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The ULTIMATE GoPro TimeWarp (Hyperlapse) GUIDE

If you’re one of those who are looking to take their GoPro Time Warp videos to the next level, this post is for you.

To most people, the idea of time-lapse photography means sitting and waiting for hours while your camera takes pictures.

It’s always been a tedious process. However, with GoPro TimeWarp (Hyperlapse) technology, it can be as easy as pressing two buttons!

This article will teach you how to capture awesome hyperlapse videos by using the built-in GoPro TimeWarp function.

 

What is GoPro TimeWarp


TimeWarp is, basically, HyperSmooth applied to a TimeLapse video shot while moving. With this feature, you can capture smooth and shake-free videos while walking, running, or riding on a vehicle. You can also increase the speed of your footage up to 30x which lets you turn longer activities like hiking or biking rides into shareable moments with just one click!

GoPro Timewarp: 5 Tips for Shooting Cool Hyperlapses

Let’s take the example of an otherwise monotonous road trip recap or scenic walk around a city. When you play it back in real-time, the footage would surely seem boring to most… However, if you speed this up by 2x, 5x, 10x, 15x or 30x and pair it with GoPro’s HyperSmooth video stabilization technology, you get an incredibly engaging result!

hero 12 time warp

How does TimeWarp work

When you use TimeWarp, the GoPro first analyzes the scene and applies Timewarp based on your selected Speed Setting (Hyperlapse or Normal). Then, it processes all that data on its own before bringing out an edit ready for sharing – No editing software needed!

Which GoPro cameras have TimeWarp feature

Listed below are the GoPro cameras which feature TimeWarp:

 

GoPro TimeWarp Settings


In this section, you’ll learn how to use TimeWarp on your GoPro camera.

If you owe a GoPro Hero 12, here are my settings for the TimeWarp:

GoPro Timelapse vs Timewarp (Modes Explained)

Here’s how to set TimeWarp on your GoPro with the recommended settings.

  • Go to TimeLapse mode in Settings and enable TimeWarp.
  • Choose 4K resolution.
  • Choose linear lens mode.
  • Set your speed setting from 15x – 30x.
  • Turn on your grid view and turn off your screen saver.
  • Long press the screen and then tap it to lock your desired exposure.
  • Walk slowly and steadily while pointing the camera at the exact same spot.

Resolution / Aspect Ratio available with GoPro TimeWarp

While I recommend 4K resolution for achieving highest quality TimeWarp footage with your GoPro, you can select any one of the following resolution / aspect ratio as per your preference:

  • 4K / 16:9
  • 2.7K / 4:3
  • 1440p / 4:3
  • 1080p / 16:9

TimeWarp Video Speed

As default, the speed of the TimeWarp is set to 10X as this speed setting provides best results in most cases. But, GoPro provides a good amount of customization for the users when it comes to speed selection for TimeWarp. You can increase the video speeds by 2x, 5x, 10x, 15x or 30x.

The recommended TimeWarp speed that you should set depends upon the activity you’re shooting. Here are the speed recommendations to create quality TimeWarp video for different activities:

  • Driving through a scenic route: 2x-5x
  • Hiking & Exploring: 10x
  • Running or Mountain-Biking: 15-30x

 

GoPro TimeWarp Tips


Here are some useful tips that will enable you to capture some amazing timewarp shots using your GoPro:

Higher speed provides better video stabilization

The faster the acceleration speed, the steadier the footage, there are more frames for TimeWarp to choose from. Therefore, when you set the speed to 30x, it means that the maximum amount of frames are being captured to deliver the smoothest hyperlapse possible.

Speed up the activity accordingly

The less jarring the activity, the less you’ll need to speed up an activity. So, speed up the activity you’re shooting according to how shaky or bumpy it is. For example, you must try speeds 10x and up when shooting footage that may get bumpy for the best results.

Shorter activities need lesser acceleration and vice versa

It’s best to speed up shorter activities to 2x or 5x. Similarly, longer activities look best when you speed them up to 10x, 15x or 30x.

Zoom-in

Zooming in helps with better stabilization of TimeWarp footage. You can also try the zoom-in feature to capture angles which aren’t possible with conventional methods.

Use 4:3 for POV TimeWarp captures

For capturing POV timewarp footage with GoPro bike, car mounts or handheld, use 4:3 aspect ratio. The 4:3 aspect ratio is available in 2.7K or 1440p resolutions.

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Check out all its functions in the following article: GoPro Hero 11 Max Lens Mod (Worth buying it?).

 

GoPro Hero 11 Time Warp Settings


To create stunning, shareable footage using the Time Warp feature on your GoPro Hero 11, selecting the right settings is crucial. Here are some recommended settings to help you get the most out of your camera:

Auto mode

This mode is perfect for beginners or those who want the camera to do the work for them. Auto mode automatically adjusts the speed of your video to create smooth, stabilized footage.

Speed

If you want more control over the speed of your Time Warp video, you can manually adjust it before recording. You can do this by tapping on the capture screen or going to the Time Warp settings menu and choosing your desired speed. A slower speed is ideal for longer activities, while a faster speed works well for shorter ones.

Field of View (FOV)

Another important setting to consider is the Field of View (FOV), which determines the width of your shot. The Wide FOV is recommended for capturing more of your surroundings, while the Linear FOV is ideal for capturing straight lines and minimizing distortion.

By following these recommended settings, you can create stunning Time Warp videos with your GoPro Hero 11 camera. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find the settings that work best for you and your unique footage!

To learn more read: GoPro Hero 11 Time Warp Guide (Settings Explained) 

time warp hero 11

 

GoPro Hero 10 Time Warp Settings


The GoPro Hero 10 offers TimeWarp settings to create shareable moments. Here are some recommended TimeWarp settings for your camera:

TimeWarp Video Speed

You can increase the speed up to 30x, and the recommended speed varies for different activities. For instance, use 2x-5x for driving, 10x for hiking, and 15x-30x for running or mountain biking. The Auto setting is recommended for bumpy footage.

Speed Ramp

This feature lets you ramp down the speed of your video while recording TimeWarp. Tap the rear touch screen to activate this feature, and you can choose between Real Speed and Half-Speed options.

TimeWarp/Time Lapse Video Resolution

You can choose from 4K (16:9 aspect ratio), 4K (4:3 aspect ratio), or 1080p (16:9 aspect ratio) for shooting TimeWarp and Time Lapse videos.

 

GoPro Hero 9 Time Warp Settings


Here are the recommended Time Lapse/TimeWarp settings for the GoPro Hero 9:

TimeWarp Video Speed

You can increase the speed up to 30x. The default setting is Auto, but you can also set the speed manually. For shorter activities, choose a lower speed (2x or 5x), while longer activities require higher speeds (10x, 15x, or 30x). The recommended speed varies for different activities, such as 2x-5x for scenic driving, 10x for hiking, and 15x-30x for running or mountain biking. It’s best to leave the speed on the Auto setting for bumpy footage.

Speed Ramp

This feature allows you to slow down your TimeWarp video to Real Speed (with audio) or Half-Speed. You can activate it by tapping the rear touch screen while recording TimeWarp. The two Speed Ramp options are Real Speed (1x) and Half-Speed (0.5x slo-mo).

TimeWarp/Time Lapse Video Resolution

You can shoot TimeWarp and Time-Lapse videos in 4K (16:9 aspect ratio), 1080p (16:9 aspect ratio), 2.7K (4:3 aspect ratio), or 1440p (4:3 aspect ratio).

Find more info: GoPro Hero 9 Time Lapse & Time Warp GUIDE + Best Settings

time warp hero 9

 

Time-lapse vs Time Warp


Time-lapse and time warp are two popular techniques for creating unique and captivating videos with your GoPro. While they both involve manipulating time to create a visually stunning effect, there are some key differences between the two. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right technique for your project and create videos that capture the beauty and excitement of your adventures.

What is Better Time-lapse or Time Warp?

The main difference between GoPro TimeWarp and GoPro TimeLapse is that TimeWarp is stabilized. This mode is meant to be used when you want to capture a Timelapse with your GoPro camera while moving. A normal Timelapse or Hyperlapse, on the other hand, isn’t normally stabilized. Timelapses are used for stationary videos, such as with the GoPro attached to a tripod, while a Hyperlapse is basically a Timelapse but in motion (not stabilized).

Please note that the Field Of View (FOV) of TimeLapse is a bit wider when compared to TimeWarp. This is because GoPro stabilisation (hypersmooth) kicks in when shooting a TimeWarp, so therefore it will slightly crop the edges of the frame.

So, TimeWarp is for longer, moving videos. It is useful for activities like skiing, motorcycling, snowboarding, etc.

TimeLapse is for longer, stationary videos, such as for shooting sunrise, sunset etc.

More info on the differences between Time Lapse VS Time Warp are in this ultimate guide.

gopro hero 11 time warp

 

What is The Difference Between GoPro Time-lapse and Time Warp for Driving?

GoPro time-lapse and time warp for driving are both methods of creating time-lapse videos, but they have some key differences:

Time-lapse

GoPro time-lapse captures a series of still images at a set interval, which are later combined into a video. Time-lapse is best suited for capturing slow-moving subjects or for stationary shots, such as capturing the movement of stars or the changing of seasons.

Time warp

Time warp captures video footage and speeds it up to create a time-lapse effect in real-time. This feature is specifically designed for capturing fast-moving subjects, such as driving, skiing, or other high-speed activities. It creates a smoother, more cinematic effect than traditional time-lapse.

GoPro time-lapse is better suited for capturing slow-moving subjects or for stationary shots, while time warp is ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects or high-speed activities. Understanding the differences between these two methods can help you choose the best option for your particular subject matter and create stunning time-lapse videos with your GoPro.

GoPro Hero 10 Time Lapse

 

Word Of Advice


The guide above should provide you with all the useful information that you need to know regarding GoPro TimeWarp (Hyperlapse). If you follow all the tips, tricks and recommended settings given above, you’re sure to capture some amazing TimeWarp videos of your action using the GoPro action camera.

However, since the timewarp videos are usually long, they use a lot of space. So, ensure sure that you use a memory card with your GoPro that’s fast enough and has enough storage space.

 

 

Thanks for reading!

I hope this guide has been helpful in explaining the various settings and features of the GoPro Time Warp 🙂

 

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Andy Magri

I’m Andy Magri, an Italian filmmaker and content creator. After graduating from University, I set off to explore the world while creating guides and reviews featuring the video gear I love and use the most. With the help of my awesome team, we share tips and reviews about GoPro, Insta360, DJI, smartphone cameras, drones, editing software and anything around action video-making. I hope my guides not only help you find the perfect camera equipment, but also inspire you to get out there and create! Since publishing my first tutorial on ProjectGO, seven years ago, our content has helped over 2M creators worldwide. Start by downloading the FREE GoPro Settings Cheat Sheet.

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