Is the GoPro Hero 7 Black the ultimate Hyperlapse camera?

GoPro announced the brand new GoPro Hero 7 series of action cameras last week.

One of the new key features included in the Black model (the new GoPro flagship camera) is called TimeWarp.

GoPro explains TimeWarp as follows: “TimeWarp is HyperSmooth applied to TimeLapse Video. It allows you to Capture super stabilized time lapse videos while you move about a scene. Increase the speed up to 30x to turn longer activities into shareable moments. TimeWarp is processed in the camera and is enabled by increasing the camera's memory to 2GB.” Read more on their website here.

Click here to buy your GoPro Hero 7.

I was fortunate enough to receive a GoPro VIP kit before the camera was released, which allowed me to shoot some content using this brand new TimeWarp mode.

I was particularly interested to see if this would be the best way to shoot hyperlapses on a small camera. Have a look at the video or read on below.

To explain how HyperSmooth works, I've copied the following information from GoPro's website:

HyperSmooth is the next level of Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) introduced in HERO7 Black. With improvements on the GP1 chip and 2GB memory, the camera delivers gimbal-like stabilization for creating even more smooth video captures. Check out this video which highlights HyperSmooth stabilization (among other features):

How does HyperSmooth work?
With our advanced scene analysis and roller shutter correction algorithm, our camera is able to proactively look at how motion is happening frame to frame and adjust correction to make the video super smooth. This is achieved through an increase of the camera's processing memory (not to be confused with SD card recording memory). We use an advanced roller shutter correction algorithm.

This is what I love about technology. An increase in R&D spending leads to more efficient workflows, which allows you more time to be creative because you don't have to spend as much time on worrying about how to shoot or how to process.

Hyperlapse photography is notorious for its difficulty and time consuming post processing process. I've made plenty of videos on Hyperlapse photography, my most recent below should give you a good idea of how much work can go into a single shot.

If you'd prefer to follow it at your own pace check out the Hyperlapse tutorial here.

I spent a few hours shooting GoPro TimeWarp footage over the last few days and I have to say, I am really, really impressed. Here are some pros of this new shooting technique:

• The camera is super small. No more shoulder strain holding up a heavy DSLR.
• You don't need a gimbal or a tripod. You can shoot while walking.
• The footage is instantly processed. No lengthy post production process.
• High resolution. Up to 4K resolution straight out of camera.
• Connectivity. You can download the footage straight to your phone.
• Shareability. Shoot vertically and upload your footage straight to your instagram story!
• Opens up new shots. Classically shooting extreme wide angle for hyperlapses was near impossible due to how those types of lenses warp the edges of the shot. GoPro has found a way around this, allowing for much more up close and wide angle hyperlapse photography.

Here are some of the clips I shot, all handheld, while walking.

via Gfycat

Battery life seemed to be as usual, not bad but not amazing either. I recommend getting one or two extra batteries and a fast charger.

Click here to buy your GoPro Hero 7.

This new way of shooting has only just been released and I'm already super excited about it. As a professional hyperlapse photographer, I'm stoked to see what new ways of shooting this will open up. It won't replace a professional production but it allows for run and gun shooting. The better this software gets, the more creative we will get to be.

A big thanks to GoPro for sending me this camera ahead of time. And a big thanks to you for reading.