How do I change the format of my GoPro video?

Changing the format of your GoPro video allows you to convert it to a file type that is more compatible with different devices and video editing software. GoPro videos are recorded in the .mp4 format by default, but you may want to convert them to formats like .mov or .avi for easier editing or sharing.

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Why would I need to change the format of my GoPro video?

Here are some common reasons you may want to convert your GoPro video to a different file format:

To edit the video in video editing software that does not support MP4 files

To reduce the video file size for easier sharing online or via email
To convert the video to a more universal format for playback on various devices
To convert the video to an editable format like .mov for color correction or applying effects

To convert the video to an older video format like .avi for playback on outdated devices

What video formats can I convert my GoPro video to?

Here are some of the most common video formats you can convert your GoPro MP4 video to:

MOV – Works well with video editing software and is great for applying effects or color correction. Compatible with both Mac and Windows.

AVI – An older but compatible format for playback on outdated media players. Can be compressed well for smaller files.
WMV – A Windows-friendly format that works well for sharing PC to PC. Supports high quality HD video.
MPEG – A highly compatible format usable across devices and operating systems. Compresses well for smaller files.

MKV – Contains high quality video and supports multiple audio and subtitle tracks. Used frequently for HD video.

How can I change the GoPro video format on a computer?

Here are the general steps to convert GoPro videos using desktop video converter software:

Download and install a video converter software, like Handbrake, Adapter, or WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe.

Add your GoPro MP4 video file to the converter program.
Select the desired output format from the list of supported formats.
Configure any optional settings like resolution or bitrate.

Hit the “Convert” button to change the GoPro video format and create a new file.
The conversion time will depend on the length and resolution of the video.
When completed, the converted video file will be available for use in the output destination you selected.

Tips for changing GoPro video format on a computer:

Look for a converter that supports GPU hardware acceleration for faster conversion speeds.
Avoid quality loss by converting to a format that supports similar video codecs as the source MP4 file.
Lower the resolution or bitrate if you need a smaller file size for sharing.

Use 2-pass encoding for best results when converting to highly compressed formats.

How can I change GoPro video format on my smartphone?

You can use mobile apps to convert GoPro videos to different formats right on your iPhone or Android phone. Here are the basic steps:

Download a video converter app like Wondershare, VidConvert, or Movavi.

Allow access to your phone’s videos and photos when prompted.
Find and select the GoPro video you want to convert within the app.
Choose the desired output format like MP4, MOV, or AVI.

Tap the convert button to change the video format.
The video converter app will save the new converted video to your camera roll or albums.

Tips for converting video with smartphone apps:

Look for apps that offer GPU/hardware acceleration for faster processing.

Beware of apps with intrusive ads or hidden subscriptions.
Test with a short sample clip first before converting long videos.
Convert to smaller resolutions like 720p if converting large 4K videos.

How can I change GoPro video format on my action camera?

Recent GoPro models allow you to convert MP4 videos to other formats directly in the camera. Here is an overview of the process:

Insert the SD card from your GoPro into your computer or a USB reader.
Connect your GoPro camera to your computer via USB cable.

Open the Quik desktop app and click on the “Camera” icon.
Select the MP4 video you want to convert from the media on your SD card.
Click the “Convert” button and choose a new format like MOV or MPG.

The app will create a new version of the video in the selected format on your SD card.
Safely eject the SD card and insert it back into your GoPro camera.

Tips for in-camera format conversion:

Make sure your GoPro and Quik app are updated to the latest versions.

Expect a slow conversion process without GPU acceleration.
This works for recent Hero models – Hero5 and newer.
The original MP4 is untouched – a new file is created.

What is the best video format for editing GoPro videos?

The MOV and MP4 formats offer the best results for editing GoPro videos:

MOV

Works seamlessly with both Windows and Mac video editors.
Supports alpha channel transparency for layered editing.

Compatible with editing features like color grading and video effects.
Reliable format for long term storage of edited video projects.

MP4

Maintains GoPro’s exceptional image quality and frame rates.

Seamlessly imports into editing apps while matching source footage settings.
Allows editing while saving disk space compared to uncompressed formats.
Exports quickly back to MP4 when editing is done.

For easiest editing workflow, convert long GoPro MP4 files to MOV first. Then edit as desired and export back to MP4 when completed.

What is the best GoPro video format for YouTube and social media?

MP4 is generally the best GoPro video format for uploading to YouTube and sharing on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram:

MP4 is fully supported for uploads across all major social media sites.

H.264 MP4 compression saves storage space and bandwidth.
YouTube recommends H.264/MPEG-4 Part 10 codec for best results.
Social media platforms use MP4 to preserve quality when compressing.

MP4 works reliably on virtually all modern smartphones and web browsers.

When exporting your edited video for social media, encode as MP4 using H.264 codec and target resolutions below 1080p for optimal viewing and sharing.

What causes GoPro videos to be choppy or laggy on my computer?

Choppy or lagging GoPro video playback on a computer is typically caused by:

Old or underpowered PC hardware struggling to process high resolution and frame rate video.
Inability of hard drive to sustain high data transfer rates required by the video stream.
Playing video over low bandwidth networks and internet connections.

Using outdated or incompatible video codecs and file formats.
Corrupted video files or defects on the SD card.
Overloaded CPU usage from other running programs.

Graphics card drivers in need of an update.

Solutions:

Lower video playback resolution setting or use proxy editing in your video editor.
Convert GoPro video to different format using Handbrake or other converter.

Upgrade to computer with modern multi-core processor, dedicated GPU, and SSD storage.
Close other resource intensive programs before playing video.
Update GPU drivers and codecs like DirectX, Nvidia, etc.

Play video locally vs. over network if possible.
Test playback with original video source files and on different computer if available.

What causes GoPro videos to appear pixelated or blurry?

Pixelated or blurry GoPro videos are generally caused by:

Exporting video at a lower resolution than recorded.
High compression from smartphones or social media sites.
Improper export settings from video editing programs.

Using low bitrate presets for final encoding.
Uploading low resolution versions instead of original video.
Zooming in excessively in editing causing digital artifacts.

Motion blur from camera shake during capture.

Solutions:

Only export and share video at original, full recording resolution when possible.
Avoid excessive compression – use highest quality presets.

Check export settings to match source video settings.
Mount camera securely and enable image stabilization to minimize motion blur.
Adjust ISO to improve image quality in low light conditions.

Sharpen video slightly during editing to offset compression softening.

Why does my GoPro video lose quality when uploading to YouTube or Facebook?

GoPro videos can lose image quality when sharing on sites like YouTube and Facebook due to:

Compression from limited bandwidth, especially at high resolutions like 4K.

Transcoding into formats optimized for web streaming instead of quality.
Reduction of bitrate and chroma subsampling to conserve bandwidth.
Auto-compression by social media sites to save storage space.

Resizing of footage to lower resolutions for adaptive streaming.
Conversion between different color gamuts like Rec.709 and Rec.2020.

Ways to maximize quality:

Export files using YouTube or Facebook recommended codecs and formats.

Upload highest resolution available, even if platforms will stream lower.
Use minimum compression needed to meet bandwidth requirements.
Maintain highest bitrates possible – target 10-20 Mbps for HD.

Disable auto-compression options if the site allows.
Match color space used during editing and export.

Despite best efforts, some quality loss is inevitable on platforms optimizing for real-time streaming. For archival purposes, keep original files uncompressed.

How can I improve video quality from my GoPro?

To improve video quality from your GoPro camera, try these tips:

Mount camera securely to minimize vibrations and motion blur.
Adjust ISO to lowest setting that provides adequate exposure.

Use Protune to apply optimal settings like low sharpness and GoPro color.
Select higher FPS rates for choice of slow motion in editing.
Clean lens thoroughly before shooting – water drops cause flare.

Enable auto low light mode to boost frame rates in dark settings.
Pick flat color profile if applying color grading in post.
Stop recording occasionally to allow sensor to cool if overheating.

Use recommended memory cards to sustain write speeds.

Also be sure to update camera firmware and editing software to take advantage of quality improvements in newer codecs and compression algorithms.

Conclusion

Changing the format of GoPro videos allows you to convert them from the default MP4 format to other file types like MOV and AVI for compatibility or editing purposes. This can be done using desktop video converter programs, mobile apps, or even directly in newer GoPro camera models. When converting, aim to maintain maximum quality by preserving source resolution and avoiding excessive compression. For easiest editing, convert to MOV first before exporting back to MP4 for sharing on sites like YouTube. With some basic steps, you can convert your GoPro videos into any desired format to suit your particular playback or editing needs.