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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

vs

Sony

FDR-AX700

4K HDR Handycam with 1-inch Exmor RS sensor, 12x Zeiss zoom, 273-point phase-detect AF, S-Log3, and pro-style manual controls.

$1,899

Launch price

Released Oct 2017

MAX2 is 8 years newer.

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Wins

5categories

MAX2

WildlifeTravel

Wins

3categories

FDR-AX700

Sports & ActionWildlife

7 categories tied

Which would you choose?

TL;DR — Key differences

MAX2 wins 2 categories·FDR-AX700 wins 3 categories
  • BFDR-AX700 has lower AF low-light limit (-4 EV vs 0 EV)
  • BFDR-AX700 has higher AF points / zones (759 vs 0)
  • BFDR-AX700 has higher AF frame coverage (94 % vs 0 %)
  • AMAX2 has higher Resolution (29 MP vs 14.2 MP)
  • AMAX2 has higher RAW buffer depth (120 frames vs 60 frames)

Key specs at a glance

MAX2FDR-AX700
Resolution29 MP14.2 MP
SensorMFTMFT
ISO max25,60025,600
Burst20 fps15 fps
4K60 fps60 fps
IBIS7-stop6-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

FDR-AX700

134 × 91 × 72 mm

580 g (1.28 lb / 20.46 oz)

MAX2 and FDR-AX700 share virtually identical body dimensions.

MAX2 and FDR-AX700 weigh the same.

Depth (front-to-back): 72mm MAX2 · 72mm FDR-AX700

Sensor size, to scale

MAX2

17.3 × 13 mm · Micro Four Thirds

225 mm² area

FDR-AX700

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 caseMAX2FDR-AX700
Portrait
5.0Fair✓ wins
4.0Fair
Sports & Action
6.5Good
8.0Excellent✓ wins
Video & Hybrid
7.5Good
7.5Good
Landscape
5.0Fair✓ wins
3.5Limited
Travel
8.5Excellent✓ wins
7.5Good
Wildlife
9.0Excellent✓ wins
8.0Excellent
Vlogging
7.0Good
7.0Good

Why pick one over the other

Reasons to choose

MAX2

  • Resolution

    29 MP vs 14.2 MP — higher is better

  • RAW buffer depth

    120 frames vs 60 frames — higher is better

  • Burst (mechanical)

    8 fps vs 6 fps — higher is better

  • Burst (electronic)

    20 fps vs 15 fps — higher is better

  • IBIS effectiveness

    7 stops vs 6 stops — higher is better

Reasons to choose

FDR-AX700

  • AF low-light limit

    -4 EV vs 0 EV — lower is better

  • AF points / zones

    759 vs 0 — higher is better

  • AF frame coverage

    94 % vs 0 % — higher is better

Both cameras share

  • AA filterBoth support aa filter
  • ISO min (native)Both 100
  • ISO max (native)Both 25,600
  • Eye AFBoth support eye af
  • Animal / bird AFBoth support animal / bird af
  • Pre-Capture / Pre-ReleaseBoth support pre-capture / pre-release

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

FDR-AX700

Pros

  • 1-inch stacked sensor + Hybrid AF
  • S-Log3 / HLG HDR workflow
  • 12x Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens
  • Built-in ND filters
  • Dual SD + proxy recording

Cons

  • No XLR without adapter
  • 4K30 max
  • No SDI output
  • Consumer Handycam ergonomics

Decided which one is right for you?

Compare live prices for the MAX2 and FDR-AX700 at major authorized retailers.

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
FDR-AX700
Resolution
29 MP2× more
14.2 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
FDR-AX700
Processor
GP2
BIONZ X
MAX2
FDR-AX700
ISO min (native)
100
100
ISO max (native)
25,600
25,600
ISO max (expanded)
102,400
102,400
MAX2
FDR-AX700
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 sports, MAX2 or FDR-AX700?

FDR-AX700 scores 8.0/10 versus 6.5/10 for MAX2 — 15fps burst — fast action ready.

What's the resolution difference between the MAX2 and FDR-AX700?

MAX2 is 29 MP and FDR-AX700 is 14.2 MP, so the MAX2 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.

Do the MAX2 and FDR-AX700 have in-body image stabilization?

MAX2 has 7-stop in-body image stabilization, while FDR-AX700 has 6-stop in-body image stabilization.

Which shoots faster bursts — the MAX2 or the FDR-AX700?

MAX2 reaches 20 fps electronic. FDR-AX700 reaches 15 fps electronic.

What's the weight difference between the MAX2 and FDR-AX700?

Both bodies weigh roughly 580 g.

Do the MAX2 and FDR-AX700 record 4K video?

MAX2: 4K up to 60p. FDR-AX700: 4K up to 60p.

Are the MAX2 and FDR-AX700 weather sealed?

MAX2: Yes. FDR-AX700: Yes.

Which has better battery life?

Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the MAX2 and 640 shots for the FDR-AX700, giving the FDR-AX700 the edge.

How much does each cost?

MAX2 launched at $500 and FDR-AX700 at $1,899. The MAX2 is $1,399 less.

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

Add any camera to get a three-way MAX2 vs FDR-AX700 vs X comparison.

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