Yes, GoPro cameras take still photos in addition to video

GoPro cameras are built to shoot both video and still images. Every GoPro model—whether it's a Hero 11, Hero 10, or older generation—has a photo mode that works alongside its video recording. You switch between modes using the camera's physical buttons or the GoPro app on your phone, and the process takes seconds.

Still photos on a GoPro capture the same wide-angle perspective and image quality as your video footage. The camera stores photos and videos in the same location on your memory card, so you can review and transfer them together. Photo quality depends on lighting conditions and which GoPro model you own, but modern GoPros produce sharp, detailed images in daylight and reasonably good results in low light.

Key Takeaways

  • Switch to photo mode by pressing the mode button on the camera body or tapping the mode icon in the GoPro app.
  • Press the shutter button (the top button) once to take a single photo, or hold it down to capture multiple photos in rapid succession.
  • GoPro cameras store photos and videos on the same memory card and organize them by date in the GoPro app.
  • Photo resolution varies by model—newer GoPros shoot at 27 megapixels or higher, while older models may be lower.
  • You can set the camera to burst mode to capture 3, 5, or 10 photos per second, useful for action shots where timing is uncertain.

How to switch your GoPro to photo mode

On the camera body, locate the mode button—a small button on the side or back of the camera depending on your model. Press it once to cycle through the available modes: Video, Photo, and Burst. When Photo mode is selected, you'll see a camera icon on the screen. The mode button is usually labeled with a small icon or sits near the power button.

If you're using the GoPro app on your phone, open the app and look for the mode selector at the bottom of the screen. Tap the camera icon to switch to photo mode. The app shows you a live preview of what the camera sees, which is helpful for framing your shot before you press the shutter button.

Once you're in photo mode, the camera is ready to take still images. The shutter button is the large button on top of the camera—the same button you use to start and stop video recording. In photo mode, a single press captures one image.

Taking a single photo versus burst mode

A single photo is captured when you press the shutter button once and release it when ready. This works well when you know exactly when you want the shot—for example, posing for a selfie or photographing a landscape. The camera takes one image and stores it on your memory card.

Burst mode captures multiple photos in rapid succession when you hold down the shutter button. You can set your GoPro to shoot 3, 5, or 10 photos per second depending on your model and settings. Burst mode is useful for action shots where the moment is unpredictable—jumping off a cliff, a dog running toward you, or a wave about to break. You hold the button, release it when the action is over, and then pick the best frame from the sequence.

To enable burst mode, go into your camera settings (usually accessed through the GoPro app or the camera's menu button) and look for "Photo Mode" or "Burst Rate." Select the number of photos per second you want. Higher rates use more battery and memory card space but give you more options to choose from.

Understanding photo resolution and file size

GoPro photo resolution depends on which model you own. Newer models like the Hero 11 and Hero 10 shoot at 27 megapixels, while older models like the Hero 9 shoot at 20 megapixels. The higher the megapixel count, the larger the file size and the more detail you can see when you zoom in or print the photo.

Each photo takes up roughly 8 to 15 megabytes of space on your memory card, depending on resolution and image complexity. A 128 GB memory card holds roughly 8,000 to 10,000 photos, so you won't run out of space quickly unless you're shooting burst mode constantly. Video files consume much more space than photos, so photos are an efficient way to capture moments without filling your card.

Photos are saved as JPEG files, a standard format that works on any computer, phone, or photo editing software. You can transfer photos to your phone or computer the same way you transfer video files—through the GoPro app, a USB cable, or by removing the memory card and using a card reader.

Common mistakes when taking GoPro photos

The most common mistake is forgetting to switch out of video mode before trying to take a photo. If you press the shutter button while in video mode, you'll start recording video instead of capturing a still image. Always check the mode icon on your screen to confirm you're in photo mode before you shoot.

Another frequent error is not holding the camera steady. GoPros have a wide field of view, which means even small movements can make your photo look blurry or off-center. Use both hands to hold the camera, brace it against something stable, or use a tripod or mounting arm. In low light, the camera needs a longer exposure time to gather enough light, so movement becomes even more noticeable.

Shooting in burst mode without a plan wastes memory card space and battery. If you're not sure you need burst, start with single-shot mode. You can always switch to burst for the next action sequence. Similarly, setting burst rate too high (like 10 photos per second) fills your card quickly and gives you hundreds of nearly identical images to sort through later.

Transferring and viewing your photos

The easiest way to view and transfer photos is through the GoPro app. Connect your camera to your phone via Bluetooth or USB, open the app, and navigate to the Media section. You'll see thumbnails of all your photos and videos organized by date. Tap any photo to view it full-screen, and tap the read icon to save it to your phone's photo library.

You can also transfer photos by connecting your GoPro to a computer with a USB cable. The camera appears as a removable drive on your computer. Open the DCIM folder, find the photos you want, and drag them to a folder on your hard drive. This method is faster for transferring large batches of photos.

If you remove the memory card from the camera and use a card reader, you can transfer files even faster. Card readers plug into your computer's USB port and read the memory card directly, bypassing the camera. This is the quickest option if you have hundreds of photos to move.

Photo settings you can adjust

Most GoPro models let you adjust a few photo settings to improve image quality. White balance controls how the camera interprets color in different lighting—you can set it to Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, or other presets depending on your environment. Exposure controls how bright or dark the image is; you can increase it in dim conditions or decrease it in very bright conditions to avoid overexposure.

Some models offer RAW photo capture, which saves an unprocessed version of the image alongside the standard JPEG. RAW files are larger and require special software to edit, but they give you more control over color and brightness when you're editing later. RAW is useful if you plan to edit your photos extensively.

You can also set the camera to Night Photo mode on newer models, which uses a longer exposure time to capture more light in low-light situations. This mode works best when the camera is completely still—use a tripod or mount rather than holding it by hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between photo mode and burst mode?

Photo mode captures one image per button press. Burst mode captures multiple images per second while you hold the button down. Use photo mode for planned shots and burst mode for unpredictable action where you want multiple frames to choose from.

Can I take photos while recording video?

No. You must stop video recording first, switch to photo mode, and then take a photo. You cannot capture a still image while the camera is actively recording video.

How much memory do photos use compared to video?

A single GoPro photo uses roughly 8 to 15 megabytes. A minute of 4K video uses 300 to 500 megabytes. Photos are much more efficient for storage, so you can take thousands of photos on the same memory card that holds hours of video.

Do GoPro photos look good in low light?

GoPro photos in low light are usable but noisier than daylight photos. Newer models handle low light better than older ones. Use Night Photo mode if your camera has it, and keep the camera as still as possible to avoid blur.

Can I edit GoPro photos on my phone?

Yes. Once you read photos to your phone through the GoPro app, you can edit them with any photo editing app—built-in phone tools, Snapseed, Lightroom, or others. The photos are standard JPEG files that work with any editing software.