Gear Pro Waterproof Sports Action Camera 360 Degree Review

The Gear Pro Waterproof Sports Action Camera 360 Degree delivers stunning 5.7K 360-degree video with reliable waterproofing up to 10 meters, making it a top contender for adventure enthusiasts. Its intuitive touchscreen, built-in stabilization, and AI-powered editing tools ensure pro-quality footage with minimal effort—perfect for capturing immersive action on land or underwater.

Key Takeaways

• 360-degree capture: Shoot immersive videos with full panoramic coverage effortlessly.
• Waterproof design: Dive up to 30m without a housing case.
• 4K video quality: Record crisp, ultra-HD footage in any environment.
• Long battery life: Shoot up to 120 minutes on a single charge.
• Easy app integration: Edit and share instantly via the companion app.
• Stabilization tech: Smooth footage even during high-motion activities.

First Impressions: Unboxing the Gear Pro Waterproof Sports Action Camera 360 Degree

Picture this: I’m standing at the edge of a waterfall, the mist cooling my face as I prep for my first white-kayaking descent. The roar of water fills my ears, and I’m gripping my paddle, ready to dive in. But this time, I’ve got a new sidekick—the Gear Pro Waterproof Sports Action Camera 360 Degree. I’d heard a lot of buzz about it, but nothing compares to seeing it in action. The moment I pulled it out of the box, I was struck by how compact and sleek it looked, like a tiny, futuristic pebble. It’s lightweight, but you can tell it’s built to take a beating. No flimsy plastic here—just a solid, rugged design that says, “I’m ready for adventure.”

Right off the bat, I loved how intuitive it felt. The buttons are easy to locate, even with gloves on, and the touchscreen responds well, even in wet conditions. The camera comes with a few essential mounts, a charging cable, and a quick-start guide that doesn’t make you feel like you’re deciphering hieroglyphics. But what really got me excited? The promise of 360-degree footage. No more worrying about framing the perfect shot—just hit record and let the camera capture everything. As someone who’s fumbled with multiple action cams in the past, this felt like a game-changer. And honestly, after using it, I can confirm: it’s not just hype. The Gear Pro Waterproof Sports Action Camera 360 Degree delivers on its promises—with a few quirks, of course (we’ll get to those).

Key Features That Set It Apart

360-Degree Capture: The Real MVP

The standout feature, obviously, is the 360-degree video. Unlike traditional action cams that force you to point and hope you’re capturing the right angle, this one captures everything around it. I tested it on a mountain bike trail, and instead of just filming the trail ahead, I got footage of the trees, the sky, my friend riding beside me, and even the occasional squirrel darting out of the brush. It’s like having a director, cinematographer, and editor all in one. The camera uses two ultra-wide lenses (front and back) to stitch together a seamless 360-degree view. The stitching is impressive—no weird gaps or distortions in most lighting conditions. Pro tip: Avoid pointing one lens directly at the sun; the glare can cause minor artifacts, but it’s rare.

Waterproof Design: Ready for the Deep End

This camera is rated waterproof up to 60 meters (196 feet) without a housing—perfect for snorkeling, scuba diving, or just getting caught in a downpour. I took it on a snorkeling trip in Hawaii, and it performed flawlessly. No leaks, no fogging, no drama. The buttons are sealed well, and the charging port has a tight, rubberized cover that’s easy to open and close. One thing to note: While it’s waterproof, the touchscreen doesn’t work underwater. That’s not a flaw—it’s physics. But the physical buttons let you start/stop recording, switch modes, and adjust settings easily. For diving, I recommend using the included dive housing for extra protection, especially in murky water.

4K Video and 20MP Photos: Crisp and Clear

The Gear Pro Waterproof Sports Action Camera 360 Degree shoots 4K video at 30fps and 1080p at 60fps. The 4K footage is sharp, with vibrant colors and minimal noise, even in low-light conditions. I tested it during a sunrise hike, and the camera handled the changing light beautifully. Photos are 20MP, which is more than enough for sharing on social media or printing small to medium-sized prints. The dynamic range is decent, though it struggles a bit in high-contrast scenes (like a bright sky behind a dark subject). But for most outdoor activities, it’s more than capable. Bonus: It supports RAW format for photos, which is a godsend for post-processing.

Stabilization: Smooth as Butter

Action cams live and die by their stabilization, and the Gear Pro doesn’t disappoint. It uses a combination of electronic image stabilization (EIS) and gyroscopic sensors to keep footage smooth. I took it on a bumpy ATV ride, and the footage looked like it was shot on a dolly. Even when I was running with it mounted to my chest, the video was stable. For 360 footage, stabilization is even more critical—since you’re capturing everything, any shakiness is magnified. But the Gear Pro handles it well. One caveat: At higher resolutions (like 4K), the stabilization is slightly more aggressive, which can crop the frame a bit. It’s a fair trade-off for smoothness.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Real-World Use

The battery lasts about 90 minutes of continuous 4K recording, which is on par with most action cams. But here’s the kicker: The battery is removable and swappable. That means you can carry a spare and extend your recording time. I took two batteries on a full-day kayaking trip, and it was a lifesaver. The camera supports microSD cards up to 256GB, which is plenty for most adventures. Just remember to use a high-speed card (UHS-I or higher) to avoid buffering issues. Pro tip: Format the card in the camera before your trip—it reduces the risk of file corruption.

Performance in Real-World Conditions

Outdoor Adventures: From Trails to Waves

I’ve tested this camera in a variety of outdoor settings, and it’s been a reliable companion. On a recent hiking trip in the Pacific Northwest, it rained almost the entire time. The camera stayed dry, and the footage was sharp, with no water spots on the lens. For trail running, I mounted it to my helmet and got some stunning POV shots. The 360-degree feature really shines here—you can reframe the video later to focus on different elements. For example, I could zoom in on a waterfall I passed or pan out to show the entire trail behind me. It’s like having a virtual time machine for your adventures.

Underwater Testing: Diving Deep

As mentioned, I took it diving in Hawaii. The camera performed well, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, colors shift underwater, especially at depths below 10 meters. The camera doesn’t have a red filter, so blues and greens dominate. You can correct this in post-processing, but it’s something to be aware of. Second, the touchscreen doesn’t work underwater, so you’ll need to use the buttons to control it. I set it to record before diving and used the quick-record button (a dedicated button that starts recording instantly) to capture spontaneous moments. The footage was smooth and stable, even when swimming against the current.

Low-Light and Night Performance

Action cams aren’t known for their low-light prowess, but the Gear Pro holds its own. I tested it during a nighttime bike ride, and while the footage isn’t as crisp as daytime shots, it’s still usable. The camera has a “Night Mode” that boosts exposure and reduces noise, but it comes at the cost of motion blur. For static scenes (like filming a campfire), it works well. For fast-moving action, stick to well-lit areas. The 360-degree feature is a bit trickier at night because the camera needs to stitch two feeds together, and low light can introduce artifacts. But with careful framing and post-processing, you can still get great results.

Wind Noise and Audio Quality

Audio is often the weak spot for action cams, and the Gear Pro is no exception. The built-in mic picks up wind noise pretty easily, especially at high speeds (like biking or skiing). For vlogging or interviews, I recommend using an external mic. But for ambient sound (like waves, birds, or engine noise), it’s fine. One neat feature: The camera has a “Wind Noise Reduction” mode that helps, but it can make voices sound a bit muffled. If you’re planning to record audio-heavy content, consider investing in a windscreen or a clip-on mic.

Ease of Use and User Experience

Interface and Controls: Simple and Intuitive

The Gear Pro’s interface is refreshingly straightforward. The touchscreen is responsive, and the menu layout is logical. I didn’t need to consult the manual more than once. The camera has a “Quick Settings” panel (accessed by swiping down) that lets you adjust resolution, frame rate, and stabilization on the fly. The physical buttons are well-placed and easy to find by touch. One minor gripe: The power button is small and flush with the body, which can make it hard to press with thick gloves. But overall, the controls are user-friendly, even for beginners.

App Integration: Seamless and Feature-Rich

The companion app (available for iOS and Android) is a game-changer. It lets you control the camera remotely, preview footage, and adjust settings. The app also has a “Reframe” feature for 360 videos, which lets you choose your final frame after recording. This is incredibly useful for creating traditional videos from 360 footage. For example, I recorded a 360-degree clip of a skateboarding trick and used the app to reframe it as a POV shot. The app also supports live streaming to platforms like YouTube and Facebook, which is great for content creators. One downside: The app can be a bit slow to connect at first, but it’s reliable once it’s paired.

Mounting Options: Versatile and Secure

The camera comes with a standard mount, but there are plenty of third-party options available. I used a chest mount for kayaking, a handlebar mount for biking, and a suction cup mount for the car windshield. All of them worked well, and the quick-release system makes it easy to switch between them. The mounts are sturdy, and I never worried about the camera falling off—even during high-speed activities. Pro tip: Always double-check the mount’s security before starting your activity. A loose mount can mean lost footage (or a lost camera).

Comparing the Competition: How It Stacks Up

vs. GoPro Max

The GoPro Max is the Gear Pro’s closest competitor, and it’s a tough comparison. The GoPro has slightly better stabilization and a more polished app, but it’s also significantly more expensive. The Gear Pro holds its own in video quality and battery life, and it’s a better value for the price. If you’re on a budget, the Gear Pro is the clear winner. But if you’re a pro who needs every last bit of performance, the GoPro might be worth the extra cost.

vs. Insta360 ONE X3

The Insta360 ONE X3 is another strong contender. It has a more compact design and a slightly better app for reframing 360 videos. But the Gear Pro has a longer battery life and better waterproofing (60m vs. 10m). The Insta360 also has a steeper learning curve for beginners. If you’re new to 360 cameras, the Gear Pro’s simplicity is a big advantage.

vs. DJI Osmo Action 4

The DJI Osmo Action 4 is a traditional action cam (not 360), but it’s worth mentioning for comparison. It has better low-light performance and a more intuitive interface, but it lacks the 360-degree feature. If you don’t need 360 footage, the DJI is a great choice. But if you want the flexibility of capturing everything, the Gear Pro is the way to go.

Pros, Cons, and Who It’s For

The Good: What It Does Right

• 360-degree capture: Captures everything, no framing needed.
• Waterproof design: 60m depth rating without a housing.
• 4K video and 20MP photos: Crisp and detailed footage.
• Removable battery: Swap for extended recording.
• User-friendly app: Easy remote control and reframing.

The Not-So-Good: Areas for Improvement

• Audio quality: Built-in mic struggles with wind noise.
• Touchscreen doesn’t work underwater: Not a dealbreaker, but worth noting.
• App connection can be slow: Takes a few seconds to pair.
• No red filter for underwater: Colors shift at depth.

Who Should Buy It?

The Gear Pro Waterproof Sports Action Camera 360 Degree is perfect for:

• Outdoor enthusiasts: Hikers, kayakers, skiers, and bikers.
• Travel vloggers: Capture immersive footage of your adventures.
• Content creators: Use the 360 feature for unique angles.
• Beginners: Easy to use, with room to grow.

It’s not ideal for:

• Professional filmmakers: You’ll need higher-end gear.
• Audio-heavy projects: Invest in an external mic.

Data Table: Quick Specs at a Glance

Feature	Specification
Video Resolution	4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps (360-degree)
Photo Resolution	20MP (360-degree and single-lens)
Waterproof Rating	60m (without housing)
Battery Life	90 minutes (4K), removable
Storage	MicroSD up to 256GB
Stabilization	EIS + Gyroscopic
App	iOS/Android, remote control, reframing
Weight	120g (with battery)

Final Verdict: Is It Worth the Investment?

After weeks of testing the Gear Pro Waterproof Sports Action Camera 360 Degree, I can confidently say it’s one of the best action cams I’ve used. The 360-degree feature is a game-changer, and the waterproof design makes it perfect for any adventure. It’s not perfect—the audio could be better, and the app has a few quirks—but the pros far outweigh the cons. For the price, it’s an incredible value. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a full-time content creator, this camera will help you capture your adventures in ways you never thought possible.

So, is it worth the investment? Absolutely. If you’re looking for a reliable, feature-packed action cam that won’t break the bank, the Gear Pro is a no-brainer. Just remember to pack an extra battery, a high-speed microSD card, and maybe an external mic. And don’t forget to charge it before your next adventure—because once you start using it, you won’t want to stop. Happy filming!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Gear Pro Waterproof Sports Action Camera 360 Degree truly waterproof?

Yes, this camera is rated waterproof up to 30 meters (100 feet) without a housing, making it ideal for snorkeling, surfing, and rainy conditions. The sealed design protects internal components from water, dust, and shocks.

What makes the Gear Pro 360-degree camera stand out from other action cameras?

The dual-lens system captures immersive 360-degree footage at 5.7K resolution, allowing you to reframe shots in post-production. It also includes built-in stabilization and voice control, which many competitors lack at this price point.

Can I use the Gear Pro Waterproof Sports Action Camera for live streaming?

Yes, the camera supports live streaming via Wi-Fi to platforms like YouTube and Facebook. The companion app (iOS/Android) lets you adjust settings and monitor the feed in real time.

How long does the battery last on the Gear Pro 360 action camera?

The removable 1600mAh battery provides up to 90 minutes of continuous 360-degree recording. Extra batteries or a power bank can extend usage for all-day adventures.

Does the Gear Pro camera work well in low-light conditions?

It features an f/2.0 aperture and night mode for better low-light performance, though 360-degree cameras generally perform best in daylight. For dim environments, use the included LED light or external lighting.

What accessories come with the Gear Pro Waterproof Sports Action Camera?

The package includes a waterproof case, dual-battery charger, mounts (helmet, handlebar, adhesive), and a USB-C cable. Additional mounts and a carrying case are available separately for expanded versatility.