USER MANUAL 1
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TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS Your HERO6 Black 6 Time Lapse Mode: Settings 65 Getting Started 8 Time Lapse Mode: Advanced Settings 69 Navigating Your GoPro 17 Advanced Controls 70 Map of Modes and Settings 22 Connecting to an Audio Accessory 80 Capturing Video and Photos 24 Customizing Your GoPro 81 Settings for Your Activities 26 Important Messages 85 QuikCapture 28 Resetting Your Camera 86 Controlling Your GoPro with Your Voice 30 Mounting 87 Playing Back Your Conte
YOUR HERO6 BLACK YOUR HERO6 BLACK 1 2 4 4 3 11 2 5 9 12 13 6 7 8 4 10 4 14 6 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Shutter Button [ ] Camera Status Light Camera Status Screen Microphone Side Door 6. Latch Release Button 7. USB-C Port 8. Micro HDMI Port (cable not included) 9. Touch Display 10. Speaker ] 11. Mode Button [ 12. Battery 13. microSD Card Slot 14. Battery Door For information about mounting items that are included in the box, see Mounting (page 87).
GETTING STARTED Welcome to your new HERO6 Black! Let’s get started. MICROSD CARDS To capture video and photos, you need a microSD card (sold separately). Use brand name memory cards that meet these requirements: • microSD, microSDHC, or microSDXC • Class 10 or UHS-I rating • Capacity up to 256GB GETTING STARTED 2. Insert a microSD card with the label facing the battery, then close the door. For a list of the recommended microSD cards, visit gopro.com/workswithgopro.
GETTING STARTED CHARGING THE BATTERY For the best experience with your new camera, fully charge the battery before first use. 1. Hold down the Latch Release button on the battery door, then slide the door open. 2. Insert the battery, then close the door. GETTING STARTED 3. Hold down the Latch Release button on the side door, then slide the door open. 4. Connect the camera to a computer or other USB charging adapter using the included USB-C cable.
GETTING STARTED GETTING STARTED UPDATING YOUR CAMERA SOFTWARE To get the latest features and best performance from your GoPro, make sure your camera is always using the most current software. Updating with the GoPro App When you connect your camera to the GoPro app, you are automatically notified if an update is available. 1. Download the app from the Apple© App Store© or Google Play.™ 2. Follow the on-screen instructions in the app to connect your camera.
GETTING STARTED GETTING STARTED CAMERA STATUS SCREEN You can see the basics for your current setting on the front screen of the camera: TOUCH DISPLAY The touch display’s main screen contains the following information about modes and settings. The settings that appear vary by mode. 1 1 2 2 5 00:00 100% 6 3 3 4 5 4 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
GETTING STARTED NAVIGATING YOUR GOPRO TOUCH DISPLAY GESTURES Use these gestures to navigate the touch display. When swiping, swipe from the edge of the screen. MODES HERO6 Black contains three camera modes: Video, Photo, and Time Lapse. Tap Selects an item, turns a setting on/off. Press and Hold Accesses Exposure Control setting. Swipe Left Accesses advanced settings (if available) for the current mode. Video Video mode contains two capture modes: Video and Looping.
NAVIGATING YOUR GOPRO NAVIGATING WITH THE TOUCH DISPLAY 1. From the main screen, tap the icon in the lower left corner. 2. Tap one of the mode icons at the top of the screen (Video, Photo, or Time Lapse). 3. Tap a capture mode in the list below it. NAVIGATING YOUR GOPRO If you select a video resolution (RES) that does not support the frames per second (FPS) setting that is selected, a message appears that tells you how to select a new FPS setting.
NAVIGATING YOUR GOPRO NAVIGATING YOUR GOPRO CHANGING MODES WITH THE MODE BUTTON The Mode button lets you quickly cycle through the capture modes that you set. For example, if you previously selected Video in Video mode, Night Photo in Photo mode, and Time Lapse Video in Time Lapse mode, pressing the Mode button cycles through those capture modes. Note that Burst photo always appears in this cycle.
MAP OF MODES AND SETTINGS Auto Low Light Looping Rate Time Lapse Video Burst Manual Audio Control RAW Format Video Mode / Video FOV Night Photo Resolution (RES) Video Stabilization FPS Night Lapse Photo Shutter High Dynamic Range (HDR) Photo Mode / Photo Time Lapse Mode Protune Time Lapse Photo Interval 22 MAP OF MODES AND SETTINGS 23
CAPTURING VIDEO AND PHOTOS CAPTURING VIDEO AND PHOTOS With this method, you leave the camera powered on and capture, as needed. You can use the touch display to preview your shots and change modes and settings before capturing. 1. If needed, select a different mode: a. Tap the icon in the lower left corner of the touch display. 00:00 CAPTURING VIDEO AND PHOTOS ]. The camera beeps and the camera 3. Press the Shutter button [ status lights flash while the camera is capturing. ]. 4.
SETTINGS FOR YOUR ACTIVITIES SETTINGS FOR YOUR ACTIVITIES For best results, use the guidelines below when capturing specific activities. Activity Video Setting Photo Capture Mode Automobile • 1080p60, Wide FOV • 2.7K120, Wide FOV • 4K60, Wide FOV Photo or continuous photo, Wide FOV Family/travel • 1080p60, Wide FOV • 4K60, Wide FOV Photo or continuous photo, Wide FOV Cycling, mountain biking • 1080p60, SuperView FOV • 1440p60, Wide FOV • 2.
QUIKCAPTURE QUIKCAPTURE QuikCapture is the easiest way to capture video or time lapse photos with HERO6 Black. Because the camera is powered on only when it is capturing, you also conserve battery power. CAPTURING TIME LAPSE PHOTOS WITH QUIKCAPTURE In addition to showing how a scene changes over time, time lapse photos are also useful for capturing a series of photos to be sure you get the shot you want. 1.
CONTROLLING YOUR GOPRO WITH YOUR VOICE CONTROLLING YOUR GOPRO WITH YOUR VOICE You can control your HERO6 Black with your voice using a set of specific commands (see list below). LIST OF VOICE COMMANDS Two types of commands are available with Voice Control: • Action commands let you immediately capture video or photos. For example, if you just stopped recording video, you can say the command to take a photo or begin capturing time lapse—without having to first change the mode.
CONTROLLING YOUR GOPRO WITH YOUR VOICE Action Command Description GoPro stop time lapse Stops capturing time lapse GoPro turn off Powers off the camera GoPro edit my story Moves video and photos from your most recent session (based on location and date) to your phone to create a QuikStory™ Note: If the QuikStories feature is turned on in the GoPro app, video and photos are automatically moved from your camera to your phone to create a QuikStory.
PLAYING BACK YOUR CONTENT PLAYING BACK YOUR CONTENT You can play back your content on a mobile device, a computer, the camera’s touch display, or a TV. VIEWING VIDEO AND PHOTOS ON YOUR HERO6 BLACK 1. Swipe right to access your video and photos. If your microSD card contains a lot of content, it might take a minute for it to load. 2. To display only a certain type of content, select a filter: • Media - Displays all videos and photos. • HiLights - Displays content that includes a HiLight Tag.
PLAYING BACK YOUR CONTENT USING YOUR CAMERA WITH AN HDTV SAVING A PHOTO FROM A SERIES You can save an individual photo from a burst, time lapse photo, or night photo series. 1. Swipe right, then tap the photo series that contains the photo that you want to save. 2. Press and hold the series to open it. 3. Tap [ ] to move through the series. ] to save a photo outside of the series. 4.
USING YOUR CAMERA WITH AN HDTV CONNECTING TO OTHER DEVICES CAPTURING VIDEO AND PHOTOS WHILE CONNECTED TO AN HDTV This option lets you see the live preview from your camera when it is connected to an HDTV or monitor. 1. Power on the camera. 2. Tap Preferences > HDMI Output, then select one of these options: • To display your camera’s live preview with the icons from the touch display, tap Monitor.
CONNECTING TO OTHER DEVICES OFFLOADING YOUR CONTENT CONNECTING TO BLUETOOTH DEVICES You can connect your GoPro to Bluetooth devices that track statistics about your activity. That data is then automatically added to your video to create a more engaging record of your activity. 1. Connect your camera to the GoPro app. For details, see Connecting to the GoPro App (page 39). 2. In the app, open the camera’s settings, then tap Bluetooth Devices. 3. Follow the on-screen instructions.
OFFLOADING YOUR CONTENT OFFLOADING YOUR CONTENT PRO TIP: To transfer files to a computer using a card reader (sold separately) and your computer’s file explorer, connect the card reader to the computer, then insert the microSD card. You can then transfer files to your computer or delete selected files on your card. Note that you must use a card reader to offload RAW photos or RAW audio files.
OFFLOADING YOUR CONTENT VIDEO MODE: CAPTURE MODES CONNECTING TO A DIFFERENT WIRELESS NETWORK If you want to use a different wireless network for Auto Upload, you can select that network from the camera. 1. Swipe down, then tap Connections > Auto Upload > Networks. 2. Tap the name of a network. The network must not be hidden or require an end user license agreement (such as the network in a hotel). 3. If needed, enter the password. ] to save the new network. 4.
VIDEO MODE: CAPTURE MODES VIDEO MODE: SETTINGS The default settings for Looping are 1080p60 Wide, with the Interval set at 5 minutes. Looping is not available in 4K 4:3. For more information, see these topics: VIDEO RESOLUTION Video resolution (RES) refers to the number of horizontal lines in the video. For example, 1080p means that the video has 1920 horizontal lines, each with a width of 1080 pixels. Higher numbers of lines and pixels result in greater detail and clarity.
VIDEO MODE: SETTINGS Use this table to help you determine the best resolution for your activity. Be sure to confirm that your phone, computer, or TV can support the selected setting, especially if you are using higher resolutions and frame rates. Video Resolution Best Use 4K Stunning high-resolution video with 8MP stills available from video. Recommended for tripod or fixed position shots, automotive activities, and use with Karma or the Karma Grip.
VIDEO MODE: SETTINGS VIDEO MODE: SETTINGS FIELD OF VIEW (FOV) The field of view (FOV) refers to how much of the scene can be captured through the camera lens. For Video mode, SuperView FOV captures the largest amount of the scene, while Linear FOV captures the least. HERO6 BLACK VIDEO RESOLUTIONS The FOV options that appear are based on the selected resolution and fps. FOV Best Use SuperView SuperView delivers the world’s most immersive field of view. Good for body-or gear-mounted shots.
VIDEO MODE: SETTINGS VIDEO MODE: SETTINGS Video Resolution (RES) FPS (NTSC/ PAL) FOV 1080p 120/100 60/50 30/25 24/24 Linear, Wide, SuperView 1920x1080 60/50 Linear, Wide 1280x720 720p Screen Resolution Aspect Ratio 16:9 16:9 1 NTSC and PAL refer to the video format, which depends on the region that you are in. For more information, see Video Format (page 37).
VIDEO MODE: SETTINGS INTERVAL (LOOPING VIDEO) The Interval setting applies to Looping and determines the length of each captured segment. Available intervals are 5 (default), 20, 60, and 120 minutes. You can also select Max as the interval. With this option, the camera records until the memory card is full, then overwrites the content. PROTUNE In Video mode, Protune is available only for the Video capture mode. For details about Protune settings, see Protune (page 74).
VIDEO MODE: ADVANCED SETTINGS MANUAL AUDIO CONTROL PHOTO MODE: CAPTURE MODES Photo mode contains three capture modes: Photo, Night, and Burst. All photos are captured at 12MP. Each capture mode has its own settings. By default, this setting is off and your camera automatically switches between recording in stereo and filtering wind noise to achieve the best audio balance. When this setting is on, you can manually select which of these two filters to apply.
PHOTO MODE: CAPTURE MODES BURST Burst captures up to 30 photos in 1 second, so it is perfect for capturing fast-moving activities. The default FOV for Burst is Wide, with the Rate set to 30 photos in 1 second. For more information, see these topics: Rate (page 59) PHOTO MODE: SETTINGS SHUTTER (NIGHT PHOTO) In Photo mode, Shutter applies only to Night. This setting lets you determine the amount of time that the shutter is open. The default option is Auto.
PHOTO MODE: SETTINGS FIELD OF VIEW (FOV) (PHOTOS) Your camera includes two FOV options for photos. All photos are captured at 12MP. FOV Description Wide Largest field of view. Good for action shots to capture as much as possible within the frame. This FOV results in a fisheye look, especially around the edge of the scene. (You can crop that out during editing, if needed.) Linear Mid-range field of view that removes the fisheye effect found in the Wide FOV.
PHOTO MODE: ADVANCED SETTINGS RAW FORMAT When this setting is turned on, all photos are captured with an accompanying .jpg image for immediate viewing on your camera or sharing with the GoPro app. RAW photos are saved as .gpr files, which are based on the Adobe .dng format. These files can be used in Adobe Camera Raw (ACR), version 9.7 or later. You can also use Adobe Photoshop Lightroom CC (2015.7 release or later) and Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 6 (version 6.7 or later).
TIME LAPSE MODE: CAPTURE MODES TIME LAPSE MODE: SETTINGS NIGHT LAPSE PHOTO Night Lapse Photo captures a series of photos at set intervals when there is minimal light. The shutter remains open longer to let in more light in dark environments. TIME LAPSE VIDEO RESOLUTION In Time Lapse mode, resolution and FOV apply only to Time Lapse Video. The default settings for Night Lapse Photo are Wide FOV, with Interval and Shutter both set to Auto.
TIME LAPSE MODE: SETTINGS SHUTTER (TIME LAPSE) In Time Lapse mode, this setting applies only to Night Lapse Photo. Shutter lets you determine the amount of time that the shutter is open. The default option is Auto. Use this table to help you select the most appropriate setting for your activity: TIME LAPSE MODE: SETTINGS INTERVAL (TIME LAPSE) The Interval setting determines the amount of time that passes between each captured frame.
TIME LAPSE MODE: SETTINGS Interval Examples Auto Great for all exposures (captures as quickly as possible, depending on the Shutter setting) 4-5 seconds Evening city scene, street lighting, or scenes with movement 10-15 seconds Dim lighting with slow scene changes, like night clouds with a bright moon 20-30 seconds Very low light or very slow scene changes, like stars with minimal ambient or street light FIELD OF VIEW (FOV) (TIME LAPSE) Your camera includes two FOV options for time lapse.
ADVANCED CONTROLS ADVANCED CONTROLS ZOOM The Zoom setting lets you adjust how close or far away the subject appears in your video or photo. The default is no zoom. ExPOSURE CONTROL By default, your camera uses the entire image to determine the appropriate exposure level. However, Exposure Control lets you select an area that you want the camera to prioritize when determining exposure. This setting is particularly useful in shots where an important region might otherwise be over- or underexposed.
ADVANCED CONTROLS ADVANCED CONTROLS Using Exposure Control with Locked Exposure With this option, the camera locks the exposure. That exposure level remains until you cancel it. Canceling Exposure Control Exposure Control is automatically canceled when you select a different capture mode or restart the camera. You can also cancel this setting manually (below).
ADVANCED CONTROLS PROTUNE Protune unlocks the camera’s full potential, yielding stunning image quality and cinema-caliber video and photos optimized for professional productions. Protune gives content creators more flexibility and workflow efficiency than ever before. Protune is compatible with professional color correction tools, the Quik desktop app, and other video and photo editing software.
ADVANCED CONTROLS ADVANCED CONTROLS ISO Minimum Shutter ISO Maximum ISO Minimum and ISO Maximum let you set a range for the camera’s sensitivity to light and image noise. ISO settings create a balance between brightness and resulting image noise. Image noise refers to the degree of graininess in the image. In low light, higher ISO values result in brighter images, but with greater image noise. Lower values result in darker images with lower image noise.
ADVANCED CONTROLS ADVANCED CONTROLS RAW Audio Exposure Value Compensation (EV Comp) Exposure Value Compensation affects the brightness of your video or photo. Adjusting this setting can improve image quality when shooting in environments with contrasting lighting conditions. Options for this setting range from -2.0 to +2.0. The default setting is 0. This setting applies only to the Video capture mode and creates a separate .wav file for your video, in addition to the standard .mp4 audio track.
CONNECTING TO AN AUDIO ACCESSORY CUSTOMIZING YOUR GOPRO An accessory microphone or other component can provide enhanced audio for your captured video. 1. Connect the audio accessory to your camera’s USB-C port using GoPro’s Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter (sold separately). 2. From the camera’s main screen, swipe down. 3. Tap Preferences > Audio Input. 4. Tap an option: From changing the beep volume to turning off the status lights, you can set up your camera to work the way that you want.
CUSTOMIZING YOUR GOPRO CUSTOMIZING YOUR GOPRO DEFAULT MODE Sets the capture mode that your GoPro defaults to when powering up. The options are Video (default), Time Lapse Video, Looping, Photo, Night, Burst, Time Lapse Photo, and Night Lapse Photo. AUTO-ROTATION This setting determines the orientation of your video or photos to help you prevent upside down footage. Note: This setting does not affect QuikCapture. AUTO OFF Powers off your GoPro after a period of inactivity to save battery life.
CUSTOMIZING YOUR GOPRO IMPORTANT MESSAGES GPS Captures the location where your video and photos were taken. To see this information, view the video or photos on a compatible desktop or mobile application. For details, visit gopro.com/help. TEMPERATURE ICON The Temperature icon appears on the camera status screen when the camera becomes too hot and needs to cool down. Simply let it sit and cool before attempting to use it again.
RESETTING YOUR CAMERA RESTARTING YOUR GOPRO ] If your camera is not responding, press and hold the Mode button [ for 8 seconds to shut down the camera and then restart it. All settings are retained. RESETTING ALL SETTINGS TO THE DEFAULTS This option resets all of your camera settings to the defaults, except Date, Time, camera name and password, Language, and Video Format. 1. From the main screen, swipe down. 2. Tap Preferences > Camera Defaults, and then tap Reset.
MOUNTING ATTACHING YOUR CAMERA TO MOUNTS To attach your camera to a mount, you need The Frame (for HERO6 Black/HERO5 Black) and a mounting buckle and/or thumb screw, depending on the mount you are using. 1. Secure the camera in The Frame: a. Open the latch. b. Slide the camera into the frame. The bottom front of The Frame has a raised edge. Be sure the front of the camera sits flush against it. c. Close the door. d. Lock the latch. MOUNTING 3.
MOUNTING • Apply adhesive mounts only to clean, dry surfaces. Wax, oil, dirt or other debris reduce adhesion, which can result in a weak bond and risk of losing the camera should the connection fail. • Attach adhesive mounts in room temperature conditions. Adhesives do not bond properly if applied in cold or damp environments to cold or damp surfaces. • Check state and local regulations and laws to ensure that attaching a camera to equipment (such as hunting equipment) is permitted.
REMOVING THE SIDE DOOR MAINTENANCE REATTACHING THE SIDE DOOR 1. Hold down the Latch Release button and extend the tab on the door. Follow these guidelines to get the best performance from your camera: • The camera is waterproof to 33’ (10m)—no housing needed. Ensure that the doors are closed before using the camera in or around water, dirt, or sand. • Before closing the doors, be sure the seals are free of debris. If needed, clean with a cloth.
BATTERY INFORMATION MAxIMIZING BATTERY LIFE A message appears on the touch display if the battery drops below 10%. If the battery reaches 0% while recording, the camera saves the file and powers off.
BATTERY INFORMATION WARNING: Do not drop, disassemble, open, crush, bend, deform, puncture, shred, microwave, incinerate or paint the camera or battery. Do not insert foreign objects into the battery opening on the camera. Do not use the camera or the battery if it has been damaged—for example, if cracked, punctured or harmed by water. Disassembling or puncturing the battery can cause an explosion or fire.
TROUBLESHOOTING CUSTOMER SUPPORT I FORGOT MY CAMERA’S USERNAME OR PASSWORD Swipe down, then tap Connections > Name & Password. GoPro is dedicated to providing the best possible service. To reach GoPro Customer Support, visit gopro.com/help. I DON’T KNOW WHAT SOFTWARE VERSION I HAVE From the main screen, swipe down. Then tap Preferences > About This GoPro. The Version Number displays the software version that you are running.
THIS PRODUCT IS SOLD WITH A LIMITED LICENSE AND IS AUTHORIZED TO BE USED ONLY IN CONNECTION WITH HEVC CONTENT THAT MEETS EACH OF THE THREE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS: (1) HEVC CONTENT ONLY FOR PERSONAL USE; (2) HEVC CONTENT THAT IS NOT OFFERED FOR SALE; AND (3) HEVC CONTENT THAT IS CREATED BY THE OWNER OF THE PRODUCT.
