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GoPro Hero 4 Black Serves up Double The Performance, Touch Screen, 4K & More

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GoPro 4 Hero

Like Moore’s Law, GoPro has now made a habit of doubling their camera’s performance every year. For this model, they’ve upped the ante once again by raising the resolution of their premiere model to 4k.

The previous flagship model could only shoot 4k at 15 FPS, but the new Hero 4 manages 4k at 30 FPS, and 1080p at 120 FPS. That high rate resolution, high frame rate , means you should expect buttery smooth slow mo in the next wave of mountain bike edits.

The bigger news is improved UI. Everyone who was ever struggled with the unnintuitive old two button system, rejoice. The GoPro Hero 4 has a context aware mode, can be connected to a smartphone or remote via built in WiFi and Bluetooth, and has advanced manual modes.

The new manual mode is called Protune and lets you adjust color, ISO limit, white balance, sharpness, and exposure in both video and photo modes. There is also an automatic low light mode that intelligently changes frame rates based on conditions. 

Other features include a 12MP 30 FPS Burst Photo Mode, and a one-button quick capture camera mode. There’s also a new audio system for improved dynamic range, better compatibility with external mics, and a bunch of other rad features.

Just hit play for the full low down (and some great footage).

GoPro 4 versus 3+

At $499.99, the Her04 Black edition price point is relatively high compared to the first couple of generations, but this camera’s features are targeted mainly to the professional and semi professional set.

The Her04 Silver retails for $399.99 and has almost identical specs to last years GoPro Hero 3+,  which was the best POV camera in its class (check out Zach’s review here), and now includes a built in touchscreen. For most people in the market for a new POV camera, this may be the best bang for your buck.

GoPro Hero 2015At only $129.99, the GoPro Hero is the most affordable option in the new line up. For that price, you get 1080P at 30 FPS, and 720p at 60 FPS,  in package that can by submersed in water up to 131 ft.

Unlike the other models, this camera cannot be removed from its case, although the back piece can be swapped out for improved audio.

And the best part of every new GoPro camera release? The launch video.

Learn more at GoPro

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wako29
wako29
10 years ago

Actually, looks like that Hero 4 Silver is much closer in spec to the 4 Black than the 3+. From what I can tell, unless you really care about doing 120fps @ 1080p or 4k video, the 4 Silver is the one to get. You get touch screen (the 4 black does NOT have touch screen) and is $100 cheaper. I’m excited!!!

Gopherlaugh
Gopherlaugh
10 years ago

I hear the black has image stabilization built in and others don’t?

Dan
Dan
10 years ago

You know it’s good quality when it takes that long to load!

muf
muf
10 years ago

120fps at 1080 is pretty nice tho.. i dont care much for a touchscreen these cams are too small to use properly with a touchscreen.. and u still have the phone.

Ryan
Ryan
10 years ago

Just got a 3+Black a couple of weeks ago, and other than the rumored image stabilization, I really don’t see any usable difference aside from the 120 frame rate for 1080. Mine has Protune, mine has the smartphone connect, I don’t get all the “new” claims. The LCD back?…I don’t see it working better than the phone sync and can only imagine it sucks precious battery which is already a problem. Am I complaining?…no. I’m glad my new 3+Black wasn’t made obsolete by this barely different 4.

Pete
Pete
10 years ago

Anyone know if they’re coming with ANT+ camera control capability? I’d like to use the Garmin or Shimano remotes with this. With all these cameras on the market these days they need to standardize wireless remote control of multiple units in a setup.

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