What Is Protune?

By now, basically, everyone knows the GoPro brand. They make fantastic cameras that are designed to handle your busy life on the go. Most models have shockproof features which means that can be dropped without much repercussion. They also have special cases that are waterproof, these are very popular among divers and snorkelers. These cameras are quite small which makes them incredibly easy to carry almost anywhere with you because they can fit almost anywhere. You can take digital photos or digital videos using a GoPro with several adjustment features. There are quite a few different models, each designed to suit the needs of different people. Using GoPro Color to shoot photos, you will get post-ready photographs that look amazing and do not require a ton of editing. This is excellent for anyone that does not have the time or the ability to edit photos before posting them. The main problem with this is for professional or budding photographers that prefer to edit and draw out the colors and shadows for a crisper, more professional look. Thankfully, there is a feature on certain GoPro models called Protune which gives this control. It captures more data than any other digital camera which means that the files will inevitably be bigger. This feature does not use jpeg files, instead, it focuses on RAW files which contain far more details and look much more natural. This software is not yet particularly well know, when it is brought up, people are often scrambling for information. Here, you will find answers to that burning question, what is Protune? You will also find information about what to expect from photos taken with this software and the differences between this and other camera settings.

First, what is this elusive software and how does it work? Essentially, this software is a feature on several GoPro models that allow for more natural photos. This feature can be turned on or off at any time while using the camera. Consider it like this, other features strive to eliminate the need for editing. In fact, the photos are automatically filtered and edited when you take it. With this software enabled, it eliminates these automatic filters and allows for a natural look. It allows more color to be captured. Also, it keeps shadows from being as harsh and makes everything more muted. Keep in mind that the goal is to allow untainted editing which means you are getting a very raw photo. At first, it will seem muted, perhaps even dull. However, it will get rid of harsh shadows and make colors appear truer. Keep in mind that it cannot actually get rid of shadows altogether, all it does is tone them down and make them appear soft rather than harsh and overstated. In short, this software gives the user more control over how the final product looks. It is often difficult to edit photos taken without the Protune feature enabled. Of course, this can be said of any digital camera. This is because the images undergo some editing within the camera when it is taken. The process is automatic, the only way to change this is by enabling this software.

What type of features are included in this software? Not only will this software give you more freedom with editing, but it also gives you more options when taking the picture in the first place. You will be able to adjust professional settings to allow for a more controlled experience. As with most digital cameras, there will be an auto feature that adjusts the settings for you with each picture, but most photographers prefer to make adjustments themselves. Within this software, you will be able to adjust the white balance, color, ISO, sharpness, and exposure. Within the white balance settings, you can choose from 3000K, 5500K, 6500K, CAM RAW, and negative. For sharpness, there is a high, medium, and low setting. The high setting will provide the same amount of sharpness that is applied to photos taken without this software enabled. Low sharpness gives the most flexibility after the photo is taken. For ISO in video mode, you can choose from 6400, 1600, and 400. In only one model (HERO4), there is a variety of ISO options for photos. This includes 800, 400, 200, and 100. For color, there are two options. You can use GoPro Color or Protune Flat. This first option only works when this software is turned off and provides automatic adjustments. The latter option gives more neutral colors which allow for more editing control later. For exposure, you can choose from +2.0, +1.5, +1.0, +0.5, +0.0, -0.5, -1.0, -1.5, -2.0. There is also a reset option if you feel you need to start from scratch with the setting.

This GoPro feature works well in conjunction with professional editing software. Do not be concerned, it works with almost any editing software, amateur and professional. Keep in mind that these features are designed for the advanced GoPro user. This does not mean that you should avoid it if you are new to GoPro, only that it was designed with advanced users in mind. If you are interested in using this software, the best thing to do it give it a try. Even if you are a professional photographer, there will be a learning curve to discover the best ways to utilize these features. The best thing about using a digital camera is that you can take a bunch of practice shots and then just delete them. That way they are not taking up needed space, but you will have the opportunity to practice as much as you need. Keep in mind, that you will want to use a high capacity SD card because photos and videos taken with this software engaged will be bigger files than any taken without it. You will also want to have a few backup SD cards when you are not just practicing. That way you can ensure having enough space to handle whatever you need it to.

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