SuperView is one of the field of vision options for GoPro cameras. Read on to learn about how this GoPro setting works and how you can use it to make better videos.
I have used GoPro cameras for several years now, and for me, I have found the names of their features confusing. Designations such as SuperView, HyperSmooth, Timewarp, SuperPhoto, and Protune do not clarify what each feature does. So if you are like me, do not worry.
To help you out, I wrote this article. Below, I will discuss the definition of SuperView and the reasons to use it when recording adventure videos.
I will also include a list of GoPro models with this feature.
Finally, I will talk about the instances when it is best to select SuperView and how to use it.
Without further ado, let us jump right into the article!
What is GoPro SuperView?
When shooting videos with GoPro cameras, the default field of view is known as Wide. It features a distinct fisheye look that can give an immersive feel. It is also the perspective that we are used to whenever we watch GoPro footage.
However, imagine if you can record videos in an even wider field of view.
That is where SuperView comes in handy. It is the name GoPro uses for its widest field of view (FOV) available when shooting video. GoPro calls this feature “the world’s most immersive field of view.”
It captures an ultra-wide-angle perspective by using the full sensor area of the GoPro camera.
The image sensor in the GoPro camera is in a 4:3 aspect ratio. However, the SuperView dynamically stretches it to a 16:9 aspect ratio. By creating a 16:9 video from a full 4:3 sensor, it utilizes the top and bottom bits of the image instead of throwing them away. In simpler terms, it prevents wasted resolution. The Superview FOV also allows you to see more of the sky and ground , assuming that you are pointing the camera at the horizon.
Overall, the SuperView FOV option can ensure better overall GoPro video quality by fully using the camera’s sensor. The wider and more distorted perspective allows you to fit more elements within the frame. However, this fisheye distortion can also be a double-edged sword since it squashes the rest of the frame a bit more.
What Does Dynamic Stretching Mean?
Dynamic stretching refers to how the GoPro automatically stretches out the sides of the 4:3 video to fit into the 16:9 frame.
The GoPro SuperView setting does not touch the center of the image. Instead, it stretches the left and right edges of the footage towards the edges of the frame. That results in a broader, more distorted perspective and overall wide FOV, which offers an immersive feel.
However, this fisheye effect is not for everyone. The stretched pixels on the extreme left and right of the image might be too distracting for you, especially if there are people on the edges of the frame.
What Are the Benefits of GoPro SuperView?
There are several reasons to use the GoPro SuperView.
First, it offers a wider and taller field of view. Thus, you would not miss any of the actions that would otherwise be impossible from other fields of view on a native 16:9 resolution.
Another benefit of using the GoPro SuperView is it gets rid of the two unattractive black bars on either side of the footage. And since the SuperView automatically stretches the video to fit the 16:9 timeline, it will combine nicely with your other clips without editing or manipulation. Thus, you can spend less time on the video editing software.
Finally, the increased field of view in both the vertical and horizontal axes offers a more immersive video experience. The SuperView is ideal if you secure the GoPro on a tripod, any body mount, and other fixed position shots when the subject is close to the camera lens.
Which GoPro Cameras Have SuperView?
Here is a list of the GoPro cameras that have SuperView.
- GoPro HERO10 Black
- GoPro HERO 9 Black
- GoPro HERO8 Black
- GoPro HERO7 Black
- GoPro HERO6 Black
- GoPro HERO5 Black
- GoPro HERO4
- GoPro HERO+ LCD
- GoPro HERO+
- GoPro HERO (2014)
- GoPro HERO3+ Black Edition
As you can tell, the SuperView is not available on every GoPro Hero model. And even on GoPro cameras that do have this wide FOV, it is not available in every resolution and frame rate combination. For instance, if you have the GoPro HERO7 Black, you can only use SuperView on certain frame rates for each resolution.
Does GoPro Hero Session Have SuperView?
Yes, the GoPro Session models also feature SuperView. Below are the cameras that have this wide FOV setting.
- GoPro HERO5 Session
- GoPro HERO Session
- GoPro HERO4 Session
GoPro Session Cameras differ from the typical HERO models in terms of shape. They have a smaller form factor with a cube shape.
When to Use SuperView?
Now that you know the definition and benefits of GoPro SuperView, you might be wondering when it is the best time to use it.
However, the truth is that there are no hard and fast rules when to use this field of view. It is very much a creative decision on your part.
But to give you a general idea, the GoPro Superview is particularly suited to two common scenarios.
The first one is when you will have the GoPro camera mounted on your head or chest. These include filming activities such as mountain biking, diving, motorcycling, skating, skiing, and wakeboarding. The SuperView offers a very immersive wide-angle perspective. It allows viewers to feel like they are doing the activity themselves when watching your GoPro footage.
Another situation is when you are shooting in a tight space and want to ensure that you are capturing video with as much of the surroundings as possible. The SuperView setting effectively broadens your perspective and gives a fisheye effect, which is something that most digital lenses and wide-angle lens options cannot achieve.
Overall, there are several instances where GoPro’s ultra-wide FOV would give great results. This camera feature allows you to capture a wider field of view to see more of the visible world around you. Thus, it is ideal for both body and gear-mounted shots or when the camera is very close to you.
However, the GoPro SuperView setting leaves distortion on the edges of the frame. You may want to avoid using this GoPro field of view when people are on the edges of the frame. You might be better off with a medium FOV, so you would not notice a big difference in your video.
How to Use GoPro SuperView on GoPro Video?
Here is how to set up SuperView on your GoPro camera to take advantage of its benefits.
First, press the side button to go to the Settings window where the resolution and FPS menu is.
Then, use the front button to select the FOV setting.
Change the resolution and frame rate by pressing the top button. You will encounter the S suffix on some resolutions, which refer to SuperView modes. For instance, these will look like 4K S, 1080 S, and 720 S.
After choosing your desired resolution, press the side button.
Then, that is it! You have successfully turned on the SuperView setting on your GoPro model.
However, take note that the available resolutions and frame rates for SuperView will vary with the GoPro models.
Conclusion
The GoPro SuperView allows you to capture videos with an ultra-wide-angle perspective. Hence, it fits more elements within the shot and offers a more immersive experience. It is ideal to use when you have the camera mounted on your body or extremely close to you. Just remember that this wider and more distorted perspective can stretch the edges of the frame. So depending on your needs, it might enhance or mess up your footage.
I hope that this article helped you learn what SuperView mode is all about and some GoPro tips for shooting. If you found this useful, feel free to share it with others.