GoPro Hero 12 Hypersmooth: What You Need to Know

The GoPro Hero 12 HyperSmooth 6.0, a recipient of an Emmy award for its exceptional in-camera sensor and software stabilization, marks the newest breakthrough from GoPro.

This feature has undergone rigorous testing across different activities, such as biking and skiing, to understand its best applications fully.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through activating GoPro Hero 12 HyperSmooth and share the ideal settings for achieving perfectly stabilized videos.

Hypersmooth Definition

HyperSmooth is GoPro’s advanced electronic image stabilization technology designed to minimize camera shake, ensuring your videos come out looking smooth and professionally shot.

Activating HyperSmooth on the GoPro Hero 12

1. Swipe down from the top of your screen.
2. Tap on the “Stabilization” option.
3. Set it to “On” for standard stabilization.
4. For enhanced stabilization, select “AutoBoost” mode, which might slightly crop your footage for that extra smoothness.

HyperSmooth Modes

• AutoBoost: Provides dynamic stabilization by automatically adjusting based on the camera’s movement.
• On: Delivers stabilized video with minimal cropping.
• Off: Captures video without any stabilization or cropping.

HyperSmooth Settings for Different Aspect Ratios

• For 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios, you have the options of “AutoBoost,” “On,” and “Off.”
• For 9:16 and 8:7 aspect ratios, the available settings are “On” and “Off.”

These settings allow you to tailor the stabilization level to your specific shooting needs, whether you’re aiming for a cinematic look or capturing action-packed scenes.

How To Use Hypersmooth

Enhance your HyperSmooth experience with these strategies:

Slight Zoom

In scenarios prone to excessive shaking, consider zooming in slightly. This action, although it narrows your field of view (FOV) a tad, provides a larger buffer for stabilization to work its magic. A modest zoom of around 10-15% can markedly improve stabilization without making the reduced FOV too apparent.

Opt for Linear Mode

Linear Mode is your ally for achieving enhanced stabilization. It naturally allows for a wider stabilization range than the Wide FOV setting and, as an added perk, it straightens out the lines in your footage, giving it a cleaner look.

 HyperSmooth in Low Light

Navigating HyperSmooth in dim settings can be a bit of a challenge due to its reliance on certain shutter speeds. Here are some strategies to help you get the most out of HyperSmooth when the lights are low:

Optimize Shutter Speed

Shutter speed affects both light capture and motion blur. For low-light conditions, it’s crucial to use a shutter speed that supports HyperSmooth’s functionality. Recommended settings are 1/120 for helmet mounts or Linear lens and 1/240 for chest mounts or SuperView lens, balancing light capture with motion clarity.

Balance Resolution and Frame Rate

Higher resolutions capture more detail but demand more light, whereas lower frame rates increase light capture but may introduce motion blur. A balanced choice is 4K at 30 FPS for a good mix of detail and light capture, with the option to switch to 5.3K for post-production cropping or zooming.

Fine-tune White Balance

Adjusting white balance helps your video look natural in various lighting conditions. Use presets that match your light source or customize the temperature to suit the scene.

Pick the Ideal Video Mode

The Hero 12 offers Standard, HDR, and Log video modes. Standard is straightforward but might not offer the best quality in low light. HDR boosts your footage’s dynamic range but is limited to 5.3K and 4K. Log mode provides maximum post-edit flexibility but requires color grading. Choose based on your editing comfort level and the look you’re aiming for.

Select the Appropriate Lens

With options ranging from Narrow to SuperView, your lens choice affects stabilization and field of view. SuperView offers the broadest view, perfect for chest mounts or immersive scenes. Wide provides substantial stabilization with less distortion, Linear offers a realistic perspective with minimal distortion, and Narrow focuses closely without any fisheye effect.

What Is HyperSmooth For

HyperSmooth is particularly beneficial in various filming scenarios, including:

Running or Hiking

The natural bounce from these activities can make your videos jittery. HyperSmooth smoothens out the rough edges for a more fluid viewing experience.

Travel Videos

When capturing the beauty of landscapes on the go, such as from a vehicle or on foot, HyperSmooth’s stabilization enhances the quality of your travel memories.

Action Sports

For activities like mountain biking, skiing, or skateboarding, HyperSmooth ensures your footage remains stable, even amidst the action’s intensity.

Vlogging

Moving around while addressing the camera? HyperSmooth maintains your footage’s steadiness, giving it a more polished appearance.

Underwater Shots

The unpredictability of water movements while swimming or diving can lead to shaky footage. HyperSmooth brings stability to your underwater adventures.

Aerial Footage

Deploying your GoPro on a drone? HyperSmooth compensates for wind disturbances and abrupt drone maneuvers, ensuring smoother aerial shots.

Is HyperSmooth Worth It?

Absolutely! HyperSmooth transforms shaky footage into smooth, cinematic videos, making it a must-have for any dynamic activity.

From my own experience mountain biking on challenging terrains, skiing down frosty slopes, to strolling through lively streets, HyperSmooth has been a lifesaver, ensuring my videos are free from those unwanted jitters.

I suggest turning it on whenever you’re on the move or aiming for that sleek, professional video quality. Your audience will definitely appreciate the smoother, more polished look!