Getting the most out of your HERO8 camera with GoPro Labs

Welcome to your detailed guide on making the most of the GoPro Labs HERO8 features. Whether you are just starting out with GoPro or have been a user for a while, this guide is here to help you navigate the rich functionalities that the GoPro Labs HERO8 firmware brings to your HERO8 camera.

In this guide, I will:

List the GoPro Labs features that are compatible with the HERO8
Show you how to start using the GoPro Labs HERO8 functionalities
Offer tips on how to use the new features to enhance your HERO8 experience

GoPro Labs is a platform where GoPro tests new features, allowing users to try them before they become available to everyone. The GoPro Labs HERO8 updates have introduced a plethora of cool features, enhancing the HERO8 camera’s capabilities significantly.

So, let’s get started and explore how you can upgrade your filming experience with GoPro Labs HERO8.

A Brief Dive into the GoPro HERO8 and GoPro Labs Journey

The GoPro HERO8 has had a remarkable journey since it became a part of the GoPro Labs. Let’s take a closer look at its history and the updates it received through GoPro Labs HERO8 firmware.

When did HERO8 Join GoPro Labs?

The HERO8 was introduced to the GoPro Labs family with its first firmware released on June 2020. This marked the beginning of the GoPro Labs HERO8 journey, offering HERO8 users a playground to explore a variety of new and experimental features.

What’s the Status of Recent Updates?

The most recent firmware update for the HERO8 was rolled out in July 2022. Since then, there hasn’t been any new firmware release for this model, indicating that GoPro might have paused the development of new features for the GoPro Labs HERO8.

Should We Expect Any Future Updates?

As of now, it seems that GoPro has halted the release of new GoPro Labs HERO8 features. The gap since the last update in July 2022 suggests that the development has slowed down, and we might not see any new releases in the near future. However, it is always a good practice to keep an eye on the official GoPro Labs notes for any potential updates.

Discover the GoPro Labs HERO8 Compatible Features

Before you start experimenting with your HERO8 camera, it’s essential to know which features are available through GoPro Labs HERO8 firmware. Below, I have compiled a table that outlines all the features available in GoPro Labs, indicating which ones are compatible with the HERO8.

Feature	HERO8
24.0Hz capture vs 23.976
Adobe-compatible proxies
Altered File Naming	Yes
Archive Mode (locked settings)	Yes
Audio Channels Gain/Solo/Mute
Audio Disable
Bitrate Controls
Boot Command	Yes
DaVinci-compatible proxies
Exposure Display current ISO and shutter
Exposure Damping control
Exposure Curve custom log encoding
Exposure Min/Max Times
Extra Long time-lapse	Yes
GPS time sync
Guidelines Display on rear LCD
HDMI display settings
Hindsight Timeout Extension
Histogram	Yes
Histogram Position/Size
Large Chapter Support	Yes
Live Stream Initiation	Yes
LRV Disable
LTC Time support
Max Shutter Angle	Yes
Metadata Injections	Yes
Noise Reduction
Overlay – Burn-ins	Yes
Overlay – Color Bar	Yes
Overlays – Logo Burn-In
Overlays – Luma Sweep	Yes
Owner Information	Yes
QR decoding while recording	Yes
SD card speed test	Yes
Spirit Level Display
Sunrise/Sunset starts	Yes
Time delayed Starts	Yes
Time/date/timecode QR Code	Yes
Tone Mapping Controls
Trigger – Accelerometer	Yes
Trigger – GPS speed	Yes
Trigger – Gyroscope	Yes
Trigger – IMU Motion	Yes
Trigger – Motion detection	Yes
Trigger – Sound Pressure Level
Trigger – USB Power	Yes
Upload scripting
USB power trust override
Wake on Power	Yes
Wider Color Gamut
White Balance Lock

In my experience, understanding the features available through GoPro Labs HERO8 is the first step to enhancing your camera usage. I recommend taking some time to familiarize yourself with these features, as they can significantly upgrade your HERO8 camera experience.

Your First Steps with GoPro Labs HERO8

Embarking on your GoPro Labs HERO8 adventure is simpler than you might think. Here, I’ll guide you through the initial steps to get you started:

Download the GoPro Labs Firmware: Your first step is to visit the GoPro Labs page and download the GoPro Labs HERO8 firmware that matches your HERO8 camera.
Install the Firmware: Now, it’s time to install the GoPro Labs HERO8 firmware on your camera. It’s a straightforward process, and to make it even easier, I have prepared a detailed guide for you. Just follow the step-by-step instructions available here.

In my experience, following the guide closely will make the setup process smooth and easy. Once you are done, a host of new features will be at your fingertips, ready to elevate your GoPro Labs HERO8 experience.

Making the Most of GoPro Labs HERO8 Features

Now that you have GoPro Labs HERO8 set up on your camera, it’s time to explore the exciting features it offers. But first, let’s understand a key tool that GoPro Labs uses – the QR codes.

Understanding QR Codes

QR codes are a type of barcode that stores information. In GoPro Labs HERO8, QR codes are used to control your camera’s settings and features. You simply show the QR code to your camera, and it reads the information and adjusts its settings accordingly.

For a deeper understanding and to learn how to create QR codes for GoPro Labs HERO8, check out my detailed guide on the GoPro Labs mobile app.

My Tips on Using the Features

In my experience, using QR codes is not just tech-savvy but also a time-saver. It allows for quick changes and easy setup, enhancing your GoPro Labs HERO8 filming experience manifold. I recommend experimenting with different settings to find what works best for you.

Wrapping Up Your GoPro Labs HERO8 Journey

You’ve reached the end of your introductory journey into the world of GoPro Labs HERO8. But remember, this is just the beginning. There are other articles in this series that delve deeper into the functionalities and features that GoPro Labs offers for different GoPro models.

Recap

In this guide, we explored the GoPro Labs HERO8 firmware, from its introduction in GoPro Labs to the exciting features it offers. We also covered how to get started with GoPro Labs HERO8 and the innovative use of QR codes to control your HERO8 settings.

In my experience, diving into GoPro Labs opens up a new realm of possibilities, enhancing your HERO8 camera’s functionality and allowing for a more personalized user experience with GoPro Labs HERO8.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. Stay tuned for more insights and tips on making the most of your GoPro devices with GoPro Labs HERO8.

GoPro Labs HERO8: Unlocking the Full Potential of Your Camera

Getting the most out of your HERO8 camera with GoPro Labs