GoPros shoot both photos and video, and switching between them is straightforward

Yes, GoPro cameras take still pictures. Every current GoPro model—Hero 12, Hero 11, Hero 10, and older versions—can capture both video and photos. The camera defaults to video mode when you power it on, but you can switch to photo mode using the mode button on the camera body or through the GoPro app on your phone.

The photo quality depends on your GoPro model and the resolution you choose. Newer models like the Hero 12 shoot 27-megapixel photos in standard mode, while older models typically max out at 12 to 20 megapixels. The camera also offers burst mode, which takes multiple photos in rapid succession, and time-lapse photo mode, which captures images at set intervals and plays them back as a video.

Key Takeaways

  • Every GoPro model can take still photos by pressing the mode button to switch from video to photo mode.
  • Burst mode captures multiple photos per second, useful for action shots where you want to pick the sharpest frame later.
  • Time-lapse photo mode takes pictures at intervals you set and combines them into a video, good for sunsets or construction progress.
  • Photo quality is highest on newer models like the Hero 12, which shoots 27-megapixel images, but older GoPros still produce clear pictures for most uses.
  • You can review and delete photos on the camera screen or transfer them to your phone using the GoPro app.

How to switch to photo mode on your GoPro

On the camera itself, press the mode button (usually on the side or top of the body) until the screen shows a camera icon instead of a video camera icon. The display will confirm you are in photo mode. Press the shutter button (the large button on top) to take a single photo.

If you are using the GoPro app on your phone, open it, connect to your camera via Bluetooth, and tap the mode icon at the bottom of the screen. Swipe left or right until you see the photo mode option, then tap it. You can then take photos from your phone's screen, which is useful if the camera is mounted somewhere you cannot easily reach.

Burst mode: taking multiple photos at once

Burst mode captures between 30 and 60 photos per second, depending on your GoPro model and resolution settings. This is useful for fast action—a jump, a wave, a trick—where you want to pick the single sharpest or most dramatic frame afterward.

To use burst mode, switch to photo mode, then press and hold the shutter button. The camera will fire continuously until you release the button. On the camera screen, you will see a counter showing how many photos were taken. Later, when you review the photos on your phone or computer, you can delete the blurry ones and keep the best shot.

Time-lapse photo mode for slow changes

Time-lapse photo mode takes a photo at regular intervals—every 0.5 seconds, every 2 seconds, every 10 seconds, or longer—and plays them back as a video. This is ideal for watching a sunset, clouds moving, or a project being built over hours.

To set it up, switch to photo mode, then navigate to time-lapse in the camera menu. Choose your interval (how often the camera shoots), then press the shutter button to start. The camera will take photos automatically until you press the button again to stop. The GoPro app will then combine the photos into a video file you can watch or share.

Photo resolution and file size

GoPro photos are saved as JPEGs, a standard image format that works on any phone, computer, or photo app. The resolution you choose affects both image quality and file size. A 27-megapixel photo from a Hero 12 takes up roughly 8 to 12 megabytes of storage, while a 12-megapixel photo from an older model uses 3 to 5 megabytes.

You can change the resolution in the camera settings. Higher resolution means larger files and slower transfer to your phone, but more detail if you want to crop or enlarge the photo later. For most social media sharing, the default resolution is fine. If you plan to print large photos or edit them heavily, choose the highest resolution your model offers.

Transferring photos from your GoPro to your phone

The easiest way is through the GoPro app. Open the app, make sure your phone is connected to the camera via Bluetooth, and tap the media icon. You will see thumbnails of all your photos and videos. Tap the ones you want, then tap "read" or the read icon. The app will transfer them to your phone's photo library.

You can also connect the camera to a computer with a USB cable and drag the photos to a folder on your hard drive. Photos are stored in a folder called DCIM on the camera's memory card. This method is faster if you have hundreds of photos, because the USB connection is quicker than Bluetooth.

Common reasons photos come out blurry or dark

Photos taken underwater or in low light often look darker than you expected because GoPros have small lenses and sensors. If your photos are too dark, try increasing the ISO (light sensitivity) in the camera settings, or move to a brighter location. Underwater, use the camera's underwater color correction setting if available on your model.

Blurry photos usually mean the camera moved during the shot. GoPros have no optical image stabilization for photos (only for video), so hold the camera steady or mount it on a stable surface. If you are taking action photos by hand, use burst mode and pick the sharpest frame from the batch. In very low light, the camera needs a longer exposure time, so any movement will blur the image—use a tripod or mount in these conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take a photo while recording video?

No. GoPros cannot capture a still photo while actively recording video. You must stop the video, switch to photo mode, take the photo, then switch back to video mode if you want to keep recording. Some users work around this by taking a burst of photos before or after a video clip.

How many photos can I store on a GoPro memory card?

A 128GB memory card (the most common size) holds roughly 10,000 to 15,000 photos, depending on resolution. A 256GB card holds about 20,000 to 30,000. Video takes up much more space, so if you mix photos and video, the card will fill faster. Check your card's remaining space in the camera settings before a long shoot.

Do GoPro photos have metadata like location and date?

Yes, if your camera has GPS enabled, photos will include location data and a timestamp. You can view this information in the GoPro app or in photo editing software. If you do not want location data saved, turn off GPS in the camera settings.

Can I edit photos on the GoPro itself?

No. GoPros do not have built-in photo editing tools. You must transfer photos to your phone or computer to crop, adjust brightness, or explore filters. The GoPro app has basic editing options like trimming and color adjustment for videos, but not for photos.

What is the difference between photo mode and night photo mode?

Night photo mode uses a longer exposure time to capture more light in dark conditions. It works best when the camera is mounted on a stable surface, because any movement will blur the image. Standard photo mode is faster and better for handheld shots, but produces darker images in low light.