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HEVC video encoding was first added with the GoPro HERO6 Black. And it has been continued in the models since, including with the GoPro HERO7 Black.
So the HERO7 Black has two different codecs available for recording video: HEVC and H.264.
The difference between them is in how the video is compressed and encoded. HEVC is newer and more efficient. It files create files that are smaller while still maintaining at least as good–and maybe better–video quality than H.264 files.
You can’t tell the files apart by just looking at the filenames. Both types use an MP4 (.mp4) extension. And both will often show as “MPEG-4 movie” in the filetype column on your computer’s file manager. You have to dig a bit deeper with software that shows you the codec used to encode the video stream.
But if HEVC is newer and better, it would make sense to use HEVC, right? After all, the image quality is potentially better, and the file sizes are smaller. And minute-for-minute, it uses less space on your SD card, which means you can stay out shooting for longer without downloading the files or switching out memory cards.
But there’s a big catch: HEVC isn’t as widely compatible as H.264. It works well on the newest generations of computers and mobile devices, but it doesn’t work well on ones that are a bit older.
And that’s the main reason for choosing H.264 on the HERO7 Black: it’s more widely compatible. And that has some benefits: it can lead to a simpler workflow if you’re editing or sharing the video. After all, there’s not much point in sharing a video with someone if they can’t play it.
If you’re using a newer computer or device that works with HEVC, you’re all set, and you can use HEVC for everything if you want. If your computer or device isn’t compatible with HEVC, there are still ways to convert HEVC files to H.264. But that’s a hassle.
So, what if you just want to avoid HEVC altogether? The good news is that it’s possible. The HERO7 Black still supports recording with the older (but more compatible) H.264 codec. The bad news is that with each new GoPro model, there are fewer combinations of resolution and framerate where you can stick to just H.264.
HEVC vs H.264 + HEVC
That’s because of the somewhat quirky way that GoPro uses the option. On the menu, you’ll see the options for choosing HEVC
or H.264 + HEVC
. The first is obvious enough: it’ll record everything in HEVC.
But the second option isn’t quite as obvious. Many cameras have a setting like RAW + JPEG. In those cases, it records two copies of the photo simultaneously: a copy in RAW, as well as a copy in JPEG.
But the H.264 + HEVC setting on a GoPro works differently. It means that it will record with H.264 when that option is available and record everything else with HEVC.
But it’s also less clear than it could be about when H.264 is available. 1 An easy fix would presumably be to add a little icon for each of the shooting modes, but that’s not how it currently works.
GoPro has been easing in more reliance on HEVC with the past few models, and there aren’t a lot of shooting modes on the HERO7 Black where you can avoid HEVC altogether. But it is possible if you choose one of the resolution/framerate options identified as “H.264 + HEVC” in the table below.
Which GoPro HERO7 Black Video Modes Use H.264?
Here’s a master list of which HERO7 Black video modes only use HEVC and which can also be saved as H.264.
For this to work, you’ll have to choose the H.264 + HEVC video compression option on your camera (more on that below).
Mode | FPS | AVC BITRATE - PROTUNE / + PROTUNE |
---|---|---|
4K | 60 | HEVC Only |
50 | HEVC Only | |
30 | H.264 + HEVC | |
25 | H.264 + HEVC | |
24 | H.264 + HEVC | |
4K 4:3 | 30 | HEVC Only |
25 | HEVC Only | |
24 | HEVC Only | |
2.7K | 120 | HEVC Only |
100 | HEVC Only | |
60 | H.264 + HEVC | |
50 | H.264 + HEVC | |
30 | H.264 + HEVC | |
25 | H.264 + HEVC | |
24 | H.264 + HEVC | |
2.7K 4:3 | 60 | HEVC Only |
50 | HEVC Only | |
30 | H.264 + HEVC | |
25 | H.264 + HEVC | |
24 | H.264 + HEVC | |
1440 | 120 | HEVC Only |
100 | HEVC Only | |
60 | H.264 + HEVC | |
50 | H.264 + HEVC | |
30 | H.264 + HEVC | |
25 | H.264 + HEVC | |
24 | H.264 + HEVC | |
1080 | 240 | HEVC Only |
200 | HEVC Only | |
120 | H.264 + HEVC | |
100 | H.264 + HEVC | |
60 | H.264 + HEVC | |
50 | H.264 + HEVC | |
30 | H.264 + HEVC | |
25 | H.264 + HEVC | |
24 | H.264 + HEVC | |
960 | 240 | HEVC Only |
200 | HEVC Only | |
120 | H.264 + HEVC | |
100 | H.264 + HEVC | |
720 | 240 | H.264 + HEVC |
200 | H.264 + HEVC | |
60 | H.264 + HEVC | |
50 | H.264 + HEVC |
How to Enable H.264 Recording on the GoPro HERO7 Black
The way to enable H.264 recording on the HERO7 Black isn’t as intuitive as it could be.
There are two options: HEVC
or H.264 + HEVC
. On the camera’s menu system, you find these under:
Preferences > General > Video Compression
You can also change this using the GoPro Quik app. But for reasons I don’t fully understand, the wording on the app sometimes varies slightly from what you’ll find on the camera. In the app, you’ll find this setting under:
Camera Preferences > Setup > Video Compression
Things Worth Knowing
Of the HERO7 cameras, only the Black uses HEVC. The Silver and White only use H.264.
Getting your computer compatible with HEVC is a whole other topic. Recent Macs are compatible, as are some combinations of newer Windows machines (it depends on both the operating system and what processor chip it uses). If you’re using Windows 10, you can find the codec here.
In terms of computer compatibility with the HEVC video format, this is what GoPro says:
Playing Media on Unsupported Operating Systems. If your computer isn’t running Windows 10 / macOS High Sierra or newer, you will not be able to play HEVC files. Quik for desktop will still copy HEVC files to your computer, but they won’t appear in the Quik for desktop Media gallery. Also, third-party apps won’t be able to play HEVC files.
Playing Media on Supported Operating Systems, but Older Computers. While Windows 10 / macOS High Sierra supports HEVC, your computer must use a newer processor to play those files smoothly. Quik for desktop will still copy HEVC files to your computer, but those files may struggle to play back. In general, computers manufactured before 2016 may not handle HEVC files well. See the partial list of supported computers/processors above.
Price & Availability of GoPro HERO7 Black
Check the current price and availability of the GoPro HERO7 Black at:
- HyperSmooth: Get gimbal‑like stabilization—without the gimbal. HERO7 Black corrects for camera shake...
- TimeWarp: Capture super stabilized time lapse videos while you move about a scene. Increase the speed up...
GoPro HERO7 Cameras Compared
HERO7 Black | HERO7 Silver | HERO7 White | |
---|---|---|---|
VIDEO SPECS | |||
Resolution / Max fps | 4K / 60 4K (4:3) / 30 2.7K / 120 2.7K (4:3) / 60 1440p / 120 1080p / 240 960p / 240 720p / 240 | 4K / 30 1440p / 60 1080p / 60 | 1440p / 60 1080p / 60 |
Stabilization | HyperSmooth | Standard | Standard |
Max Bitrate | 78 Mb/s | 60 Mb/s | 40 Mb/s |
FOVs | Wide Medium Linear SuperView | Wide | Wide |
File Format (Codec) | MP4 (HEVC / H.265) MP4 (H.264 / AVC) | MP4 (H.264 / AVC) | MP4 (H.264 / AVC) |
Protune | ✓ | - | - |
Digital Zoom | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Looping | ✓ | - | - |
Audio Track | WAV + AAC | AAC | AAC |
External Mic Compatibility | ✓ | - | - |
HDMI Video Out | ✓ | - | - |
Live Streaming | ✓ | - | - |
PHOTO SPECS | |||
Max Photo Size | 12MP | 10MP | 10MP |
FOVs | Wide Linear | Wide | Wide |
File Format | RAW (.gpr) JPG | JPG | JPG |
Protune | ✓ | - | - |
In-Camera Image Enhancement | SuperPhoto | WDR | - |
Top Burst Mode | 30 / 1 | 15 / 1 | 15 / 1 |
Continuous Photo | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Night Photo | ✓ | - | - |
Photo Timer | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
TIME-LAPSE SPECS | |||
Timelapse Photo | ✓ | - | - |
Timelapse Video | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Nightlapse | ✓ | - | - |
TimeWarp Video | ✓ | - | - |
INTERFACE SPECS | |||
Built-in Touchscreen | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Front Screen | ✓ | - | - |
Voice Control | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
WiFi / Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
USB Port Type | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C |
DESIGN & BUILD SPECS | |||
Waterproof Body | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Dimensions | 62.3 x 44.9 x 33 mm | 62.3 x 44.9 x 28.3 mm | 62.3 x 44.9 x 28.3 mm |
Weight | 4.1 oz / 116 g | 3.3 oz / 94.4 g | 3.26 / 92.4 g |
OTHER SPECS | |||
Battery Type | 1220 mAh | 1220 mAh (non-removable) | 1220 mAh (non-removable) |
QuikCapture | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
GPS | ✓ | ✓ | - |
Memory Card | Recommendations | Recommendations | Recommendations |
Related Posts
- GoPro does provide a list of which modes use HEVC on their website, but hopefully, this post explains things a bit more fully and clearly.[↩]
Images and product information from Amazon PA-API were last updated on 2023-12-01 at 21:20. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon Site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.