I’m often asked what GoPro settings I use for photos and videos. This is a simple breakdown of what I most commonly shoot and why.

Single shot – I use this setting when shooting a still environment with little to no change. This way I don’t have to edit through numerous images that are all basically the same. For example when taking a picture of a landscape.

Burst Modes 3/1 sec through 10/2 sec. – I rarely use any of these burst settings. However they can come in handy when you’re shooting action where you need a quick refresh rate between bursts. For instance in surf with close intervals where the camera can’t process the full 30 images before the next wave breaks.

Burst Mode 30/1 sec – When shooting waves in the 1 – 6 foot face range when there’s no wave rider. The extremely fast frame rate allows you to catch the perfect moment of a wave that’s breaking faster than 1 second.

Burst Mode 30/2 sec – I usually shoot this mode in waves 6 – 10 foot faces or when shooting action such as high performance surfing, BMX or skateboarding. This helps to ensure that you don’t miss that epic capture. There’s nothing worse than your sequence ending right before what would have been the best shot.

Burst Mode 30/3 sec – I use this setting in surf that’s 10 foot faces and above or when shooting photos while riding.

Protune Settings Photo  – The default settings I use are:

  • ISO: 200
  • EV: 0
  • White Balance: Auto
  • GoPro Color
  • Low Light: Off
  • Spot Meter: Off
  • Sharpness: Low
  • Exposure: 0

Video Mode Settings

Protune Settings Video  – The defult settings I use are:

  • Auto White Balance
  • GoPro Color
  • ISO – Limit 400
  • Sharpness – low
  • EV Comp – 0

WVGA 240fps – I generally use this for super slow motion on Instagram only. At 240fps you can slow footage down to around 6% without it looking jittery. It’s perfect for creating ultra-fluid slow-motion content that’s going to be shared within environments that will be viewed on small devices such as cell phones.

720p 120fps – This is a great mode if you’re looking for a frame rate that allows solid slow-motion capabilities but at an HD resolution. I’ll usually shoot this mode when I’m capturing content that I want to be able to slow down to around 15% and want it to look good within a desktop environment utilizing platforms such as Youtube or Vimeo. Also if I’m shooting something that slowed down below 15% lasts longer than Instagrams 15 second limit I’ll choose this over WVGA for the improved quality.

1080p 60fps – This is a great setting if you’re looking to shoot at a High HD quality that still allows a decent potential for slow-motion.

2.7K 30fps – I like shooting 2.7K when I need to crop in / zoom in on a subject. With a program like Adobe Premiere 2.7K you can use motion tweening to create a sort of zooming effect.

Common Questions

For your pictures do you shoot video and then take screen shots or shoot photos? – All of my stills are shot in photo mode. I only use video mode when shooting video.

How do you keep water spots off your lens? – It may sound funny but the solution is saliva. Water spots are actually caused by the sheet of water on the lens separating. By licking or spitting on the lens and then dipping it right before taking the shot you help to ensure the sheet stays solid and your shot isn’t ruined by spots. Another killer is any specs of sand on the lens. This also will separate the sheet of water giving you those unwanted spots.

What video editing software do you use? – GoPro Studio, Adobe Premiere and After Effects.

What kind of handle do you use? – I use the GoPro 3-Way in small to medium sized surf, when I plan on shooting a time-lapse after my session, when shooting BMX, or landscape. In heavy surf I use a custom built 18 inch piece of PVC Pipe that is sealed on both ends so it floats.

How do you prevent fogging? – The most effective solution I’ve found for fogging are the GoPro Anti-Fog Inserts. Another quick remedy is to hold your tongue on the lens for 60+ seconds or until the fog disappears.

Do you only use GoPro? – Yes!

Why don’t you get a DSLR? – Because GoPro’s shoot a image quality comparable to a DSLR at a frame rate that’s greater than any DSLR on the market. High frame rate is extremely important when capturing action. Also it’s compact size and light weight allows you to use it in creative ways that would be impossible for a big heavy camera.