Are you struggling to understand your GoPro settings?
In this article, we’ll explain how to properly setup your GoPro (any model) for best photo and video results.
First, we’ll cover video, photo, time lapse and Protune settings, then, we’ll discuss the best settings for action, travel, and more.
Before we start, go ahead and download the GoPro Cheat Sheet.
GoPro Video Settings
Here are my recommended video settings for everyday use
- Resolution: 1080p or 5.3K (high resolutions will produce big file sizes)
- Frame rate: 30fps-60fps
- Video stabilization: HyperSmooth ON
- Lens: 2.0 Max Lens Mod for wider angle and better stabilization
- Bitrate: High
- White balance: Auto
- ISO: 100 min – 400 max
- Shutter speed: Auto
- Color: Flat (if I use GoPro LUTs)
- ProTune: On for advanced settings and color correction in post-production
In this tutorial I share 7 GoPro Settings tips that help me film cinematic videos:
Resolutions
What are resolutions?
Resolutions refer to the number of pixels an image contains. The larger the resolution (height x width), the more detail. High resolution video (HD) can be played back on large displays without noticeable defects, whereas low resolution (480p), may appear poor in quality.
The chart below compares the frame size of each resolution.
How to use resolutions:
720p or less | Low resolution. Small file size. Used for smartphones and web. |
1080p | Full HD - Produces a sharp and clean image. It's the most common option. |
1440p | Produces a sharp and clean Full HD image. But aspect ratio is 4:3 (almost a squared image, like in the old movies) |
2.7K | Excellent quality. Can be used for digital zoom in editing. |
4K | 4x Full HD. Can be used for digital zoom in editing or for large 4k screens. Big file size and shorter battery life in shooting. |
5K | Ultra high-resolution video that captures more of the screen with the taller 4:3 aspect ratio. Great for point-of-view footage and grabbing 19.6MP stills from your video. |
5.3K | The Highest resolution on GoPro. Captures breathtaking ultra HD video in the wide 16:9 aspect ratio. Can be used to grab 15.8MP stills from your video. |
Frame Rates
What are frame rates?
Frame rates refers to the number of images captured by a camera (per second), which is then stitched together to give the appearance of motion. By utilizing higher frame rates, you can learn to improve your videos by creating cinematic slow motion shots.
How to use frame rates:
24 (PAL & NTSC) | Cinematic frame rate. No slow motion. |
25fps (PAL) 30fps (NTSC) | Standard TV style. No slow motion. |
50fps (PAL) 60fps (NTSC) | For action shots. Slow Motion 2x |
100fps (PAL) 120fps (NTSC) | For faster action shots. Slow motion 4x. Not good in low light conditions. |
200fps (PAL) 240fps (NTSC) | For super fast action shots. Slow motion 8x. Bad quality in low light conditions. |
The Spot Meter feature on GoPro is a handy tool for those facing lighting inconsistencies in their shots. It uses the central part of the image to calculate exposure, providing an accurate reading for the subject that needs to be highlighted while ignoring other details in the frame. This feature is particularly useful in situations where the lighting varies drastically, such as when shooting in bright sunlight or in low-light conditions. By using the Spot Meter, you can ensure that your subject is correctly exposed and stands out in the shot.
GoPro Field of View (FOV)
What is field of view?
Field of view is the area visible to the camera sensor (170°, 120°, 90°). It’s almost like changing the lens on your GoPro: the resolution will remain the same but your angle of view will vary (so you don’t lose quality if you pick a narrower FOV).
How to use field of view:
Superview: 170 degree angle; Great for action-shot.
Captures the widest angle possible, giving you that signature GoPro look. The frame is distorted due to such a wide angle. It’s a great option when shooting action or shaky occasions (the wider your frame, the more stable the footage looks).
Wide: 120 degree angle; Slight fish-eye
Still has a slight wide-angle feel but is good for reducing the fish eye look.
Linear: 90 degree angle; DSLR wide lens feel
Linear FOV is more comparable to DSLR footage. This is the best option for non-action shots like interviews, b-rolls, Vlogs, etc.
Stabilization/Hypersmooth
What is electronic image stabilization?
Electronic image stabilization (EIS) is a feature used to minimize shaky shots. This is done in camera and works well in daylight, but is best to avoid in low light because the software makes adjustments that can cause a minor distortion.
More on setting in low light: GoPro Low Light: Best Settings For Night + Steps to Fix Noise.
In all the recent GoPro models, the EIS feature is known as HyperSmooth. HyperSmooth delivers ultra-smooth footage by correcting for camera shake. It crops your videos while recording, which lets it buffer the footage. This makes it perfect for biking, skating, skiing, handheld shots, and more.
How to use EIS:
Stabilization ON: Stable cinematic look. Used for shaky shots (hand held, GoPro stick, sport, etc)
Stabilization OFF: For tripod use or low light shots.
Auto Low Light
What is auto low light?
Auto low light is a feature that improves low light shooting performance by automatically adjust key low light settings like frame rates to allow more light to reach the cameras image sensor.
How to use auto low light:
Auto Low Light ON: The camera would automatically adjust its frame rate to compensate for light. However, you will have a variable frame rate clip that is not ideal if you are planning a clean slow motion shot.
Auto Low Light OFF: For bright situations.
Manual Audio Control
What is manual audio control?
Manual Audio Control (available on the Hero 13,12,11,10,9,8,7,6,5) is a feature that allows you to improve the audio performance of your GoPro by manually adjusting the audio settings. By default, Manual Audio Control is set to Auto (OFF).
How to use manual audio control:
AUTO: GoPro will automatically switch between recording in stereo and applying the wind noise reduction to get the best audio results possible.
ON: your camera will let you choose between Wind Only and Stereo Only.
Wind Only: your GoPro applies a fixed wind reduction filter. So you would have less background noise but lower audio quality due to the filter.
Stereo Only: your GoPro will record audio without any filters. So you will have a raw higher audio quality but almost every sound will be recorded, including background noise.
NTSC vs PAL
What are NTSC and PAL?
NTSC & PAL are the two main video formats used around the world (different electrical frequencies). By selecting the appropriate option for your region (NTSC or PAL), you can prevent the flickering effect that occurs when recording lights running on a different frequency.
How to use NTSC and PAL:
NTSC (60Hz): shoot/view footage in Central-North America.
PAL (50Hz): shoot/view footage outside Central-North America.
Best GoPro Settings by Activity
I’ve grouped the most filmed GoPro activities and gave you the best GoPro settings for each one:
- Travel
- Cycling
- Hiking
- Drone
- Motorcycle
- Sport
- Ski
- Surf
- Underwater
- Sunset
- Vlog
- Automobile
For more GoPro settings for sport read: 5 BEST GoPro Settings for Action
Activity | Resolution | Frame Rate (FPS) | Field of View (FOV) |
---|---|---|---|
Travel | 1080p 4k | 60fps | Wide |
Cycling | 1080p 2.7k | 60fps | Wide Superview |
Hiking | 1080p 4k | 30fps | Wide |
Drone | 1080p 4k | 60fps | Wide |
Motorcycle | 1080p 2.7k | 120fps | Wide |
Sport | 1080p 4k | 60fps 120fps | Wide |
Ski | 1080p 2.7k | 120fps 240fps | Wide |
Surf | 1080p 2.7k | 120fps 240fps | Wide |
Underwater | 1080p 4k | 30fps 60fps | Wide |
Sunset | 1080p 4k | 30fps | Linear |
VLOG | 1080p 2.7k | 30fps | Linear |
Automobile | 1080p 2.7k | 60fps | Wide |
GoPro Photo Settings
- Photo
- Night
- Burst
- High Dynamic Range
Photo Mode
What is photo mode?
Photo mode allows you to capture single shots like a traditional DSLR or point-and-shoot camera. On all the latest GoPro models, including GoPro HERO8, 9 & 10, you can access this menu option by clicking on the video icon at the bottom left-hand corner of the home page menu.
How to use photo mode:
Photo mode is best used when taking standard photos like you would with your phone or point and shoot camera.
Night Mode
What is night mode?
Night mode is designed for long exposure photographs, typically used in low light. Depending on the amount of ambient light, you can set the exposure from 2 seconds up to 30 seconds or Auto.
How to use night mode:
Darker subject → Longer exposure (more seconds)
Brighter subject → Shorter exposure (less seconds)
Burst Mode
What is burst mode?
Burst mode allows you to capture multiple photos over a short period of time (eg. a jump, moving car, etc). Burst Rate determines how many photos are taken per second. If we take 5/1 as an example, 5 pictures are taken every second.
How to use burst mode:
Slow movement: ~ 3 photos per second (eg. 3/1, 5/1, etc)
Fast movement: ~ 10 photos per second (eg. 30/3, 30/6, etc)
High Dynamic Range (HDR)
What is high dynamic range?
High Dynamic Range is a feature that works by overlaying multiple images taken at different levels of light (more or less exposure). This allows the camera to adjust for both high and low levels of light intensity, which comes in handy when photographing sunsets or settings with similar lighting conditions.
How to use high dynamic range:
High dynamic range is best used in situations where are significant difference between levels of light is present. Example: when struggling to capture both the sun and shadows of a scene.
GoPro Time-Lapse Settings
- Video
- Photo
- Night lapse
Time Lapse Video
What is time lapse video?
Time lapse video is a feature that outputs ready-to-go time lapse videos without the need for editing.
How to use time lapse video:
Select this option from your menu settings and hit record. It’s that simple. Once you hit stop, your camera will automatically combine the photos together into a ready-made time lapse sequence.
Time Lapse Photo
What is time lapse photo?
Time lapse photo is a feature that automatically captures photos at a set interval which can then be joined together in editing to create a time lapse video. The benefit of time lapse photo over time lapse video is that you have control over the interval and access to the individual photos which allows you more creative freedom in post production.
How to use time lapse photo:
Select this option from your menu settings, select the interval (see how to create time lapse videos here for suggestions), setup the camera on a tripod, and hit record. Come back after 1/2 hour or more and hit stop. Then import the photos into your favorite video editor, and merge the photos.
Night Lapse Video
What is night lapse photo?
Night lapse photo provides the same functionality as time lapse photo except adds long exposure settings which provides better performance in low light.
How to use night lapse photo:
Select this option from your menu settings, select the interval (see how to create time lapse videos here for suggestions), select the exposure settings, setup the camera on a tripod, and hit record. Come back after 1/2 hour or more and hit stop. Then import the photos into your favourite video editor, and merge the photos.
GoPro Protune Settings
- Shutter Speed
- ISO
- White Balance
- Sharpness
- Color Profile
- Raw Audio Track
NOTE: To access these settings, Protune must be activated.
Shutter Speed
What is shutter speed?
Shutter speed is a term used to refer to the shutter mechanism that controls how much light reaches your GoPro’s image sensor (by “opening” and “closing”). The lower the shutter speed, the longer the exposure (length of time the image sensor/film is exposed to light), the brighter the image (vice-versa).
How to use shutter speed:
Auto: Automatically adjusts exposure. Good in drastic change of light.
Manual: Full control over exposure. Good with consistent lighting.
ISO
What is ISO?
ISO measures the image sensors sensitivity to light (higher ISO equals brighter footage). Unfortunately, this sensitivity comes at a cost: image noise. So in general, it’s always best to keep your ISO as low as possible unless necessary.
How to use ISO:
ISO Min: 100 – For daylight. Best quality.
ISO Max: 400 – For medium light. Low noise possible in shadows.
ISO Max: >400 – For low light. May introduce noise/grain.
White Balance
What is white balance?
White Balance measures the color temperature of your footage. A cold temperature (6500k) will have a bluish tint, whereas a warm temperature (2300k) will appear closer to yellow. In general, you want to adjust your color temperature (if needed) to reflect what the eye naturally sees.
How to use white balance:
Auto: For most occasions. Automatically selects image temperature.
Manual: Full manual control over image temperature (2300k-6500k, Auto & native).
Sharpness
What is sharpness?
Sharpness determines the amount of detail that’s added to your images/videos digitally. In theory, it’s possible to achieve greater image quality by editing low sharpness footage in post production which is why some people choose this option (not recommended for beginners).
How to use sharpness:
Low | Very soft image. Good for editing. |
Medium | Detailed image. For light editing. |
High | Very crispy image. For little or no editing. |
Color Profile
What are color profiles?
Color profile is a setting that determines the color values that are applied to your photos and videos. GoPro has two options: flat & GoPro. Like sharpness, flat is best for users with experience color grading.
How to use color profiles:
Flat: Ideal for color grading in post production as the raw image has no filter applied, resulting in neutral colors.
GoPro: Ideal for no color grading. Applies a vivid GoPro color style in-camera.
Raw Audio Track
What is raw audio track?
Raw Audio Track allows you to create a separate audio file (.wav) with higher quality than normal. By default, Raw audio is OFF which allows you to select from 3 audio options with different processing.
How to use raw audio track:
OFF | Default option. No audio processing applied. Audio is embedded with video. |
Low/Medium/High | For advanced audio editing. It applies audio processing and outputs a separate .wav audio file. |
Frequently Asked GoPro Settings Questions
What is the best frame rate for GoPro?
The best frame rate depends on what you’re shooting. Choose a higher frame rate (eg. 60fps, 120fps, etc) for action shots, or a slower frame rate (eg. 30fps) for standard shots.
The table above (Settings by Activity) shows recommendations for common activities.
What does PT mean on GoPro?
PT is an abbreviation for “Protune”, which is a suite of advanced features available on GoPro cameras. When enabled, users are able to manually adjust Shutter Speed, ISO, EV Comp, White Balance, Sharpness, Color Profile, & Raw Audio Track.
What is ISO limit on GoPro?
ISO limit is a Protune feature for GoPro. Depending on lighting conditions, GoPro’s adjust the ISO between two values: ISO min and ISO max. A lower ISO max will result in a darker image with reduced noise, while a higher ISO max will produce a brighter image but with more noise.
What does Protune do on a GoPro?
Protune enables advanced settings on a GoPro. If activated, you will be able to manually adjust: Shutter Speed, ISO, EV Comp, White Balance, Sharpness, Color Profile, & Raw Audio Track.
What is looping on a GoPro?
GoPro Video Looping enables continuous video recording, overwriting the beginning of your video to allow for new footage to be captured, which can help you save space on your SD card. This feature is used in situations where something important is going to happen but you’re not sure when. By continuing to record (while overwriting old footage), you’ll be able to shoot indefinitely (bearing in mind battery life) knowing that when the right moment happens, you’ll have the space available.
What is a spot meter on a GoPro?
Spot meter is a feature used to analyze and calculate automatic exposure in the center of the frame rather than on the whole frame. The spot meter is useful when you have uneven lighting across the frame but you need a specific area of the frame to be exposed correctly. (Note: spot meter is not available on the Hero 5 Black or later models).
What is best PAL or NTSC?
PAL and NTSC are two video display systems used in different countries: PAL in Europe and some parts of Asia, while NTSC is used in US and Canada. Select PAL or NTSC depending in which country you are shooting, or else you may encounter a video flickering effect when shooting near tungsten lights.
Thanks for reading!
I hope this guide helped you learn the best settings for your GoPro camera: resolutions, ISO, frame rates, shutter speed, video settings, color, & more! 🙂
Sharing is Caring ❤️
If you found this article useful, please share it on social media with your family and friends 🙂
Hi, I do believe this is an excellent website.
I stumbledupon it 😉 I am going to revisit once again since I
saved as a favorite it. Money and freedom is the best way
to change, may you be rich and continue to guide other people.
Thank you. It’s my pleasure to help the GoPro Community 🙂
Howdy! This post couldn’t be written much
better! Going through this post reminds me of my previous roommate!
He always kept talking about this. I’ll forward this information to him.
Pretty sure he’ll have a very good read. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you!