
  • ✓SRT / RTMP streaming

Cons

  • –Heavy at 3.6 kg configured
  • –SSD ProRes needs optional adapter
  • –Premium over GY-HM250
  • –9.35MP effective sensor

Decided which one is right for you?

Compare live prices for the MAX2 and GY-HC500U at major authorized retailers.

GoPro MAX2

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JVC GY-HC500U

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Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.

Full specifications

✓ = category winner

MAX2
GY-HC500U
Resolution
29 MP✓3.1× more
9.35 MP
Sensor type
Four Thirds Live MOS
Four Thirds Live MOS
Sensor size
17.3 × 13.0 mm
17.3 × 13.0 mm
AA filter
Yes
Yes
MAX2
GY-HC500U
Processor
GP2
Image processor
MAX2
GY-HC500U
ISO min (native)
100
100
ISO max (native)
25,600
25,600
ISO max (expanded)
102,400
102,400
MAX2
GY-HC500U
Shutter type
Mechanical + Electronic
Mechanical + Electronic
Max mechanical speed
1/8000 sec
1/8000 sec
Max electronic speed
1/16000 sec
1/16000 sec

Frequently asked

Quick answers generated from verified specs.

Which is better for landscape, MAX2 or GY-HC500U?

MAX2 scores 5.0/10 versus 3.5/10 for GY-HC500U — Weather sealed for outdoor conditions.

What's the resolution difference between the MAX2 and GY-HC500U?

MAX2 is 29 MP and GY-HC500U is 9.35 MP, so the MAX2 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.

Do the MAX2 and GY-HC500U have in-body image stabilization?

MAX2 has 7-stop in-body image stabilization, while GY-HC500U has 7-stop in-body image stabilization.

Which shoots faster bursts — the MAX2 or the GY-HC500U?

MAX2 reaches 20 fps electronic. GY-HC500U reaches 20 fps electronic.

What's the weight difference between the MAX2 and GY-HC500U?

Both bodies weigh roughly 580 g.

Do the MAX2 and GY-HC500U record 4K video?

MAX2: 4K up to 60p. GY-HC500U: 4K up to 60p.

Are the MAX2 and GY-HC500U weather sealed?

MAX2: Yes. GY-HC500U: Yes.

Which has better battery life?

Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the MAX2 and 640 shots for the GY-HC500U, giving the GY-HC500U the edge.

How much does each cost?

MAX2 launched at $500 and GY-HC500U at $3,395. The MAX2 is $2,895 less.

Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.

Add any camera to get a three-way MAX2 vs GY-HC500U vs X comparison.

Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.