You’ve probably heard that the GoPro Hero 12 offers resolutions up to 5.3K, but do you know what this means and how it affects your footage? Understanding how resolution works is crucial for choosing the right settings for your next GoPro shoot.
In this article, you’ll learn about the resolutions available on the GoPro Hero 12, and I’ll guide you on how to pick the right resolution setting for your next shoot!
GoPro HERO 12 Black Resolutions
This is the table that represents what resolutions The GoPro Hero 12 Black has.
Video Resolution | Frame Rate (fps) NTSC /PAL |
---|---|
5,3K (8:7) | 30/25/24 FPS |
5,3K (16:9) | 60/50/30/25/24 FPS |
4K (8:7) | 60/50/30/25/24 FPS |
4K (9:16) | 60/50/30/25 |
4K (16:9) | 120/100/60/50/30/25/24 FPS |
2,7K (4:3) | 120/100/60/50 FPS |
2,7K (16:9) | 240/200 FPS |
1080 (9:16) | 60/50/30/25 |
1080P (16:9) | 240/200/120/100/60/50/30/25/24 FPS |
Which Resolution To Choose?
I’ve created the table below to help you understand how your choice of resolution might depend on the activity you’re planning to film with your GoPro. This is because GoPro’s resolution settings are linked to frame rate and field of view (FOV).
Let’s get a bit technical here, but don’t worry—it’s simpler than it sounds! 🙂
For instance, if you’re about to film a fast-paced action scene, like surfing, you’ll likely need a frame rate of 120fps or 240fps. However, these higher frame rates aren’t supported at 4K resolution, so you’ll need to set your GoPro to 1080p/240fps instead.
This table is designed to logically guide you in choosing the right resolution for each shoot, based on the activity you’re capturing:
Activity | Resolution | Frame Rate (FPS) | Field of View (FOV) |
---|---|---|---|
Travel | 1080p 4k | 60fps | Wide |
Cycling | 1080p 2.7k | 60fps | Wide Superview |
Hiking | 1080p 4k | 30fps | Wide |
Drone | 1080p 4k | 60fps | Wide |
Motorcycle | 1080p 2.7k | 120fps | Wide |
Sport | 1080p 4k | 60fps 120fps | Wide |
Ski | 1080p 2.7k | 120fps 240fps | Wide |
Surf | 1080p 2.7k | 120fps 240fps | Wide |
Underwater | 1080p 4k | 30fps 60fps | Wide |
Sunset | 1080p 4k | 30fps | Linear |
VLOG | 1080p 2.7k | 30fps | Linear |
Automobile | 1080p 2.7k | 60fps | Wide |
Is Higher Resolution Always Better?
No! Although GoPro Hero 12 supports shooting in high 5.3K resolutions, it’s not always necessary to film at these settings.
For starters, you likely don’t need such high resolution for 80% of your shooting scenarios. High-resolution video like 4K or 5K takes up a significant amount of memory space and will also drain your GoPro battery much faster.
Unless you need to zoom in digitally or plan to display your video on large screens or projectors, Full HD 1080p is usually sufficient. While 4K/5K resolutions offer more detail due to their higher pixel count, using them isn’t always the most practical choice.
Consider shooting in 5K only if:
- You need to zoom in or crop the video during editing while maintaining HD image quality.
- High video quality is a priority, such as for displays on large TVs or projectors.
- Your editing device is capable of handling large 5K files.
FAQ
Is 1080p/60fps better than 4k 30fps?
Depending on your needs, you might choose 4K at 30fps if you’re seeking detailed video quality with the capability to zoom in digitally. Conversely, 1080p at 60fps is suitable for everyday use, such as vlogs, action shots, and B-roll footage.
Best GoPro resolution for Instagram?
Instagram suggests using a video resolution of 1080×1920 for the best quality.
Best GoPro resolution for YouTube?
When filming with a GoPro for YouTube, the ideal resolution is Full HD 1080p. Choose 30fps for regular footage or 60fps if you plan to include slow-motion effects.
Best GoPro resolution for editing on iPhone?
If you plan to edit your GoPro footage on an iPhone or other smartphones, it’s advisable to record at 1080p or lower, since 4K video requires significant processing power from the device.
GoPro Resolution vs. FOV
GoPro resolutions are closely linked to FOV (Field of View) and frame rate. For complete details, please refer to the tables above.
What is 1080 SuperView on GoPro?
GoPro Superview offers an immersive 16:9 aspect ratio mode by dynamically stretching a 4:3 aspect ratio image to 16:9. The center of the image remains untouched, while the sides are stretched, making it perfect for activities where the camera is mounted on your head or chest, such as motocross, biking, skiing, and surfing. This mode provides a fuller, more immersive view.
Thank you for reading this guide!
I hope that it was helpful for choosing a perfect GoPro Hero 12 resolution 🙂
Don’t forget to share this article on social media with your family and friends.
Related Articles:
- GoPro Hero 12 Creator Kit: What’s Included & Is It worth It?
- How to Shoot Slow Motion Videos with GoPro HERO 12
- GoPro HERO 12 Mic Adapter: Do You Need It?
- GoPro HERO 12: How to Shoot in Low Light & Night