Mastering Slow-Motion Skydiving Footage with Your GoPro: A Complete Guide

Want to capture every thrilling detail of your skydive? Learn how to record stunning slow-motion footage with your GoPro using this step-by-step guide.

Introduction

Capturing the adrenaline rush of a skydive is incredible—but capturing it in slow motion? That’s next-level epic. Whether you're showcasing freefall flips or the serene beauty of free-floating clouds, shooting in slow motion lets you relive every detail. In this guide, you'll learn how to set up your GoPro for the best slow-motion footage, adjust settings for the perfect shot, and understand the technical aspects that can make or break your video.

Step-by-Step Guide: Setting Up Your GoPro for Slow Motion

1. Access the Video Settings

First, power on your GoPro and navigate to the video recording screen. Once you're there:

• Tap on the video mode displayed at the bottom of the screen.

2. Adjust Resolution and Frame Rate

To achieve smooth slow-motion footage, your frame rate (FPS - Frames Per Second) is key. Here’s how to adjust it:

• Tap on the resolution option.

• Select the highest FPS possible—this will often mean sacrificing some resolution. For example:

  • 30 FPS: Allows you to slow down footage to 1x speed (real-time).

  • 60 FPS: Slows footage to 0.5x speed (half the original speed).

  • 120 FPS: Can slow footage to 0.25x speed (quarter speed).

  • 240 FPS: Can slow footage to 0.125x speed (one-eighth speed).

Example for GoPro HERO11:

• If you want to maintain 4K quality, the maximum frame rate available is 120 FPS.

• For ultra-slow motion at 240 FPS, you’ll need to reduce your resolution to 1080p.

3. Additional Settings for the Best Slow-Motion Shots

• Stabilization: Activate HyperSmooth for the most stable footage possible.

• Lighting: High frame rates need good lighting to avoid dark, grainy footage. Try to record under clear daylight.

• Shutter Speed: Use a faster shutter speed to avoid motion blur (double your FPS is a good rule of thumb).

Why Higher FPS Videos Are Heavier

Recording at higher frame rates captures more data per second. For example:

• A 30 FPS video records 30 frames per second, creating lighter files.

• A 240 FPS video captures 8x more frames in the same amount of time, increasing file size significantly.

This extra data means better slow-motion quality, but it comes at the cost of larger files. Before recording, consider your available storage and how much post-editing you plan to do.

When to Use High FPS and When to Stick to 30 FPS

Use high FPS (120-240 FPS) when you want to capture:

• Freefall spins

• Dramatic openings of your parachute

• Close-ups of intricate movements during the dive

Stick to 30 FPS if you’re filming:

• Scenic wide shots

• Vlogs before or after the jump

• When conserving battery and storage space is a priority

See It in Action!

Check out this epic slow-motion skydiving jump on my YouTube channel to see the settings in action and get inspired for your next flight!

Final Thoughts

Recording your skydive in slow motion with a GoPro is all about balance: between resolution and frame rate, file size and storage, light conditions and stabilization. With these settings dialed in, you’re ready to capture breathtaking moments that let you relive the magic of freefall in every frame.

Happy jumping—and don’t forget to hit record!