As with all technology that we use, sometimes finding the right FPV GoPro settings can be challenging. We all want our high definition video to be of excellent quality, either to show off our skills to our friends and on social media, or just to capture that moment that we did that cool thing! There are a lot of settings to play with on the GoPro, so let’s dig in and see what we have to work with. For the sake of this article, we are going to look at the Session 5, however, this information can easily be of use to other GoPro models.[ultimate_spacer height=”30″][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”1971″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Choosing a Resolution
Starting with the most obvious, high resolution is the whole reason we use these cameras. Depending on the model of GoPro you use, there are a few different resolutions that you can use. Generally, the higher the resolution, the more detail and more immersion that you will gain from using it. There are, however, some limitations with using the higher resolutions, namely the frames per second (FPS) that you will have available, and the field of view (FOV). Let’s check out the options available on the Session 5.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
GoPro Session 5
Resolution | FPS | FOV | Pixel Count | Aspect Ratio |
4K | 30 | Wide | 3840×2160 | 16:9 |
2.7K | 48 | Medium | 2704×1520 | 16:9 |
2.7K | 30/24 | SuperView/Wide/Medium/Linear | 2704×1520 | 16:9 |
2.7K | 30 | Wide | 2704×2028 | 4:3 |
1440p | 60/48/30/24 | Wide | 1920×1440 | 4:3 |
1080p | 90 | Wide | 1920×1080 | 16:9 |
1080p | 60 | SuperView/Wide/Linear | 1920×1080 | 16:9 |
1080p | 30/24 | SuperView/Wide/Medium/Linear/Narrow | 1920×1080 | 16:9 |
960p | 100/60/30 | Wide | 1280×960 | 4:3 |
720p | 120 | Wide | 1280×720 | 16:9 |
720p | 60/30 | SuperView/Wide/Medium | 1280×720 | 16:9 |
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]So, as you can see from the chart above, based on the resolution you chose to use, the other options have limits! Is 4K always the best to use? Not if you want to introduce slow motion effects, or use SuperView. But before we dig into those, let’s take a look at the resolutions available to us, and the differences between them.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”1994″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
There’s a huge difference in how pixel rich 4K video is. Even when compared to the next largest option, there’s a 30% increase in available pixels. But what does resolution get us when selecting our FPV GoPro settings? With more pixels available, there’s more visual information that can be captured. This results in a crisper, and more detailed image, when viewed on the proper screen. Isn’t that the whole reason we are using a GoPro to capture our flights? Yes, but consider a few things first regarding your other FPV GoPro Settings.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Frames per Second (FPS)
Video consists up of a series of still images that display quickly to trick your brain. Standard movie film operates at 24 fps, while video operates at 30 fps. By changing the amount of frames that are captured each second, you can start to manipulate that video to play at the speeds you want. This can be of use to dramatically slow down or speed up the video. If you anticipate having slow motion sections in your video, or you want your content to be super smooth, consider an increase in FPS. Keep in mind that you are limited by the resolution that you choose, as the camera can only capture so much information at one time.
As an example, if you were to record a video at 60 fps, then you could slow down the video up to 50% and still maintain smooth video motion. If you film at 120 fps, you can reduce that speed all the way down to 25% of the original speed. Also keep in mind even when playing video at normal speeds, the more information available will make the image seem smoother to your brain. What’s the perfect fps? Well that’s not an easy question to answer, as everyone perceives the “flicker” from video differently. However, for most people, 60 fps works just great.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”1953″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Field of View (FOV)
As you can see from the table above, there are quite a few options when it comes to selecting your field of view. What is field of view you ask? Well that is the amount of the area in front of the camera that it will capture, generally defined in degrees. GoPro has a couple of FOV options that you can select, some of which are specialty choices.
Basic FOV Options
- Wide – Approximately a 170° FOV. This is the mode that captures the most visual information in the front of the camera. This mode pairs well with all the widescreen formats, however, it will result in that famous “fisheye” effect that GoPro is known for. This effect can be removed manually during editing, or can be left in if it’s the effect you are going for.
- Medium – Approximately a 130° FOV. This mode will focus more on what is directly in front of the camera. Still has a fisheye effect, but because of the reduced field of view, this is minimized slightly.
- Narrow – Approximately a 90° FOV. This mode will further focus more on the center of the content. This will result in the camera zooming in on that area to reduce the FOV.
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Specialty FOV Options
- SuperView – Boasted as one the most immersive modes to shoot video in. This is definitely an interesting option, as it records video in 4:3 format, capturing more of the vertical space. It then stretches out the sides of the video into a 16:9 format. This puts the focus of the video into the center, with distortion on the sides that push the eye back to the middle.
- Linear – This mode uses the medium FOV, and removes the fisheye effect. Creates a more traditional image.
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Consider your Audience
Using the GoPro Session 5, shooting all your videos in 4K limits the use of options, such as a faster frames per second. Remember that epic moment during your flight session that made your heart skip a beat? Those are the moments that you could highlight with a slow motion effect! But oops, you recorded in 4K, and are limited to just 30 frames per second to work with. While you could slow it down, it creates a stutter in your final video and takes the impact away.
To be honest, I don’t use a computer to watch FPV videos anymore. Even when I do, I’m not using a desktop computer with a 4K monitor to do so. Most of the content I consume is from my iPhone. There are those that do watch videos on the computer, but smartphones have become the go to device for consuming content. Most pilots struggle enough just trying to find time to fly. However, being able to view content on a mobile device just makes sense! Yes, YouTube will downscale your video automatically for the user. When you consider who your audience is, making the decision to go with a lower resolution in order to open up options is a little easier.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”1963″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
To Protune or Not to Protune
When considering your FPV GoPro Settings, Protune unlocks a whole host of options to allow you to adjust how your video looks. Without it, the automatic settings fall in to place. While the automatic settings look great, the potential is there for so much more. To truly take advantage of Protune, however, some video editing will be required. Protune is the GoPro equivalent to shooting pictures in the RAW format, in which you have total control over everything. There are quite a few settings here that can be modified, so let’s look at those.
Color
There are two options available here, and this where Protune really gives you the option to decide how your overall video will look and feel.
- GoPro Color – Use of this option puts the GoPro in command of your color settings. This would be akin to the same color options available when Protune is off. If you want to limit having to set your colors through your video editing software, this is the way to go.
- Flat – This option flattens the color profile, creating a very flat appearance to your video. While this may be unappealing at first, with a little bit of video editing, you can get the exact color you want. If you want a specific look to your videos, use this option.
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White Balance
If you are familiar with photography, then you know that different types of light can put out different temperatures of light. This can also be seen when selecting light bulbs for your home. What this truly means is that you want your whites to truly look white in whatever light you have. Light with a high color temperature has more blue in it, while lower color temperatures have more red in it. White balance accounts for this, and color adjusts the video to balance for these differences. When looking at white balance for your FPV GoPro settings, you have a few options.
- Auto – Selects the appropriate white balance based on the images the GoPro captures. While it is easy to select this option and let the camera do the work, this can lead to the white balance shifting during the course of your flight.
- Selecting a specific white balance – this option locks your camera to a certain color temperature. This prevents the camera from adjusting the white balance throughout the clip. Options are: 3000K, 4000K, 4800K, 5500K, 6000K, and 6500K. When outdoors, use the higher end color temperatures.
- Native: This option puts a limit to the amount of white balance adjustment happens automatically. Similar to the flat color option above, this allows for setting the white balance later during the edit.
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ISO Limit
When you fly in areas with low light conditions, raising the ISO limit will create a brighter image. One thing to note however, is the higher the ISO setting, the more noise that will be in the video. You will need to strike a balance between the acceptable amount of noise and the visibility of your video. There are only three options to select here: 400, 800, and 1600.
Shutter
This option gives you control over how long the shutter is open, thus how much light reaches the image sensor. This works in direct conjunction with your FPS setting, and will multiply your setting against the FPS. So if you set your shutter to x2, and you are filming at 30 fps, then the shutter will open 60 times a second. There is also a setting here for automatic control.
Sharpness
Sharpness will determine how much detail definition your video contains. This gives your video really crisp details and edges, however can introduce some noise into the image, especially in low light conditions.
- High – Very sharp details and edges. If Protune is off, this is the level the GoPro will default to.
- Medium – Moderate amount of sharpness. Can give you some ability to modify through in the edit.
- Low – Little edge definition and details. Provides the greatest flexibility in the edit.
Exposure Value Compensation
Last but not least for your FPV GoPro settings is EV Comp, which adjusts the overall brightness of the image. This really shines through in areas where a lot of differences in light and dark exist. EV Comp is adjustable from -2.0 to 2.0 with increments of .5. However, this setting will only be accessible when the shutter speed is set to “Auto”.
Protune is great for those that want to go for a specific look to make videos that are unique or have a specific style, however, just by changing a few settings, even the inexperienced can pull higher quality video. When it comes to getting the right FPV GoPro settings, you can’t really go wrong with turning Protune on. After all, getting the highest quality video is the whole reason we use these expensive little things! Keep in mind, professional movie houses use GoPro cameras for many of your favorite movies and television shows![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”1965″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Other Considerations for FPV GoPro Settings
There are some other factors to consider getting the right FPV GoPro settings. Getting these dialed in just the way you want can have just as much impact as the settings above.
Video Stabilization
There are a few different camps when it comes to using video stabilization. On one side, there are those that say it’s a way to make up for poor tuning of the multirotor. On the other, there are those that say that it adds a layer to the video that creates a smooth flow. Personally, I say that if it works for the style of video that you like, use it. If you’d rather the raw feel, then don’t. In a way, we are all cinematographers when we fly, whether it’s for recognition, or for personal enjoyment, remember that when selecting your FPV GoPro settings.
Camera Angle
Selecting the right camera angle on your model can make or break your video. Keep in mind that you are looking to showcase the flight, so if your camera is pointing at the ground, or at the sky, you won’t have the focus on what you are truly doing. Generally, I recommend keeping the angle the same as you FPV camera. That way what you see through your goggles or screen will be pretty close to what the GoPro is capturing. This is especially true when it comes to smooth, long range flights, or when you rip an exceptional freestyle routine.
When racing, you may not always want your GoPro on your model due to weight. In the event that you do want to capture that experience, you may want to consider raising your camera angle. During certain race maneuvers, your FPV camera may be pointing at the ground, so by raising your camera just 5° might get you the shot you want.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
My Optimal FPV GoPro Settings
Alright, so after all that ridiculously over explained information, what settings do I use on my GoPro Session? With experience in photo and video editing, digging in to the Protune settings is not really daunting for me. Also, I am mostly a freestyle pilot; I like to use my quad not just to fly, but to capture the subject and area that I am flying in. With that in mind, I usually don’t use SuperView, but that does change from time to time. From time to time, FPS does change from time to time, depending on what I think would make for a good slow motion shot. If it’s a truly scenic area, I will crank up the resolution to get more of that captured. However, the settings below are generally what I have locked in.
- Resolution: 1080p
- Frames per Second: 60
- Field of View: Wide
- Protune: On
- Color: Flat
- White Balance: 6500K
- ISO: 1600
- Shutter: Auto
- Sharpness: High
- EV Comp: 0
- Video Stablization: Off
Hopefully, this gives you some insight into getting the right FPV GoPro settings. While much of this is pure information, remember, you need to find what style works for you. Do you want to get neck deep into video editing and develop that signature style? If so, get into the weeds with Protune! Do you want to crank out video after video? Then keep everything as basic as possible and keep ripping![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
A little motion blur is good and makes the video look more natural. Keep shutter speeds at twice the frame rate. On a bright, sunny day it helps to add a neutral density filter to keep the frame rates down. ND filters can get rid of that annoying jello effect too! A fast computer with a large 4K monitor will change your mind about shooting in 4K. I switched to Runcam Split for my 3″, 4″ and 5″. Lighter weight with great 1080P video.
Thanks!
I’ve always used 2.7k 30 and had good results. I’m interested to see how the Hero 7 influences the “community standards” of filming
Great article! Thanks Josh!
Thank you so much for putting this all into a simple easy to understand context. This should help me a ton!
Such great information I’m looking forward to trying out new settings. I love learning everything I can about this hobby and all its facets.
Thanks a lot for the info, I’ve been flying freestyle for a while and decided it was time to get a gopro to capture my footage but I know nothing about filming so every bit of info I can get it appreciated
As soon as I actually have a GoPro I will be all over this page like green on beans.
Great article, I have been looking for information on gopro settings for FPV , as most articles are for less motion intensive activities. Lots of good info here.
This really helped me!
I really think that even though the form factor on the GoPro Hero 5 Session is more ideal for racing and freestyle, the features and the extra options make the larger cameras all that more worth the price. One key thing however, is the fact that you can see which mode and setting you are in right on the back of your camera. Happy flying!
while, i think it’s very nice of you to talk something about the ND filter
Thanks for the precious information, i do freestyle and i am definitely into smooth footage
Here for the giveaway!
Very complete info, great article!
I love to shoot on 2.7k resolution with session 5, but now i lost it, i have to get the hero 6, and i love how it really looks, the different on quality is noticeable! much more with less light conditions. Will see how the new 7 works with that in built stabilization, end of ReelSteady? don´t think so
Great article. My biggest problem is jello, may be I can fix it now with better settings.
That’s very interesting! I usually use 1080 superview 60 fps.
Very complete and detailed guide. Really help di 8n my camera settings for dark cloudy and overcast days. Wonder how the gopro hero 7 will be with hypersmooth?
Nice informative break down – I will be using this info in future flight footage
Thx
I pretty much have everything I need for this hobby! Drone, Transmitter, batteries, chargers, and backpack. Now i just need a gopro!
This helped a lot. Thanks!
Great Information!!
Great info!!
Thanks for the info. Most of these settings I already had implemented but a couple were kinda new to me and helped me out.
This article fulfills everything from a newby or pro user point of view could be looking for.If you are new to either GoPro or as a rookie drone user this article if a reference, in my case i’ve been using GoPros since 2013 from the Hero2 onwards, if you want quick editing and uploading to social media go with basic auto settings(1080p res, if you are into video editing with pro non-linear editing software (Premiere or Final Cut) customize and try with Protune settings , either way this article is as simple and easy as it gets .
Learned something new today.
Cool! 👍👍
Very interesting info and well analyzed(not here for the contest :p )
Thanks for the breakdown. Very helpful.
Love the way the information is displayed, great article 10/10.
Great article I learned a lot
Great info, thank you 😀
In my opinion 2.7/30/superview is the way to go for FPV freestyle.
Great info. I’ll be making changes to my session before my next flights for sure. Wish I had the 7! So awesome.
Great Comprehensive review of Gopro settings, something that is often overlooked. I’m now interested in a comparison of the different fovs, I always thought superview was best for FPV but maybe Wide would create a more cinematic flight?
Great article. I hebe a better grasp of what Pro Tune is. Thanks!
*have
Great tutorial!
Really useful information and works so much better thank you for this grate information! The new GoPro 7 with its hypeerspeed will be so good can’t wait to try one out
Good and useful article.
explained succinctly! Thank you very much
Thank you for the detailed guide.
Interesting Article. I personally use auto White Balance and Flat Colour in 1440p at 60FPS.
Right on man!
First Gopro on way, hope to win Hero7 bc i didn have enough $ for that one :,(.
Thanks for sharing! My favorite settings are 2.7k 30fps at superview. I find that I am willing to sacrifice 60fps for superview, in my opinion it makes the footage look better.
This was very useful, thank you!!
Great article!
Thank you for putting all these Informations together. It very easy to understand and it made me learn a few things i hope i can use in the Future
Great stuff man. Absolutely loved it.
Absolutely not true that gopros have 170 degree field of view. It’s 122 degres. A little more on the diagonal. You can find the official spec and you can also easily test it. For people buying for security purposes, this misinformation is very harmful.
Nice article man. Thanks for sharing such a article.
I’ve been trying to figure out good GoPro settings by myself for awhile and could never get it. This is just what I needed THANKS!
Starting with the most obvious, high resolution is the whole reason we use these cameras. Depending on the model of GoPro you use, there are a few different resolutions that you can use. Generally, the higher the resolution, the more detail and more immersion that you will gain from using it. There are, however, some limitations with using the higher resolutions, namely the frames per second (FPS) that you will have available, and the field of view (FOV). Let’s check out the options available on the Session 5.