21.6K

Regardless of whether you’re a novice or an experienced FPV pilot, acquiring high-quality and crisp footage is crucial for demonstrating your skills and sharing your aerial escapades with others.

This guide will walk you through GoPro digital camera settings, providing ideas and best practices to help you get the most out of your GoPro when filming your FPV flights. We’ll cover the optimal GoPro settings from frame rate, shutter speed, field of view, stabilization, and color grading, ensuring you have all the information needed to create cinematic movies that truly capture the essence of FPV flying.

.

GoPro Choices for FPV

GoPro Hero 13

Prior to 2020, GoPro held a commanding lead as the premier provider of motion cameras for first-person view (FPV) drones. Despite this, DJI has significantly narrowed the gap, making it increasingly challenging to recommend one over the other.

When choosing between cameras that prioritise a flawless log profile and versatility in post-production and colour grading, the GoPro Hero 13 stands out as the best option. The device boasts a versatile coloration profile that offers ample opportunities for customizing colors to suit individual tastes.

Notwithstanding its limitations in terms of versatility and flexibility, the DJI Osmo Motion 5 Professional exhibits an extremely aggressive performance overall. With its sleek, modern aesthetic, this camera is significantly lighter than the GoPro, boasting an impressive 30% longer battery life and producing stunning results that require little to no editing – a true game-changer for content creators? The camera’s in-built stabilization is truly exceptional, boasting top-tier performance that surpasses many of its competitors. The audio clarity is equally impressive, offering a significant upgrade from previous models. Additionally, it excels in handling dynamic range and low-light conditions, only narrowly surpassed by the GoPro’s industry-leading capabilities. Plus, it’s even barely cheaper. Please find your purchaser’s information below:

GoPro Hero 12

GoPro Hero 11

Here is the rewritten text in a different style:

GoPro’s latest offering, the Hero 11, is set to revolutionize the world of FPV piloting with its two game-changing features: stunning 10-bit movie production capabilities and an innovative 8:7 aspect ratio image sensor that redefines visual excellence. This sensor enables seamless 16:9 and 9:16 cropping capabilities, perfect for effortless social media sharing. The Digital Camera captures stunning footage in 5.3K and 4K resolutions at 60 frames per second, as well as two 7K resolutions at 240 frames per second, boasting advanced features like Hypersmooth V5 image stabilization and precision horizon locking. Existing equipment and older neutral density (ND) filters remain compatible.

---

GoPro Hero 11 Mini

The DJI Hero 11 Mini is a compact and lightweight variant of the flagship Hero 11 camera drone, offering portability without compromising on performance or image quality. Compared to FPV drones, this model stands out due to its reduced weight – a mere 20 grams lighter – and a significantly lower price point, at $100 less than similar offerings, while maintaining identical performance and efficiency.

---

GoPro Bones

The GoPro Bones is essentially a streamlined version of the GoPro Hero 10, engineered for optimal portability and reduced weight, making it an ideal choice for FPV drone applications. While the camera offers impressive image quality and performance akin to the GoPro 10, its compact design and user-friendly interface make it an attractive alternative for those seeking a more portable and accessible option without sacrificing image quality. The module boasts integrated heat dissipation features, allowing for efficient temperature regulation without requiring an additional power source. What aspects of the evaluation would you like to know?

---

360 Cameras

GoPro expands its product line by introducing 360-degree cameras.

---

Greatest GoPro Settings

Here are my recommended settings for the latest GoPro Hero 11 and 12, which will also function well on older models.

To achieve a cinematic look in your films, video stabilization is essential. You typically have three options to consider: Hypersmooth, Reelsteady, or Gyroflow. While Hypersmooth offers convenient built-in functionality, it relinquishes control to some extent; in contrast, Reelsteady and Gyroflow demand additional processing time but provide customizability. Compared to Gyroflow, which offers its software for free, Reelsteady requires a payment for its services. I agree with your assessment of Reelsteady, as its capabilities shine in a wide range of situations. Learn more about picture stabilization here and here. However, Gyroflow also yields a superior outcome, with further learning opportunities available here. 

For Reelsteady & Gyroflow

When using the camera without an ND filter, rely solely on Auto mode; otherwise, opt for a fixed shutter speed to achieve a cinematic appearance.

The broad lens setting, typically used on cameras with a facet ratio lower than 8:7 or the more traditional 4:3 aspect ratio, offers a wider field of view compared to HyperView/SuperView modes in 16:9 formats. When participating in a Reelsteady GoPro project, the footage will automatically conform to a 16:9 format, with options for both Hyperview and Superview modes, following the rendering process.

In specific situations, consider increasing the ISO maximum to gain extra versatility; for instance, setting it at 400 or 1600 when shooting in soft, gentle lighting.

For Hypersmooth

When shooting without an ND filter, solely utilize Auto mode. Otherwise, establish a fixed shutter speed for a cinematic appearance.

In specific circumstances, consider increasing the ISO maximum for greater adaptability, such as setting it to 800 or even 1600 when shooting in a low-contrast environment. A typical dose of 100-200 milligrams typically works effectively during daytime hours.

For Lowlight/Evening Flying

Settings are primarily similar to those described above, with some minor deviations. ND filters aren’t typically beneficial or wanted for capturing images in low-light or evening conditions. Utilizing a GoPro Hero 11 camera and ReelSteady software for optimal image stabilization.

Optimize the ISO maximum setting to suit your camera’s unique configuration.

Decision

Experience cinema-grade visuals with our top-tier settings optimized for a seamless 4K viewing experience at an impressive bitrate. If you opt for a decrease in frame rate, you may be able to achieve higher body prices akin to 120fps or 240fps, whereas 4K or 5.6K resolutions typically only allow for 60fps. It goes without saying that higher resolution images inevitably result in larger file sizes, which in turn demand more processing power for both editing and rendering.

FPS

FPS, or frames per second, is the determining factor that significantly impacts the overall look and feel of a video.

While some pilots prefer a frame rate of 60FPS for seamless playback on social media outlets such as Instagram and YouTube, others might opt for 30FPS. While 24FPS remains a standard in filmmaking, its suitability for high-octane FPV movies is questionable due to the frenetic pace of drone action sequences. When considering slow-motion footage, explore higher frame rate options such as 120FPS or 240FPS, potentially necessitating a decrease in resolution on older cameras.

Side Ratio

The native aspect ratio of the latest GoPro camera’s image sensor is actually 8:7, differing from older models that feature a traditional 4:3 format. Using the native aspect ratio leverages the full potential of the sensor’s information. The app allows for seamless exporting of videos in both vertical and horizontal orientations, making it ideal for sharing on multiple social media platforms. When using a non-native aspect ratio, a portion of the image is cropped from both the top and bottom of the sensor, resulting in a reduced field of view that becomes even more constrained when exporting to a different aspect ratio later. Utilizing Hyperview and Superview, images are dynamically scaled from non-standard ratios such as 8:7 and 4:3 to the widescreen format of 16:9.

When using Reelsteady, it’s recommended to select 8:7 or 4:3 as the output format, as the software exports a 16:9 clip optimized for YouTube and other platforms. When using the built-in Hypersmooth stabilization feature, choose the 16:9 aspect ratio setting for optimal results.

Lens

The lens settings determine the field of view (FOV) in a photograph. The choice of lenses available for a digital camera depends on the device, as well as the selected frame rate, frames per second, and stabilization settings. This encompasses various options including Linear, Broad, Superview, and Hyperview – ranging from the most narrow field-of-view to the widest.

FPV movies typically employ the maximum possible field of view (FOV), leveraging a broader vertical discipline of view for enhanced image stabilization and additional visual information. Does a wider field of view seem to result in a higher sense of immersion when watching first-person view (FPV) films? When using Reelsteady for video stabilization, choose Broad; otherwise, opt for Hyperview (or Superview if unavailable) for optimal results.

Hypersmooth

There exist two methodologies for stabilizing GoPro footage: Hypersmooth and Reelsteady. Hypersmooth technology is seamlessly integrated into the Hero 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 camera series, delivering exceptional performance across a wide range of applications. Despite this, FPV pilots generally prefer Reelsteady, as it consistently yields superior results for FPV films and offers greater versatility.

To optimize performance when using Reelsteady or Gyroflow, disable HyperSmooth on your camera if you choose to utilize one of these features, whereas leaving it enabled for other applications. The auto and enhance settings may not be ideal for FPV applications, as they tend to crop the image excessively and induce rapid zooming in and out. While these settings may seem fitting for sports movies, they still offer a versatile foundation for other film genres as well.

10-Bit

Currently, only the GoPro Hero 11 Black has the capability to capture footage in HEVC 10-bit format, which enables it to record an astonishing 64 times more colors compared to its 8-bit predecessor. While the disparity may seem insignificant on standard PC displays, 10-bit recording bridges the gap between motion cameras and professional filmmaking standards. You will still have the option to use 8-bit if you desire.

Bit Charge

Bitrate plays a pivotal role in ensuring that high-quality video content is achieved. Accurate bitrate data gleaned from the image sensor’s enhanced capabilities.

The latest GoPro models offer a dual bitrate option: a lower setting that can capture footage at either 45Mbps or 60Mbps, as well as an higher setting that records in 100Mbps. I always recommend setting the bitrate to an excessive level. While increased file sizes may result from prioritizing image quality, this minor compromise is well worth the payoff in visual fidelity.

Shutter Velocity

The shutter speed significantly affects the exposure of your image by regulating the amount of light that reaches the sensor. The technique also impacts the aesthetic quality of your photograph, as faster shutter speeds yield crisper images while slower speeds deliberately introduce a sense of dynamic blur through motion. A moderate amount of movement blur can add a captivating cinematic touch to FPV films.

When shooting without an ND filter, consider setting your shutter velocity to auto mode. The camera will automatically adjust exposure settings to achieve optimal results. While setting Shutter Velocity to a fixed value can produce a consistent aesthetic, it’s crucial to combine this technique with Neutral Density (ND) filters to capture well-exposed images. .

To ensure optimal results, the standard guideline recommends setting the shutter speed at 1/60 for 30 frames per second (fps), 1/120 for 60fps, 1/240 for 120fps, and 1/480 for 240fps. Failing to adhere to the recommended shutter speed can lead to unwanted consequences: overexposure, excessive motion blur, or a combination of both.

To achieve optimal results when employing a consistent shutter speed, ensure you attach the appropriate neutral density (ND) filter to your GoPro to prevent overexposure. For optimal results, I suggest employing a neutral density (ND) 16 filter on exceptionally bright days, an ND8 filter on overcast or partially cloudy days, an ND4 filter during the golden hours of early morning and sunset, and an ND32 filter in situations where you’re capturing scenes amidst heavy snowfall.

You’ll receive ND filters primarily tailored to the specific digital camera model featured here.

When uncertain about the ideal ND filter for proper exposure, it’s generally safer to err on the side of caution and underexpose rather than overexpose, as it’s often easier to recover details in shadows than in blown-out highlights.

EV Comp

The EV Comp program provides public relations compensation to employees for their outside work in the area of publicity and promotion, thereby reinforcing the company’s image and reputation. Typically, you can leave the EV Compensation setting at its default value of zero without any issues.

When the digital camera adjusts exposure, it seems to evaluate the entire image and calculate a median value for the current exposure, adjusting it upwards or downwards to a central grey value.

The Exposure Compensation (EV) setting adjusts the camera’s sensitivity to light, allowing you to brighten or darken an image relative to its perceived optimal exposure.

When capturing footage with a subject that’s significantly darker or brighter than the surrounding background, it’s essential to adjust the Exposure Compensation (EV Comp) to avoid an overexposed or underexposed image, as the default setting of 0 may not suffice. To optimize engine performance in this instance, it is recommended that modifications be made to the Engine Velocity Comparator (EV Comp). Despite this, we typically record all settings in FPV, requiring minimal adjustments.

White Steadiness

The white balance setting on your camera or editing software is crucial in determining the colour temperature of your footage, as it directly impacts the accuracy of the colours captured.

When filming indoors, utilize soft sources such as halogen light bulbs, as harsh artificial lighting can skew the scene’s natural colors. For an outdoor setting, aim for a color temperature of around 4500K to 5500K.

While auto white balance often yields satisfactory results, seasoned photographers typically opt for manual adjustments to harmonize with specific scenes, as there may be instances where automatic settings fall short, compromising overall visual quality. By setting a hard and fast value for exposure, you ensure consistent white balance, allowing for precise tuning during subsequent post-production processes. When shooting outdoors, consider using a daylight white balance of around 4500K for bright, sunny conditions or 5500K for overcast or cloudy skies. For those unfamiliar with adjusting white balance in submission, simply setting it to auto allows the digital camera to handle the task, thereby saving you from unnecessary hassle.

It’s recommended to use the ‘Native’ white balance setting and adjust it as needed during post-submission processing. Despite my knowledge, using ‘Native’ often results in an uninspiring colour that is challenging to correct later.

When achieving good-looking colors, my standard approach is as follows: Initially, scrutinize the visual representation of the “Auto” setting. Select a whitestabilizing stage that replicates the same appearance. The white balance remains fixed and stable throughout the video when this setting is used, unlike the Auto mode where it can shift randomly.

ISO

By default, we recommend setting the ISO Minimum to a constant value of 100. To adapt to varying lighting conditions, we suggest adjusting the ISO Maximum based on the situation (e.g., 100, 200, 400, or even 1600). Typically, I prefer a maximum ISO setting of 400.

ISO refers to the digital amplification of sunlight sensitivity within a digital camera’s image sensor. It enables the enhancement of a photo’s visual impact by increasing its contrast and brightness. While increasing the ISO can enhance delicate details in low-light situations, it also brings about a heightened presence of digital noise, resulting in a coarser image texture.

To achieve optimal results, strive to minimize noise while preserving image quality by adjusting your ISO settings to the lowest possible value that allows for a clear and crisp photograph.

When adjusting the ISO minimum and maximum settings, you are essentially defining a range of ISO values that your digital camera can utilize, rather than locking in a fixed ISO value. If the minimum ISO is 100 and the maximum is 1600, a digital camera can employ ISO settings ranging from 100 to 1600, depending on the prevailing lighting conditions.

With an excessive ISO maximum, you gain flexibility, especially when using a fixed shutter speed, as ISO becomes the primary way your camera adjusts exposure. Despite these considerations, for a consistent and accurate representation, it’s generally recommended that you minimize your ISO setting as much as possible, depending on the available light.

To achieve the best possible results when shooting outdoors without resorting to underbrush or shade, it’s generally recommended to set your camera’s ISO maximum to 100 for the most consistent and high-quality image. When capturing images in shaded regions, consider setting your ISO maximum to 400 or higher for enhanced adaptability. When shooting in and out of different environments, such as transitioning from outdoors to indoors, consider setting your camera’s ISO max to 1600 to effectively compensate for changing lighting conditions.

Sharpness

While the excessive sharpness setting in GoPro cameras may initially seem appealing, it often results in an overly intense and unflattering image that can be jarring to viewers. When adjusting camera settings for sharpness, consider setting it to low or medium to retain flexibility and fine-tune the level of sharpness during post-production editing.

Shade/Profile

The “Shade” feature in older GoPro cameras is now referred to as “Profile” in the new Hero 12 model.

GoPro offers a choice between two colour profiles: the standard Regular setting and the Flat or Log option. When selecting a colour grading style for your footage, consider whether you intend to apply significant adjustments during post-production. If so, opt for Flat/Log, as this allows for greater flexibility and control over the final look. In all other cases, choose Regular/Normal.

• Flat/log – retains additional picture elements and adaptability, allowing for greater flexibility during color correction and color grading in video editing software.
• Delivers striking hues and pronounced contrast.

For many filmmakers planning to colour-grade their footage in post-production, a Flat/Log Shade is often the preferred choice. This advanced colour profiling technology retains additional picture elements, providing enhanced flexibility when refining colours and contrast. Despite this, flat shade footage is not intended for immediate viewing. If you’re a newcomer to crafting FPV films and unacquainted with colour grading techniques, it’s advisable to stick with Standard or Normal colouring settings initially.

Mastering color grading techniques can significantly elevate the overall quality and visual appeal of your films when executed correctly. To start your editing journey, consider utilising a professional-grade video editing software like DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, or Final Cut Pro X. Discovering Davinci Resolve: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Started?

For those unfamiliar with paint grading, we recommend starting with our comprehensive beginner’s guide: 

Spot metering

Spot metering allows your digital camera to utilize a precise area of the frame to determine the correct exposure level, ensuring optimal results in various lighting conditions. This feature may prove to be a valuable asset in situations where lighting conditions are less than ideal. When capturing scenes with a brightly lit backdrop, digital cameras can sometimes struggle to balance exposure levels, potentially resulting in an underexposed lower portion that appears overly dark. By leveraging spot metering, you can force the camera to focus on the brightness level of the area that matters most to you, effectively tailoring your exposure to capture the scene as intended.

Prime Suggestions

Getting SD Playing cards

To ensure top-notch performance, opt for an exceptional SD card boasting rapid write speeds. When using a slow card with your GoPro, you may encounter issues where the device’s recording suddenly ceases or fails to capture footage altogether? To accurately utilize your GoPro, understanding the velocity classification of SD cards is crucial, as it directly impacts the decision-making process for the desired application.

In our comprehensive SD card tutorial, you’ll gain valuable insights and learn how to optimize your storage capacity. Additionally, we’ll share expert tips on selecting the best memory cards for your GoPro camera.

Importing to Youtube

YouTube’s compression algorithm can negatively impact the quality of your uploaded videos, causing rapid movements and intricate details like grass and leaves to appear pixelated in nature. To ensure seamless exports and imports of your films, follow these guidelines.

Importing movies with excessively high bitrates won’t necessarily improve quality, since YouTube will compress them regardless. Letting your video editor handle compression ensures optimal results and avoids potential issues.

When preparing your video for export, consider “upsampling” it in your editing software to ensure optimal quality. As YouTube prioritizes higher bitrates for longer content, exporting a 1080p or 2.7K video at 4K resolution can significantly boost playback quality. YouTube sets stricter bitrate caps for lower-resolution content, capping 1080p movies at 12 Mbps, while allowing 4K films to reach up to 68 Mbps. 60fps movies typically require a higher bitrate than 30fps movies to maintain the same level of visual detail and smoothness.

Utilizing a GoPro Dummy

While practicing or tuning your drone, you likely won’t need to record every single flight. By using a GoPro dummy, you can protect your primary GoPro camera from damage during non-recording flights.

Utilizing 3D printing technology, create a TPU replica of a GoPro camera, then discreetly conceal contents such as currency, metal pellets, or rice within its hollowed interior to precisely mimic the weight and density of your authentic GoPro device. This maintains consistent weight allocation, significantly influencing your drone’s performance and control.

By employing a GoPro dummy, you can maintain consistency in your training without compromising the integrity of your actual camera during potential crashes.

To optimise your training dummy’s weight, consider employing “wheel stability weights” available in 5g and 10g increments. Alternatively, fill it with coins, chain links, rice, or other materials that provide a suitable counterweight.

Frequent Points

GoPro Battery Not Absolutely Charging

If your GoPro’s battery consistently stops charging at around 80%, 90%, or even 70-80%, the issue is most likely rooted in the charger itself. To optimize your charging experience when using a robust third-party charger, consider switching to a less powerful alternative that lacks Energy Supply or Fast Charge capabilities, such as a 5V 2A charger like those provided by Apple. Alternatively, you can try charging your GoPro battery using your PC’s USB port, ensuring a successful connection.

Conclusion

In conclusion, setting up your GoPro properly for first-person view (FPV) flying is essential to capturing stunning and crisp aerial footage. By incorporating the recommendations and concepts outlined here, you can effectively fine-tune your digital camera settings to achieve superior results in your FPV video productions. To refine your first-person view (FPV) flying skills, consider exploring varied environments and utilizing suitable equipment to enhance your proficiency.

Edit Historical past

• Mar 2017 – Article created.
• March 2018 saw the introduction of two new sections: “Shutter Velocity” and “Importing to YouTube”.
• January 2020: Updated GoPro settings log, now including configurations for the Hero 7 model.
• Might 2020: Introduced settings specifically tailored to the Hero 8 model, with a notable addition of distinct settings for ReelSteady functionality.
• October 2022: Updated product links and configurations are now current.
• Added in January 2023 “Prime Suggestions” and “Frequent Points” for streamlined navigation.
• April 2023 – Introduced optimized settings for capturing stunning images in low-light and evening conditions.
• January 2025: The GoPro 13 was added to the product database.