Everyone out here scrolling the ticker today probably thinks GoPro is just doing some desperate buyout or that this is a random meme pump. If you actually read the definitive agreement its not an all-cash liquidation. It’s a reverse-merger recap.

I’ve been tracking Starman Optical (operating via Starman New Photonics) for a while now because of what they do on the domestic hardware side. If you follow what’s happening in photonics, data centers, and defense optics right now this deal structure makes a ton of sense.

Here’s the actual breakdown:

Who is big dick Starman?

Everyone knows the current AI bottleneck isn't just compute it’s moving data between GPUs without burning power or burning up. Copper cables can't handle the distance or bandwidth in modern HD racks. You need optical transceivers converting electronics to highspeed light.

Starman is a privately held optical photonics company building high-speed optical transceivers. Their big edge isn't just designing modules,... it's domestic U.S. manufacturing.

Why did Starman merge GoPro?

1. They bypass the traditional IPO/SPAC timesuck: They step directly into a Nasdaq listing under $GPRO.
2. They clean the slate immediately: Starman wipes out GoPro’s ~$92M debt in full at closing.
3. They get GoPro’s ruggedized imaging IP: They aren't just selling data-center optical transceivers, they're integrating GoPro's miniaturized camera engineering and processing tech into ruggedized visual/sensor modules for defense drones, robotics, and aerospace.

How It Stacks Up Against $POET and$ALMU

A lot of people on here track $POET and $ALMU. All three are playing in the optical/photonics supply chain, but at completely different layers:

• $POET): A component-level design play. Their Optical Interposer replaces wire bonding at the chiplet level. POET sells optical engines to third-party transceiver makers.
• $ALMU): Deep-tech materials and sensor play. They bond compound semiconductors (InP/GaAs) onto large silicon wafers for infrared vision, LiDAR, and specialized defense contracts.
• Starman: Subsystem/module-level integration. Instead of just selling the chiplet or wafer material, Starman builds complete, packaged optical transceivers and ruggedized optical imaging systems. More importantly, they own their U.S. manufacturing footprint, giving them a direct line to restricted NDAA/defense and domestic data-center procurement where foreign optical hardware is barred.

The Deal Mechanics: Why the Math Isn't Capped at $1.14

Here is why the market is bidding this past $1.14

• $1.14 / share cash floor: Public holders receive an aggregate $285M cash consideration at closing.
• 10% Rollover Equity: Existing public shareholders keep ~10% aggregate equity in the combined entity.
• Debt-free balance sheet: The company emerges with zero debt and immediate capital to scale domestic production.

The market isn't pricing this as a $1.14 buyout.It’s pricing in the intrinsic value of that 10% equity slice in a debt-free, U.S.-based optical transceiver player operating in a white-hot sector.

Regards read below:

Bullish 1–3 Year Price Outlook

Once this deal closes by year-end 2026, you aren't looking at a dying consumer action-camera company anymore. You’re looking at a pureplay American optical and photonics provider trading on the Nasdaq.

• 1-Year Target (Post-Merger Rollout, 2027): $2.75 – $3.50+ Once the reverse-merger finishes, the debt is cleared, and Starman starts reporting contract ramp-ups in commercial data centers and defense modules, multiple expansion should re-rate the combined entity alongside mid-cap hardware and transceiver peers.
• 2–3 Year Target (Scaled Production & National Security Contracts, 2028–2029): $5.00 – $7.50+ If U.S. onshoring mandates for critical data infrastructure and defense optics continue accelerating, a debt-free domestic transceiver manufacturer with active volume production could easily support a $1.5B–$2.5B EV. On the post-nut adjusted share structure, that translates to a massive multi-bagger from today’s baseline.

TL;DR: Don’t treat this like a standard consumer tech buyout. Starman is using GoPro’s shell to take a debt-free, U.S.-manufactured optical transceiver and defense-imaging business public on Nasdaq.While everyone is focused on $1.14 cash, the real value driver is the 10% equity rollover in an onshored photonics player.

Seen some people call him Marketplier for his movement in the market right now lmao reminds me of a name like RoaringKitty. Hopefully he saves GOPRO

Has anyone here recently taken still photos with the GoPro MISSION 1?

I’m looking for an action camera mainly for still photography, not video, to replace my Sony RX0 II. Since the MISSION 1 has a 1-inch sensor, I was expecting pretty good image quality, but most of the sample photos I’ve found online look pretty terrible.

When you zoom in, they almost look like AI upscaling or heavy processing was used to add detail/pixels. I expected much, much better from a camera with a 1-inch sensor.

I understand that these samples may have been taken with an early/beta version of the firmware, so I’m wondering if the image quality has improved since then.

Has anyone used the MISSION 1 with the latest firmware specifically for still photography? If so, I’d really appreciate seeing some full-resolution, unedited samples.

For example, take a look at the photos in this thread and zoom in:
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/threads/mission-1-stills.4840282/

Zoomed in example from the above link:

Would you buy the GoPro Max2 now even if it has GP2 chip and it is a lot older and less performant than competitors? The price seems kind of appealing but the sensor and specs seems to be “old tech” now

EDIT:
Thank you all for your help. In the end I bought it. I think that it is a good price as a first 360 camera. I want to use it only in daylight during mountaineering and similar. I will try to understand pro and cons comparing it with my 13 black. Sometimes I wish I had the reframing option on my action camera

Just got the update to shipping soon this morning! Anybody else?

I’ve been using the GoPro hero 11 for a while now and have really enjoyed the video quality, but I’m heavily considering one of the new mission cameras. I mainly use it for POV resort/backcountry skiing, with the occasional photo here and there.
Would it be crazy to consider the ILS for something like this, or would I be better off just sticking with the mission pro?

https://www.nato.int/en/multimedia/multimedia/videos/2026/04/17/norwegian-conscripts-guard-natos-northernmost-border-with-russia

NATO’s northernmost border with Russia is patrolled by Norwegian Army conscripts. Stretching 196 kilometers through Arctic tundra, this remote frontier runs through one of the most inhospitable environments in Europe. In winter, temperatures can drop below -40 degrees Celsius, while deep snow and long periods of darkness make even routine tasks physically and emotionally draining. In these conditions, maintaining constant alertness and situational awareness is essential.

The conscripts operate from a series of remote watchtowers and cabins positioned along the border. Deployed for up to six weeks at a time, they live and work in small units with little contact with the outside world. Isolated from the routines of daily life, they must adapt to the physical and mental demands of prolonged time in the wilderness. From these outposts, they monitor activity across a strategically significant region and maintain a continuous presence on Norway’s frontier with Russia. Their role extends beyond static observation. Moving through the Arctic terrain by ski and snowmobile, they patrol the borderlands in all conditions, deterring any illegal border crossings and demonstrating a continued presence.

Working closely in small teams to defend their territory, they have earned their nickname ‘the Wolves’.

Footage includes patrols on ski and snowmobiles, lookouts in a watchtower, shots of the Norwegian-Russian border crossing and soundbites from three conscripts from the Jaeger Battalion GSV.

Today GoPro announces a merger agreement with Starman Optical, just one day after several influencers bought a large amount of its stock which lead to a 100% rise in just 24 hours.

Hey

Does anybody have a coupon code?

I have -10% with SNACKED_10

Maybe somebody has 15% off ?

Thanks

Hi. I've got a Hero 8 and it's great (apart from occasionally failing to turn on) but the sound quality is unusable if there's even the slightest breeze - all you can hear is really loud wind noise and nothing else.

What's the best solution for this? I don't really want to have to deal with a wired mic as I use it for hiking and just need to whip it in and out of a pocket.

Is the built in mic on the media mod any good?

Thanks

Not mentioned in the video is that my footage has already been exported and deleted, so I would really hope I can get my footage repaired. Thanks if you are giving this any attention or assistance! :D

Hey folks,

I started to record my soccer games a few weeks ago and, to test out if it was something I wanted to invest in, began by using an old ultra-wide capable phone to record the games on a tripod setup roughly 8ft behind my net (I'm a keeper). My Microsoft account through my company gets me full access to Clipchamp, which was actually pretty easy to pickup for editing.

With the ongoing Labor Day sale I am thinking about picking up a GoPro but I'm not sure what version. I've been eyeing the 360 models (Max/Max 2) but I really don't need more than a 180 FOV and with the tripod setup ~8ft behind the net I probably could settle for just a 170 FOV. I watched a few videos on the Quick App (I think that's what it's called) and am extremely impressed by the editing capabilities.

I need a setup that can record for ~90min and, if necessary, have an umbrella to keep the camera out of the shade since I live in east TN and my game this past Sunday reached 95f. I also have a really nice battery bank if an external power source is needed. I am really concerned with overheating.

Is the GoPro the right solution for me and, if so, do I really need a 360 or is there another model that can record in 170-180 FOV? Do all versions of the GoPro allow for target tracking in the Quick App or is this something exclusive to the 360 model?

Appreciate any/all feedback!

Just got myself the DJI Mic 3 kit and Media Mod for my GoPro. I’ve had the GoPro and used it standalone for a while but I recently got everything else cause I want to record videos of myself repairing stuff for my business and talking in the videos.

I wanted to know the best way you have found to use all of these together. If that’s with the 3.5 jack connected to both GoPro and mic or Bluetooth. What best settings there are for it. Any help will go a long way!

I preordered but my bank declined the payment so I re ordered it and it’s saying it’ll be delivered Friday but it usually comes from Europe for UK delivery so I’m skeptical.

I’m travelling for work Saturday and I’d love to take it with me!

Hi just bought a used 8 black and was wondering what is a good mount for pickleball play (lol dont judge), chest or shoulder? At the moment I have a few chest mounts which is okay, though doesnt show where I look and all. Heads mounts give me headaches. Was wondering if shoulder mounts would be better for sports and if so, which one?

Would anyone be able to tell me if this case fits a hero 12? I’m picking this up before the camera so won’t be able to test.

I took my GoPro out yesterday snorkeling and had it in 360 mode. There’s a circle in the images and it looks warped

Anyone know how to fix this?