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Unlock the Secret: How to Get Speedometer on GoPro Hero 7

Lindsey is a photographer based in Los Angeles. She has over 10 years of experience as a professional photographer specializing in portraits and events. Lindsey started her career with DSLR cameras but made the switch to Nikon's line of Z mirrorless cameras in 2020. Since then, she has been extensively...

What To Know

  • Whether you’re hitting the open road on a motorcycle, tearing up the mountain on your bike, or cruising down the river in a kayak, having a speedometer overlay on your footage can add a whole new level of excitement and precision.
  • The good news is that you don’t need to buy any extra hardware to get a speedometer on your GoPro Hero 7.
  • It offers a variety of speedometer designs, the option to record speed data, and the ability to export your data to other applications.

Do you love capturing your adventures on your GoPro Hero 7? Whether you’re hitting the open road on a motorcycle, tearing up the mountain on your bike, or cruising down the river in a kayak, having a speedometer overlay on your footage can add a whole new level of excitement and precision. But how do you get a speedometer on your GoPro Hero 7? It’s easier than you might think! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps, from choosing the right app to customizing your speedometer display. Get ready to capture your speed with style!

Understanding the Options: Apps vs. Built-in Features

The good news is that you don’t need to buy any extra hardware to get a speedometer on your GoPro Hero 7. There are two main ways to achieve this:

  • Using a dedicated app: Several apps are available for smartphones and tablets that can connect to your GoPro and overlay a speedometer onto your footage. These apps offer a wide range of customization options, allowing you to adjust the speedometer’s style, position, and even add additional data like GPS coordinates.
  • Utilizing GoPro’s built-in GPS features: The GoPro Hero 7 has a built-in GPS, which can be used to track your speed and location. However, this feature doesn’t automatically display a speedometer on your footage. You’ll need to use GoPro’s editing software or a third-party editing program to add a speedometer overlay later.

Choosing the Right App for Your Needs

With so many apps available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Here’s a breakdown of some popular options and their key features:

  • GoPro Quik: GoPro’s official app is a great starting point. It offers a basic speedometer overlay, along with other editing tools. However, its customization options are limited compared to dedicated apps.
  • SpeedView: This app is specifically designed for displaying speed and other data on your GoPro footage. It boasts a wide range of speedometer styles, color options, and the ability to add additional information like distance, altitude, and time.
  • iSpeedometer: This app is known for its intuitive interface and detailed data tracking. It offers a variety of speedometer designs, the option to record speed data, and the ability to export your data to other applications.

Setting Up Your App: Connecting and Calibrating

Once you’ve chosen your app, it’s time to connect it to your GoPro Hero 7. Most apps require Bluetooth connectivity, so make sure your GoPro’s Bluetooth is turned on. Open the app and follow the instructions to pair your GoPro.
Some apps may require calibration to ensure accurate speed readings. This usually involves driving or riding at a known speed and inputting this information into the app. This step helps the app understand your GoPro’s speed sensor and provide accurate readings.

Customizing Your Speedometer: Style, Position, and Data

Now that your app is connected and calibrated, it’s time to get creative with your speedometer. Most apps offer a wide range of customization options, allowing you to tailor the speedometer to your preferences.

  • Speedometer Style: Choose from different speedometer designs, including digital, analog, and even animated styles. Select a style that complements your footage and personal taste.
  • Speedometer Position: Place the speedometer on the screen where it’s most visible and doesn’t obstruct important parts of your footage. You can typically adjust its size and transparency as well.
  • Additional Data: Many apps allow you to add other data to your speedometer, such as time, distance, altitude, and even GPS coordinates. This can enhance your footage and provide valuable information for your viewers.

Recording Your Footage: Capturing the Action

With your app set up and customized, you’re ready to capture your adventures! Start recording with your GoPro Hero 7 and enjoy the convenience of having your speed displayed on the screen. The app will record the data, and you can later edit your footage to add the speedometer overlay.

Editing Your Footage: Adding the Speedometer Overlay

After recording your footage, you’ll need to add the speedometer overlay. Most apps allow you to do this directly within the app. Simply import your video, select the speedometer overlay, and adjust its position and style. You can also use GoPro’s editing software or a third-party editing program to add the speedometer overlay.

Beyond the Speedometer: Exploring Other Features

While a speedometer is a great addition to your GoPro footage, many apps offer other features that can enhance your videos. These features include:

  • GPS Tracking: Track your route and location with detailed GPS data.
  • Altitude Measurement: Measure your altitude during activities like hiking or skiing.
  • G-Force Meter: Track your acceleration and deceleration forces.
  • Data Export: Export your speed and other data to spreadsheets or other applications for further analysis.

Final Thoughts: Elevate Your Adventure Footage

Adding a speedometer to your GoPro Hero 7 footage is a simple yet effective way to enhance your videos. By capturing your speed and other data, you can create more engaging and informative content. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a racer, or simply someone who enjoys capturing their adventures, a speedometer can add a new dimension to your GoPro footage. So go out there, explore, and capture your speed with style!

What People Want to Know

Q: Can I use a speedometer app on a GoPro Hero 7 Black?
A: Yes, the GoPro Hero 7 Black is compatible with most speedometer apps available. Make sure the app you choose is specifically designed for GoPro cameras.
Q: Do I need a paid subscription to use a speedometer app?
A: Most speedometer apps offer a free version with basic features. However, you may need to purchase a paid subscription to unlock advanced features like additional speedometer styles, data export, and other customization options.
Q: Can I add a speedometer overlay to my GoPro footage after I’ve recorded it?
A: Yes, you can add a speedometer overlay to your footage after recording. Most speedometer apps allow you to do this directly within the app. You can also use GoPro’s editing software or a third-party editing program to add the overlay.
Q: Is there any way to display a speedometer on my GoPro’s LCD screen while recording?
A: Unfortunately, there’s no way to display a speedometer directly on the GoPro Hero 7’s LCD screen while recording. You can only view the speedometer overlay after recording and editing your footage.
Q: How accurate are the speed readings provided by speedometer apps?
A: The accuracy of speed readings depends on the app, the calibration process, and the quality of your GoPro’s GPS sensor. Generally, speedometer apps provide reasonably accurate readings, but they may not be as precise as professional GPS devices.

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Lindsey

Lindsey is a photographer based in Los Angeles. She has over 10 years of experience as a professional photographer specializing in portraits and events. Lindsey started her career with DSLR cameras but made the switch to Nikon's line of Z mirrorless cameras in 2020. Since then, she has been extensively testing and reviewing Nikon's latest mirrorless cameras like the Z5, Z6, Z7 and Z50 on her blog. Through her writing on lindseyshoots.com, Lindsey aims to help other photographers make the transition from DSLRs to mirrorless. She shares detailed hands-on reviews, comparisons between different mirrorless camera models, tips for beginners, and photo tutorials. When she isn't testing cameras, Lindsey enjoys landscape, street and travel photography. Her work has been published in several magazines and online publications. Lindsey is also a member of the Nikon Professional Services program.
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