GoPro HyperView and SuperView: Differences, Pros, and Cons

What are GoPro's HyperView/SuperView?

"HyperView" and "SuperView" are unique wide-angle shooting modes of GoPro cameras.

The "SuperView mode" first appeared as the ultra-wide-angle feature, which has become synonymous with GoPro. It dynamically stretches the edges of a 4:3 aspect ratio video to fit a 16:9 aspect ratio¹, allowing for immersive videos while keeping the center distortion-free. This mode produces the characteristic "GoPro-like, fisheye video" effect.

Later, the "HyperView" mode, an advanced version of SuperView, was introduced with the HERO11 generation. It captures the maximum field of view from an 8:7 sensor and compresses it into a 16:9 aspect ratio², achieving an ultra-wide-angle view that surpasses SuperView.

Differences between "HyperView/SuperView" and Other Lens Modes

GoPro offers several lens modes, varying by model:

• The focal lengths might vary slightly depending on the model.

Focal length refers to the distance from the optical center of the camera lens to the image sensor. Generally, lenses with focal lengths between 14mm and 35mm are considered wide-angle lenses, illustrating just how wide HyperView is.

Additionally, the "linear" mode on GoPro, with a focal length of around 35mm, closely matches the human eye's focal length, often referred to as the "standard lens."

Pros and Cons of HyperView/SuperView

While HyperView/SuperView are ideal for capturing wide-angle footage, they come with their own set of pros and cons.

The biggest advantage of HyperView/SuperView is the ability to capture expansive landscapes and backgrounds, a hallmark of GoPro footage. This is particularly effective for outdoor and action scenes.

However, since HyperView/SuperView achieves its wide-angle view through digital stretching rather than physical, the edges of the video can become distorted. In some cases, the distortion can be so pronounced that it induces motion sickness in viewers or disrupts the overall scene. Determining the appropriate use for these modes can be surprisingly challenging.

Additionally, HyperView/SuperView are restricted to certain shooting modes. Therefore, if you plan to use GoPro in HyperView/SuperView mode, always check the specifications to ensure that the desired resolution and frame rate support these modes.

GoPro Models Supporting HyperView/SuperView

Let's take a look at which GoPro models support HyperView and SuperView.

※ Black models only

Both HyperView and SuperView are available only on the top-tier Black models. SuperView has been available since the HERO3+ Black model (with a firmware update), while HyperView is available starting from the HERO11 series.