If you are planning an outdoor adventure and want to capture every moment of it, the GoPro camera is a must to get every single shot of your epic experience. Not only are these GoPro's extremely durable, but they are also incredibly easy to use no matter if you are climbing the largest mountain or speeding through rough terrains on your mountain bike.
However, there is one aspect of the GoPro camera you need to consider. Depending on your GoPro model, you may need to convert your video format to ensure that the quality of your footage remains where you want it to be. Yet, do not worry if you have no idea where to even start with this conversion process. This blog post will walk you through everything you need to know about GoPro video formats and converting these files.
What Are the Different Video Formats That GoPro Uses?
Typically, the GoPro camera uses two main file formats- the High-Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) format and the MP4 format. However, the specific format you use will depend on your GoPro model. For instance, most GoPro HERO camera models often record using the h.264 video codec in the Advanced Video Coding (AVC) format. Generally, these formats use the MP4 file container and the .mp4 file extension because it allows you to easily view and edit these types of files using any editing software.
If you are using the GoPro HERO 6, GoPro HERO 7, or GoPro HERO 8 Black camera, these models only use an h.265 codec in the HEVC format. This is because the footage captured in these cameras is usually in the 60fps frame rate and in 4K resolution. However, this also means that these files use the .mov extension and the MOV file container, which makes them less adaptable than the MP4.
How to Convert GoPro Video Files?
One of the main issues that most GoPro users tend to experience often has to do with the HEVC format, especially when viewing or editing their GoPro videos. Unfortunately, this format tends to not perform well on older devices, making HEVC files much more challenging to edit, especially if someone wants to incorporate narration or visual effects into the video. However, there are things that can be done to avoid this issue. Specifically, working with the MP4 file format.
This mean's that if you have a MOV file, you will need to convert it to an MP4, as these files tend to work best with any video editing software. To convert your files, you will first need to find the right conversion software that not only allows you to convert your GoPro files but is also suitable for your system. Usually, a good video converter will allow you to convert your file to another format without sacrificing the video quality. Once you find the ideal software, you can start converting your videos and preparing them for viewing or editing in minutes.
Putting It All Together
Creating the perfect GoPro video should not have to be a tedious and daunting task. As long as you have the right conversion software, you can quickly convert your videos to use with any editing platforms. However, if you want to take it one step further, and start producing amazing and heart-stopping videos, check out Pinnacle Studio today and learn how to edit like a pro.