Where they actually differ
The most decisive specs, ranked by how much they matter — before the full spec table.
| Spec | GoPro - MAX 2 | Sony - HDR-AS300 |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof depth | 5 m | 60 m |
| Horizon lock | true | false |
| Max video | 5.7K | 4K60 |
| Stabilization | gimbal-class | advanced |
Between the MAX 2 and HDR-AS300, the MAX 2 comes out ahead in horizon lock / max video, while the HDR-AS300 wins on waterproof depth. Overall, the MAX 2 scores 73.8 and the HDR-AS300 scores 65 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The MAX 2 is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 8.8 points on the Mars Score. The margin is wide enough that the underdog only makes sense if its individual strengths line up with what you specifically need.
Pick the MAX 2 if you care most about horizon lock / max video. The biggest gaps in its favor are horizon lock, max video, stabilization. The single most decisive one: Has Horizon lock.
Pick the HDR-AS300 if you care most about waterproof depth. Its strongest claims are waterproof depth. The single most decisive one: Waterproof depth — 1100.00% more. 60 m vs 5 m.
Both ship with comparable max 4k fps, so those specs do not separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: the MAX 2 is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.
Which should you buy: GoPro - MAX 2 or Sony - HDR-AS300?
GoPro - MAX 2 leads the current Mars Score by 8.8 points.The more useful decision is the trade-off behind that result: compare max video, waterproof depth against the way you will actually use the product.
Choose GoPro - MAX 2 if…
GoPro - MAX 2 has the measurable edge on has horizon lock, max video, stabilization quality.
Choose Sony - HDR-AS300 if…
Sony - HDR-AS300 has the measurable edge on water depth m.
This is a structured comparison of the published catalog values. It is not a claim of identical real-world performance across every workload; use the linked spec drill-downs and methodology page to inspect the inputs.
Why GoPro - MAX 2 wins
- ▲Has Horizon lock.
- ▲Max video: 5.7K (vs 4K60).
- ▲Stabilization: gimbal-class (vs advanced).
Why Sony - HDR-AS300 wins
- ▲Waterproof depth — 1100.00% more. 60 m vs 5 m.
Spec comparison
Video
| Spec | GoPro - MAX 2 | Sony - HDR-AS300 |
|---|---|---|
| Max video | 5.7Klead | 4K60 |
| Max 4K fps | 60 | 60 |
| HDRⓘ | truelead | false |
| Log profileⓘ | truelead | false |
Stabilization
| Spec | GoPro - MAX 2 | Sony - HDR-AS300 |
|---|---|---|
| Horizon lock | truelead | false |
| Stabilization | gimbal-classlead | advanced |
Durability
| Spec | GoPro - MAX 2 | Sony - HDR-AS300 |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof depth | 5 m | 60 mlead |
| Weight | 165 g | 109 glead |
| Removable lens | false | false |