GoPro Field of View (FOV) Explained

Wondering how to setup GoPro Field of View? Then read this article or watch the video below to find out more about it, including what it is, how to choose the right FOV and much more!

Field of view (FOV) is a setting that determines the amount of visible area captured through your camera lens. In video mode, SuperView FOV captures the largest amount of space, while Linear FOV captures the least.

landscape with 3 yellow rectangles outlining the different viewing angles for each GoPro FOV

Typically, FOV (Linear 90° → Wide 130° → Superview 170°) is determined by the amount of space between the lens and image sensor (the further the lens is from the image sensor, the narrower the FOV). On GoPro’s, the field of view is determined digitally by cropping and scaling the widest possible image.

 

GoPro Field of View Comparisons

Superview

The Superview FOV captures the widest possible angle (170°), providing an action-sports look. GoPro recommends Superview for cycling, mountain biking, motorcycle riding, and motocross.

(shoot Superview in 4k, 2.7k, or 1080p)

Wide

The Wide FOV is great for both general use and action. GoPro recommends Wide for family, travel, cycling, mountain biking, motorcycle, motocross, automobile, hiking, drones, skiing, snowboarding, surfing, underwater activities, and water activities.

(shoot Wide in 4k, 2.7k, 1440p, 1080p, or 720p)

Linear

The Linear FOV is great for non-action shots, as it more closely resembles DSLR footage. GoPro recommends Linear FOV for family, travel, and drone use.

(shoot Linear in 2.7k, 1440p, 1080p, or 720p)

GoPro FOV – FAQ’S

Why would you want to change the FOV?

Changing the field of view affects not only the viewing angle (determining what makes it into your shot) but the look and feel of your image (action sports look vs. standard DSLR look).

How do you change the FOV on a GoPro?

Does changing the FOV change the image quality?

Yes and no. When you shoot in Linear FOV (narrow), the camera does some serious cropping. At lower resolutions (720p), this is hardly noticeable, but on larger displays, Linear footage may reveal pixelation and artifacts.

GoPro Hero 5 FOV focal length?

  • Wide FOV (14mm)
  • Medium FOV (21mm)
  • Narrow FOV (28mm)

GoPro Hero 6 FOV focal length?

  • Wide 16:9 FOV (16mm – 33mm)
  • Wide 4:3 FOV (15mm – 30mm)
  • Linear FOV (24mm – 49mm)

GoPro Hero 7 FOV focal length?

  • Wide 16:9 FOV (16mm – 33mm)
  • Wide 4:3 FOV (15mm – 30mm)
  • Linear FOV (24mm – 49mm)

GoPro Hero 8 FOV focal length?

  • SuperView FOV (16mm)
  • Wide FOV (16mm – 34mm)
  • Linear FOV (19mm – 39mm)
  • Narrow FOV (27mm)

GoPro Hero 9 FOV focal length?

  • SuperView FOV (16mm)
  • Wide FOV (16mm – 34mm)
  • Linear FOV (19mm – 39mm)
  • Narrow FOV (27mm)

GoPro Hero 10 FOV focal length?

  • SuperView FOV (16mm)
  • Wide FOV (16mm – 34mm)
  • Linear FOV (19mm – 39mm)
  • Narrow FOV (27mm)

Wrap Up

So, keep the best FOV on your GoPro as per the requirement for your shots. For example, using Superview FOV with higher resolutions like 4K, 2.7K, or 1080p is highly recommended if you have a recent GoPro camera like the GoPro Hero 10 Black for shots involving activities like cycling, mountain biking, motorcycle riding, and motocross.

 

Thanks for reading! ?

I hope this guide helped you learn all about the GoPro Field of View (FOV).

 

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What’s next? Check out our in-depth settings tutorial for information on mastering your GoPro.

 

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