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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

PXW-Z90

Palm-sized XDCAM with 1-inch Exmor RS sensor, 12x Zeiss zoom, Fast Hybrid AF, 3G-SDI, dual XLR, and XAVC 4K up to 30p.

$2,799

Launch price

Released Dec 2017

MAX2 is 7.8 years newer.

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Wins

1categories

MAX2

WildlifeTravel

Wins

3categories

PXW-Z90

WildlifeSports & Action

11 categories tied

Which would you choose?

TL;DR — Key differences

MAX2 wins 1 categories·PXW-Z90 wins 3 categories
  • BPXW-Z90 has lower AF low-light limit (-4 EV vs 0 EV)
  • BPXW-Z90 has higher AF points / zones (759 vs 0)
  • BPXW-Z90 has higher AF frame coverage (94 % vs 0 %)
  • AMAX2 has higher Resolution (29 MP vs 14.2 MP)

Key specs at a glance

MAX2PXW-Z90
Resolution29 MP14.2 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

PXW-Z90

134 × 91 × 72 mm

580 g (1.28 lb / 20.46 oz)

MAX2 and PXW-Z90 share virtually identical body dimensions.

MAX2 and PXW-Z90 weigh the same.

Depth (front-to-back): 72mm MAX2 · 72mm PXW-Z90

Sensor size, to scale

MAX2

17.3 × 13 mm · Micro Four Thirds

225 mm² area

PXW-Z90

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 caseMAX2PXW-Z90
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
9.0Excellent
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

Reasons to choose

PXW-Z90

  • 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
  • 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

PXW-Z90

Pros

  • 1-inch stacked Exmor RS (14.2MP)
  • 273-point Fast Hybrid AF
  • Built-in ND (1/4, 1/16, 1/64)
  • 3G-SDI + dual XLR handle
  • S-Log3 / HLG / S-Cinetone

Cons

  • 4K limited to 30p
  • Small palm body ergonomics
  • XAVC 100Mbps max in 4K
  • Superseded by newer NX800/Z200 line

Decided which one is right for you?

Compare live prices for the MAX2 and PXW-Z90 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
PXW-Z90
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
PXW-Z90
Processor
GP2
BIONZ X
MAX2
PXW-Z90
ISO min (native)
100
100
ISO max (native)
25,600
25,600
ISO max (expanded)
102,400
102,400
MAX2
PXW-Z90
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 PXW-Z90?

PXW-Z90 scores 8.0/10 versus 6.5/10 for MAX2 — 20fps burst — fast action ready.

What's the resolution difference between the MAX2 and PXW-Z90?

MAX2 is 29 MP and PXW-Z90 is 14.2 MP, so the MAX2 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.

Do the MAX2 and PXW-Z90 have in-body image stabilization?

MAX2 has 7-stop in-body image stabilization, while PXW-Z90 has 7-stop in-body image stabilization.

Which shoots faster bursts — the MAX2 or the PXW-Z90?

MAX2 reaches 20 fps electronic. PXW-Z90 reaches 20 fps electronic.

What's the weight difference between the MAX2 and PXW-Z90?

Both bodies weigh roughly 580 g.

Do the MAX2 and PXW-Z90 record 4K video?

MAX2: 4K up to 60p. PXW-Z90: 4K up to 60p.

Are the MAX2 and PXW-Z90 weather sealed?

MAX2: Yes. PXW-Z90: Yes.

Which has better battery life?

Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the MAX2 and 640 shots for the PXW-Z90, giving the PXW-Z90 the edge.

How much does each cost?

MAX2 launched at $500 and PXW-Z90 at $2,799. The MAX2 is $2,299 less.

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

Add any camera to get a three-way MAX2 vs PXW-Z90 vs X comparison.

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