GoPro's latest innovation, the Mission 1 Pro ILS, promises cinema-quality visuals but requires a manual lens to get the best out of it. One reviewer tested it with a Laowa 7.5-mm lens, noting it's equivalent to a 23-mm on a full-frame camera. Despite its potential, the absence of electronic lens control means sticking with fully manual lenses is a must. This can limit the range of creative options, especially for filmmakers.

The small screen makes focusing a challenge, with no electrical contacts for assistance. While focusing with an external monitor is an option, it loses much of the ILS's portability advantage. Lens iris control remains a limitation, as many lenses require electronic aperture adjustment.

Despite these hurdles, the quality of the footage is impressive. The reviewer finds it comparable to the early Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera in terms of cinematic quality. However, the manual focus and lens constraints mean that for the tech-savvy, the ILS might be a niche product.

The future could see improvements, with suggestions for added features such as an electronic aperture connector and a tilting screen. Until then, the ILS is a fascinating tool for those willing to embrace its limitations.