What Exactly Is Meant By The Stabilization Term HyperSmooth? 

Let’s answer the questions: what is GoPro HyperSmooth and which GoPro has stabilization?

It’s likely that you’re familiar with the term “HyperSmooth” if you’ve been researching the possibility of purchasing a new GoPro. However, what exactly is it?

Continue reading for information on everything you need to know about the image stabilization feature, including what it does, how it works, and where you can find it…

What exactly is meant by the stabilization term HyperSmooth?

The in-camera image stabilization technology known as HyperSmooth was developed by GoPro to offer “impossibly smooth film” in shaky shooting circumstances.

Since its debut on the GoPro Hero 7 Black in 2018, HyperSmooth has become an indispensable component of the company’s line of action cameras; since then, new versions of the feature have been introduced annually.

HyperSmooth is completely electrical, as opposed to being a mechanical gimbal. In order to mitigate the effects of camera shake, this function will temporarily remove some of the outermost part of the image. One might refer to this as a “stabilization margin.”

Maxim Karpushin, a senior engineer working on the algorithm, noted in 2018 that “HyperSmooth is all about the motion.”

“It proactively analyzes movement in real time, so that the available stabilizing margin is employed in the best possible way, which eliminates the shake you don’t want while retaining the subject you do want,” This, in conjunction with our unique algorithm for correcting rolling shutter, enables the HERO7 Black to achieve gimbal-like stabilization without the dreaded jello effect.

The most recent version of HyperSmooth is 5.0, which was released not too long ago. This version was released in September 2022 alongside the GoPro Hero 11 Black and incorporates various new features, such as AutoBoost and Horizon Lock.

The amount of video stabilization that you require will be automatically determined by AutoBoost based on the speed and movement of the camera in order to achieve the smoothest and broadest shots possible.

Horizon Lock, on the other hand, prevents the horizon from tilting in the frame even if the camera is moved throughout the shooting process. Even while this function has been around since HyperSmooth 4.0, it has been incorporated into the new stabilization technology, making it much simpler to ensure that your horizon remains the same even if you turn your GoPro camera through the entire 360 degrees.

Which GoPro Models Include The HyperSmooth Stabilization Feature?

The following cameras have the capability of using HyperSmooth:

Black GoPro Hero 11 Camera

Black GoPro Hero 10 camera

Black GoPro Hero 9 casing

Black GoPro Hero 8 camera

Black GoPro Hero 7 camera.

GoPro Max

However, the capabilities and efficacy of HyperSmooth will change depending on the camera that you use. More recent models offer image stabilization for higher resolutions and frame rates than older versions because their technical specifications have been upgraded over the years.

You may also improve the image stabilization capabilities of your GoPro by purchasing the Max Lens upgrade. This adapter makes it possible to use Max HyperSmooth to stabilize videos at resolutions of up to 2.7K60 and to achieve an ultra-wide field of view of 155 degrees.

Have trouble figuring out what HyperSmooth is on your GoPro camera? In this article, I’ll go over all the fundamental information that you need to know about this incredible GoPro function so that you can get the most out of it.

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GoPro’s Version of HyperSmooth

GoPro’s HyperSmooth is an Image Stabilization technology that was initially made available in the company’s Hero7 Black camera. This technology provides Electronic Image Stabilization, which works similarly to how a gimbal does, for smoother and better GoPro action clips. The microprocessor and RAM have been upgraded to be more powerful. GoPro continues to enhance the functionality of this feature with each new version of the Hero Action Camera that is released. You’ll get the most recent and, to this point, the most impressive version of Hypersmooth with your GoPro Hero 10!

Horizon Leveling with a HyperSmooth Approach

Image Obtained From: GoPro

A new function called “in-camera Horizon Leveling” is available for HyperSmooth on the GoPro Hero9 and Hero10 cameras. This feature will give your clip a steady and leveled horizon for up to 45 degrees of tilt. It can take pictures in video mode as well as in the TimeWarp shooting mode. Be aware, though, that it is only compatible with the linear lens, so you won’t be able to utilize it when you’re taking pictures with a wide lens. Nonetheless, it is possible that it will become accessible in the near future. Read more: is gopro good for vlogging?

How Does It Come Into Effect?

According to GoPro, the roller shutter correction algorithm and superior scene analysis are the two components that make HyperSmooth function. This implies that your GoPro is able to analyze the motion in your footage and make adjustments to the frames to make it more smooth. Incredible, isn’t it? This capability requires a higher level of processing power from the GoPro chip, which is why it is not available on older models of Hero action cameras and why they cannot have this feature added to them.

You are free to use it with whatever video quality and frame rate that you choose when working with HyperSmooth versions 3.0 and 4.0. You are only able to utilize it with certain resolutions and frame rates if you are using HyperSmooth version 2.0 or 1.0. These restrictions apply to both versions. According to GoPro, the following parameters can be adjusted in HyperSmooth versions 3.0 and 4.0:

• Boost: Very close cropping with the highest possible stability
• High – Very little trimming needed and a more robust stability
• On – Stabilized video with a minimum amount of cropping
• Off means that your video will not be trimmed or stabilized in any way.
• The GoPro camera features a hypersmooth mode.

You should also be aware of the fact that this feature requires a lot of power because it is an essential piece of background information. The use of HyperSmooth causes a greater consumption of power from your battery, particularly when you are filming at high resolutions and frame rates. In light of this, it is important to remember to take into account the capacity of your battery whenever you use the HyperSmooth option for recording.

Is There Too Much of a Boost from HyperSmooth?

In point of fact, this is one of the primary concerns of a number of individuals. They feel that the clip is overly smoothed out while using the HyperSmooth Boost and High levels. It is understandable that some individuals still favor the fact that their GoPro film is still a little bit wobbly so that it feels real. This is especially true for action clips such as those captured by persons participating in sports or other physically demanding activities with their GoPro.

It is possible that it will be difficult for you to choose which setting of HyperSmooth you will use when you are recording your clip. For this reason, some people have suggested that GoPro should also add the function where we can see the HyperSmooth Boost, High, and Normal versions of the clip so that we can determine which one is the best. This would allow us to choose between the three different levels of smoothness. I really hope that GoPro will take that into consideration in the future!

Conclusion

In light of the results of these testing, it is difficult to avoid drawing the conclusion that the HyperSmooth feature included in the HERO7 Black is, in fact, a significant improvement over the previous generation of in-camera stabilization found in the HERO6 Black. Having said that, the degree of progress that may be achieved varies depending on the type of movement, and you are more likely to notice more significant benefits with certain types of shooting than with others.

But, smoothness is not the only factor to consider. On a frame-by-frame basis, I’ve discovered that the footage is far more crisp and clear. This is considerably easier to notice in situations that have a great deal of hectic detail, the kind of detail that presents a significant challenge to the compression method. The end consequence is that the video is crisper and clearer when it is played at the typical pace.

The Most Recent Version, the GoPro HERO11 Black

The HERO11 is the most recent model from GoPro and was introduced in the fall of 2022. Actually, there are two models here.

To begin, there is the flagship Black model, which is equipped with all of the available features and serves as the benchmark for action cameras. We hope we helped you! Happy GoPro-ing!