GoPro cameras are some of the most versatile and rugged action cameras on the market. With their compact size and durability, they can be mounted to helmets, vehicles, gear and more to capture immersive point-of-view footage. But to get the most out of your GoPro footage, you need to pay attention to formatting best practices.
What is the best video format for GoPro?
GoPro cameras can capture video in a few different formats and resolutions. Here are some of the key options:
- 4K (3840×2160 pixels) at up to 60fps
- 2.7K (2704×1520) at up to 120fps
- 1440p (1920×1440) at up to 120fps
- 1080p (1920×1080) at up to 240fps
- 720p (1280×720) at up to 240fps
4K offers the highest resolution but requires a lot of storage space. 1080p is the most universal format that balances quality and file size. 720p works well for sharing online. Higher frame rates (60fps, 120fps, etc.) capture smoother motion but also take up more space.
For most use cases, 1080p at 60fps is the best middle-ground. It provides high enough resolution for detailed footage while keeping file sizes reasonable. The 60fps frame rate yields smooth, fluid motion during fast action.
What video codec should you use?
GoPros can encode video using two main codecs: H.264 and HEVC (H.265). Here’s an overview:
- H.264 – This is the most widely compatible codec. It provides a good balance between high quality and reasonable file sizes. H.264 is supported by virtually every video player and editor.
- HEVC (H.265) – This newer codec can achieve similar quality video at almost half the file size. However, HEVC footage requires more processing power to edit and playback smoothly. It also has less widespread compatibility.
Unless you have specific needs for smaller files, H.264 is likely the best choice. The wide compatibility ensures you can easily edit, share and view your footage on any device or platform.
What are the best GoPro photo settings?
GoPro cameras take photos in the JPEG format. The settings below provide a good starting point:
- Resolution – 12MP or higher. GoPros can capture up to 23MP photos for detailed images.
- Aspect Ratio – 4:3 gives you the full sensor area. 16:9 crops the photo for a widescreen look.
- Field of View – Wide captures the most area. Linear and Narrow reduce fisheye distortion.
- Timer – 3 seconds or 10 seconds lets you get in position.
- Continuous Photo Rate – 3 photos/1 second to capture fast sequences.
- RAW Format – For advanced post-processing flexibility.
The settings above help you take full advantage of your GoPro’s capabilities. You can capture super sharp, high res photos with enough width to crop later if needed. The timer and continuous modes make sure you get the perfect moment.
What are the best practices for organizing GoPro footage?
With the high resolution and frame rates of GoPro footage, file sizes add up quickly. A one hour shoot could easily generate over 100GB of photos and videos. That’s why coming up with an organized system to access this media is essential.
Here are some tips for organizing your GoPro files:
- Copy files to your computer disk or external hard drive after each shoot.
- Back up the files to a second location for redundancy.
- Use descriptive folder names like “Hawaii Trip 2022.”
- Organize subfolders by date, location or activity.
- Rename files with a date and descriptive title.
- Use tagging and metadata tools built into your editing software.
- Offload less important snippets and trim long clips.
The key is to delete unnecessary footage while adding rich descriptions to the files you keep. This will make it exponentially easier to search through everything later when it comes time for editing and sharing.
How can you stabilize shaky GoPro footage?
Chest mounts, helmet mounts and other first-person perspectives lead to bumpy footage. Here are some ways to stabilize shaky GoPro videos:
- Wear a gimbal mount or stabilizer.
- Walk slowly and steadily or consider a tripod.
- Use the stabilization tool in your editing software.
- Apply warp stabilizer filter in Adobe Premiere.
- Enable Hypersmooth video stabilization right on the camera.
Advanced settings like Hypersmooth add electronic stabilization without cropping the image. This helps smooth out bumps during activities like biking, skiing or skating. Using a gimbal provides even better optical image stabilization for running and other jarring movements.
How do you correct fisheye distortion in GoPro videos?
The ultra wide angle lenses on GoPro cameras can introduce curvy, warped fisheye distortion. Here are some ways to reduce it:
- Use Linear FOV mode when recording.
- Reframe shots in editing to avoid edge distortion.
- Enable the “remove fisheye” filter in editing programs.
- Use dedicated plugins like GoPro Studio Fisheye Fixer.
- Try third party fisheye fixer tools and add-ons.
Certain software like Premiere and After Effects include built-in filters to correct fisheye. There are also standalone tools like the GoPro Studio Fisheye Fixer plugin. This can help straighten lines and building edges pulled outward by the wide angle view.
What are the best export settings for YouTube?
When exporting edited GoPro videos for YouTube, these export settings provide the best results:
- Resolution: 1080p
- Frame Rate: 60fps
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Format: H.264
- Constant Bit Rate
- 10-20 Mbps bitrate
- Stereo 48kHz audio
- Progressive scan
This maintains full HD quality while using YouTube’s preferred codec H.264. The high bitrate and frame rate keep motion fluid and details crisp. And 16:9 widescreen matches YouTube’s player. Videos uploaded with these settings will retain quality and maximize views.
How can you edit GoPro footage efficiently?
Editing GoPro videos can be demanding given the large file sizes and format limitations. Here are some tips for a smoother editing workflow:
- Use proxy media for 4K or high bitrate files.
- Transcode to an edit-friendly codec like ProRes.
- Lower project settings to 720p or 1080p.
- Create optimized media for complex effects.
- Upgrade to an SSD scratch disk.
- Add more RAM and a better graphics card.
- Use Smart Rendering to save time.
Leveraging proxy files, optimized media and lower resolutions during editing can boost performance. Transcoding to intermediate codecs makes scrubbing and playback more fluid. And upgrading your hardware with an SSD, GPU and extra RAM will dramatically accelerate effects and export times.
What are some top GoPro video editing tips?
Here are some key tips for editing polished, engaging GoPro videos:
- Pick a style – Vlog, action edit, cinematic, etc.
- Highlight exciting moments with slomo effects.
- Add motion graphics and titles.
- Sync with music beats and tempo.
- Incorporate different angles and perspectives.
- Balance color correction with natural look.
- Trim redundant or repetitive shots.
- Add transitions between disparate shots.
- Drop in sound effects for emphasis.
- Keep video under 15 minutes for online sharing.
The key is to cut and arrange clips to tell a compelling story. Use effects judiciously to enhance moments. And apply color grading for stylized looks. Referencing other popular edits in your genre helps inspires creative techniques.
What tools can help create GoPro videos?
Here are some top tools for creating amazing GoPro videos:
| Desktop Software | Mobile Apps |
| Adobe Premiere Pro | Adobe Premiere Clip |
| Final Cut Pro | GoPro Quik |
| DaVinci Resolve | Splice Video Editor |
| Vegas Pro | FilmoraGo |
| Adobe After Effects | KineMaster |
| Apple iMovie | PowerDirector |
Desktop programs like Premiere and Final Cut provide professional editing features. Mobile apps like Quik offer quick trimming and effects. Explore a range both programs tailored to your experience and project needs.
What accessories help capture better GoPro videos?
Certain GoPro accessories can enhance your shots and expand filming possibilities:
- Gimbals – Stabilize handheld shots.
- Tripods – Steady locked down shots.
- External mics – Improve audio quality.
- Mic adapters – Connect 3.5mm mics.
- Filters – Add effects like UV, ND and polarizing.
- Remote control – Trigger recording remotely.
- External batteries – Extend shooting time.
- Lighting – Illuminate dark scenes.
- External monitors – Get a bigger on-camera view.
Upgrading to these types of accessories provides more professional-level control, expanded capabilities and higher production value for your GoPro videos.
Conclusion
To get the best results from your GoPro camera, using optimal capture settings and editing workflows is essential. Shoot at 1080p60 with a versatile FOV and aspect ratio. Organize your footage right away with a logical naming and cataloging system. Use editing software that can handle 4K files efficiently. And export videos tailored specifically for your desired platforms and distribution channels. Following these GoPro best practices will help you produce stunning ultra HD videos to share for years to come.