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GoPro Protune Photo Color: GoPro Color vs Flat

Some GoPros, like the HERO9 Black, offer a choice between two color modes in the photo mode: GoPro and Flat. Here are some examples and when they're best used.

GoPro Protune Photo Color

By David Coleman | @havecamerawilltraveldc
Last updated about 4 months ago // Categories: Photos, Timelapse, Video
Tags: GoPro Fusion, GoPro HERO4 Black, GoPro HERO4 Silver, GoPro HERO5 Black, GoPro HERO5 Session, GoPro HERO6 Black, GoPro HERO7 Black, GoPro HERO8 Black, GoPro HERO9 Black, GoPro MAX, Protune

Save $220 on GoPro HERO9 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 free extra battery, and a 64GB SD card. It's all for $349.98.

Several of the latest GoPro models offer a choice between two color modes in the photo mode: GoPro and Flat. So what’s the difference and when would you use them?

You’ll only see these options if you turn the Protune module. On most GoPros that support Protune, this option is found under the Photo mode settings. This separate from the Protune options for recording video.

GoPro App Protune Settings

Protune is GoPro’s name for a group of settings that provides more fine-tuned control over several aspects of the shooting such as sharpening, color, ISO, etc. With some exceptions, as a general rule of thumb, you probably only want to turn Protune on if you plan to do further processing in post-production. With some of the settings, if you just share the footage or photos without doing any post production they can actually end looking worse than if you’d left Protune off.

01 havecamerawilltravel com 3 678x363 - GoPro Protune Photo Color: GoPro Color vs Flat

The color mode setting is a perfect example. If you shoot with the default GoPro color mode, the image will be vibrant and contrasty. If you shoot with the Flat color mode, the image will be, well, flat and the colors will look washed-out.

Here are some examples. The first one was shot with a HERO5 Black:

GoPro HERO5 Black Protune Color - GoPro

GoPro HERO5 Black Protune Color - Flat

Here are some more examples shot with the HERO4 Silver and Black cameras. The feature works the same way with newer models, although the sensors have improved somewhat in later models.

Protune: Color GoPro

Protune: Color Flat

GoPro Protune: Color: GoPro

GoPro Protune: Color: Flat

Protune: Color GoPro

Protune: Color Flat

As you can see, the most obvious difference is in the contrast. That is also why the colors appear less saturated. What it’s trying to do is retain more detail throughout the image without the risk of losing details in the shadows or blowing out the highlights. The result is an image that actually retains more image data but doesn’t look as impressive.

Which GoPro Color Mode to Use?

When Protune is turned off, the GoPro Color option is what’s applied automatically. It gives that contrasty, colorful, punchy look.

So why would you ever want to use the Flat mode if it makes the photos look worse? If—and really only if—you plan to process the images later in something like Lightroom or some other image processing app where you’re going to adjust things like exposure and contrast. Or if you want to retain that option for later. There’s nothing at all wrong with processing images shot with the GoPro color modes–it’s just that the Flat mode gives you a bit more flexibility in preserving tones.

The GoPro HERO4 lines don’t have RAW mode—the HER05 models do—so this is a step in that direction while still using JPG. If you plan to share the photos with minimal or no processing, you’re much better off leaving the color setting on the default GoPro mode—your images will nearly always look better. An exception would be if you’re deliberately aiming for a low-contrast, washed-out look, but that’s definitely a niche approach and doesn’t apply to the vast majority of photos taken with a GoPro.

Lightroom Preset

Of course, the standard GoPro look might not be what you’re after. But if you’re using Lightroom and want a preset that takes images shot with Protune’s Flat setting and processes them to approximate the look of the GoPro color setting, you’re welcome to try this preset I put together.

It’s not perfect, and I’ll likely tweak it a bit yet, but it’s a reasonable starting point. The images sometimes come out a touch lighter than the real GoPro-setting equivalent, which is easily fine-tuned by dropping the Exposure slider ever so slightly and moving the Blacks slider slightly to the left. If you’re not sure how to install a preset, here’s a good guide.

More GoPro Tips & Tricks:

  • GoPro HERO6 Black vs HERO5 Black
    GoPro HERO6 Black vs HERO5 Black: Photo Modes
  • GoPro HERO6 Black vs HERO5 Black Stabilization 300x200 - GoPro HERO6 Black vs HERO5 Black Stabilization Compared
    GoPro HERO6 Black vs HERO5 Black Stabilization Compared
  • GoPro HERO6 Black -
    Photo Modes on the GoPro HERO6 Black
  • GoPro Sharpening Grid 300x200 - GoPro Protune Photo Sharpening: High vs Medium vs Low
    GoPro Protune Photo Sharpening: High vs Medium vs Low
  • GoPro HERO3 Black vs Silver 300x200 - GoPro HERO3+ Black vs HERO3+ Silver
    GoPro HERO3+ Black vs HERO3+ Silver
  • 201710091713248x 300x200 - GoPro HERO6 Black vs HERO5 Black
    GoPro HERO6 Black vs HERO5 Black
By David Coleman
Instagram: @havecamerawilltraveldc

Last updated on October 5, 2020

Categories: Photos, Timelapse, Video
Tags: GoPro Fusion, GoPro HERO4 Black, GoPro HERO4 Silver, GoPro HERO5 Black, GoPro HERO5 Session, GoPro HERO6 Black, GoPro HERO7 Black, GoPro HERO8 Black, GoPro HERO9 Black, GoPro MAX, Protune

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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. Don Fink says

    November 20, 2016 at 6:53 am

    Hey,

    Your Lightroom preset isn’t working. I’ll set one up for myself, but others might want it.

    Thanks,

    Reply
    • David says

      November 20, 2016 at 2:55 pm

      Fixed. Thanks for the heads up.

      Reply
  2. Andrey says

    October 8, 2016 at 1:14 pm

    hi! link with preset dont work((((

    Reply
    • David says

      November 20, 2016 at 3:01 pm

      Thanks–fixed.

      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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