What To Know
- But sometimes, the bright front screen can be a distraction, especially when you’re trying to focus on your shot or simply want to save battery life.
- While the difference is minimal, turning off the front screen can slightly reduce the overall weight and bulk of the camera, which can be helpful for certain activities.
- The front screen allows you to review your footage directly on the camera, which can be convenient when you’re in the field.
The GoPro Hero 9 is a fantastic action camera, capturing breathtaking footage and offering a plethora of features. But sometimes, the bright front screen can be a distraction, especially when you’re trying to focus on your shot or simply want to save battery life. This blog post will guide you through the simple steps on how to turn off the GoPro Hero 9 front screen.
Why Turn Off the Front Screen?
There are several reasons why you might want to turn off the GoPro Hero 9 front screen:
- Battery Life: The front screen draws power, and turning it off can significantly extend your battery life, especially when recording long videos or taking time-lapses.
- Reduced Distractions: The front screen can be distracting when you’re trying to focus on your shot, especially in bright sunlight. Turning it off allows you to concentrate on framing and composition.
- Privacy: The front screen can be a privacy concern if you’re recording in public places. Turning it off helps prevent others from seeing what you’re filming.
- Reduced Weight and Bulk: While the difference is minimal, turning off the front screen can slightly reduce the overall weight and bulk of the camera, which can be helpful for certain activities.
Method 1: Using the Quick Controls
This is the fastest and most convenient way to turn off the front screen:
1. Turn on your GoPro Hero 9.
2. Press the “Mode” button located on the side of the camera. This cycles through the different shooting modes.
3. Keep pressing the “Mode” button until you see the “Quick Controls” icon (a cogwheel) on the front screen.
4. Tap the “Quick Controls” icon on the front screen.
5. Scroll down using the touch screen to find the “Front Screen” option.
6. Tap the “Front Screen” option and choose “Off”.
Method 2: Using the GoPro App
You can also control the front screen settings through the GoPro app:
1. Download and install the GoPro app on your smartphone or tablet.
2. Turn on your GoPro Hero 9 and connect it to your device via Wi-Fi.
3. Open the GoPro app and select your camera from the list.
4. Tap the “Settings” icon (a gear) in the app’s top right corner.
5. Scroll down and select “Front Screen“.
6. Choose “Off” to disable the front screen.
Method 3: Using the Camera Menu
This method allows you to access more settings and customize your GoPro Hero 9’s behavior:
1. Turn on your GoPro Hero 9.
2. Press the “Mode” button to cycle through the shooting modes until you reach the “Camera” mode.
3. Tap the “Settings” icon (a gear) at the bottom of the front screen.
4. Scroll down and select “General Settings“.
5. Tap on “Front Screen“.
6. Select “Off” to disable the front screen.
When to Use the Front Screen
While turning off the front screen can be beneficial, there are situations where it’s useful to keep it on:
- Framing Shots: The front screen helps you frame your shots, especially when using the camera in selfie mode or when recording yourself.
- Viewing Playback: The front screen allows you to review your footage directly on the camera, which can be convenient when you’re in the field.
- Using the Touch Screen: The front screen is essential for navigating the camera’s menus and controlling its settings using the touch screen.
Tips for Saving Battery Life
Here are a few additional tips for extending your GoPro Hero 9’s battery life:
- Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: These features drain battery power, so turn them off when not in use.
- Use a Battery Pack: Invest in a GoPro battery pack to extend your recording time.
- Turn off the LCD Screen: While the front screen is useful, turning it off can save significant battery life.
- Use Lower Resolution Settings: Recording in lower resolution settings (like 1080p instead of 4K) can save battery power.
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Hot or cold temperatures can drain battery life faster.
The Final Word: Choosing What’s Best for You
Ultimately, whether or not to turn off the GoPro Hero 9 front screen is a personal decision. Consider your shooting style, battery life needs, and privacy concerns to determine the best approach for you. By understanding the different methods and tips outlined above, you can choose the option that works best for your needs and maximize your GoPro Hero 9’s performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I turn off the front screen while recording?
A: No, you cannot turn off the front screen while recording. However, you can disable the screen from turning on automatically after recording by changing the “Auto Sleep” setting in the camera’s menu.
Q: Will turning off the front screen affect the quality of my videos?
A: No, turning off the front screen will not affect the quality of your videos. The screen is solely for viewing and does not influence the camera’s recording capabilities.
Q: Can I customize the brightness of the front screen?
A: Yes, you can adjust the brightness of the front screen by accessing the “Front Screen Brightness” setting in the camera’s menu.
Q: Will turning off the front screen save battery life significantly?
A: Yes, turning off the front screen can significantly extend your battery life, especially when recording for long durations.
Q: Is there a way to turn off the screen automatically after a certain time?
A: Yes, you can set the camera to automatically turn off the front screen after a specific period of inactivity by adjusting the “Auto Sleep” setting in the camera’s menu.
