{"id":1847,"date":"2018-04-23T01:00:58","date_gmt":"2018-04-23T01:00:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/?p=1847"},"modified":"2018-04-25T04:42:24","modified_gmt":"2018-04-25T04:42:24","slug":"fpv-gopro-settings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/fpv-essentials\/fpv-gopro-settings\/","title":{"rendered":"Getting the Right FPV GoPro Settings"},"content":{"rendered":"

As with all technology that we use, sometimes finding the right FPV GoPro settings can be challenging.\u00a0 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!\u00a0 There are a lot of settings to play with on the GoPro, so let\u2019s dig in and see what we have to work with.\u00a0 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]<\/p>\n

Choosing a Resolution<\/h2>\n

Starting with the most obvious, high resolution is the whole reason we use these cameras.\u00a0 Depending on the model of GoPro you use, there are a few different resolutions that you can use.\u00a0 Generally, the higher the resolution, the more detail and more immersion that you will gain from using it.\u00a0 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).\u00a0 Let\u2019s check out the options available on the Session 5.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

GoPro Session 5<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Resolution<\/strong><\/td>\nFPS<\/strong><\/td>\nFOV<\/strong><\/td>\nPixel Count<\/strong><\/td>\nAspect Ratio<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
4K<\/td>\n30<\/td>\nWide<\/td>\n3840×2160<\/td>\n16:9<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2.7K<\/td>\n48<\/td>\nMedium<\/td>\n2704×1520<\/td>\n16:9<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2.7K<\/td>\n30\/24<\/td>\nSuperView\/Wide\/Medium\/Linear<\/td>\n2704×1520<\/td>\n16:9<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2.7K<\/td>\n30<\/td>\nWide<\/td>\n2704×2028<\/td>\n4:3<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1440p<\/td>\n60\/48\/30\/24<\/td>\nWide<\/td>\n1920×1440<\/td>\n4:3<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1080p<\/td>\n90<\/td>\nWide<\/td>\n1920×1080<\/td>\n16:9<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1080p<\/td>\n60<\/td>\nSuperView\/Wide\/Linear<\/td>\n1920×1080<\/td>\n16:9<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1080p<\/td>\n30\/24<\/td>\nSuperView\/Wide\/Medium\/Linear\/Narrow<\/td>\n1920×1080<\/td>\n16:9<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
960p<\/td>\n100\/60\/30<\/td>\nWide<\/td>\n1280×960<\/td>\n4:3<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
720p<\/td>\n120<\/td>\nWide<\/td>\n1280×720<\/td>\n16:9<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
720p<\/td>\n60\/30<\/td>\nSuperView\/Wide\/Medium<\/td>\n1280×720<\/td>\n16:9<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

[\/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!\u00a0 Is 4K always the best to use?\u00a0 Not if you want to introduce slow motion effects, or use SuperView.\u00a0 But before we dig into those, let\u2019s 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]<\/p>\n

There\u2019s a huge difference in how pixel rich 4K video is. \u00a0Even when compared to the next largest option, there\u2019s a 30% increase in available pixels.\u00a0 But what does resolution get us when selecting our FPV GoPro settings?\u00a0 With more pixels available, there\u2019s more visual information that can be captured.\u00a0 This results in a crisper, and more detailed image, when viewed on the proper screen.\u00a0 Isn\u2019t that the whole reason we are using a GoPro to capture our flights?\u00a0 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]<\/p>\n

Frames per Second (FPS)<\/h2>\n

Video consists up of a series of still images that display quickly to trick your brain.\u00a0 Standard movie film operates at 24 fps, while video operates at 30 fps.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 This can be of use to dramatically slow down or speed up the video.\u00a0 If you anticipate having slow motion sections in your video, or you want your content to be super smooth, consider an increase in FPS.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0 If you film at 120 fps, you can reduce that speed all the way down to 25% of the original speed.\u00a0 Also keep in mind even when playing video at normal speeds, the more information available will make the image seem smoother to your brain.\u00a0 What\u2019s the perfect fps?\u00a0 Well that\u2019s not an easy question to answer, as everyone perceives the \u201cflicker\u201d from video differently.\u00a0 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]<\/p>\n

Field of View (FOV)<\/h2>\n

As you can see from the table above, there are quite a few options when it comes to selecting your field of view.\u00a0 What is field of view you ask?\u00a0 Well that is the amount of the area in front of the camera that it will capture, generally defined in degrees.\u00a0 GoPro has a couple of FOV options that you can select, some of which are specialty choices.<\/p>\n

Basic FOV Options<\/h3>\n
    \n
  • Wide \u2013 Approximately a 170\u00ad\u00ad\u00b0 FOV. This is the mode that captures the most visual information in the front of the camera.\u00a0 This mode pairs well with all the widescreen formats, however, it will result in that famous \u201cfisheye\u201d effect that GoPro is known for.\u00a0 This effect can be removed manually during editing, or can be left in if it\u2019s the effect you are going for.<\/li>\n
  • Medium \u2013 Approximately a 130\u00b0 FOV. This mode will focus more on what is directly in front of the camera.\u00a0 Still has a fisheye effect, but because of the reduced field of view, this is minimized slightly.<\/li>\n
  • Narrow \u2013 Approximately a 90\u00b0 FOV. This mode will further focus more on the center of the content.\u00a0 This will result in the camera zooming in on that area to reduce the FOV.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

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    Specialty FOV Options<\/h3>\n
      \n
    • SuperView \u2013 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.\u00a0 It then stretches out the sides of the video into a 16:9 format.\u00a0 This puts the focus of the video into the center, with distortion on the sides that push the eye back to the middle.<\/li>\n
    • Linear \u2013 This mode uses the medium FOV, and removes the fisheye effect. Creates a more traditional image.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

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      Consider your Audience<\/h2>\n

      Using the GoPro Session 5, shooting all your videos in 4K limits the use of options, such as a faster frames per second.\u00a0 Remember that epic moment during your flight session that made your heart skip a beat?\u00a0 Those are the moments that you could highlight with a slow motion effect!\u00a0 But oops, you recorded in 4K, and are limited to just 30 frames per second to work with.\u00a0 While you could slow it down, it creates a stutter in your final video and takes the impact away.<\/p>\n

      To be honest, I don\u2019t use a computer to watch FPV videos anymore.\u00a0 Even when I do, I\u2019m not using a desktop computer with a 4K monitor to do so.\u00a0 Most of the content I consume is from my iPhone.\u00a0 There are those that do watch videos on the computer, but smartphones have become the go to device for consuming content.\u00a0 Most pilots struggle enough just trying to find time to fly. However, being able to view content on a mobile device just makes sense!\u00a0 Yes, YouTube will downscale your video automatically for the user.\u00a0 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]<\/p>\n

      To Protune or Not to Protune<\/h2>\n

      When considering your FPV GoPro Settings, Protune unlocks a whole host of options to allow you to adjust how your video looks.\u00a0 Without it, the automatic settings fall in to place.\u00a0 While the automatic settings look great, the potential is there for so much more.\u00a0 To truly take advantage of Protune, however, some video editing will be required.\u00a0 Protune is the GoPro equivalent to shooting pictures in the RAW format, in which you have total control over everything.\u00a0 There are quite a few settings here that can be modified, so let\u2019s look at those.<\/p>\n

      Color<\/h3>\n

      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.<\/p>\n

        \n
      • GoPro Color \u2013 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.\u00a0 If you want to limit having to set your colors through your video editing software, this is the way to go.<\/li>\n
      • Flat \u2013 This option flattens the color profile, creating a very flat appearance to your video.\u00a0 While this may be unappealing at first, with a little bit of video editing, you can get the exact color you want.\u00a0 If you want a specific look to your videos, use this option.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

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        White Balance<\/h3>\n

        If you are familiar with photography, then you know that different types of light can put out different temperatures of light.\u00a0 This can also be seen when selecting light bulbs for your home.\u00a0 What this truly means is that you want your whites to truly look white in whatever light you have.\u00a0 Light with a high color temperature has more blue in it, while lower color temperatures have more red in it.\u00a0 White balance accounts for this, and color adjusts the video to balance for these differences.\u00a0 When looking at white balance for your\u00a0FPV GoPro settings, you have a few options.<\/p>\n