GoPro stayed out of the 360 camera race for years while Insta360 and DJI moved ahead. The company finally returned with the MAX2 last year.
GoPro calls it the only "True 8K" 360 camera, based on how it calculates resolution.
The MAX2 records 8K 360 video, as well as 5.6K at 60fps and 4K at 100fps.
Its biggest advantage over the newer Insta360 and DJI models is built-in GPS.
The MAX2 also brings back GoPro's replaceable lens system and uses a 1,960mAh Enduro battery designed to work in cold weather.
It's rugged, waterproof, and supports 16 mounting accessories made specifically for the camera.
At $499.99, it has the lowest starting price among the flagship-level 360 cameras on this list.
The MAX2 has also expanded into markets such as India, where it launched alongside GoPro's new AI-powered gimbal.
Not everyone shooting 360 content needs video, and for stills-first work like real estate listings and virtual tours, the Ricoh Theta X is the camera most professionals reach for.
It pairs dual 48MP sensors to produce spherical stills at up to 60MP, or 11K resolution, well beyond what any of the action-camera-style 360 shooters above offer for photos.
The video tops out at 5.7K at 30fps.
What sets the Theta X apart is how it's built to be used on its own.
It has a 2.25-inch color touchscreen that lets you preview shots, adjust settings, and review captures without pulling out your phone.
>>> Dana White Denies Government Weather Conspiracy Behind UFC 330
It's also the first Theta model with an interchangeable battery and a microSD card slot instead of fixed internal storage.
