GoPro Modes & Settings Explained

by | Action Cameras

GoPro cameras are highly versatile and come packed with features to help you capture stunning videos and photos.

The camera offers a range of modes and settings to help you create content that fits your needs.

Whether you’re shooting action sports, still images, or time-lapse videos, GoPro has got you covered.

Understanding the difference between the modes and settings is crucial to getting the most out of your GoPro camera.

In this article, we will explore the various modes and settings offered by GoPro cameras and how to use them to your advantage.

Keep reading to learn more!

Note: The information in this article was largely sourced from the GoPro Hero 10 documentation. However, much of this information will apply to other models of GoPro cameras.

GoPro Modes Vs. Settings

GoPro cameras offer a range of modes and settings to help users capture the best shots for their needs.

Understanding the difference between modes and settings is essential to getting the most out of your GoPro.

GoPro Modes

A GoPro mode refers to a set of predefined settings and options that determine how the camera captures and records images and videos.

By selecting the right mode for your situation, you can ensure that your GoPro is set up to achieve the best possible results, whether you’re capturing action sports, low-light images, or time-lapse videos.

The GoPro camera offers a variety of modes to choose from, each providing different options and settings to help you capture your adventures and experiences in the best possible way.

Whether you want to capture high-quality videos, still images, or time-lapse videos, the GoPro has you covered with its three main capture modes: Video, Photo, and Time Lapse.

GoPro Settings

GoPro settings are the various options available within each mode to customize your shots.

These settings allow you to fine-tune the camera’s settings to your needs, such as adjusting the resolution, interval, zoom, and others.

For example, in the time-lapse mode, you can adjust the interval setting to determine how often the camera takes photos.

Similarly, in the video mode, you can adjust the zoom to get a closer view of the action.

Video Mode

The Video mode in your GoPro is one of the main capture modes available, and it provides a range of options for capturing high-quality videos.

With the rear touch screen, you can swipe left or right to access the desired video mode, including Standard, Activity, and Cinematic presets.

Standard (Default Video Mode)

This mode is perfect for everyday use and shooting general videos.

It records 4K video at 30 frames per second, which makes the video look great on your TV and phone.

The lens used in this mode is Wide, which helps capture more of the scene in the frame.

Activity

If you want to capture immersive footage of your favourite activities, this is the mode for you. It shoots 4K video at 60 frames per second with the SuperView lens, giving your video the classic GoPro look with high-resolution and full-screen playback.

Cinematic

Cinematic provides more control over settings such as colour, exposure, and other camera parameters to create more professional-looking videos.

Photo Mode

In addition to video, your GoPro also offers a range of options for capturing still images.

The Photo mode includes four presets: Photo, LiveBurst, Burst, and Night.

Each of these presets provides different options for capturing the perfect shot, whether it’s a single photo or a series of images captured in quick succession.

Photo (Default Photo Mode)

This mode is great for taking photos with the help of SuperPhoto image processing.

Simply press the Shutter button to capture a single photo.

LiveBurst

LiveBurst captures 1.5 seconds of video before and after you press the shutter button, giving you the ability to choose the best frame from the series.

Burst

This mode is perfect for fast-action shots.

It captures a series of photos at a high rate, automatically shooting up to 25 photos in 1 second based on the lighting conditions.

Night

If you’re shooting in dim or dark scenes, Night mode is a perfect choice.

It automatically adjusts the camera’s shutter speed to let in more light, but it’s not recommended for handheld or moving shots.

Time Lapse Mode

The Time Lapse mode in your GoPro is a unique and powerful tool for capturing stunning time-lapse videos.

With two presets available, including Time Lapse, and Night Lapse, you can choose the option that best fits your needs.

Time Lapse

If you want to capture time lapse videos while your camera is mounted and still, Time Lapse mode is for you.

It’s great for shooting sunsets, street scenes, art projects, and other shots that take place over a long period of time.

It records 1080p video with the Wide lens and captures a shot every 0.5 seconds.

Night Lapse

This mode is designed for time-lapse videos in dark and low-light environments.

It automatically adjusts the shutter speed to let in more light and selects the best interval.

It records 1080p video with the Wide lens, but it’s not recommended for handheld or moving shots.

Video Settings

Resolution and FPS

Resolution (RES) options are organized by aspect ratio, with tall 4:3 resolutions at the top row and widescreen 16:9 resolutions at the bottom row.

Frames per second (fps) options are listed at the bottom of the screen, with the available options in white and unavailable options in gray. Higher frame rates are best for capturing fast-paced action or slow-motion shots.

The default resolution and fps will depend on the preset you choose.

Lens Setting

The lens setting allows you to choose the best digital lens for your shot, including options such as SuperView, Wide, Linear, Linear + Horizon Leveling, and Narrow.

The available lens options will depend on the resolution and fps you select. The default lens will also vary based on the preset.

Interval (Looping)

The Interval (Looping) setting lets you choose how long your GoPro will record before looping back to start overwriting the beginning of the video.

The default interval is 5 minutes.

HyperSmooth

HyperSmooth is a video stabilization feature that delivers smooth, gimbal-like footage without the need for a gimbal.

The available settings for HyperSmooth are Off, Standard, High, and Boost.

Scheduled Capture

The Scheduled Capture setting allows you to set a specific time for your GoPro to turn on and start recording.

Duration

The Duration setting lets you choose how long your camera will record before automatically stopping.

HindSight

The HindSight setting allows you to choose whether your camera saves 15 or 30 seconds of video before you press the Shutter button.

Timer

The Timer setting lets you set a 3- or 10-second timer for your video.

Zoom

The Touch Zoom feature helps you capture a closer view of the action.

You can use the slider on the right to lock in your desired zoom level.

Protune

The Protune setting gives you manual control over advanced settings, including Bit Rate, Color, ISO Limit, Exposure, and microphone settings.

See our detailed section on Protune for more information below.

Photo Settings

Lens

Choose the best digital lens for your shot – Wide, Linear, or Narrow.

Scroll through the options on the right side of the screen to preview each lens, and then tap the one you want.

Output (Photo, Burst, Night)

Set the level of processing for your shot and how the files are saved.

Choose from SuperPhoto, HDR, Standard, or RAW Format.

Scheduled Capture

Set when your GoPro will turn itself on and take a photo.

Simply specify the time and let your GoPro do the rest!

Timer

Set a 3- or 10-second timer for your photo so you can be in the shot too!

Zoom

Use Touch Zoom to capture a closer view of the action.

Use the slider on the right to set the zoom level.

Shutter (Night)

When taking night shots, set the shutter speed to control how long the camera’s shutter stays open.

Choose longer exposures for darker shots.

Burst Rate (Burst)

For Burst mode, choose how many photos you want your camera to take in 1, 3, 6, or 10 seconds.

Protune (Photo, Burst, Night)

For advanced control, turn on Protune.

This allows you to manually adjust settings such as Shutter, Bit Rate, Color, ISO Limit, and Exposure.

See our detailed section on Protune for more information below.

Time Lapse Settings

Resolution

Choose the resolution that best fits your shot, as resolutions are grouped by aspect ratio.

Tall 4:3 resolutions (great for selfies and point-of-view shots) are listed in the top row, while widescreen 16:9 resolutions (great for cinematic shots) are in the bottom row.

Lens

Choose the best digital lens for your shot — Wide, Linear, or Narrow.

Preview each lens by scrolling through the options on the right side of the screen, and then tap the one you want.

Note: the available lenses will vary depending on the mode you select.

Scheduled Capture

Set a time for your GoPro to automatically turn on and start recording.

Duration

Choose how long you want your camera to record before automatically stopping.

Timer

Set a 3- or 10-second timer for your time-lapse.

Zoom

Use Touch Zoom to get a closer look at the action. Use the slider on the right to lock in the zoom level.

Speed (TimeWarp)

Choose the speed at which you want your TimeWarp video to play.

Use a lower speed (2x or 5x) for short activities, or higher speeds (10x, 15x, or 30x) for longer activities.

Leave the speed on Auto to let your GoPro automatically adjust it based on motion, scene detection, and lighting.

Speed Ramp (TimeWarp)

Choose to slow down your TimeWarp video to real speed or half speed while recording.

Format (Time Lapse, Night Lapse)

Switch between capturing Time Lapse and Night Lapse video, or Time Lapse and Night Lapse photo.

With the photo format, your GoPro takes a continuous series of photos at set intervals, allowing you to focus on your activity and review all the photos later to find the best shots.

Interval (Time Lapse)

Set the frequency at which your camera captures a frame of video or takes a photo for a time-lapse.

Use shorter intervals for quick activities and longer intervals for extended activities.

Interval (Night Lapse)

Determine how often your camera takes a shot in low light or ultra-low-light scenes for a night lapse.

Use shorter intervals for scenes with a lot of movement and more light, and longer intervals for scenes with little or no movement or light.

Output (Time Lapse Photo, Night Lapse Photo)

Save your time-lapse or night-lapse photos in standard .jpg format or as RAW files.

Shutter (Night Lapse)

Set the duration of your camera’s shutter for night shots in a night lapse. Choose longer exposures for darker shots.

Protune (TimeWarp, Time Lapse Video, Night Lapse Video)

Take manual control of advanced video settings for TimeWarp, Time Lapse Video, or Night Lapse Video.

See our detailed section on Protune for more information below.

Protune Explained

“Protune” mode on your GoPro gives you more control over your shots by allowing you to adjust settings such as color, white balance, and shutter speed.

This opens up your camera’s full creative potential, making it compatible with professional editing software.

Keep in mind that Protune isn’t available for the “Looping” and “LiveBurst” modes, and some settings won’t work with “Exposure Control”.

Also, the changes you make to Protune in one mode won’t affect other modes.

For example, if you adjust the white balance for time-lapse, it won’t affect the white balance for burst photos.

To access all of the Protune settings, go to the settings menu.

Below are the different parameters that Protune lets you customize.

Colour

Color mode lets you adjust the colour profile of your photos and videos.

You can choose from three options: “Vibrant” (default), “Natural,” and “Flat.” “Vibrant” makes your photos and videos more colourful, while “Natural” gives you a true-to-life colour profile.

“Flat” gives you a neutral colour profile that can be colour-corrected in post-production and captures more details in highlights and shadows.

White Balance

White Balance lets you adjust the colour temperature of your photos and videos to get the right balance between cool and warm lighting conditions.

You can choose from a range of options, including “Auto” (default), “2300K,” and “6500K.”

You can also choose “Auto” to let your GoPro set the white balance, or “Native” to get a minimally colour-corrected file that you can adjust more precisely in post-production.

ISO Minimum/Maximum

ISO Minimum/Maximum lets you set a range for the camera’s sensitivity to light and image noise.

Higher ISO values result in brighter images with more image noise, while lower values result in darker images with less image noise.

The default for ISO Maximum is 1600 for video and 3200 for photos, and the default for ISO Minimum is 100.

You can see a live preview of each setting as you scroll through the options to choose the one you want.

Shutter

The Shutter setting in Protune mode affects Video, Photo, and LiveBurst modes.

It determines how long the camera’s shutter stays open to capture the shot. You can preview each option by scrolling through the list, and then select the one you prefer.

The default is “Auto”. For still photos, you can choose from different shutter speed options like 1/125, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000, or 1/2000 seconds. For videos, the options will vary based on the frames per second (fps) setting.

Exposure Value Compensation

Exposure Value Compensation (EV Comp) adjusts the brightness of your photos and videos.

It’s useful for improving image quality in scenes with high-contrast lighting.

You can adjust the EV Comp from -2.0 to +2.0, with the default being -0.5. To change the setting, simply scroll through the options on the right side of the EV Comp screen and select the one you prefer. A higher value means a brighter image.

Raw Audio

The Raw Audio setting creates a separate audio file (.wav) for your video, in addition to the standard audio track (.mp4).

You can choose the level of processing you want to apply to the raw audio track.

Final Thoughts

GoPro cameras are designed to provide users with a wide range of modes and settings to help capture their adventures and experiences in the best possible way.

Whether you’re looking to capture high-quality videos or still images, or time-lapse videos, GoPro has something for everyone.

With the three main capture modes — Video, Photo, and Time-Lapse — and the various settings within each mode, you have the power to create stunning content that fits your needs.

By taking the time to understand the modes and settings, you can ensure that your GoPro camera is set up to achieve the best possible results.

Happy shooting!

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