The GoPro Hero 13 and Hero 12 both feature HyperSmooth 6.0, the Emmy-award-winning stabilization tech that sets GoPro apart from other action cameras.
Known for its unbeatable ability to smooth out shaky footage, this feature shines during high-motion activities like mountain biking, skiing, or running.
In this guide, you’ll discover when to activate HyperSmooth and how to optimize your settings for maximum stabilization during your action-packed adventures.
QUICK TAKE
- In low-light, use HyperSmooth and set your GoPro to 4K resolution and 30 FPS.
- Turn on HyperSmooth in the settings, and if you need extra stability, switch to Boost mode.
- Use the following shutter speeds: 1/120 if you’re using a helmet mount or the Linear lens, and 1/240 for chest mounts or when using the SuperView lens.
HyperSmooth Explained
HyperSmooth is GoPro’s advanced stabilization technology designed to keep your footage steady, no matter how much movement is involved.
It smooths out any bumps or shakes in your videos, giving them a polished, professional look—even in action-packed scenes like running or mountain biking.
How to Turn On HyperSmooth for Your GoPro Hero 13
To activate HyperSmooth on your GoPro Hero 13, follow these quick steps:
- Swipe down from the top of your screen.
- Tap the Stabilization option.
- Switch HyperSmooth On.
- If you want even more stabilization, select AutoBoost—but keep in mind that this will crop your footage a little for extra stability.
HyperSmooth Modes
- AutoBoost: Automatically adjusts the stabilization level based on how much your camera is moving.
- On: Provides consistent stabilization with very little cropping.
- Off: No stabilization or cropping, just the raw footage.
Aspect Ratio Settings for HyperSmooth
- 16:9: You can select from AutoBoost, On, or Off.
- 9:16: Choose between On or Off.
- 4:3: Available options are AutoBoost, On, or Off.
- 8:7: Allows for On or Off only.
Do you feel lost about GoPro Hero 13 settings? Download this GoPro Hero 13 settings cheat sheet for video and photo, organized by activity, so you’re prepared for every adventure.
When To Activate HyperSmooth
Here are some situations when it’s smart to use HyperSmooth:
Running or Hiking
Activities like running or hiking involve a lot of up-and-down movements. HyperSmooth reduces this natural shake, leaving you with clearer, more enjoyable footage.
Extreme Sports
When you’re hitting the trails on your mountain bike, skiing down a slope, or skateboarding, HyperSmooth is your go-to. It keeps your footage steady and smooth, even when the action gets intense and the conditions are unpredictable.
Drone Filming
If you’ve mounted your GoPro on a drone, HyperSmooth helps counteract the effects of wind or any sudden drone movements, ensuring your aerial shots look smooth and stable.
Underwater Filming
When diving or swimming, the movement of the water can make your footage shaky. HyperSmooth comes to the rescue by stabilizing the video, giving you clear and steady underwater scenes.
Vlogging on the Move
If you’re walking and talking to the camera at the same time, HyperSmooth helps keep your video steady. This ensures your audience gets a professional, polished view without the jitters caused by handheld shots.
Now it’s clear when to use Hypersmooth, here are situations when you need to turn it off:
Tips
Here are some tips that can make a difference:
Zoom In for Extra Stability
When you’re capturing especially shaky activities, like running or extreme sports, zooming in slightly can help with stabilization. A zoom of around 10-15% will reduce the field of view (FOV) but provide extra stabilization by giving the camera more room to work. This small zoom is often barely noticeable but makes a big difference in reducing shakiness.
Switch to Linear Mode for Better Stabilization
Switching to Linear Mode can significantly improve stabilization. Linear mode offers more natural stabilization compared to the Wide FOV because it corrects any distortion, keeping the image straight and clean. This is especially useful if you want smoother, professional-looking footage with straight lines, like in landscapes or vlogging.
Use Boost Mode for Maximum Stabilization
For activities with a lot of movement, like mountain biking or snowboarding, try enabling AutoBoost mode. This mode offers the highest level of stabilization but will crop your footage slightly. The small crop is often worth it if you need that extra level of smoothness in high-shake environments.
Mount Your Camera Securely
No matter how good your stabilization settings are, a poorly mounted camera can still lead to shaky footage. Use a sturdy mount, like a chest or helmet mount, to keep your camera steady. This ensures that HyperSmooth can work its magic without being disrupted by camera movement.
Check Shutter Speed
For improved stabilization, pay attention to your shutter speed. A faster shutter speed, such as 1/240, works well with chest mounts or when using a SuperView lens. If you’re using a Linear lens or a helmet mount, aim for a shutter speed of 1/120 for the smoothest results.
Keep Lighting Conditions in Mind
HyperSmooth works best in good lighting. If you’re filming in low-light conditions, like during sunrise or sunset, the stabilization may not be as effective. In these situations, consider using additional light sources or film during times when natural light is optimal to avoid grainy or jittery footage.
Better Stabilization in Low-Light
As I said before, HyperSmooth might not be the best solution for low-light situations. Here are some tips to help you achieve better stability when you lack light:
Choose the Right Video Mode
For simplicity, Standard Mode is your best bet. It works well in most situations, but in low-light, you might lose some color detail and depth. However, it’s still the easiest to use if you’re not comfortable with color grading.
Avoid HDR mode, as it needs more light to blend exposures properly, so avoid it in dimly lit scenes.
If you plan to edit and color grade your footage later, Log Mode is the best choice. It gives you more control and flexibility, but requires post-processing to adjust colors and contrast. This is ideal for night scenes or low-light shots, where you can fix the image quality afterward.
Adjust Resolution and Frame Rate
Lower the Frame Rate to 30fps or 24fps. A higher frame rate like 60fps requires more light, which isn’t ideal for darker settings.
Use 4K at 30fps for most low-light shots. This setting strikes a good balance between capturing enough light and maintaining a high level of detail.
Avoid 5.3K, as it is great for cropping or zooming in post-production, but it demands way more light.
Select the Right Lens (Field of View)
In low light, Linear or Narrow modes reduce the fisheye effect and distortion, giving you a more natural look with better stabilization. These are ideal for urban scenes or where you want cleaner, more realistic shots.
Avoid SuperView in very low light as it introduces more distortion and noise in low-light conditions.
Optimize Shutter Speed and ISO
Set Shutter Speed to 1/120 or 1/240. For low-light situations, aim for a shutter speed that’s double your frame rate. If you’re shooting at 30fps, set your shutter speed to 1/120. If you’re using a SuperView lens or are mounted on your chest, set it to 1/240 to reduce motion blur.
Keep the ISO as low as possible to avoid introducing noise. Start with ISO 100 and increase it only if necessary, but avoid going over ISO 800. Higher ISO levels can make your footage grainy and reduce quality.