Reliable starting preset
- Resolution / rate
- 4K60 for driver review; 4K30 for longer, cooler recording
- Digital lens
- Wide for cockpit context; Linear when distortion hides steering or circuit geometry
- Stabilisation
- HyperSmooth on; avoid treating stabilised image motion as raw vehicle attitude
- Bitrate
- High when card capacity and editing hardware allow
- GPS
- On for HERO11/HERO13; HERO12 has no receiver
- Colour / white balance
- Natural/standard and Auto are dependable; lock white balance only after testing
- ISO maximum
- Keep as low as conditions permit; a dark cockpit may require compromise
Choose by the job
| Goal | Starting point | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Driver review | 4K60 | More frames; more heat and storage |
| Long session | 4K30 | Less temporal detail; easier reliability |
| Slow motion | 4K120 where supported | High thermal/storage load; test duration |
| Reframe later | 5.3K 8:7 on HERO11/13 | Larger files and heavier editing |
Shutter and exposure
Do not force a cinematic 180-degree shutter rule without an ND filter and testing. Long shutter times add attractive blur but can erase detail needed to inspect steering input, kerbs or vibration. Auto exposure is usually safer when the car moves between bright track and dark cockpit.
Horizon Lock is not always desirable.
It can make polished footage, but it suppresses visible roll cues. HERO11’s official guide also documents mode-dependent Horizon Lock and Leveling limits.
Before the session
- Format a verified V30/UHS-3 card in the camera after backing it up.
- Record longer than the intended session with the same power and mounting.
- Confirm GPS lock and embedded data on a short test clip.
- Check framing with helmet, belts and normal driving posture.
- Disable distractions and obey circuit camera rules.