GoPro “Burst Slo-Mo”: Features and How-To Guide
A complete guide to GoPro “Burst Slo-Mo” across the HERO13 Black and MISSION 1 PRO series. Covers supported models, preset specs, differences from standard high‑fps capture, and scene-based recommendations.
Modified at: 2026.7.26Posted at: 2025.10.22
What Is Burst Slo-Mo?
Burst Slo-Mo is a dedicated slow-motion capture preset debuted on the GoPro HERO13 Black and dramatically upgraded with the 2026 MISSION 1 PRO series. Designed to capture brief, decisive moments at extreme frame rates, it allows seamless ultra-slow playback directly in-camera or within the app.
While the HERO13 Black tops out at 400 fps (about 13× slow motion at 720p), the MISSION 1 PRO series pushes performance further, delivering up to 960 fps (32× slow motion) while maintaining Full HD (1080p) quality.
This capability brings near-industrial high-speed camera performance (such as 4K/1000 fps or HD/multi-thousand fps) into portable action and cinema cameras.
For prosumer gear, standard continuous recording typically caps around 1080p/240 fps (e.g., SONY NEX-FS700R), with short bursts reaching 480–960 fps. GoPro’s Burst Slo-Mo fully bridges that gap in a compact form factor.
How It Differs From Standard High-FPS Recording
Burst Slo-Mo pre-configures resolution, frame rate, field of view (FOV), and recording duration into optimized presets. Eliminating manual exposure and duration adjustments, it significantly improves shot success when capturing fast, unpredictable motion.
However, since Burst Slo-Mo is engineered specifically for short bursts of action, standard high-fps modes remain preferable for long continuous takes or maximum baseline image quality.
Additionally, footage shot in Burst Slo-Mo supports dynamic speed ramping during post-editing, making it easy to create dramatic cinematic speed changes.
Available Presets
For GoPro HERO13 Black
The HERO13 Black features three distinct Burst Slo-Mo presets:1
| Preset | Resolution | Frame Rate | FOV | Max Duration | Approx. Slow-Mo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.3K/120 fps | 5.3K | 120 fps | Wide | 5 s | ~4× |
| 900p/360 fps | 900p | 360 fps | Linear | 15 s | ~12× |
| 720p/400 fps | 720p | 400 fps | Narrow | 15 s | ~13× |
Note that on the HERO13 Black, the field of view is locked per preset (400 fps = Narrow, 360 fps = Linear, and 120 fps = Wide).
For MISSION 1 PRO Series
| Preset | Resolution | Frame Rate | Aspect Ratio | Max Duration | Approx. Slow-Mo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1080p/960 fps | 1080p | 960 fps | 16:9 | 10 s | 32× |
The MISSION 1 PRO series unlocks an impressive 1080p/960 fps mode. A single 10-second burst expands to over 5 minutes of playback at standard 30 fps, creating dramatic 32× ultra-slow-motion shots reminiscent of iconic cinematic action scenes.
Keep in mind that 960 fps burst capture is exclusive to the MISSION 1 PRO and MISSION 1 PRO ILS models, and is not available on the base MISSION 1.
Supported GoPro Models
Supported models and their respective capabilities are summarized below:
| Preset | Supported Models | Primary Focus | Best-Fit Scenes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.3K/120 fps | HERO13 Black | High resolution & impact | Short close-ups, action highlights, post-cropping |
| 900p/360 fps | HERO13 Black | Smooth motion tracking | Water splashes, snow, dust, sports analysis |
| 720p/400 fps | HERO13 Black | Maximum HERO13 slow-mo | Short dramatic impact shots |
| 1080p/960 fps | MISSION 1 PRO Series | Ultimate cinematic slow-mo | Extreme Matrix-style action, high-end production |
Currently, Burst Slo-Mo is available only on the HERO13 Black and the MISSION 1 PRO series.
Choosing the Right Burst Slo-Mo Preset
Here is how to select the best preset based on your creative goals:
| Preset | Goal | Best-Fit Scenes |
|---|---|---|
| 5.3K/120 fps | High resolution & impact | Short close-ups, action highlights, post-cropping |
| 900p/360 fps | Smooth motion tracking | Water splashes, snow, dust, sports analysis |
| 720p/400 fps | Maximum HERO13 slow-mo | Short dramatic impact shots |
| 1080p/960 fps | Ultimate cinematic slow-mo | Extreme Matrix-style action, high-end production |
For HERO13 Black users, 900p/360 fps offers the most balanced performance, delivering extremely fluid 360 fps playback at a resolution reasonably close to 1080p. The top-tier 720p/400 fps mode provides maximum speed, though its lower resolution narrows its ideal application.
The MISSION 1 PRO series removes this compromise entirely. By maintaining crisp 1080p Full HD resolution at an extraordinary 960 fps (32× slow-mo), it gives creators unparalleled creative freedom for high-impact visual storytelling.