Underwater Settings Optimization for GoPro Hero 7 and 8 Models
GoPro Hero 8: A Guide to Capturing Stunning Underwater footage
The GoPro Hero 8, with its HyperSmooth 2.0 stabilization feature, is a popular choice for capturing cinematic-quality videos, especially underwater. Here's a guide to help you make the most of your GoPro Hero 8 for underwater photography and videography.
Underwater Videos
For the best results, set your GoPro Hero 8 to 4K resolution at 30fps, using a wide or SuperView field of view. Lowering the ISO to a maximum of 200 helps reduce noise in underwater conditions. Using Protune with a flat color profile and adjusting white balance to "Native" or a manual Kelvin temperature around 6500-7000K compensates for the blue cast underwater.
Time Lapse
The GoPro Hero 8 excels in Time Lapse mode, particularly when set to Time Lapse Photo mode with intervals between 0.5 and 2 seconds, depending on subject motion. Shoot at the highest resolution available (12MP Photo or 4K Video time lapse) and enable HyperSmooth for stability.
TimeWarp
TimeWarp, a time lapse video stabilization mode, works best at 1080p or 2.7K resolution with 30fps. Enabling HyperSmooth stabilization is essential for stable video, especially if moving underwater or shooting handheld.
Recommended Settings
| Mode | Resolution | Frame Rate | Field of View | Additional Tips | |-----------------|-----------------|------------------|------------------|---------------------------------------------| | Underwater Video| 4K (3840x2160) | 30fps | Wide or SuperView| ISO max 200, Protune flat color, WB ~6500K | | Time Lapse Photo| Max resolution (12MP) | Interval: 0.5–2s | Wide or SuperView| Use HyperSmooth for stability | | TimeWarp Video | 1080p or 2.7K | 30fps | Wide | Enable HyperSmooth stability |
Tips for Underwater Shooting
Lighting is crucial for underwater shooting. Use natural daylight and consider using red filters if diving deeper to correct color loss. Creating presets on the GoPro helps with quick mode switching when diving.
Remember, TimeWarp condenses your video at a faster rate to pack the entire clip into a shorter time, while Time Lapse is a series of images stitched together to create a video. Consider the processing capabilities of your laptop and editing system before shooting 4k video and/or RAW stills.
For professional quality underwater videos, it is recommended to use 60 fps at 4k resolution. For the smoothest underwater Time Lapse rendition, use .5 or 1 second interval. Custom white balance is useful for underwater photography, but requires certain software to view .GPR files.
For more detailed information, refer to the latest user guides and expert videos specific to the GoPro Hero 8 and similar models in the Hero 9 to 13 range. Happy diving and capturing!
- With its HyperSmooth 2.0 feature, the GoPro Hero 8 is ideal for focusing on stunning underwater footage, particularly in videography and photography.
- For underwater videos, setting the GoPro Hero 8 to 4K resolution at 30fps, using a wide or SuperView field of view, and adjusting white balance to approximately 6500-7000K is recommended.
- The GoPro Hero 8 performs well in Time Lapse mode, especially when set to Time Lapse Photo mode with intervals between 0.5 to 2 seconds, and at the highest available resolution.
- TimeWarp, a time lapse video stabilization mode, works best at 1080p or 2.7K resolution with 30fps and HyperSmooth stabilization enabled.
- In underwater shooting, lighting is crucial; using natural daylight and red filters for deeper dives can help correct color loss.
- Creating presets on the GoPro helps with quick mode switching when diving, and this can be a valuable gadget during the trip.
- For software to view .GPR files and customize white balance for underwater photography, you may need specific technology and editing systems like Lightroom.
