GoPro Q & A – the most common questions answered.

In the various GoPro forums, there are standard questions that pop up again and again. Here is some samples and the respective answers to help all those with similar issues.

Question:

When I download my GoPro video files to my computer, they won’t play back. Audio does but there is no picture.

Solution:

This is usually as the required codec required to play the video is not installed on your PC . If you don’t have that codec installed, never fear; it is an easy fix. Simply Google HEVC, or easier, if you are on a Windows based computer just go to the Microsoft Store and install it. A more detailed explanation is at https://cre-8.com.au/why-wont-my-video-playback-from-my-gopro-or-other-hi-res-capable-camera/

Question:

My GoPro shuts down after only a few minutes shooting as it gets very hot. Is there a solution?

 

Solution:

GoPros are noted for overheating, and indeed, in the Hero 12, the company has tried to address this by removing the GPS ability. Why? Because things like GPS, Bluetooth, WiFi, Voice Recognition and other features all generate heat. If you are not using any of these, turn them OFF in the menu system.

Question:

What is the best memory card to get for my GoPro?

Solution:

Especially if you are shooting in the higher resolutions, you need the fastest card you can find, as a card that is too slow will either drop frames or simply not record at all. And stick with brand names – we recommend and use Verbatim – as cheaper cards are often inferior. On each card, there is a series of numbers and letters that designate the card’s rating for speed etc. A full explanation can be found at https://cre-8.com.au/which-sd-cards-there-is-more-than-meets-the-eye/

Question:

What are the best settings for video and photos?

Solution:

This is one of the most common questions and I’m afraid there is no single answer as there are a lot of variables. What is the subject of your video or photo? What distance are you from it? What is the ambient light like? Is it cloudy? Are you shooting into the sun or away from it? Is the camera handheld or on a gimbal or tripod?

It is necessary you have a basic understanding of photography and video in order to understand what settings to use under different conditions. At Creative Content I have many tutorials under the GoPro and Drones sections that will help.

Question:

Do I need an ND filter?

Solution:

Unless you are shooting something like running water to get that blurry / dreamlike effect, probably not. An ND filter allows you to keep the shutter speed slower without over exposure. What is of general use though is a polarising filter, especially if shooting over water, to remove any glare.

Question:

What is the best software for editing GoPro video files?

Solution:

Any decent editor will do the job and there are many for both Mac and PCs such as Adobe Premiere, or the one we recommend, DaVinci Resolve (which is free). For PC only, also look at Vegas Pro, Hitfilm Xpress (also free) or products from Corel.

Question:

Can I run a GoPro on external power?

Solution:

Yes. You can take the battery out and use a PowerBank or power adaptor plugged into the USB port. GoPro also make a special “pass through” door with a hole for the USB cable (or you can 3D print one with a file to download available at https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4553897)

Question:

I haven’t used my GoPro for a while, and when I turned it on, nothing happened. I tried charging it, but only the red light came on, but it wouldn’t charge.

Solution:

Remove the battery, plug the charger in and try and turn the camera on. If it starts, your battery needs replacing. If not, the camera is possibly dead.

Question:

How can I get better audio?

Solution:

GoPro make an adaptor for the USB port in order to plug a mic in. A better solution is to get the MediaMod which has a built in mic, but will also allow you to plug in a dedicated mic such as the ones we use, the Sennheiser MKE200 and MKE400.

Question:

Can I use my GoPro in water?

Solution:

GoPro cameras are waterproof to differing degrees depending on the model, HOWEVER, for absolute peace of mind we’d always recommend getting the underwater housing to make sure. It only needs a speck of grit under the battery door and its bye bye GoPro! (We lost a Sony RX0 Mk II this way).

Question:

Can I turn off the microphone in my GoPro?

Solution:

Short answer is no. It is something I wish were included to. If you have a MediaMod however, by plugging a connector into its audio port, this will effectively mute the audio.