GoPro Protune: Best Settings Explained [Photo & Video]

If you want to explore what it’s like to go beyond GoPro default settings and unlock GoPro’s full potential with Protune, then make sure you read this guide until the end.

Today I’m going to show you the best GoPro Protune settings that will help you shoot higher quality content with your camera.

In this tutorial, we’re going to take a deeper dive into your GoPro’s potential.

But before we start, take a few minutes to refresh your memory and get reacquainted with GoPro’s settings.

If you need some refreshing, check out GoPro Settings: The Definitive Guide

Quick Overview

Protune is available on these GoPro models (click on the links below to check perfect Protune settings for every model):

• HERO 12 Black
• HERO 11 Black
• HERO 11 Mini
• HERO 10 Black
• HERO 9 Black
• HERO 8 Black
• HERO 7 Black
• HERO 6 Black (taken as a reference for this article)
• HERO 6 Session
• HERO 5 Black
• HERO 5 Session
• HERO 4
• HERO 4 Session
• HERO 3 Black Edition
• HERO 3 Silver Edition
• HERO 3+ Black Edition
• GoPro Fusion

What is Protune

According to GoPro: Protune enables you to get much higher quality throughout your post-production workflow. Basically, the main purpose of the ProTune software update is to help you get more dynamic images from your camera than you are currently getting today.

Essentially, Protune gives us options. And we like that.

By enabling Protune you will gain manual control of:

• Shutter Speed
• EV Compensation
• ISO
• White Balance
• Sharpness
• Color Profile
• Audio

Protune has undergone several changes and updates since its inception when the Hero 2 model was released. Now it’s standard for most GoPro cameras and can be found and activated within your main GoPro menu:

GoPro Protune Increases GoPro’s Video Quality

Perhaps the greatest benefit of Protune is the increased bitrate. For example, a video shot at 1080p @ 60fps in standard video mode (ProTune OFF) has a bitrate of 30Mbps. If we turn ProTune to ON, the bitrate of the same file will be 45Mbps (depending on the model). This means more data is captured per second while filming, resulting in a higher dynamic range. If the image quality is your priority, then I suggest keeping ProTune ON.

Best GoPro Protune Settings

Shutter Speed 

Shutter speed is one of the most important settings when it comes to light. This setting determines how long the camera’s shutter stays open. However, please note that the Protune Shutter setting only applies to the Video, Photo, and LiveBurst modes on the GoPro Hero 10.

In Auto mode, GoPro constantly changes shutter speed to balance the change of light. In certain situations when light levels consistently change, the Auto mode can work to your advantage.

In Protune, shutter speed is manually selected depending on your surrounding ambient lighting. But if that light level changes too drastically during your shot, you risk producing footage that is out of exposure – too bright or too dark.

Ideally, the shutter speed should be fixed at double (x2) the frame rate.

Example:

FPS = 30 → Shutter Speed = 1/60

FPS = 120 → Shutter Speed = 1/240s

Why the Math?

This is filmmaking 101 – a fundamental rule of thumb.

By doubling the frame rate to get the correct Shutter Speed every video frame will produce a “motion” effect for that film look we often see in movies.

Pro Tip: If you use ProTune to manually double the Frame Rate to get the Shutter Speed, we recommend buying a series of GoPro ND filters. They’ll keep the lighting as consistent as possible for your GoPro while in ProTune. They’re like sunglasses for your GoPro.

Also check out: F Stop Chart – Lens Aperture (Full Stops, 1/2 Stops, 1/3 Stops)

Recommended ND Filters:

For HERO 12, 11, 10, 9

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REYGEAK 4-Pack Filter Set CPL ND8 ND16 ND32 Compatible for GoPro Hero 12/11/10/9, Neutral Density and Polarizing Lens Filter Kit Lens Protector for GoPro Accessories Aluminum Alloy Frame

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For HERO 8

PolarPro - Shutter Collection - Filters for GoPro Hero 8* - ND8 - ND16 - ND32 - Neutral Density Filters - Ideal for mid-Day or Bright environments - CinemaSeries

• Shutter Collection - Filters for GoPro Hero 8
• Designed specifically for the HERO8 Black camera (only compatible with Hero8 Black).
• The Hotswap magnetic filter base allows for quick filter change and removal.

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For HERO 5, HERO 6 & HERO 7

Neewer 58mm Action Camera Lens Filter Kit - (4)ND Filter (ND4/ND8/ND16/ND32), (1)CPL Filter, (1)UV Filter, (2)Lens Cap, (2)Adapter Ring Compatible with GoPro Hero 5 6 7 Action Camera Lens Accessory

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For HERO 3+/HERO 4

CamKix Cinematic Filter Pack Compatible with GoPro Hero 4 and 3+ Includes 4 Neutral Density Filters (ND2/ND4/ND8/ND16), a UV Filter and a Cleaning Cloth.

• CAMKIX CINEMATIC FILTER PACK: This kit contains four neutral density filters...
• ND FILTERS: The CamKix neutral density (ND) filters decrease the amount of light...
• ND2/ND4/ND8/ND16: A good rule for shooting a well balanced video with a natural...

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How to Change the Shutter Speed on a GoPro

1. Enable GoPro ProTune (this unlocks a new custom setting screen)
2. Click on “Shutter”
3. Choose a speed value (see image below)

In Short

Unless your film requires that movie look and feel with an increased shutter speed, I highly recommend staying in Auto mode. All  GoPro models are pretty good with automatic changes in variable lighting conditions.

EV Compensation

Exposure Value compensation is a brightness assistive setting on your GoPro under the ProTune option. By adjusting EV COMP, you can override the auto-calculated exposure to increase or decrease exposure.

EV compensation range is measured in “stops”, where each stop is an incrementally higher or lower level of brightness.

The range on GoPro is -2 to +2, in 0.5 increments:

• +2.0 (brighter)
• +1.5
• +1.0
• +0.5
• +0.0 (default)
• -0.5
• -1.0
• -1.5
• -2.0 (darker)

Suggested ProTune EV Comp. Settings: -0.5 or -1 (improves details in highlights)

ISO

ISO is the measurement setting of light sensitivity of your GoPro’s image sensor. It’s an important variable to understand because selecting the wrong ISO setting can produce a grainy effect in your footage, rendering it unusable.

Optimal GoPro ISO Settings

As general rule, the higher the GoPro ISO number, the brighter the image; but the catch here is that a higher ISO number will also add a grain or noise to your footage. Therefore, the other general rule with ISO is to keep it as low as possible.

This is one of the GoPro settings for which I believe ProTune should be enabled, to avoid exceeding acceptable ISO values.

In Auto mode, your GoPro will shoot at variable ISO values to compensate variable light conditions; these values range from 100 (ISO Min) to 3200 (ISO Max). But because of the potential for grainy and unusable footage with higher ISO levels, we want to adjust the ISO Max value down to a reasonable level.

This is how to change ISO Max with ProTune

1. In the settings window prompt, you’ll see your GoPro’s default ISO levels.
2. Select the ISO MAX level and adjust it down to a reasonable level, like 400.

Note: The ISO Min value doesn’t need adjusting because at that level, image quality is fine.

The following video demonstrates how to do this:

If 400 ISO is still producing dark footage, instead of increasing the Max ISO (remember the grain…) I recommend adding some more light – artificial or natural – to your scene, or I wouldn’t use the GoPro at all (use another camera if available or wait for lighter conditions).

In the following video, check out the difference in quality in the footage shot with GoPro’s default ISO values and then our recommended adjustment to an ISO Max of 400:

Read more on ISO in the following article: What is GoPro ISO? (Effects & GoPro Settings Explained!)

White Balance

White Balance, measured in Kelvin, is the temperature of your GoPro image, and it’s set to Auto by default.

The following video demonstrates how to change White Balance settings with GoPro ProTune:

Unless you’re shooting with multiple cameras and need to color match the temperature before filming, I would leave your White Balance setting on default.

Of course, there are some challenging lighting conditions (indoor light, snowy scenes, etc.) where your GoPro may struggle to correct white balance automatically. In this case, it’s best to manually set the right temperature. To do this, use a white surface as a color reference and select a temperature that best matches that white surface.

The video below demonstrates a White Balance Test on a GoPro Hero 6 for varying temperature levels (kelvin), as well as in Auto and Native modes:

Sharpness

In Protune, GoPro offers 3 sharpness modes – Low, Medium and High:

By default, the sharpness of GoPro should be set to High.

But I believe this level of digital sharpness produces artificial looking footage. The following image is a comparison of each sharpness setting for footage shot in 4k resolution on a GoPro Hero 6. What do you think?

Let’s take a closer look at a section of this image, at each sharpness level, to better understand the difference. Can you see it?

Can you see the variation of detail with each level of sharpness? Look closely at the air conditioner grating or the patterns on each wall paper design.

ProTip: If you plan on editing your footage in post-production and you want maximum control over sharpness, I suggest switching to Medium or Low. I think high sharpness looks too crispy, and it often introduces additional unwanted noise to your footage.

Color

By default, your camera is set to GoPro Color, which is a vibrant colored filter on your footage. It’s typical of GoPro, but I love the way it looks.

However, if you plan to edit your GoPro footage with some other footage shot from another camera, it might prove difficult to match the color profiles of each one. As well, applying some color grading in post-production video editing apps like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro X will be more difficult with GoPro Color enabled.

Thankfully, GoPro ProTune allows us to disable this Auto mode feature and shooting in a neutral or flat raw color profile. Doing so reduces your footage contrast, retaining its detail within highlights and shadows.

Read more on color settings in the following article: Best GoPro Color Settings? [GoPro Color vs Flat].

Here’s how to change your GoPro’s color profile

GoPro LUTs Color Grading

If you want to try more color grading to transform your photos and videos, I recommend downloading our Cinematic Color Grading LUTs, specifically optimized for GoPro and Drone footage.

The pack Includes 100+ cinematic filters for all GoPro Activities. Check out what you can do with it:

Raw Audio Track

Raw Audio Track is a Protune feature that creates a higher-quality, standalone audio WAV file in addition to your original footage file.

Should You Enable Raw Audio Track?

If you’re serious about audio design in your GoPro footage then go for it! This is how to set it:

Once enabled, you should select Low, Medium or High quality audio according to the level of editing you intend to apply. However, despite GoPro’s built-in stereo microphone capabilities (on later models), it does have limits, it picks up ambient noises and it’s more difficult isolating a single subject.

If you really want to have the cleanest and clearest audio, you might opt to use an external microphone. There are many kinds of external microphones for GoPro.

Here’s What We Recommend

GoPro Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter (Hero 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 5)

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GoPro Media Mod (HERO 12, 11, 10 ,9)

GoPro Media Mod (HERO13 Black/HERO12 Black/HERO11 Black/HERO10 Black/HERO9 Black) - Official GoPro Accessory

• Built-in directional mic highlights voice audio and reduces ambient noise
• Tough, weather-resistant construction withstands the elements
• 2 cold-shoe mounts to attach your favorite lights, mics or LCD screens

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Rode VideoMicro Compact On-Camera Microphone (Hero 12, 11, 10, 9)

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Movo VXR10 Universal Video Microphone with Shock Mount (HERO 12, 11, 10, 9)

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GoPro Media Mod (HERO 8 Black)

GoPro HERO8 Black Camera Mountable Media Mod with Built-in Directional External Microphone – Compatible for use Display Mod and Light Mod for HERO8 Black (Official GoPro Accessory)

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• 2 cold-shoe mounts to attach your favorite lights, mics or LCD screens
• 3.5mm mic port lets you add an external mic for enhanced audio

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GoPro Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter (HERO 5 Black, HERO 5 Session, HERO 6 Black, HERO 7  Black)

SPECIAL SALE

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• USB-C power and data extension with 90° connector
• Connects a wide range of external 3.5mm mics

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Saramonic G-Mic Stereo (GoPro Hero 3, Hero 3+ and Hero 4)

Saramonic G-Mic Stereo Ball Gopro Microphone with Foam & Furry Windscreens Compatible with GoPro HERO3, HERO3+ and HERO4

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Movo GM100 Lavalier (HERO 3, HERO 3+, HERO 4)

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Wind Noise Reduction

With Wind Noise Reduction, you can customize how GoPro’s internal microphones are used. There are three levels to choose from – Auto (default), On, and Off. 

Auto is the default wind noise reduction level. It automatically filters out excessive wind/water noise. When you keep this setting On, the camera will filter out excessive wind noise, such as when it is mounted on a moving vehicle. It is recommended that you keep the Wind Noise Reduction Off only when the wind will not affect sound quality, such as while using the camera indoors. 

So, choose the most suitable option based on where you’re shooting and what type of sound you want in your finished video.

Protune for Photo Mode

As with ProTune for video shoots, ProTune for Photo enables more advanced settings, giving you more control over GoPro’s photo settings and potentially producing better quality content.

When to Use ProTune for Photos

• Varying shutter speeds: You can experiment and play with different shutter speeds in low light situations (use a tripod!) or to use a still-photo motion effect by holding and moving your GoPro.
• Greater editing flexibility: If you intend on editing or color grading on your photos, other than shooting in RAW, you should set your color to neutral or flat using the ProTune Photo color feature.

How to Enable Protune Photo

Clicking the ON button within the GoPro menu:

Now you can take manual control of Shutter Speed, EV Compensation, ISO, White Balance, Sharpness, Color Profile, Audio.

Where is Protune in GoPro Quik App?

Here’s how you can access Protune settings in the GoPro App:

1. Make sure your GoPro camera is turned on and connected to your smartphone via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
2. Launch the GoPro Quik on your smartphone.
3. In the GoPro Quik App, you should see a preview of your camera’s live feed. If not, tap on the camera icon on the bottom left corner of the app to connect to your camera.
4. Once connected and viewing the live feed, tap on the “Settings” or “Control” icon, which usually looks like a gear or sliders icon.
5. Inside the settings or control menu, you will find various camera settings, including resolution, frame rate, and field of view. Scroll down until you see the “Protune” settings. The Protune settings may be labeled as “Pro Settings” or “Protune” depending on the app version and camera model.
6. Tap on the “Protune” or “Pro Settings” option to access and adjust the advanced settings for your GoPro, such as ISO, white balance, shutter speed, color profile, and sharpness.

Remember that the availability of Protune settings and the options within them may vary depending on your GoPro camera model and the firmware version installed. Some older GoPro models might not support Protune or have limited Protune settings.

FAQ

What does Protune do on a GoPro?

ProTune unlocks the camera’s full potential, yielding stunning image quality and cinema-caliber video and photos optimized for professional productions. ProTune gives content creators more flexibility and workflow efficiency than ever before.

What is ISO on GoPro?

By unlocking ProTune, you gain full control on ISO values. ISO measures the image sensors sensitivity to light (higher ISO values equals brighter image but with possible noise/grain).

What is ISO limit on GoPro?

GoPro ISO limit incorporates a minimum and a maximum value. This is the ISO range that GoPro will use depending on lighting conditions. It’s advisable to keep ISO Min. at 100 and ISO Max. not more than 400 to avoid noise.

How do I adjust White Balance my GoPro?

By activating ProTune, you can manually choose a white balance value depending on external lighting conditions. WB adjusts the images with a colder or warmer temperature. In the White Balance section above I demonstrate all the different white balance options (with video comparison) and explain you how to set white balance.

How do I turn ProTune ON?

By default, GoPro ProTune is set to OFF. To unlock ProTune in video and photo modes, go to the main menu and tap the ON button. Further details (with images and videos) can be found above in the article.

Thanks for reading! 

I hope this guide helped you learn about the best Protune settings 🙂 

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• GoPro Slow Motion: Learning to Use Slow Motion
• GoPro LRV and THM Files Explained in 1 minute
• GoPro Low Light Tips: Learn How to Improve Your Low Light Footage
• GoPro Editing: Step by Step Beginner Guide + Best Free Editing Software

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