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Photo Modes on the GoPro HERO6 Black

Here's a rundown of the photo modes available on the HERO6 Black.

GoPro HERO6 Black -

1/1500 sec at f/2.8 at ISO 100.

By David Coleman | @havecamerawilltraveldc
Last updated about 5 months ago // Categories: Photos
Tags: GoPro HERO6 Black

Deal: GoPro HERO9 Black Bundle

GoPro is running a deal on the new HERO9 Black, their newest and best camera. It's a bundle that includes the HERO9 Black, a 1-year subscription to GoPro, a Magnetic Swivel Clip, a spare battery, a Floating Hand Grip, and a 32GB SD card. It's all for $399.98.

The still photos modes available on the new GoPro HERO6 Black are very similar to its predecessor, the HERO5 Black. It’s still a 12MP sensor that produces images at 4000×3000 pixels. There’s still the option to use JPG or GoPro’s RAW photo format, GPR. And there’s still that distinctive super wide-angle field of view as well as the option to reduce the lens distortion into a linear field of view.

But there’s also a handful of new features. Here’s a rundown of the photo modes available on the HERO6 Black.

12MP Sensor

It’s still a 12-megapixel sensor for still photos, producing 4:3 aspect ratio images that are 4000×3000 pixels.

Unlike the previous models, there’s now no option to reduce the resolution to a 7MP or 5MP image. 12MP is the only option out of the camera.

RAW & JPG

With the HERO5 models, GoPro finally added the ability to shoot RAW files. They’re output in GoPro’s own RAW file format, .gpr.

These make available more of the information that was captured by the camera’s sensor, and therefore open the possibilities of better quality, but they generally require post-processing before sharing or printing.

The HERO6 Black continues to offer the option to shoot RAW. Counterintuitively, the files are often smaller in file size than a corresponding JPG version out of the camera.

You can also shoot JPG if you prefer the convenience of using JPG.

There are, however, some modes where you’re limited. If you choose the HDR option or Burst Mode, you’re restricted to using JPG.

HDR

The HERO5 Black had a new wide dynamic range option designed to bring out details that would otherwise be lost in the shadows and highlights. The new HERO6 has tweaked it a bit and now calls it by a more traditional name: HDR, or high dynamic range.

With these, the camera takes several images and stacks them on top of each other, taking the best details from each to create a composite image. HDR can be overdone with garish details and colors, but the implementation in the GoPro HERO6 Black is relatively subtle. Here’s an example:


GoPro HERO6 Black - GoPro HERO6 Black Photo - Non HDR

GoPro HERO6 Black - GoPro HERO6 Black Photo - HDR

If you choose to shoot in the HDR mode, you’re limited to using JPG. If you have the RAW option turned on, the camera will switch to JPG mode automatically when you activate the HDR option.

Digital Zoom

There’s a new zoom option. But before you get too excited, this is a digital zoom, not an optical zoom. So it’s functionally equivalent to cropping.

Zoomed in, the camera will still create images that 4000 by 3000 pixels, but they don’t have any more detail than you’d get by cropping a non-zoomed image.


GoPro HERO6 Black - GoPro HERO6 Black Zoom

GoPro HERO6 Black - GoPro HERO6 Black Zoom

Fields of View

That distinctive fisheye look is the default again with the Wide field of view. But there’s also an option to use Linear FOV that greatly reduces the lens distortion. It’s a software solution, not an optical one, so it cannibalizes the stretches the original image according to an algorithm to reduce the distortion. You can get a similar effect in post-production using shots taken in the Wide FOV.

Here’s an example:


GoPro HERO6 Black - GoPro HERO6 Black Photo FOV - Wide

GoPro HERO6 Black - GoPro HERO6 Black Photo FOV - Linear

Burst Mode

The HERO6 also has basically the same Burst Mode options as its predecessor, with one relatively minor new feature. I have a more detailed post on the new Auto mode for Burst Mode on the HERO6 Black.

ISO Range

The HERO6 Black adds one more stop of ISO range, going up to 3200. It’s still working within the confines of a small sensor, though, so the image quality at high-ISO is still only so-so.

Protune

The Protune options for still photos are basically the same on the HERO6 Black are basically the same as on the HERO5 Black. There’s still things like choosing the amount of photo sharpening and choosing either GoPro or flat color modes.

There are some relatively minor tweaks, like a new ISO 3200 option.

gopro hero6 black photo protune options 678x1206 - Photo Modes on the GoPro HERO6 Black

Photos Taken with a GoPro HERO6 Black

Here are a few more sample images I’ve shot so far with a HERO6 Black. Click on each image to open a full-resolution version.

GoPro HERO6 Black -

1/120 sec at f/2.8 at ISO 1868.

GoPro HERO6 Black -

1/1400 sec at f/2.8 at ISO 100.

GoPro HERO6 Black - GoPro HERO6 Black Photo - Non HDR

1/490 sec at f/2.8 at ISO 100.

GoPro HERO6 Black

GoPro HERO6 Black / ISO 1475

GoPro HERO6 Black -

GoPro HERO6 Black -

1/900 sec at f/2.8 at ISO 100.

GoPro HERO6 Black -

1/240 sec at f/2.8 at ISO 209.

GoPro HERO6 Black -

1/160 sec at f/2.8 at ISO 1202.

More GoPro Tips & Tricks:

  • GoPro HERO6 Black vs HERO5 Black
    GoPro HERO6 Black vs HERO5 Black: Photo Modes
  • gopro hero6 black fov options header 300x200 - FOV Options Available on the GoPro HERO6 Black
    FOV Options Available on the GoPro HERO6 Black
  • Video relative sizes GoPro HERO6 Black 300x200 - GoPro HERO6 Black Video Modes
    GoPro HERO6 Black Video Modes
  • GoPro HERO5 Black Sample Photos
    Photos Taken with a GoPro HERO5 Black
  • Protune Photo GoPro vs Flat 300x200 - GoPro Protune Photo Color: GoPro Color vs Flat
    GoPro Protune Photo Color: GoPro Color vs Flat
  • Photos Taken with a GoPro HERO7 Black Collage Header 300x200 - Photos Taken with a GoPro HERO7 Black
    Photos Taken with a GoPro HERO7 Black
By David Coleman
Instagram: @havecamerawilltraveldc

Last updated on October 9, 2020

Categories: Photos
Tags: GoPro HERO6 Black

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. b k moorthy says

    April 20, 2019 at 9:47 am

    can flash used with hero 6 Black for still photography ?

    Reply
    • David says

      April 29, 2019 at 11:55 am

      There’s no simple way to fire a traditional flash (strobe) with a GoPro. There’s no hot shoe or strobe connection. The simplest solution is to use a video light.

      Reply
  2. Shivam Kumar Shrivastava says

    July 20, 2018 at 10:49 pm

    Hi
    I’m planning to buy a GoPro Hero 6 this month. I want to make some short movies and also do some vlogging. Is it a good choice? Also, please tell me what all accessories must I buy along with it. I’ve heard that Hero 6’s mic is not that good, it does too much work to try to cancel out surrounding noise and does not give a decent audio quality. Please tell me what should I do to make the audio quality better. Is Hero 6 worth buying or should I wait for new launches?

    Thank You.

    Reply
    • David says

      July 23, 2018 at 4:29 pm

      It can certainly be used for making short movies–especially if they have immersive action footage–and while it’s also possible to use them for vlogging, it’s not a common (or necessarily the best) choice for that. The onboard microphones on the HERO6 Black aren’t great, and if you’re doing anything where the audio matters I’d recommend add an external mic. I have more details on that here.

      Reply
  3. Rob says

    May 10, 2018 at 12:51 pm

    Hi there,

    Great article! Doing some travel around Europe/skiing/swimming over the next year and wanted to know if you’d recommend this camera for the £400 price tag and how useable it is for everyday shooting?

    Thanks!

    Reply
    • David says

      May 10, 2018 at 4:19 pm

      I have a separate post specifically on using GoPros as travel cameras here that might be of interest. The short version is that they can work well, but there are some important issues to factor in (poor battery life, ultra wide-angle, etc). For me, it would be a tossup between a GoPro and something like the Olympus TG-5 (I have a detailed review here). They’re not the same and might not be considered direct competitors normally, but for something like this they really do face off. They overlap in areas like being waterproof, etc. The TG-5 is bigger but has many more traditional features that can come handy when traveling (zoom lens, better battery life, better exposure controls, built-in flash, etc). And they’re priced similarly.

      Reply
  4. Guilherme says

    April 13, 2018 at 6:55 am

    HI,

    I’m Guilherme.

    I’m from Brazil and i’m planning to travel to Europe this year. I’m thinking about buy the hero6 but i’m not sure. I’ll use this camera mostly for taking pictures. My question is: Hero 6 only works with the photo mode “fish eye”? or is it possible to have a “normal mode”?

    Thanks

    Reply
    • David says

      April 16, 2018 at 8:05 am

      They have a Linear FOV mode which sounds like it’s what you want. More on it, with an example, under the Field of View heading above.

      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.

You can find my main site at havecamerawilltravel.com.

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