Gran Turismo 7: Selecting the optimal camera mode Gran Turismo 7 guide, tips
This guide page for Gran Turismo 7 contains information about the available cameras in the game, and recommendations of the best cameras for different types of events.
Last update: 06 April 2022
This page of the Gran Turismo 7 game guide contains information about the camera modes available in the game. We've listed them and included our recommendations on the best camera to use depending on the type of race or challenge.
Basic information
In Gran Turismo 7, you can choose between four camera modes, three of which we find useful. The only one we wouldn't recommend is the chase camera described at the bottom of the page.
You can switch between camera modes freely by pressing R1, even in the middle of a race. This can be useful, as you might realise while driving that the currently selected camera isn't a good fit.
Some camera modes are more useful in certain situations, e.g. when the visibility is poor or you need to perform precise maneuvers with your car. We mention these unique applications in the following sections.
Cockpit camera
The cockpit camera view is the game's default setting. It offers the most immersion, although unfortunately it somewhat limits visibility. These become especially irksome when you're driving certain vehicles, such as a sports car with a narrow windshield or a car with wide front pillars. They might cover up most of your field of view, which then makes it difficult, for example, to overtake other vehicles or take corners.
This might become even more challenging in the case of certain vehicles, as their HUD ends up covering mirrors, such as the side and/or rear view mirrors. As a result, you'll have trouble using the mirrors, forcing you to rotate the camera with the right analog stick or hide parts of the HUD.
Bumper camera
In theory, this camera gets its name because it's located on the front bumper, but actually it's placed higher and resembles a FPP view. In our opinion, it's the best choice if you want to get good results. Its biggest advantage is that you get to see the track in full screen and, unlike the cockpit view, nothing will be obscuring it. You just need some time to get a feel of the vehicle's dimensions in order to avoid colliding with opposing cars and, more importantly, with elements of the track.
An additional advantage of the bumper camera is the large rear-view mirror. It successfully replaces several mirrors in the cabin, and, when combined with HUD information, it can help you precisely determine the position of your competitors' cars. Races with limited visibility might be the only occasion when the bumper view falters - other vehicles might "blind" you and they'll have an easier time obscuring braking points, for example.
Hood camera
The camera on the front hood also appears to be mounted higher, as if on the roof of the vehicle. Compared to the aforementioned mode, it provides a somewhat different experience. You might find it more useful in situations where you need better visibility of the track ahead of you, such as when you want to precisely take corners or to deal with the limited visibility while driving at night or in the rain.
Unfortunately, this view has one major drawback - it's missing a rear-view mirror. As a result, you won't find this camera mode to be useful in races where you need to face opposing cars directly, because you'd need to rely on the HUD indications or on looking back.
Chase camera behind the vehicle
This camera is placed behind the vehicle and resembles a TPP view. In our opinion, it's the least useful. The camera itself is unfortunately placed quite stiffly, which might result in issues while cornering. You may also struggle to notice turns and find it difficult to plan the perfect route.
This view can be useful in exceptional situations, e.g. in missions requiring you to hit cones or to complete drift challenges.
Looking back
In Gran Turismo 7, you should frequently take advantage of the option to look back by holding down L1. Use it more frequently if your selected camera mode lacks a decent rear view mirror, making it difficult to defend against attacks from competing cars. However, bear in mind that the back view will adjust to the selected camera. For example, if you've selected the cockpit view, then your field of vision when looking back might be very limited and, as a result, won't do you much good.