GoPro Hero 12 FPS – Frame Rate Settings Explained

GoPro Hero 12 frame rate settings vary depending on the scenario. While I typically prefer 1080p at 120 FPS for slow motion, there are other exciting combinations available.

What is Frame Rate (FPS)

Frame rate, often abbreviated as FPS, represents the speed at which individual images or frames are displayed in a video. It is typically expressed as “frames per second.” If a video is captured and played back at 24fps, it means that every second of the video consists of 24 distinct still images.

Frame rate plays a pivotal role in shaping the viewer’s experience of a video. Different frame rates yield distinct viewing experiences, and the choice of frame rate depends on the desired outcome. For instance, 24fps, which closely resembles how we perceive the world, is the standard for most movies, creating a cinematic look.

The GoPro Hero 12 Black provides a range of frame rate options, including 24, 25, 30, 50, 60, 100, 120, 200, and 240 fps. These options offer videographers the flexibility to capture their vision with precision.

GoPro Hero 12 Frame Rate Settings (FPS)

In this section, we’ll delve into how GoPro Hero 12 FPS depend on resolutions and which one you should choose for different occasions.

5.3K – up to 60 FPS

At the pinnacle of the Hero 12 Black’s capabilities, you’ll find the remarkable 5.3K resolution. This setting is a visual marvel, providing you with the highest resolution possible. Here, you can record your adventures at frame rates of up to 60 FPS, ensuring that every detail is captured with exceptional clarity.

What sets this resolution apart is its flexibility; at 60/50 FPS, you have access to various digital lens options, including SuperView, Wide, Linear, and Linear+Horizon Leveling. These choices offer you the creative freedom to compose your shots precisely as you envision them.

One of the most captivating features of this resolution is the ability to slow down your footage by up to 2x. This makes it an ideal choice when you want to savor each moment, whether it’s a breathtaking jump from a cliff, the elegance of wildlife in motion, or the grace of a dancer’s performance.

For those looking to capture the grandeur of a landscape or the intimate details of a subject, lower frame rates (30/25/24 FPS) in this resolution are a go-to option. They provide a wider field of view, thanks to the HyperView digital lens, which brings a sense of expansiveness and immersion to your shots, as if you’re right there in the heart of the action.

4K – up to 120 FPS

4K resolution, an industry standard for high-quality video, is where the Hero 12 Black strikes a harmonious balance between precision and creativity. Here, you can explore frame rates of up to 120 FPS, making it possible to achieve mesmerizing slow-motion effects, slowing videos down by up to 4x.

Whether you’re capturing the grace of a ballet performance or the energy of a bustling city street, 4K at 120/100, 30/25, or 24 fps offers a canvas to weave your narrative.

In this resolution, the Hero 12 Black brings digital lens options to the forefront. With choices like SuperView, Wide, Linear, and Linear+Horizon Leveling, you have the tools to frame your shots exactly as you envision them.

If you decide to opt for 60/50 FPS frame rates, you’ll discover the expanded field of view offered by the HyperView option, letting you capture the grandeur of vast landscapes and the intricate details of close-up subjects.

2.7K – up to 240 FPS

Venturing into the realm of 2.7K resolution unleashes your ability to create astonishing slow-motion sequences. The Hero 12 Black supports frame rates of up to 240 FPS at this resolution, enabling you to slow down videos by an impressive 8x. This is where your creativity can truly thrive, as you capture moments that seem to unfold in slow motion, revealing their hidden beauty and intricate details.

At 2.7K, choosing frame rates of 120/100 or 60/50 FPS opens up a world of possibilities with digital lens options that include SuperView, Wide, Linear, and Linear+Horizon Lock. These choices allow you to frame your shots with precision, ensuring that you capture every nuance of your subject or environment.

However, if you decide to push the boundaries with 240/200 FPS frame rates, you’ll experience an exhilarating limitation – the inability to capture footage in SuperView FOV. Instead, you’ll be presented with the options of Wide, Linear, and Linear+Horizon Leveling, each offering a unique perspective on your world.

1080p – up to 240 FPS

For those who want to excel in the art of slow motion, the 1080p resolution is a canvas where each frame is a masterpiece. Here, the Hero 12 Black supports frame rates of up to 240 FPS, allowing you to slow down videos by a staggering 8x.

With 120/100, 60/50, 30/25, or 24 fps frame rates in this resolution, you gain access to digital lens options such as SuperView, Wide, Linear, and Linear+Horizon Lock. This provides the flexibility to frame your shots with precision, ensuring that your narrative unfolds with captivating beauty.

Choosing 240/200 FPS frame rates in 1080p unlocks a world of creative possibilities. While the SuperView FOV is excluded, you’ll find a fresh perspective with options like Wide, Linear, and Linear+Horizon Leveling. Each of these choices adds a unique dimension to your storytelling, making your videos stand out with cinematic elegance.

 Frame Rates & Their Use Cases

In this section, you’ll learn what are the different frame rates and when to use them.

24 FPS – The Cinematic Standard

A frame rate of 24 FPS is the gold standard for creating that classic cinematic look. It’s the speed at which most movies and TV shows are shot and displayed, delivering a timeless, film-like quality. Even if a film is recorded at a higher frame rate, it’s often adjusted to 24 FPS during post-production to maintain that traditional cinematic appearance.

The 24 FPS frame rate is like a window to a different world, offering the viewer a captivating, storytelling experience that’s both immersive and visually pleasing. It’s a choice for those who want to capture the essence of the moment and tell a story that resonates with the audience.

30 FPS – Television’s Trusted Companion

For decades, 30 FPS has been the go-to frame rate for television, and it still maintains its popularity today. This frame rate offers a balance between capturing realistic motion and providing a visually pleasing viewing experience.

It’s perfect for content that involves significant motion, such as sports events, where smooth and lifelike movement is crucial. The 30 FPS frame rate ensures that the fast-paced action is captured with the clarity and detail needed to keep viewers engaged. When you’re in pursuit of dynamic and action-packed content, 30 FPS is your ally.

60 FPS & Beyond – The World of Slow Motion

Frame rates exceeding 30 FPS open up the enchanting world of slow-motion videography.

These higher frame rates are predominantly used to create captivating slow-motion sequences or record fast-paced action, such as video game footage. The GoPro Hero 12 Black empowers you to venture into this realm, offering frame rates of 60, 100, 120, 200, and a stunning 240 FPS.

At 60 FPS, your videos acquire a dynamic quality, allowing you to emphasize motion, enhance detail, and capture breathtaking moments in slow motion. As you move further into the higher frame rates, you unlock even more dramatic potential, with the ability to slow down action by up to 10 times at 240 FPS. This is where you can truly freeze and dissect each instant, revealing the beauty and intricacies of life’s swiftest movements.

Last Word Of Advice

For casual footage without plans for slow-motion effects, I recommend using a 24 FPS frame rate. However, for high-motion scenes such as snowboarding, downhill, or skating, 60/120 FPS is more suitable. You can then slow these clips down in post-production.

Another crucial aspect to consider is file size. Higher frame rates pack more still images into each second of video, resulting in larger files. This is particularly significant if you plan to upload videos to online streaming platforms like YouTube. Larger files can lead to longer export times, which may be a concern if you don’t have the latest equipment or a fast internet connection.

If you want to learn how to maximize your GoPro Hero 12’s potential, watch my tutorial:

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