GoPro HERO4 Black vs Silver Vs 3+ Vs GoPro Hero3+ Comparison

GoPro HERO4 Black vs Silver

Trying to decide whether to get the GoPro HERO4 Black or Silver? Here's how they're different and how they're similar.

Last updated about 3 weeks ago

Whether you’re looking to upgrade from an earlier version of GoPro cameras like the 3+ or 3 or looking to get your first GoPro, here’s a breakdown of the key differences between the two new GoPro HERO4 cameras, the Silver and Black.The latest models offer significant improvements over their predecessors, with better video quality, more video and photo modes, and extra features like Bluetooth connectivity. One thing that hasn’t improved is the relatively short battery life, which, even in a best case scenario, is going to come in under under 2 hours of shooting without adding external batteries.
There’s a lot of overlap between the two models, but there are also some key differences. With one important exception, the Black has all the features of the Silver, and more.
I have both models and find that each has its advantages that make me reach for one over another depending on what I’m shooting.

FIRMWARE UPDATE: In early February 2015, GoPro released new firmware for the HERO4 Black and Silver editions. Many of the updates are common to both, although it added two new video modes to the Black that aren’t shared on the Silver: 720p 240fps and 2.7K 60fps modes. You can find more about the new firmware update here.

Built-In Touch Display LCD Screen

The most obvious difference is one you can see when you turn the camera around. The GoPro HERO4 Silver is the first GoPro to come with a built-in touch display LCD screen. Like most cameras that have an LCD screen on the back, it gives you a live view of what the camera sees as well as provides touch controls for controlling the camera’s menu items. It’s very handy for framing your shots and for playing back and reviewing your video footage and photos.
The downside of an LCD screen is that it drains the battery more quickly. So if you want to maximize battery life you’ll want to turn the LCD screen off or use it sparingly.
The Black, on the other hand, doesn’t come with a built-in LCD screen. By itself, you point the camera in the direction you want it and hope for the best. Because of the wide-angle lens, that often works well enough. And you can’t play back videos or photos on the camera itself.
But you also have other options with the Black if you want to compose the shot more precisely or add playback capabilities. You can use the free GoPro mobile app to get a live view wirelessly on your phone or tablet (this also works for the Silver, as well as the 3 and 3+ series). You can also buy an LCD screen as an optional accessory that attaches on the back of the camera and provides the same functionality as the touchscreen on the Silver edition (it’s known as the GoPro LCD Touch BacPac. If you decide to buy the extra screen, it’ll set you back $79.99, it won’t fit in the standard waterproof housing because it creates a bulkier package, and it’s going to drain your battery while using it.
So the built-in screen on the Silver edition is convenient for shooting but comes with a cost in terms of reduced battery life.

Video Modes

Both cameras have impressive video modes. You can shoot full HD on both, slow motion on both, and all the way up to 4K on both.
But the Black can do higher quality video at the top end. Because it can record video at 60Mb/s, compared to an upper limit of 45Mb/s with the Silver, the Black allows for recording 4K video at 30fps (compared to 15fps on the Silver) and 1080p at up to 120fps (compared to 60fps on the Silver). It’s also important to note that these high-end video modes are demanding on memory cards. Only a handful of cards are fast enough to keep up. Here are some recommendations on the best memory cards for the GoPro HERO4 Black and Silver.
Here’s a complete list of all the video modes available on the GoPro HERO4 Black and Silver editions. Some are only available on the Black edition. A smaller number are only available on the Silver edition.

Video Mode
4K 30fps	Black only
4K 30fps + Protune	Black only
4K 25fps	Black only
4K 25fps + Protune	Black only
4K 24fps	Black only
4K 24fps + Protune	Black only
4K 24fps Superview	Black only
4K 24fps Superview + Protune	Black only
4K 15fps	Silver only
4K 15fps + Protune	Silver only
4K 12fps	Silver only
4K 12 fps + Protune	Silver only
2.7K 60fps	Black only
2.7K 60fps + Protune	Black only
2.7K 50fps	Black only
2.7K 50fps + Protune	Black only
2.7K 48fps	Black only
2.7K 48fps + Protune	Black only
2.7K 30fps
2.7K 30fps + Protune
2.7K 25fps
2.7K 25fps + Protune
2.7K 24fps
2.7K 24fps + Protune
2.7K 30fps Superview	Black only
2.7K 30fps Superview + Protune	Black only
2.7K 25fps Superview	Black only
2.7K 25fps Superview + Protune	Black only
2.7K 4:3 30fps
2.7K 4:3 30fps + Protune	Black only
2.7K 4:3 25fps
2.7K 4:3 25fps + Protune	Black only
1440p 80fps	Black only
1440p 80fps + Protune	Black only
1440p 60fps
1440p 60fps + Protune	Black only
1440p 50fps
1440p 50fps + Protune	Black only
1440p 48fps
1440p 48fps + Protune
1440p 30fps
1440p 30fps + Protune
1080p 120fps	Black only
1080p 120fps + Protune	Black only
1080p 90fps	Black only
1080p 90fps + Protune	Black only
1080p 60fps
1080p 60fps + Protune
1080p 50fps
1080p 50fps + Protune
1080p 48fps
1080p 48fps + Protune
1080p 30fps
1080p 30fps + Protune
1080p 25fps
1080p 25fps + Protune
1080p 24fps
1080p 24fps + Protune
1080p 80fps Superview	Black only
1080p 80fps Superview + Protune	Black only
1080p 60fps Superview
1080p 60fps Superview + Protune
1080p 50fps Superview
1080p 50fps Superview + Protune
1080p 48fps Superview
1080p 48fps Superview + Protune
1080p 30fps Superview
1080p 30fps Superview + Protune
1080p 25fps Superview
1080p 25fps Superview + Protune
1080p 24fps Superview
1080p 24fps Superview + Protune
960p 120fps
960p 120fps + Protune
960p 60fps
960p 60fps + Protune
960p 50fps
960p 50fps + Protune
720p 240fps	Black only. Narrow FOV.
720p 240fps + Protune	Black only. Narrow FOV.
720p 120fps
720p 120fps + Protune
720p 60fps
720p 60fps + Protune
720p 50fps
720p 50fps + Protune
720p 30fps
720p 30fps + Protune
720p 25fps
720p 25fps + Protune
720p 120fps Superview
720p 120fps Superview + Protune
720p 60fps Superview
720p 60fps Superview + Protune
720p 50fps Superview
720p 50fps Superview + Protune
WVGA 240fps
WVGA 240fps + Protune

Weight & Size

Both are exactly the same dimensions. Both fit inside the same standard waterproof housing. The Black edition is marginally heavier, but there’s very little in it–5 grams, to be precise, or under 0.2 of an ounce.

Other Features

Both models shoot still photos, can do timelapse, have night photo and night timelapse modes, have Protune mode (now available for both video and still photos), can shoot bursts of still photos at 30 shots a second, shoot 12 megapixel still photos, and have built-in wifi and Bluetooth capabilities. Both take the same kinds of MicroSD cards (see recommendations here). Both have about the same battery life expectations and use the same batteries (which are different to the ones in previous models).

Recommendations

Overall, there are a lot of similarities between the two models. Both are capable of shooting great footage and taking great photos.

• If you want a built-in live view screen, go with the Silver. It adds convenience, although it sucks battery power.
• If you want the top end video modes like 4K at 30fps or 1080p at 120fps, go with the Black.
• If cost is a deciding factor, the Silver provides excellent quality and features for $100 (or 20%) less than the Black.
  
• If you’re buying one for a gift, the Silver is probably the safer bet–especially with a gift receipt as backup.
  
• And if both of these models are out of your price range, there is also a much cheaper model, simply known as the GoPro HERO, for $129.99. While it’s still a very good camera, it has much more basic features and capabilities compared to the Silver and Black editions. But it’s also less than a third of the price of the others. I have post [comparing the HERO and HERO4 Silver here
  

Available At

The GoPro HERO4 Black camera by itself retails at $499.99, while the GoPro HERO4 Silver is priced at $399.99.
You can also get bundles that can be especially good value, like the HERO4 Black Extreme Bundle and the HERO4 Silver Extreme Bundle that adds a spare battery, a SanDisk Extreme memory card, and some mounting options.
Available at: Amazon  
Tip: Unless you get one of bundles GoPros don’t come with memory cards, so be sure to pick one up as well. But not every card will work well in the new models. Here are some recommendations.

Side-by-Side Comparison

	GoPro HERO4 Black	GoPro HERO4 Silver	GoPro HERO3+ Silver	GoPro HERO
Price	$499.99 Buy Here	$399.99 Buy Here	$299.99 Buy Here	$129.99 Buy Here
Built-in Touchscreen
Video size / Max fps	4K / 30fps 2.7K / 50fps 1440p / 80fps 1080p / 120fps 960p / 120fps 720p / 120fps WVGA / 240fps	4K / 15fps 2.7K / 30fps 1440p / 30fps 1080p / 60fps 960p / 100fps 720p / 120fps WVGA / 240fps	1080p / 60fps 960p / 60fps 720p / 120fps WVGA / 120fps	1080p / 30fps 720p / 60fps
High Bitrate	60 Mb/s (7.5 MB/s)	45 Mb/s (5.7 MB/s)	35 Mb/s (4.4 MB/s)
Video Formats	MP4 (H.264)	MP4 (H.264)	MP4 (H.264)	MP4 (H.264)
Timelapse
Nightlapse
Night Photo
Dimensions	41x59x30 mm	41x59x30 mm	41x59x30 mm
Weight / w/Housing	88g (3.1oz) / 152g (5.4oz)	83g (2.9oz) / 147g (5.2oz)	74g (2.6oz) / 136g (4.8oz)	/ 111g (3.9 oz)
Max Photo	12 MP / 4000x3000px	12 MP / 4000x3000px	10 MP / 3680x2760px	5 MP / 2592x1944px
Protune	Video + Stills	Video + Stills	No	No
WiFi
Bluetooth
Battery	1160 mAh	1160 mAh	1180 mAh	1180mAh
Burst / sec	30	30	10	5
Waterproof Housing
Memory Card	Recommendations	Recommendations

GoPro Hero4 vs. GoPro Hero3+

By Simon Crisp

Gizmag compares the specifications and features of the GoPro Hero3+ and Hero4 actioncams
Image Gallery (39 images)

GoPro has recently updated its lineup of actioncams with new models that include improved 4K video recording or a built-in touchscreen. But which one is right for you to capture your extreme exploits (or perhaps those of your dog)? Gizmag compares the specs and features of the Black and Silver GoPro Hero3+ and Hero4 cameras.

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While the large "Hero3+" or "Hero4" on the front of each camera make it quite clear which generation it is from, the distinction between Black and Silver variants is somewhat more subtle. So to make it easier to distinguish in our graphics, we've put the Black cameras on the left, and the Silver on the right.

Dimensions

The size and shape of GoPro cameras haven't changed much in recent years. All of these actioncams have the same nude dimensions (that's when not in a protective housing) of 41 x 59 x 21/30 mm. The two depth measurements vary depending on whether the protruding lens is taken into account.
The cameras are all compatible with the same cases, and each comes with the full standard housing (pictured) which is waterproof to 40 m (131 ft), along with a Skeleton Backdoor with open sides to access the camera ports and for better audio recording. The GoPro Hero4 Silver also ships with the touchscreen-friendly Touch Backdoor.

Weight

There's not much difference in weight between these cameras, and you're not going to notice the extra couple of grams on the end of your surfboard. However, if you already have one of the lighter models and use it with a drone, you might need to consider whether the excess weight is going to make a difference to you before upgrading.

Field of view (FOV)

While GoPro cameras are normally known for their wide see-everything field of view, they each feature the option of shooting in medium and narrow angles too, depending on video resolution.
In 35-mm-format terms, the Ultra Wide option comes in at approximately 15-mm equivalent, while medium is around 22-mm equivalent, and narrow equates to about 30-mm equivalent.

Lens aperture

All of these GoPros use reasonably fast fixed F2.8 aperture ultra-wide angle lenses.

Sensor size

The new Hero4 cameras, and the Hero 3+ Black, feature 1/2.3-inch type 4:3 sensors with 4,000 x 3,000 pixels. This is physically smaller than what you'll see on many other digital cameras, but it's very much the standard for actioncams (where you don't want the much bigger lenses that bigger sensors require).
GoPro has not revealed what size sensor is used in the Hero 3+ Silver, but we do know that the original Hero3 Silver used a considerably smaller 1/2.7-inch type sensor.

4K recording

4K video recording is the big selling point of the Hero4 Black, so it's no surprise that it stands out by being able to shoot 4K video at double the frame rate of its other 4K-capable siblings, 30/25/24 fps to their 15/12.5 fps. Thanks to a new twice-as-powerful image processor, it also beats them when it comes to shooting 2.7K footage.
The GoPro Hero3+ is unable to shoot either 4K or 2.7K video at any frame-rate.

HD recording

The Hero4 Black is again, unsurprisingly, top-dog for high definition video recording. In 1080p it can shoot at frame-rates up to 120 fps. That said, all of the other cameras can still shoot Full HD 1080p footage at a more than respectable 60/50 fps.

Slow-motion recording

If you want to produce smooth slow-motion footage, you need high frame-rate video recording. While these GoPros are each capable of 120 fps recording it's not at the same resolution, only the Hero4 Black can do it in 1080p, the others are limited to 720p.
This means that if you are shooting a 1080p video and want to include some extreme slow-motion, you'll need to drop the resolution for that section of footage on all but the Hero4 Black.

High video bitrate

The various GoPro cameras offer differing high bitrate video recording (H.264), from 25 Mb/s to 60 Mb/s. A higher bitrate is more important to professionals who need the best possible video quality, again showing that this is who the Hero4 Black is targeted at.

Audio

All four GoPro cameras here feature built-in mono microphones. That said, the mics in the Hero4 cameras are capable of delivering nearly double the dynamic range of their predecessors. To make the most of this, though, you'll want to take your GoPro out of the standard housing or at least use the Skeleton Backdoor.
Users can also attach external stereo microphones via an optional 3.5 mm input, but the Hero4 Black is the only one of the bunch to feature an integrated ADC (analog-to-digital converter) making it compatible with wider a variety of professional low-sensitivity external mics.

Still photo resolutions

Because of their small sensor size, GoPro cameras are never going to make the best stills cameras. However, as the saying goes, the best camera is the one you've got with you… or in this case is quite possibly strapped to your head or following you around attached to a drone.
The Hero3+ Silver's 10-megapixel resolution lags slightly behind the other cameras, which can all shoot 12 MP stills. But, realistically, this isn't going to make much difference.
Other photo-centric features worth noting are a Time Lapse mode which allows all of these cameras to shoot photos automatically at set time intervals from 0.5 to 60 seconds. New Night Photo and Night Lapse modes also allow the Hero4 models more flexible low-light shooting options.

Burst rate stills

If you want to take a photograph of someone pulling off an amazing trick, you need to be able to shoot a burst of stills quickly. It's either that or keep asking them to repeat it for you to get just the right frame.
Being able to fire off 30 frames in a second, the GoPro Hero3+ Black and the Hero4 Black and Silver are going to give you a better chance of capturing that moment first-time than the 10 fps of the Hero3+ Silver.

Superview

Superview is a clever GoPro video mode which is designed to capture a more immersive wide angle perspective. It does this by shooting at a 4:3 aspect ratio, using the full height of the camera's sensor, and then dynamically stretching the sides to produce a widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio.
Only the Hero4 Black is able to shoot Superview footage at 4K (24 fps) or 2.7K (30/25 fps). While the Hero4 Silver, and the Hero3+ Black (which the feature was first deployed on) can use it to shoot 1080p and 720p footage.

Protune

Protune allows GoPro users to shoot in a higher quality and with less compression. It also gives more control, with the ability to adjust settings including color, ISO limit, white balance, sharpness and exposure. For example, a flat, neutral color profile can be selected which makes it easier to incorporate footage into a professional workflow, and exposure value compensation can be adjusted to control brightness.
ISO selection also gives users more control over the balance between brightness and image noise, with settings ranging from ISO 400 to 6,400 for video, and 100 to 800 for stills. When Protune debuted with the GoPro Hero3+ Black last year, it could only be used for video, but on the GoPro4 cameras, it can now be used whether shooting video or stills.

Built-in LCD touchscreen

The GoPro Hero4 Silver is the first and only GoPro actioncam to boast a built-in touchscreen viewfinder. Like the optional LCD Touch BacPac, which is available for the other models, this screen can be used to help frame shots or replay videos ... but without adding additional bulk.
While its size is limited by the physical size of the camera, the 1.75-inch QVGA touchscreen can easily be used to navigate camera menus and adjust settings thanks to a user interface which responds to taps and swipes.

Wireless connectivity

The new Hero4 cameras benefit from Bluetooth connectivity in addition to the built-in Wi-Fi of the Hero3+ shooters. All of the cameras are compatible with both the GoPro App and Smart Remote.
The GoPro App allows you to control your camera remotely using your phone or tablet, complete with live video. The optional Smart Remote (an update to the Wi-Fi Remote which was bundled with the GoPro Hero3+ Black) features an increased battery capacity and allows you to control multiple GoPro cameras from distances of up to 180 m (600 ft).

Storage media

All of these GoPro actioncams use microSD memory cards and require one with a Class 10 or UHS-1 rating. They support up to a 64 GB capacity.

Battery

Battery life is one of the few aspects of the GoPro cameras that users tend to complain about, and the situation doesn't look like it is going to improve with the power-hungry Hero4 cameras. If you're shooting 4K 30fps video on the Hero4 Black, you'll only get 1 hr, 5 m of shooting before you need to change batteries. With Wi-Fi on and using the GoPro app, this time it's just 50 minutes.
Taking a recording mode that all of the cameras are capable of (720p 120 fps with Wi-Fi off) the Hero4 Black should last for 1 hr 50 m, the Hero4 Silver 1 hr 55 m, the Hero3+ Black 1 hr 55 m and the Hero3+ Silver 2 hr 20 m.
It's also worth noting the Hero4 cameras are not compatible with any older GoPro batteries you might have lying around, so you'll have to buy new spares. However, the new DSLR-like battery access does make it easier to change them when needed.

Price

As the features and specifications suggest, there's quite a range when it comes to the cost of the GoPro cameras. The new Hero4 models are also entering the market for US$100 more than their predecessors did a year ago. It's also worth remembering that the Hero3+ Black comes with a Wi-Fi remote, while the optional Smart Remote will set you back an additional $80.

Summing up

As with their predecessors, we have no doubt that the new GoPro cameras will prove to be a massive hit for the firm, despite increased competition from the likes of the Contour Roam3, the Panasonic HX-A500 and Sony's Action Cam Mini HDR-AZ1VR. But which camera is right for you will depend on what you want to do with it, and how much you want to spend.
The Hero4 Black is clearly designed for professionals and, as such, offers the best video quality of any GoPro camera, along with features and modes which make it easier to incorporate into a professional workflow. Meanwhile, the Hero4 Silver could well be the best GoPro for the majority of users. If you don't need 4K 30p footage, or the pro-orientated features of the Black, you can save $100 while also gaining an LCD touchscreen.
Other benefits of the new Hero4 cameras include a new user interface, the ability to mark key moments of a recording so you can locate them quicker later with a HiLight Tag button, and improved camera controls with a new dedicated button that allow you to quickly access and adjust camera settings.
However, the previous Hero3+ devices remain very capable actioncams. Until a week ago the Hero3+ Black, was the top of the GoPro range and, as such, still offers a solid package. The Hero3+ Silver again provides users the majority of features, with a more wallet-friendly price-tag. If you need and even more affordable GoPro and don't mind missing out on the higher-end features, the new basic GoPro Hero might also be worth a look