GoPro 10-Bit Color Guide: Benefits, Models & File Sizes
GoPro 10-bit color captures 1 billion colors vs 8-bit’s 16 million. Discover pros, cons, compatible models (HERO11–13 Black, MAX 2, MISSION 1 series), and color grading advantages.
Modified at: 2026.7.24Posted at: 2024.7.29
What is GoPro's "10-bit Color"?
In the digital data world, a bit is a unit of data expressed in binary. 10-bit corresponds to 2^10, which is 1,024.
In the field of images and videos, "bit color" is used to represent the "gradation of color." Thus, 10-bit color means 1,024 gradations. Since videos are represented by three colors, "Red, Green, Blue," the total number of gradations is the product of these three numbers.
For 8-bit color, it is "2^8 = 256 gradations" for each color, so "256 x 256 x 256" results in approximately 16.77 million gradations. In the case of 10-bit, "1,024 x 1,024 x 1,024" results in approximately 1 billion gradations.
Although the difference between 8-bit and 10-bit is just 2 bits, the number of usable colors is vastly different.
Pros of 10-bit Color
What are the benefits of using 10-bit color in digital cameras and camcorders like GoPro?
The biggest benefit is the "improved color reproduction."
In traditional 8-bit, colors were saved as "approximately close colors." In 10-bit color, colors are saved in more detail, enhancing color accuracy. This leads to an expanded dynamic range and smoother gradations.
Below is an official GoPro video. Around 0:31, there is a comparison between 10-bit and 8-bit color. The difference is evident to anyone watching.
Shooting in 10-bit color allows for better color correction in post-production. Colors that would have been lost in 8-bit can be reproduced, increasing the freedom and quality of editing.
Cons of 10-bit Color
The drawbacks of 10-bit color are "increased file size" and "the need for better hardware performance for editing and playback."
Since 10-bit color handles nearly ten times more color information than 8-bit, the data storage capacity per second increases. Additionally, expressing more detailed colors means that the hardware burden for editing and playback increases.
Moreover, most common LCD displays today are 8-bit, meaning that even if you shoot in 10-bit color, you cannot see the difference on an 8-bit display. A display that supports 10-bit color or higher is required.
For instance, within the same generation of Mac computers, a MacBook Pro may only support up to 8-bit color, while an iMac might support 10-bit color. This is something to be mindful of.
GoPro Models Supporting 10-bit Color
The following GoPro models support 10-bit color:
- GoPro HERO11 Black / HERO11 Black Mini
- GoPro HERO12 Black
- GoPro HERO13 Black
- GoPro MAX 2
- GoPro MISSION 1 Series (MISSION 1, MISSION 1 PRO, etc.)
Note: Entry-level models (such as HERO 2024) and older generations (HERO10 Black and earlier) only support 8-bit color.
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Tags:Basic Functions