GoPro Hero 13 Star Trails: Settings & Tips

Looking to capture breathtaking star trail photos and videos with your GoPro Hero 13?

This exciting feature, available only on GoPro’s latest models—Hero 13, Hero 12, and Hero 11—has been a source of fresh inspiration for me.

In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to set up your GoPro Hero 13 to capture stunning star trails.

QUICK TAKE

Bring extra batteries or a power bank if you’re planning to shoot for long periods, as extended recording drains power quickly.
Use a tripod or stable surface to keep your camera steady and aimed at the sky for smooth footage.
Star Trails mode captures video, and once the recording is done, you can extract a frame to use as an image.
Longer exposures create longer, sweeping trails, while shorter exposures result in crisper, shorter streaks.

How To Use Star Trails Mode on GoPro Hero 13

Here’s a quick guide on how to set up your GoPro Hero 13 for stunning star trail shots:

Turn on your GoPro Hero 13 and switch to Timelapse mode.
Press the preset button, scroll through the options, and select Star Trails mode.
Use the recommended settings for the best results.
Once recording is done, you can extract individual frames from the video to create beautiful still images.

This gives you both a video and a photo option, letting you enjoy the best of both worlds—smooth star trails footage and still photos from the same shoot.

Alternative Method: Capture Star Trails with Night Lapse Photo Mode

If you prefer taking photos instead of video, switch to Night Lapse Photo mode on the Hero 13. This mode works similarly to time-lapse, capturing a series of photos at set intervals.

Here’s how to set it up:

Swipe left to enter Time Lapse mode.
Tap the mode settings and scroll down to Night Lapse Photo.
Tap the pencil icon to fine-tune your settings.
- Shutter + Interval: Auto
- Field of View (FOV): Linear

The camera will automatically capture multiple frames during the night. Afterward, you can combine these shots into a single star trail image using software like Photoshop or Lightroom for a breathtaking final result.

Tips

Here are some tips that will help you to achieve better results:

Choose the Right Location

Look for areas with little to no light pollution, like remote areas or national parks. A dark sky will give you clearer star trails and enhance the visibility of stars.

Stabilize Your Camera

Use a sturdy tripod to keep your GoPro Hero 13 steady or place your camera on a plain surface. Even minor movement can cause blur in long exposures, so make sure the camera is securely mounted.

Bring Extra Batteries or Power Bank

While the 1900mAh Enduro battery lasts longer than previous models, extended shooting sessions will drain it. Bringing extra batteries or a power bank ensures you don’t miss out mid-shoot.

Disable Unnecessary Features

Turn off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS to conserve battery life during long recording sessions.

Capture a Longer Sequence

The longer you film, the more dramatic your trails will look. Aim for at least 30 minutes to an hour of continuous shooting for the best results.

Check the Weather

Make sure the weather is clear, as clouds can obstruct the stars. Use apps like SkyView or Stellarium to help you plan your shoot based on star movement.

Edit and Enhance Your Star Trails

If you used Night Lapse Photo mode, you can combine the individual frames into a single image using Photoshop or Lightroom. If you captured a video, extract individual frames from the footage using GoPro’s Quik app for polished stills.

Thanks for reading!

I hope this guide helped you know all about the best GoPro Hero 13 settings for star trail shots

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GoPro Hero 13 Star Trails: Settings & Tips

How To Use Star Trails Mode on GoPro Hero 13

Recommended Star Trails Settings

Alternative Method: Capture Star Trails with Night Lapse Photo Mode