Eveything to Know about GoPro HyperSmooth Stabilization
By Daniel Walker
GoPro HyperSmooth changed action-camera video by giving users near-gimbal stabilization without extra hardware. From the first HyperSmooth on the HERO7 to GoPro HyperSmooth 6.0 on newer models, the system uses sensor data and smart image cropping to produce buttery-smooth footage for sports, vlogging, and everyday adventures. This guide explains what HyperSmooth does, which GoPros include each version, how to enable and use it, and quick fixes when footage still looks shaky.
Part 1. What is HyperSmooth on GoPro?
HyperSmooth is GoPro's in-camera electronic image stabilization system that detects camera motion and compensates so footage looks much smoother and more watchable. The feature analyzes motion data from the camera and slightly crops the frame so there is room to shift and realign the image, giving the appearance of gimbal-like smoothness without a gimbal. HyperSmooth debuted on the HERO7 and has been improved across subsequent GoPro models.
1. How Does GoPro HyperSmooth Work?
Motion detection. The camera's built-in gyroscope and motion sensors continuously record movement and shakes while you shoot. That motion data is the basis for stabilization.
Image cropping. HyperSmooth applies a small crop to the recorded frame. That cropped margin gives the software the pixels it needs to move the visible frame around and correct for motion without showing black edges.
Shake reduction. Using the gyroscope data, HyperSmooth shifts and repositions the cropped frame to counteract unwanted camera shake. The result is reduced jitter and a smoother final video, typically with minimal loss of useful image area.
2. Which GoPros feature HyperSmooth stabilization?
Below is a concise table listing popular GoPro models, the HyperSmooth version they ship with, and quick notes on differences and standout features.
| GoPro model | HyperSmooth version | Notable stabilization features / differences |
|---|---|---|
| HERO13 / HERO12 Black | HyperSmooth 6.0 | Next-gen AutoBoost and 360° Horizon Lock in supported lenses, improved analysis for less crop. (HERO12 example shown). |
| HERO11 Black / HERO11 Black Mini | HyperSmooth 5.0 | AutoBoost and Horizon Lock support, improved stabilization for tall / 4:3 sensors. |
| HERO10 Black | HyperSmooth 4.0 | Better horizon leveling and smoothing at higher resolutions and frame rates. |
| HERO9 Black | HyperSmooth 3.0 | Introduced in-camera horizon leveling and multiple stabilization levels. |
| HERO8 Black | HyperSmooth 2.0 | Improved pitch-axis correction and wider compatibility across modes. |
| HERO7 Black | HyperSmooth (1.0) | The first release of HyperSmooth, delivering gimbal-like stabilization in-camera. |
| GoPro MAX | Max HyperSmooth | Special Max HyperSmooth for HERO mode and 360 workflows, designed for extreme stabilization in HERO mode. |
Newer HyperSmooth versions expand mode options (for example On, Standard/High, Boost, Auto Boost, or Auto) and improve horizon leveling limits and AutoBoost behavior. For example, HyperSmooth 6.0 adds expanded AutoBoost and 360° horizon leveling in supported modes and lenses.
Part 2. How to Enable and Use GoPro HyperSmooth to Stabilize Video
Enabling HyperSmooth is straightforward and can be done either on the camera while recording or after recording using GoPro's desktop apps. On-camera settings let you choose stabilization levels to balance smoothness and field of view. For advanced control or to push stabilization further, GoPro Player + HyperSmooth Pro on a computer lets you apply gyro-assisted stabilization during editing for finer results. The steps below cover on-camera activation and the basics of using GoPro Player.
On-camera steps (basic):
- Power on your GoPro and swipe into the shooting settings.
- Find the video mode settings and look for "Stabilization" or "HyperSmooth."
Choose the stabilization level available: Off, On, High/Standard, Boost, or AutoBoost depending on your model. Note that higher stabilization often crops the image more.
- Start recording. For horizon-level shots use the Linear + Horizon Lock (where available) or enable Horizon Lock in HyperSmooth 5.0+ models.
Using GoPro Player + HyperSmooth Pro (desktop):
- Download and install GoPro Player if you do not have it. Open your recorded file with GoPro Player + HyperSmooth Pro.
When you open a compatible file, the app will prompt you to enable HyperSmooth Pro stabilization. Accept to preview and tweak stabilization in full quality.
Adjust strength and settings in the app until the preview looks right, then export the stabilized clip at your preferred resolution.
Part 3. HyperSmooth Not Working? Fix Shaky Video with VikPea AI
Even the best in-camera systems like GoPro HyperSmooth 6.0, can struggle with extreme vibration, rolling motion, or poor lighting. When in-camera stabilization cannot fully rescue a clip, AI tools such as HitPaw VikPea offer a powerful second-chance workflow. VikPea analyzes motion across frames, removes jitter, and reconstructs smoother footage while improving clarity and preserving detail. Below you will find a concise workflow, top features to look for, and step-by-step instructions to stabilize and export your rescued videos.
- AI driven stabilization that smooths extreme shakes while preserving natural motion.
- Multi frame motion analysis reduces jitter and corrects rolling camera movement automatically.
- Smart cropping minimizes black edges while maximizing usable stabilized frame area.
- Batch stabilization supports applying the same AI model across multiple videos simultaneously.
- Upscaling to 4K or 8K while stabilizing enhances clarity and preserves fine details.
- Adjustable strength and horizon correction for tailored stabilization and level horizons.
- GPU accelerated processing delivers faster previews and exports for large high resolution files.
- Clear noise reduction and sharpening options to improve low light stabilization results.
Step 1.Download and install the latest version of HitPaw VikPea on your Windows or Mac computer. Launch VikPea and from the left hand menu choose AI Toolbox -> Stabilization to open the stabilization workspace.
Step 2.Click Import or drag and drop the video you want to stabilize. For multiple clips click the + icon in the lower left to batch import. Batch mode lets you apply the same AI model and settings to many files at once for consistent results.
Step 3.Under Export Settings pick your desired resolution. VikPea supports upscaling to 4K or 8K while processing stabilization. Click Preview to watch the stabilized result and fine tune strength or horizon options if available. When satisfied, click Export to save the final stabilized video in your chosen format and resolution.
Part 4. Frequently Asked Questions on GoPro HyperSmooth
Low light forces slower shutter speeds and higher ISO, which increases motion blur and noise; HyperSmooth has less clean motion data to work with, so stabilization can look jittery.
On-camera HyperSmooth is built into the camera and free to use. HyperSmooth Pro in GoPro Player was made available to users via GoPro Player; check the Player page for current availability.
Yes. Stronger stabilization modes and higher processing demands can reduce battery life, so expect shorter runtimes when HyperSmooth is active. Reducing resolution or turning stabilization off preserves battery.
HyperSmooth delivers industry-leading electronic stabilization for action cameras. On supported models it produces very smooth, watchable footage that can replace a gimbal in many scenarios. Newer versions add horizon locking and smarter AutoBoost.
Conclusion
GoPro HyperSmooth is one of the key reasons these small cameras can produce professional-looking footage without extra gear. From the original HyperSmooth to GoPro HyperSmooth 6.0, each upgrade has improved horizon leveling, AutoBoost behavior, and overall smoothness. Use on-camera stabilization for everyday needs, switch to GoPro Player + HyperSmooth Pro for frame-accurate desktop stabilization, and when everything else fails try AI stabilizers like VikPea for advanced correction.
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