How should I set up my GoPro for Race Ninja?
Last updated: January 30, 2026
GoPro Hero 12 Not Supported
The GoPro Hero 12 does not have GPS and cannot be used with Race Ninja. We need GPS telemetry to calculate your lap times, speeds, and racing lines.
💡 Good News
The Hero 12 uses the same batteries and accessories as the Hero 10 and 11. Swapping to a compatible model is straightforward!
Trade-in tip: Services like CeX offer a hassle-free route. Getting a voucher often gives better value, which you can put towards a Hero 11 with their standard warranty. This is what we have done ourselves.
Disclaimer: This is advice based on our experience. Other services are available. Please research and understand the terms of any service you choose — we accept no responsibility for your trade-in decisions.
🎬 Why GoPro?
GoPro has become the industry standard that other action cameras compare themselves to. Race Ninja currently supports GoPro cameras exclusively because of:
We may support other cameras in the future, but for now, GoPro is our recommendation.
📷 Recommended GoPro Models
| Model | GPS | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hero 13 | ✅ 10Hz | Latest model, GPS restored |
| Hero 11 | ✅ 10Hz | ⭐ Best value — excellent GPS accuracy |
| Hero 10 | ✅ 10Hz | Budget-friendly option |
| Hero 12 | ❌ None | Not compatible — GPS was removed |
Battery note: Hero 9/10/11/12 share the same Enduro battery. Hero 13 uses a newer, incompatible battery.
🖥️ Resolution Settings
Race Ninja outputs video at maximum 1080p for performance analytics. Higher resolutions take longer to upload with no benefit to your data.
| Resolution | Best For | File Size |
|---|---|---|
| 4K | If you also want footage for editing or sharing | Large |
| 1440p ⭐ | Recommended — good balance of quality and speed | Medium |
| 1080p | Analytics-only — fastest upload and processing | Small |
🎞️ Frame Rate: 30fps vs 60fps
Higher frame rates capture more detail between moments. Here is how much distance you cover between each frame:
| Speed | 30fps | 60fps |
|---|---|---|
| 60 MPH (97 km/h) | 89cm per frame | 45cm per frame |
| 120 MPH (193 km/h) | 1.79m per frame | 89cm per frame |
🏎️ Karts (under 60 MPH)
30fps is usually sufficient and saves storage space
🚗 Cars (60+ MPH)
60fps provides better precision for braking points and apexes
Technical note: GPS telemetry records at 10Hz (10 samples/second) regardless of frame rate — this is sufficient for lap timing and speed tracking.
📍 GPS Settings
Before heading out on track:
Enable GPS in your GoPro settings menu
Wait 1-2 minutes after powering on for satellite lock
Position with clear sky visibility for best accuracy
Check the GPS icon shows a solid connection before recording
🔧 Mounting Your Camera
⚠️ Safety First
Mounting is at your own risk. Always check venue rules and seek advice from experienced racers.
Popular mounting locations:
Nose Cone / Front Fairing
Great view of track and pedals — ideal for braking analysis
Nassau Panel
Flat surface for adhesive or bolt-on mounts
Side of Seat / Mic Plate
Captures hands, feet, and track
Cars: Roll Cage
Secure mounting point for in-car footage
📊 Best for Sensor Data
For the most accurate telemetry, we recommend mounting your GoPro to a fixed position on the chassis or vehicle (nose cone, fairing, roll cage, etc.) rather than a moving platform like a helmet.
Why? Your GoPro's accelerometer measures the forces acting on the camera. When mounted to a helmet or flexible surface, the mount itself absorbs and dampens some of these forces — meaning the sensor data doesn't fully reflect what the kart or car is actually doing.
Helmet footage can still be processed for lap times and GPS data, but sector detection and g-force analysis will be more accurate with a rigid, chassis-fixed mount.
🔗 ALWAYS Use a Tether!
We have lost cameras that were not tethered. It is your fail-safe if a mount comes loose — and the forces on track will test your mount.
Other safety tips:
- • Use manufacturer-branded or certified mounts
- • Flexible mounts (TPU) help dampen vibration
- • Clean and dry surfaces thoroughly for adhesive mounts
- • Helmet mounts are often banned — check your venue rules
- • Check your mount before every session
✅ Quick Pre-Session Checklist
💡 Pro Tips
HyperSmooth Stabilisation
Enable this to smooth out engine vibrations
Enduro Battery
Longer recording times + better cold weather performance
High Frame Rate for Vibration
60fps+ helps smooth out shaky footage
Clean Your Lens
Rubber dust and debris accumulate quickly on track