GoPro Hero4 Black (2014)

usability, portability, image quality, durability, size

battery, price, reliability

83% of the reviews on Amazon.co.uk give this product a positive rating.

price, usability, battery, design, image quality

reliability, connectivity

83% of the reviews on Amazon.com give this product a positive rating.

The GoPro Hero 4 Black is an expensive action camera, but it's packed with shooting options and provides great image quality.

4K video at 30fps and 1080p at up to 120fps ; Fast and effective Wi-Fi connection, Sturdy mounting system

No screen for viewing your shots – you'll need a smart device ; No zoom ; Slow startup

The GoPro Hero4 Black brings a major step up in video performance and some useful improvements to the design and control interface too.

Now that the Session is available, this provides another option if you don't need such high-quality footage as is available from the Silver or Black but rather value the small size and waterproofing on offer. However, it's not much cheaper than the...

Extensive manual settings ; Great app control ; Improved menu navigation

Expensive ; No onboard screen ; USB mic only

A fantastic pro-level creative tool for capturing the action, but think hard whether you really need to pay the extra over the Hero4 Silver.

The Hero4 Black is a fantastic action camera that shoots great quality footage. It's expensive, but you get a lot for your money. Other 4K cameras are available, but none are as small, rugged or cheap as the GoPro.This makes it ideal for capturing...

The GoPro Hero4 Black delivers best-in-class video at resolutions up to 4K at 30fps or 1080p at 120fps. Wide assortment of mounting options from GoPro and third-party manufacturers.

Battery life can feel painfully short and due to a redesign you can't use older batteries with the Hero4. No option for in-camera digital image stabilization and it still needs a housing to be waterproof.

The GoPro Hero4 Silver is still our top choice for most people, but if you need the best video quality with the most shooting options, the Hero4 Black is it.

Great picture quality at 4K resolution ; Ability to capture high frame rates ; 12-megapixel photos at burst speeds of 30 fps ; More image control

Battery life is inadequate ; No preview screen ; Difficult to make menu changes without app

While the Hero4 Black has been discontinued, you can still find it for sale and Hero4 models are still popular with users. But before considering the Hero4 Black, the only question you should ask yourself is whether or not you want to capture 4K. As...

4K capture. Slow motion HD capability. Rugged design. ProTune recording. Time Lapse photo option. Integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Waterproof to 131 feet with case. Many mounts and accessories available. Includes editing software.

Expensive. Short battery life. No LCD. Clunky interface. Lens shows lots of distortion. Omits image stabilization. Requires optional accessory for tripod use. Doesn't include AC adapter.

Conclusions The Hero4 Black is the best camera that GoPro makes, and the best action cam that we've tested—and it's priced accordingly. It maintains the small, go-anywhere design that make GoPros the favorite of adventurers and indie filmmakers alike,...