GoPro Hero 7 Image Smoothing As A Gimbal Replacement

[RickI]

Gyroscopic gimbals have become a big thing in action camera photography. I recently tried the GoPro Hero 7 which contains an application called "HyperSmooth" with electronically reduces camera and subject motion without the bulk, mounting issues and added costs of a gimbal. I have had it out for only one kiting session so far as the wind turned off again. I was well powered by a new 14 m Cabrinha FX in strong winds ranging from the mid 20's gusting to near 30 mph. Still, this is what came out of that session.




Another clip from the GoPro's Hero 7. HyperSmooth runs automatically when the Hero 7 is in use. I boosted a couple of jumps in this clip complete with large splashes and hammered through some chop to see how it did in smoothing out sudden camera and subject motion. I think it did a good job, looking forward to checking it out further.



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[Sun]

How was the GoPro mounted for these clips? Looks like a chest mount by the angle.

[RickI]

Yes, it was in a chest mount. Out of the way and largely out of mind unlike a larger gimbal setup.

GoPro tech support sent the following to me, without my asking for it btw when I called with a question about HyperSmooth.

What is HyperSmooth?
HyperSmooth is the next level of Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) introduced in HERO7 Black. With improvements on the GP1 chip and 2GB memory, the camera delivers gimbal-like stabilization for creating even more smooth video captures. Check out this video which highlights HyperSmooth stabilization (among other features):


How does HyperSmooth work?
With our advanced scene analysis and roller shutter correction algorithm, our camera is able to proactively look at how motion is happening frame to frame and adjust correction to make the video super smooth. This is achieved through an increase of the camera's processing memory (not to be confused with SD card recording memory). We use an advanced roller shutter correction algorithm


Which resolutions use HyperSmooth?
You can use this chart as guide:

Resolution Frame Rates Stabilization
4K 4:3 30/25 No Stabilization
4K 4:3 24 Standard Stabilization
4K 60/50 HyperSmooth
4K 30/25 HyperSmooth
4K 24 HyperSmooth
2.7K 4:3 60/50 HyperSmooth
2.7K 4:3 30/25 HyperSmooth
2.7K 4:3 24 HyperSmooth
2.7K 120/100 No Stabilization
2.7K 60/50 HyperSmooth
2.7K 30/25 HyperSmooth
2.7K 24 HyperSmooth
1440p 120/100 Standard Stabilization
1440p 60/50 HyperSmooth
1440p 30/24 HyperSmooth
1440p 24 HyperSmooth
1080p 240/200 No Stabilization
1080p 120/100 Standard Stabilization
1080p 60/50 HyperSmooth
1080p 30/25 HyperSmooth
1080p 24 HyperSmooth
960p 240/200 No Stabilization
960p 120/100 Standard Stabilization
720p 240/200 No Stabilization
720p 60/50 HyperSmooth

PRO TIP: You can smooth out your footage even more by using Touch Zoom or set the field of view to Linear to crop your shots before you start recording. This will give your camera an even bigger buffer to use when stabilizing your video.


How do I know if HyperSmooth is being used?
When an appropriate Resolution/Framerate combination is chosen, the camera will indicate that HyperSmooth Stabilization is applied.

[WindJunkieFL]

Hypersmooth is indeed very impressive. I haven't uploaded any videos yet but it is 100x better than my Hero 3 which I traded in for the $100 credit.

I never use the chest mount, it is a terrible POV IMO. I use the headstrap, it works great for me and produces a great field of view

[rogue_kiteboarder]

Pretty annoyed that I cant shoot 120fps and use Hypersmooth.