GoPro HERO4 Black Edition HD 4K Action Cam | Review
January 14, 2016 by SmartReview
Filed under Digital Camcorders
Rated 4 1/2 Stars | Is this the best price? |
GoPro’s HERO4 Black Edition Camera-Camcorder replaces the extremely popular GoPro HERO3 Plus series. This model provides Full 4K Ultra HD video (30fps). 4K has 4 times the resolution of Full HD. The GoPro Hero4 black edition has double the framerates of most video modes with its more powerful processor, and higher recording bitrates. GoPro action cameras are designed to record your active lifestyle, and are shockproof and waterproof to 40 meters with the included case. The camera can be mounted on a variety of ways (such as on your bike, helmet, car, boat, etc.) The camera records to MicroSD memory cards at a higher 60Mbps bitrate than previous GoPro cameras. (This camcorder features High-density, ultra-smooth video at 1080/120p Recording (Full-HD 1920 x 1080, 120 Progressive frames Recording), as well as 4K. It also includes a fast F2.8 6-element aspherical glass lens that was created for the HERO3+ and HERO4: Black Edition to help in low light situations and is sharper than any other lens they have produced.
The wide angle 170° lens can fit more people and more of the background into the frame than a conventional lens. The imaging sensor is a large 1/2.3″ CMOS Sensor which can provide up to 4K Ultra HD, and Full HD at excellent frame rates. Takes 12 megapixel still pictures with a burst mode of 30fps, and continuous mode of 3fps. You can also take time lapse photos at 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 30, 60 second intervals.
Advanced Features: The GoPro HERO4 Black Edition can be controlled by a Smartphone, or tablet. You can also get the optional WiFi remote which has a range of up to 600 feet and can control up to 50 cameras at a time. The GoPro has an external microphone jack, and a micro HDMI jack to hook up your HDTV. At 4K resolution the camcorder records to MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 at a higher 60Mbps bit recording rate than the previous model. Whats in the Box? HERO4: Black Edition Camera, 131 feet / 40m Waterproof Housing, High capacity rechargeable Li-ion Battery, Quick Release Buckles, 3-Way Pivot Arm, Curved & Flat Adhesive Mounts, Skeleton Back Door, USB Charging Cable.
HERO4: Black Edition Dimensions: 2.3″ x 1.5″ x 0.8″ (3.1 ounces. with battery).
Camcorder HD Recording Modes: 4K Cinema@ 24,25,30 fps, 4K Superview @ 24fps, 2.7K Cinema @ 50,48,30,25,24 fps, 1440p @ up to 80fps, 1080p @ up to 120fps, 960p @ up to 120fps, 720p @ up to 240fps
Recording Compression: H.264,AAC,.mp4, Records as high as 60 Mbps high video bitrate capture.
Hero4 Black Upgrade features from the HERO3+ (plus): 4K Ultra HD bumped up to 30fps, 2.7k bumped up to 50fps, 1080p bumps up to 120fps, 720p bumps up to 240fps (slow motion) with firmware upgrade, image processor has twice the speed, recording bitrate upgraded to 60Mbps, improved microphones, Superview 4K added, Bluetooth added.
Smart-Review Commentary: The GoPro HERO4 Black Edition is a great upgrade from the previous Hero3+ plus model. The biggest change is the 4K Ultra HD mode, now available with a usable 30fps. GoPro has bumped up the recording bitrate to 60Mbps, for better image quality. Frame rates have doubled on most video modes, for smoother video, due to an improved processor with double the power. The HERO4 Black has an improved Built-in Wifi to remotely control your camera from either a smartphone, tablet or the optional remote. The Hero4 Black has added Bluetooth, which was not available in previous models. Protune is now for videos as well. A new dedicated button has been added, which will allow you to quickly access and adjust camera settings. Simplified menus make navigating settings more intuitive than ever. A new audio system has twice the dynamic range of the previous model. Battery life shooting at 4K resolution is about 1 hour. At CES 2015, it was announced that a firmware upgrade will be available for 720p at 240fps, for super slow motion. With a tablet or smartphone you will get a live video preview, and you can change the settings on the camera. The GoPro HERO4 has upgraded audio as well. See our video below for a demonstration of the GoPro Hero4 Black. The GoPro HERO4 Black Edition has received excellent reviews and is a SmartReview Top Pick.
SmartReview.com Coverage of the GoPro Hero4 Black at CES 2015
GoPro HERO4: Black Edition | HERO4: Black Edition Camera-Camcorder | HERO4: Silver Edition Camera-Camcorder | HERO6: Black Edition Latest Edition |
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GoPro Lithium-ion HERO4 Battery | GoPro Head Strap For HERO4 | GoPro Suction Cup Mount | GoPro LCD Touch HERO4 BacPac |
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