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).
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.
At 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
