Gadgets

Top Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your GoPro Cameras on the Go

— Unlock the full potential of your GoPro Hero with smart settings, creative mounts, and must-have accessories for every adventure.
By Emily WilsonPUBLISHED: July 31, 10:37UPDATED: July 31, 10:44 23360
GoPro camera mounted on helmet capturing action in an outdoor adventure setting

Whether you're hiking rugged trails, capturing underwater adventures, or documenting your next road trip, a GoPro Hero camera is one of the most versatile tools for action-packed storytelling. Compact, rugged, and incredibly powerful, GoPros are designed to go wherever you go—without compromising on quality.

But owning a GoPro is just the start. To truly make the most of it, you need to understand its features, plan your shots, and use the right accessories. Here’s a complete guide to help you capture better footage and elevate your on-the-go content creation.

1. Know Your Settings Before You Hit Record

GoPros come packed with advanced shooting modes, but understanding when to use them is key to getting the best results.

  • Resolution and Frame Rate: For general action footage, 1080p at 60fps is a solid starting point. Use 4K for high-detail environments and 120fps or higher for smooth slow-motion effects.
  • Field of View (FOV): GoPros offer wide, linear, and narrow views. Wide captures more of the scene, while linear reduces distortion for vlogging or landscapes.
  • Protune Settings: For advanced users, enabling Protune gives you control over ISO, white balance, sharpness, and color profile—perfect for post-production flexibility.

Quick Tip:

Set your GoPro to QuikCapture mode so you can instantly power on and start recording with a single button press—ideal for spontaneous moments.

2. Use Mounts to Expand Creative Angles

GoPros are known for their mountable flexibility. Instead of holding the camera by hand, explore mounting options that free up your movement and unlock unique perspectives:

  • Chest mounts for immersive POV shots
  • Helmet or handlebar mounts for action sports
  • Suction mounts for vehicles and glass surfaces
  • GorillaPods or mini tripods for vlogging and time-lapses

Mounting the camera securely helps reduce shake and allows you to stay focused on the activity—not the camera.

3. Plan for Lighting and Weather Conditions

Natural light plays a big role in image quality. While GoPros perform well outdoors, you can maximise results with these tips:

  • Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) delivers soft, flattering light
  • Use ND filters to control brightness on sunny days
  • For underwater or low-light conditions, consider adding external lighting or using GoPro’s Low Light mode

Waterproofing is built into most GoPro models, but for extreme weather, invest in a protective housing for added durability.

4. Keep Batteries Warm and Charged

GoPro batteries can drain quickly—especially in cold environments or at high frame rates. Carry extra batteries and keep them in an insulated pouch close to your body to maintain battery life.

Power banks and dual-battery chargers are also handy for recharging on the go. Some users even use solar panels for extended outdoor shoots.

5. Make the Most of GoPro’s Mobile App

The GoPro Quik app makes editing and sharing footage easier than ever:

  • Wirelessly transfer clips to your phone
  • Edit with templates, music, and text overlays
  • Auto-sync footage to music for dynamic videos
  • Control your camera remotely for group shots or complex setups

Using the app saves time and allows you to post content quickly while still maintaining a polished look.

6. Use Voice Commands

GoPro models with voice control allow you to start or stop recording, take a photo, or tag highlights—hands-free. This is especially useful when your hands are busy or the camera is mounted out of reach.

Just say “GoPro, start recording” or “GoPro, take a photo,” and you’re good to go.

7. Capture More with Time-Lapse and HyperSmooth

Don’t just record video—get creative:

  • Time-lapse mode is great for capturing movement over time, like sunsets or travel scenes.
  • TimeWarp combines time-lapse with stabilization for cinematic moving shots—ideal for hikes, bike rides, or city walks.
  • HyperSmooth ensures ultra-steady video, even during intense action. Turn it on for handheld shooting or high-motion environments.

These built-in modes elevate your storytelling and create variety in your content.

8. Organise and Protect Your Gear

When you’re on the move, keeping your gear safe and accessible is crucial. Invest in a hard-shell case or padded roll for your GoPro, batteries, SD cards, and accessories. Waterproof pouches are helpful for beach or snow conditions.

And to truly expand what your camera can do, browse high-quality GoPro camera attachments like extension poles, dome ports, and mic adapters—each designed to unlock a new creative angle or recording style.

A GoPro is more than a camera—it's a tool for telling compelling stories, capturing epic adventures, and documenting moments from your unique point of view. With the right settings, accessories, and preparation, you can take full advantage of its potential and elevate your content wherever you go.

Photo of Emily Wilson

Emily Wilson

Emily Wilson is a content strategist and writer with a passion for digital storytelling. She has a background in journalism and has worked with various media outlets, covering topics ranging from lifestyle to technology. When she’s not writing, Emily enjoys hiking, photography, and exploring new coffee shops.

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