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How to Convert HEVC Files from a GoPro HERO9, HERO8, HERO7, or HERO6 Black

If you're getting an error message on your computer when you try to open a video shot on the GoPro HERO8, HERO7, and HERO6 Black, it might be because it isn't compatible with the HEVC (H.265) codec used in some of their video modes. Here are some workarounds.

How to Convert HEVC Files from a GoPro

By David Coleman | @havecamerawilltraveldc
Last updated about 3 months ago // Categories: Apps, Video
Tags: GoPro Fusion, GoPro HERO6 Black, GoPro HERO7 Black, GoPro HERO8 Black, GoPro HERO9 Black, GoPro MAX

Since this post was originally written, GoPro has come out with the GoPro Player desktop app for Mac and Windows. It includes the ability to work with and convert HEVC video files. The method outlined below will also still work well, but the GoPro Player app is a good option to try first. You can find it < ahref="https://community.gopro.com/t5/en/GoPro-Player/ta-p/413305">here.

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Since the HERO7 Black, GoPro has used a new codec for compressing and encoding vides. It’s most commonly known as HEVC (for High Efficiency Video Coding) or H.265. It’s a newer, better codec, but it’s still not universally compatible in the same way the older H.264 codec is. If you’re having trouble opening videos shot on the HERO8, HERO7, or HERO6 Black, this might be why.

There are now more GoPros that use HEVC H.265 encoding. All the previous and lower models use an older H.264 AVC codec that is much more widely compatible.

It’s also worth noting that GoPro videos encoded with the HEVC codec still uses the MP4 video container, so you can’t tell them apart just by looking at the file extension.

HEVC (H.265) Compatibility

The H.265 codec has been around for a few years now but has only gradually been making its way into wide use. Some of the early implementations included FaceTime since the iPhone 6 and Windows 10.

If you’re using Windows 10 or later or Mac OS X High Sierra, support for HEVC (H.265) is baked right into the operating system, making it available for video editing apps running on those platforms, such as Final Cut Pro X and Premiere Pro.

But there are still a lot of common devices and software that doesn’t support it yet. If you’re not able to open the HEVC files on your computer or device, you have a few options:

  • upgrade your operating system (a potentially painful process that might have collateral consequences with other apps and hardware)
  • open the files in an app that has its own built-in HEVC (H.265) support (limiting what you can do with it)
  • convert the file to a different format that your computer and video editor can use.

I’m focusing here on the last one: converting HEVC files to another format. Or, in video jargon, transcoding.

There are a number of paid apps that can do the conversion. I’m focusing here on one that is free and cross-platform: the venerable Handbrake.

Converting HEVC (H.265) Video Files with HandBrake to H.264

The target formats available in Handbrake are quite limited. The most logical to choose from the available options is H.264 (x264). That’s not ideal, because it’s recompressing a compressed file (more on that below), but it will result in a file that is still very good quality and very widely compatible.

  1. Download and install Handbrake. You can download it here. If you’re installing it on Mac OS X, you might get an error message because it’s not being installed from the Mac App Store. To allow the installation, you can go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General. If it’s just blocked you from installing it, you should have a convenient “Open Anyway” message specifically for Handbrake.

  2. Click on the Open Source button.

Convert hevc video files with handbrake 1

  1. Select the file or files to convert. After you’ve selected them, Handbrake will do a quick scan of them to gather the information about the encoded file and enter some of that information into the appropriate fields on the screen.

Convert hevc video files with handbrake 2

  1. Choose encoding settings. The defaults aren’t a bad place to start, but you’ll probably want to make some tweaks. You can use one of the built-in presets, if you like, but since not every preset is available in every version, here are some suggestions for getting good results quickly. They provide a good foundation for your own tweaking.

Source and Destination:

  • Destination: Wherever you’d like to save the resulting file/s
  • Format: MP4 File

Video Tab:

  • Video Encoder: H.264 (x264)
  • Framerate: Same as source / constant frame rate
  • Quality: Constant Quality.
  • Quality Slider: (NB: lower numbers apply less compression and therefore produce higher quality results; these are starting point suggestions only)
    • 1080p: 22 (or between 20 and 24)
    • 2.7K or 4K: 25 (or between 22 and 28)
  • Encoder Options: Fast is the default. If you have a newer, faster computer, try medium. If you have an older computer, choose fast or faster.

Convert hevc video files with handbrake 6

Picture Tab:

  • Storage Size: Set to match the source size (unless you want to reduce the size)
  • Cropping: Automatic
  • Leave the other settings at defaults

Convert hevc video files with handbrake 4

  1. Hit Start. This starts the encoding. You can see the progress in the bar at the bottom of the screen or by opening the queue panel but clicking on the queue button at top right.

Convert hevc video files with handbrake 5

6. Workflow Tweaks. There are things you can do to tweak this workflow to your preferences.

If you want to batch convert several files at once, hit the Add to Queue button instead of the start button in step 5.

If you want to save the settings as a preset to reuse again and save time, open the preset panel if it isn’t already there. Then hit the + button at the bottom of that panel and proceed from there with naming and saving the preset.

If you want to resize the resulting video smaller, do that in the Picture > Storage Size field.

If you want to preview the video, hit the Preview button at top right.

Converting HEVC to ProRes or Other High-Quality Codec

Handbrake has a lot going for it, but unfortunately it’s quite limited in the formats you can convert to. The most logical one to use is H.264.

But converting HEVC (H.265) to H.264 isn’t ideal if you’re aiming for the highest quality, especially if you’re planning to edit the files in something like Final Cut Pro X or Premier Pro. It’s recompressing one compressed file into another compressed file, meaning the quality is going to take a further hit with that second-generation compression.

For the highest quality, you’ll be better off converting it to something like Apple’s ProRes 422 codec. ProRes and other high-quality video codecs like Avid’s DNxHD aren’t much good for sharing–the files are way too big for sharing on the web conveniently–but the compression is minimal so the quality remains very high. But they’re excellent choices if you’re going to edit the video and then export yet another version, which will be a third-generation compressed version.

The catch is that not all transcoders can encode to ProRes or the other “professional” codecs. And the choices are further narrowed down because you need a transcoder that is coming with its own codecs rather than just relying on those built into the operating system. I’ve yet to find a good free transcoder that meets those requirements, but there are some paid apps that can do it.

The world of paid video transcoding apps is quite a mess. Some are very good, but some are downright dodgy. I’m not going to go down that rabbit hole, but there are two that I use personally that I know work for this:

  • Video Converter Ultimate by Wondershare. There are versions for Windows and Mac.
  • Adobe Media Encoder. If you’re using Adobe Media Encoder on an operating system that has built-in HEVC support, you’ll have no problem–it works (and this whole page isn’t especially relevant to you in the first place…). But you can also use Adobe Media Encoder to transcode HEVC files even on an operating system that doesn’t have HEVC support. When you import an HEVC file into AME in that case, it will prompt you to install the HEVC codec. There’s no messing around–it’ll take care of it for you. And then it just works.

There are no doubt other apps that can do this (but developers, that’s not an invitation to spam the comments with them–thanks!).

Playing HEVC Files on Non-HEVC Compatible Computers

If you’re using an operating system that doesn’t yet have built-in support for the HEVC codec and just want to play the files, I recommend VLC as an excellent free, cross-platform app that can work with H.265 (HEVC) files. You can download VLC here.

More GoPro Tips & Tricks:

  • Svalbard with a GoPro HERO5 Black
    JPG vs RAW on the GoPro HERO9, HERO8, HERO7, HERO6, & HERO5 Black
  • GoPro HERO6 Black vs HERO5 Black Stabilization Compared
    GoPro HERO6 Black vs HERO5 Black Stabilization Compared
  • GoPro HERO6 Black vs HERO5 Black
    GoPro HERO6 Black vs HERO5 Black: Photo Modes
  • GoPro HERO6 Black Video Modes
    GoPro HERO6 Black Video Modes
  • FOV Options Available on the GoPro HERO6 Black
    FOV Options Available on the GoPro HERO6 Black
  • How Well Does the GoPro HERO6 Black's Stabilization Work?
    How Well Does the GoPro HERO6 Black's Stabilization Work?
  • GoPro HERO6 Black vs HERO5 Black
    GoPro HERO6 Black vs HERO5 Black
  • GoPro HERO vs HERO6 Black
    GoPro HERO (2018) vs HERO6 Black
By David Coleman
Instagram: @havecamerawilltraveldc

Last updated on January 1, 2021

Categories: Apps, Video
Tags: GoPro Fusion, GoPro HERO6 Black, GoPro HERO7 Black, GoPro HERO8 Black, GoPro HERO9 Black, GoPro MAX

I may earn a commission for purchases using links on this page. Learn more.

GoPro News & Deals

New Smart Remote GoPro will be announcing the new Smart Remote for the HERO9 Black on December 17, 2020. The HERO9 Black isn’t compatible with the previous version of the Smart Remote.

HERO8 Black firmware v2.0 now available. Enables webcam mode; enables Display Mod compatibility; expands HyperSmooth 2.0 High and Boost availability to more video settings; general bug fixes. Update through the mobile app or manually.

GoPro Launches New Live Streaming Service for GoPro PLUS. GoPro has launched their own live-streaming platform for PLUS subscribers. It’s a pretty bare-bones offering for now, with livestreams shared with a dedicated URL. This is alongside their efforts to make the HERO8 Black useful as a webcam when connected to a computer (via USB plug-in-play, not requiring the Media Mod accessory with HDMI out). New firmware adds that functionality for Mac users, and the Windows version is in Beta.

New GoPro Zeus Mini Video Light. GoPro has released released a new video LED light designed to complement their GoPro cameras. It’s tiny, waterproof, and has a built-in magnetic swiveling clip. It’s waterproof down to 33 feet (10 meters), has four levels of brightness, and includes a diffuser to cool the color temperature to 5000K. GoPro claims that the built-in battery lasts up to 6 hours (presumably at the lowest brightness setting, although they don’t specify). It’s available now and priced at $69.99.

DJI Osmo Action firmware update adds live streaming. DJI has released a firmware update for the Osmo Action (v. 01.08.00.10) that adds live streaming support, so you can upload directly to platforms like Facebook and YouTube (it goes through the DJI Mimo mobile app). They’ve also improved the in-camera video stabilization. You can find the new firmware here.

New Underwater Housing for GoPro HERO8 Black from Isotta. Isotta, an Italian brand specializing in underwater housings, has announced a new high-quality underwater housing for the HERO8 Black. It’s an aluminum housing depth-rated to 650 feet (200 meters), has a one-handed open/close switch, double o-rings, and can be used with filters. There’s also a dual-handled tray to go along with it. And like all their housings, it’s in their distinctive red. Priced at $450, it’s only for those who need a highly specialized piece of underwater kit. It’s available for preorder from underwater specialists Backscatter.

Light Mod Now Shipping The Light Mod, one of the three new GoPro accessories, is now shipping. It’s a standalone light that is waterproof, rechargeable and compatible with all GoPro mounts. It was originally announced along with the HERO8 Black, but it hasn’t been available until now. It’s priced at $49.99, and you can find them at GoPro.com.

GoPro MAX Now Shipping. The new 360° camera, the MAX, is now shipping.

GoPro HERO8 Black and Max Unveiled. The new GoPro cameras and accessories have been unveiled. I have a rundown of the highlights of the HERO8 Black here.

DJI Osmo Action vs GoPro HERO7 Black. I’ve posted my detailed hands-on comparison of the Osmo Action and the HERO7 Black. There’s a lot similar between the models, but once you start digging down into the details there are differences that can help in choosing between them. And each has strengths the other doesn’t have. You can find my review here.

GoPro HyperSmooth vs DJI RockSteady. The new DJI Osmo Action also has built-in electronic stabilization to smooth out video. They’re calling it RockSteady (GoPro has HyperSmooth). I’ve been out testing them side-by-side. You can see the results here.

GoPro Deals page. I’ve put together a dedicated page on GoPro deals. So if you’re looking for cheap GoPro deals, check it out.

DJI Osmo action 4K Camera. Best known for their camera drones, DJI has released a new 4K action cam that’s taking direct aim at the GoPro HERO7 Black. It shoots up to 4K60 video and 12MP stills, includes electronic stabilization, has high-dynamic range video at 4K30, voice commands, a touchscreen on the back and another smaller live view screen on the front, and is waterproof down to 36 feet (11 meters). It’s priced at $349, and they’re now available at B&H Photo.

Comments

  1. Ciska says

    February 17, 2019 at 4:05 am

    Hi there i have a gopro7.. Is there a setting within the camera i can change so it always records in mp4? instead of having to convert every since video i take? (which is ALOT)
    Thank you

    Reply
    • David says

      February 17, 2019 at 7:55 pm

      It depends on which video modes you’re using. In the settings, you can have it record HEVC for everything or what it calls H.264 + HEVC. What that means in this case is that it will record H.264 MP4s for all the modes it can, but there are still some modes that it will only record HEVC no matter what you do. I have more information under the “Filetypes and Codecs” section here. And lower down that page you can find a table that lays out which video settings are HEVC-only.

      Reply
  2. Steve says

    April 29, 2018 at 1:27 pm

    hello, I got Gopro 6 and i use macbook pro mid 2012, I have got hard time to edit video on FCPX
    I record 1080p 120fps and 240fps
    for 120fps i can preview vdo in finder smoothly but when i import to fcpx, it cannot playback, fcpx show it drops frame
    for 240fpx, i also convert to h.264 as you mentions but it no vdo show, only sound in fcpx

    What i can do, please advices

    Reply
  3. Renata says

    April 14, 2018 at 6:40 pm

    Hi. I have a hero6 black and I’m having hard time to join the videos that have been slipt into charpters. Do you have any tips on what program I can use to easily join those videos without losing the video quality?

    Thank you in advance!

    Reply
    • David says

      April 16, 2018 at 8:04 am

      It depends which video mode you’re shooting with. If you’re shooting with one of the modes that uses the AVC codec, then here is a quick and simple option. But it doesn’t work with the H.265 videos directly–you’d have to convert them and swallow any potential loss of quality. I have a table on which video modes use which codec here.

      Reply
  4. Len says

    February 5, 2018 at 3:52 pm

    GoPro hero6 black. Handbrake tried to convert 4k 60 to 264.
    Could only get to convert to 1080 60.
    Used your info and that what I get. Tried changing settings no luck.
    Any suggestions,
    Thanks
    LM

    Reply

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About Me

I’m a professional travel & location photographer based in Washington DC and traveling all over. Seven continents. Dozens of countries. Up mountains. Under water. And a bunch of places in between.

I’ve owned and used every GoPro since the HD HERO and particularly like finding new and different ways to use them to capture photos, video, and time-lapse.

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