GoPro Hero 4 Silver v Black

RandomlySet

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Afternoon all,

I know I've posted a thread before asking opinions on GoPro's vs other cameras on the market. Anyway, I think I have set my mind on a GoPro.

Originally, I intended to purchase an older model, such as an original Hero, or a 3. However, during the Black Friday sales, I purchased a new TV - which happens to be 4k - so now I want a Hero 4

The question is, do I go for Silver which is 4k @ 15fps or Black which is 4k @ 30fps?

Obviously the Black should be better, but watching a review on YouTube, apparently the Silver is better in low light conditions when using the same setting. although the counter argument is tweak the ISO/Exposure on the Black to get the same/similar results.

For what I want it for, I'm worried about it being "overkill", but at the same time, I know it'll be future proof even if I don't get my £300+ worth out of it straight away.

My original reasons for wanting one was to film our next trip to NYC later this year (my 3rd trip, our lasses 6th) and also to film our wedding and road trip around America in 2018. I have also been toying with the idea of creating our own little "reality TV" programme on YouTube.

So, which would you opt for? The Silver or Black?
 
I was in this predicament a while back. I didn't get either in the end as I purchased another DSLR body. However, if i had, it would have been the black for the faster frame rate. Am i correct in thinking that it can go up to around 120fps on a lower resolution?? I can't remember now, but if so, it would be the ideal choice as i was interested in slow motion at the time. I hope i haven't confused you furthur...
 
I believe it can.....

Originally I was on a tight budget, but now I'm thinking "sod that'" - especially if I do go down the route of making our own version of "Keeping up with the Kardashians" :lol:

Seriously though, 1 GoPro would be fine for our next NYC visit, as I want to get used to filming whilst out n about.

During our USA '14 adventure, I took 3,000 photos during a 2 week trip to NYC, Vegas and Arizona. When we go for our month trip in 2018 (which includes our wedding), I'm hoping to have at least 2 GoPros on the go at certain points, and capture things from different angles - without actually living my life through the lens as that is one of my pet hates.
 
Black its faster
 
Oh, the other thing I "thought" I wanted was the LCD screen that is standard on the Silver, but from my understanding, there is no real need for it if you use your smart phone, and apparently also drains the battery?
 
get a screen for the Black as well you no good on the phone, the phone is for setting it up static, its got lag, just get a few spare batteries. Spend a few quid and get a DJI osmo
 
ignore above message - if I click to buy the item, it takes me to Argos's website, and to the standard Hero 4 Silver listing.
 
I've had most of them. And last I had 2x hero 3 plus and they filmed 4K too if I remember correctly but only 15fps

The hero 4 black I have just now is excellent. Much better battery than the 3. I also use my phone for everything as I find the lcd screen totally pointless.
I use my phone all the time and it's excellent.

I don't find any GoPro much use in the dark regardless of settings. They all struggle.
 
You can use your GoPro at night to do time lapse and it works very well. Don't know where you are staying in NYC, but if you have a view of the city, setting up a night time lapse video of the sky over the buildings would be pretty impressive, as would a video of traffic in the streets at night from a high vantage point. Normal video use in the dark is not very good.
I have the 4 black with lcd backpack, you can programme the camera easily with it and of course, see exactly what the lens sees. As Craig says above, using a phone introduces lag, but is easier to set up the camera.
You will need a few spare batteries too for quick changes. For long time lapse use, I connect my GoPro to a Tracer battery pack similar to THIS, but mine is a 10ah. You would need to check how many batteries and sizes you can take on a plane with all the new regulations, but I think the 8ah Tracer is ok.
Allan
 
Silver! Unless you had an undying desire to film 4k. Silver has better battery life, does everything else the black does, better in low light and has a screen. The screen makes framing and navigating menus etc just that much easier. Getting your phone out all the time while you're on holiday is a faff! And it's cheaper to boot. I took my silver on a road trip to the States a few months back - took 2 spare batteries and an external charger, worked perfectly.
 
I doubt many people who have bought the 4Black have computers that will display or edit 4K video, most likely, they film in the highest 4K frame rate then crop to 1080. The Black also has increased frame rates on most settings, having a faster processor than the Silver. Neither Black and Silver cameras film as well in low light as the 3+ , I wasn't aware there was any difference in low light filming between the Black and Silver 4, but low light still images are supposed to be really good on both.
One other advantage over the Silver is that the Black will do slo- mo at 240fps whereas the Silver is 120.
Apart from that, the 2 cameras are both brilliant and unless you actually need all those higher frame rates, the Silver will suit you.
 
allanm said:
I doubt many people who have bought the 4Black have computers that will display or edit 4K video, most likely, they film in the highest 4K frame rate then crop to 1080. The Black also has increased frame rates on most settings, having a faster processor than the Silver. Neither Black and Silver cameras film as well in low light as the 3+ , I wasn't aware there was any difference in low light filming between the Black and Silver 4, but low light still images are supposed to be really good on both.
One other advantage over the Silver is that the Black will do slo- mo at 240fps whereas the Silver is 120.
Apart from that, the 2 cameras are both brilliant and unless you actually need all those higher frame rates, the Silver will suit you.
Click to expand...

Check out this comparison review video, the Silver absolutely müllers the Black when it comes to low light.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8KTYTjFsnw
 
Meh, it's a little lighter at the same iso of 400 as shown in he video, probably due to differences in the processor, but they both max out at iso 6400 and the review hinted that the Silver would be noisier at that setting. I have used my Black GoPro 4 at iso 6400 at night and it's like filming in daylight with little visible noise.
To be honest, I think the only real world differences are the faster frame rates at higher settings, if you don't want or need them, then there's no point buying a Black.
 
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