In general, the fields of view available in the GoPro HERO6 Black overlap a lot with those in the HERO5 Black. They both share the standard ultra-wide-angle fisheye perspective as the default and have SuperView and Linear FOV available in some modes.
But there are also differences. When shooting video, the Narrow and Medium FOVs are gone, essentially replaced but the new digital zoom feature. And not all the FOVs are available in the same shooting modes.
When shooting photos, in JPG mode you can shoot with Wide or Linear FOV. You also have the option of using the new digital zoom. In RAW mode, you only the option of Wide.
Video FOV Options
There are three different fields of view (FOV) in use in the video mode of the HERO6 Black.
The default Wide perspective is the one we're all used to. It's that distinctive GoPro look. It's available in all of the video modes.
GoPro HERO6 Black Video FOV: Wide
The SuperView is an even wider and more distorted perspective. The most obvious change is that it milks just a little more from each side. To include that extra information, it squashed the rest of the frame a bit more. It's only available in some shooting modes.
GoPro HERO6 Black Video FOV: Superview
The Linear FOV was first introduced with the HERO5 models. It's not something that done a change in the optics--the lens is fixed. Instead, it uses software algorithms to try to correct the fisheye distortion that results in bent horizons and lines that should be straight and that bulging look. Linear FOV is especially useful when filming from drones, but it can also be useful if you're looking for a more normal, less-distorted perspective. It's only available in some video modes.
GoPro HERO6 Black Video FOV: Linear
| Mode | FPS | Aspect Ratio | FOV Wide | FOV SuperView | FOV Linear |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4K | 60 | 16:9 | ✓ | ||
| 50 | 16:9 | ✓ | |||
| 30 | 16:9 | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| 25 | 16:9 | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| 24 | 16:9 | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| 4K 4:3 | 30 | 4:3 | ✓ | ||
| 25 | 4:3 | ✓ | |||
| 24 | 4:3 | ✓ | |||
| 2.7K | 120 | 16:9 | ✓ | ||
| 100 | 16:9 | ✓ | |||
| 60 | 16:9 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 50 | 16:9 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 30 | 16:9 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 25 | 16:9 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 24 | 16:9 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 2.7K 4:3 | 60 | 4:3 | ✓ | ||
| 50 | 4:3 | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| 30 | 4:3 | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| 25 | 4:3 | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| 24 | 4:3 | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| 1440 | 60 | 4:3 | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 50 | 4:3 | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| 30 | 4:3 | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| 25 | 4:3 | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| 24 | 4:3 | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| 1080 | 240 | 16:9 | ✓ | ||
| 200 | 16:9 | ✓ | |||
| 120 | 16:9 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 100 | 16:9 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 60 | 16:9 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 50 | 16:9 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 30 | 16:9 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 25 | 16:9 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 24 | 16:9 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 720 | 60 | 16:9 | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 50 | 16:9 | ✓ | ✓ |
Photo FOV Modes
When shooting in the various photo modes, including timelapse photos, nightlapse, and burst modes, you have fewer options.
The Wide FOV is available in all modes. The Linear FOV is available in some photo mode/setting combinations. And there's no SuperView FOV available.
Linear FOV in Photo Modes. The distinction for when Linear FOV is an option mostly comes down to what file format you're shooting. That is, if you're shooting in the RAW format (with GoPro's .gpr file extension), you only have the option for Wide FOV. There are options for emulating the Linear FOV in post-processing, but it's not something that can be done in-camera with the RAW photo files.
The Linear FOV becomes available if you're shooting JPGs. The digital zoom, which is also related to field of view, is also available only when shooting JPGs.
Here are some examples:
Timelapse Video
In the Timelapse Video mode, the only FOV available is Wide.
- HERO6 Black automatically sends your footage to your phone where the app turns it into a QuikStory-an...
- With 4K60 and 1080p240 video,HERO6 Black delivers 2x the performance compared to HERO5 BlackWith an...
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Common GoPro Questions
Here are some common questions I get from GoPro users.
How to Maximize a GoPro's battery life
There are several factors that influence how long the GoPro's battery life lasts. Among them include what mode you're recording in (4K uses more power than 1080p30, for instance), the health of the battery, and even the environmental temperature (lithium batteries don't perform well in very cold temperatures). But there are some things you can do to maximize battery life. Not every GoPro has all of these features, but start with these:
- Minimize use of the back screen
- Turn off wireless
- Turn off voice commands
- Turn off GPS
- Turn off Protune
- Use QuickCapture mode
Is it normal for GoPro cameras to get hot?
Yes. Depending on the model and the shooting mode you're using, it's normal for GoPros to get quite warm while shooting. They can get hot enough to be uncomfortable to touch. It's especially noticeable when shooting high-resolution and high-framerate video. Some newer models have an overheating protection mechanism that will shut the camera down if it gets too hot. I have more details on GoPros getting hot, here.
How can I control a GoPro remotely?
GoPro makes a range of wireless remote controls. They don't all work with all GoPros--for example, the HERO (2018) isn't compatible with this type of remote control. Many of the newer models also work with the GoPro mobile app. Not every model can be controlled remotely, but most of the newer models have wireless compatibility that can be used for at least some methods of remote control.
Can you take pictures with a GoPro?
If you've been using a GoPro for a while, this might seem pretty obvious, but if you've never used one, it's not quite so self-evident. GoPros are best known for dramatic action videos, but they can most certainly take still photos too. In fact, they can be a very interesting alternative to a traditional camera so long as you work within its limitations. I have more more details here.
Do GoPro wireless controls work underwater?
No. You can't use the mobile app or a wireless remote control if the camera is fully submerged in water. They will normally work just fine in rain and spray--just not submerged. I have a more detailed explanation here.
Do GoPro touchscreens work underwater?
No. If they're just wet above water, they can work to some extent, although often less reliably. But the touchscreens won't work underwater.
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