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GoPro's MISSION 1 PRO ILS: TIME's Best Invention of 2026

GoPro, Inc. has officially announced that their latest innovation, the MISSION 1 PRO ILS, has been recognized as one of TIME's Best Inventions of 2026. This accolade highlights the camera’s remarkable features as the world's smallest and most rugged compact cinema camera with interchangeable lenses. The annual TIME list celebrates groundbreaking innovations that fundamentally alter our way of living.

To compile the list, TIME's editors and correspondents conducted a thorough evaluation, considering originality, efficacy, ambition, and impact. The MISSION 1 PRO ILS scored highly across these criteria, proving its worth in a competitive landscape.

A Remarkable Achievement in Design and Functionality

Since its launch earlier this year, the MISSION 1 Series has garnered significant industry recognition. This latest accolade marks the camera’s 14th top industry award, recognized by 12 leading publications spanning various fields including lifestyle, consumer technology, and outdoor photography. Among other honors, the camera has been listed as the Best Camera on SlashGear’s Hot List for 2026 and received a TechRadar Recommends award. Moreover, it has also won the title of Best Action Camera in the Tom's Guide Awards and Esquire's Gadget Awards.

The MISSION 1 PRO ILS is specifically engineered for content creators and professional filmmakers. It features a new 50MP 1-inch sensor paired with GoPro's cutting-edge GP3 processor. This powerful setup enables the device to capture high-quality video at resolutions up to 8K60 and 4K240. Additionally, specialized modes like Open Gate allow users to utilize the full sensor for heightened post-production flexibility, which is vital for filmmakers who demand the utmost quality and versatility.

With a weight of just 6.95 oz (197g), it can easily be transported and fitted into tight spaces, such as the interiors of vehicles or compact filming locations. This size advantage is crucial, particularly when compared to other 8K camera systems, which are typically bulkier and more expensive.

New Features and Enhancements

As of last week, GoPro has also introduced the support for anamorphic lenses to the MISSION 1 PRO ILS. This added feature pushes the envelope further, offering filmmakers unparalleled creative possibilities with lens customization.

“Being named one of TIME's Best Inventions is an incredible honor,” said Nicholas Woodman, GoPro’s Founder and CEO. “This award is a testament to the team's hard work behind the MISSION 1 PRO ILS and showcases how we are putting true cinematic capabilities into a compact and affordable camera.”

With a retail price of $699.99, the MISSION 1 PRO ILS is readily available through GoPro’s website and various retailers around the globe. Members of GoPro's Premium and Premium+ subscriptions can avail themselves of a $100 discount when purchasing through GoPro.com, which also offers unlimited cloud storage, automatic highlight videos, and exclusive savings.

In tandem with the camera launch, GoPro also promotes its MISSION Monitor app. This free application turns Apple devices like iPhones and iPads into larger preview screens for the MISSION 1 Series cameras, enhancing user experience through added functionalities such as Focus Peaking, Zebra Pattern, and real-time LUT preview to ensure impeccable shot composition during filming.

Conclusion

The recognition of GoPro's MISSION 1 PRO ILS as one of TIME's Best Inventions is a significant validation of the brand’s commitment to innovation in the realm of filming technology. It combines cutting-edge engineering with user-centered design to empower creators everywhere. As GoPro continues to evolve, this camera sets a new standard for what is possible in compact cinema, proving that high-quality filmmaking can indeed fit in the palm of one’s hand.