Protune 2.0: What it is, and how you use it.

With the latest HERO3+ Black firmware update (March 6, 2014), Protune has four new controls for more flexibility.

I know there has been some concern expressed here that the need to color correct in post is too much burden for some, especially those not using Studio, but you still want the higher data rate or less-sharp image. Also, our broadcast customers often don't have time to correct before airing, but want the higher data rate too.

Now you can use the normal GoPro Color development AND still have control over sharpness and utilize the higher bitrate!

Here's the language from our updated manual:

PROTUNE SETTINGS Protune enables advanced control of White Balance, Color, ISO Limit, Sharpness and Exposure.

PRO TIP: Making adjustments to your Protune settings will not affect your non-Protune video modes. You can reset your Protune settings to their default states by selecting RESET in the Protune menu.

White Balance White Balance adjusts the overall color tone of videos. Standard video records in AUTO White Balance only. Advanced users can make adjustments to the White Balance settings when in Protune mode.

White Balance Setting Recommended Lighting Conditions 3000K (Default) Warm light (incandescent or sunrise/sunset lighting) 5500K Slightly cool light (cool fluorescent, average daylight) 6500K Cool light (overcast conditions) Cam RAW Industry standardized optimized color

PRO TIP: Cam RAW mode yields a minimally processed data file direct from the image sensor that allows for more precise adjustments to be made in post-production. Recording in this mode takes full advantage of the image sensor’s capabilities.

Color Color allows you to adjust the color profile of your video footage. There are two Color options: GoPro Color (default) and Flat. GoPro Color delivers the same great color you get when Protune is turned OFF. Flat results in a neutral color profile that can be color-corrected to better match footage captured with other equipment, offering more flexibility in post-production. Due to its log curve, Flat captures more details in shadows and highlights.

Color Setting Resulting Color Profile GoPro Color (Default) - GoPro color-corrected profile Flat - Flat, neutral color profile

ISO Limit ISO Limit adjusts the camera’s sensitivity in low-light environments, and creates a balance between brightness and resulting image noise. A higher ISO Limit will result in brighter footage, but you may experience more noise. A lower ISO Limit will result in darker footage, but will deliver reduced noise.

ISO Limit Setting Resulting Video Quality 6400 (Default) Brighter video in low light, increased image noise 1600 Moderately bright video in low light, moderate image noise 400 Darker video in low light, reduced image noise

Sharpness Sharpness controls the sharpness of your video footage. There are three Sharpness options: Low, Medium and High.

Sharpness Setting Resulting Video Quality High (Default) Ultra-sharp video Medium Moderately sharp video Low Softer video that allows for more flexibility in post-production

Exposure Exposure compensation affects the brightness of your video. Adjusting Exposure can improve image quality when shooting in environments with contrasting lighting conditions.

Exposure Settings +2.0 +1.5 +1.0 +0.5 0 (Default) -0.5 -1.0 -1.5 -2.0

Pro Tip: Exposure compensation adjusts brightness within the existing ISO Limit. If brightness has already reached the ISO Limit in a low-light environment, increasing your Exposure compensation will not have any effect.

Hope this helps some of you get familiar with the new features. Please ask any questions here and I'll answer what I can!

And yes, Studio 2.0.1 supports all the new features, too.