GoPro Unveils Fluid Pro AI Gimbal, Expanding Compatibility Beyond Action Cameras
Key Points
- GoPro launches the Fluid Pro AI gimbal, priced at $229.99.
- Supports Hero13 Black, smartphones, and select compact cameras with a 400‑gram payload.
- AI tracking module offers hand‑gesture control and automatic subject framing.
- Provides 360° pan and 320° tilt range plus a built‑in LED fill light.
- Battery lasts up to 18 hours normally, or six hours with AI tracking active.
- Swappable mounting brackets accommodate various smartphone sizes.
- Available starting October 21st, positioned above competitors like Insta360 and DJI.
GoPro has introduced the Fluid Pro AI, a new handheld stabilizer that works not only with its Hero13 Black action camera but also with smartphones and select compact point‑and‑shoot cameras thanks to a 400‑gram payload capacity. The gimbal features an AI‑driven tracking module that can recognize hand gestures and keep subjects in frame, and it offers a 360‑degree pan and 320‑degree tilt range. With a built‑in LED fill light, swappable mounting brackets and a battery that lasts up to 18 hours (or six hours with AI tracking active), the Fluid Pro AI positions itself as a versatile, premium‑priced alternative to competing gimbals.
Overview
GoPro announced a new handheld camera stabilizer called the Fluid Pro AI. Unlike the company’s earlier Karma Grip, which debuted in 2016 and was limited to GoPro’s own action cameras, the Fluid Pro AI is designed for broader use. The device is priced at $229.99, placing it above comparable offerings such as the $159.99 Insta360 Flow 2 Pro and the $149 DJI Osmo Mobile 7 Pro. It is slated to become available on October 21st.
Compatibility and Design
The Fluid Pro AI supports GoPro’s Hero13 Black but, thanks to a 400‑gram payload capacity, it can also accommodate smartphones and certain compact point‑and‑shoot cameras. Swappable mounting brackets feature a clamping mechanism that adapts to a range of smartphone sizes. The gimbal’s design foregoes a telescoping arm or pop‑out tripod legs; instead, it relies on a sizable internal battery to provide extended operation.
AI Tracking Features
At the core of the Fluid Pro AI is an integrated AI‑powered tracking module. This system can recognize hand gestures for remote control and automatically lock onto a subject’s face or body to keep it centered in the frame. Users can manually select tracking subjects through a companion mobile app, which also supplies tools for capturing panoramic images and time‑lapse sequences.
Motion Range and Lighting
The gimbal delivers a full 360‑degree pan and a 320‑degree tilt, offering extensive flexibility for creative shooting angles. A built‑in LED fill light provides additional illumination when needed, enhancing low‑light performance.
Battery Life and Performance
GoPro states that the Fluid Pro AI’s battery can sustain up to 18 hours of regular use. When the AI tracker is active and the LED light is on, the battery life drops to around six hours. By comparison, competing gimbals typically achieve up to 10 hours of operation with tracking disabled, highlighting the Fluid Pro AI’s strong endurance despite its advanced features.
Market Position
By marrying a versatile payload, AI‑driven tracking, extensive motion range, and a long‑lasting battery, GoPro positions the Fluid Pro AI as a premium‑priced yet highly functional stabilizer for creators who work across multiple device types. Its higher price point is justified in the company’s view by the added versatility and battery performance relative to lower‑cost alternatives.