Should You Get A GoPro HERO4?

GoPro cameras are great for capturing action-packed activities, like for those daredevils who like diving down into the depths of the ocean or traversing the mountainside at high altitudes. But the GoPro has many other everyday uses for “regular” users, and the introduction of the new GoPro HERO4 cameras have expanded its functionality tenfold.

The newest Silver and Black versions are available at Sport Chalet, and this latest line has some great new features to tout. Here’s how to know if the newest generation of GoPro camera is right for you with advice from Sport Chalet expert Donn Silvis.

Where will you be watching the footage?

The GroPro HERO4 Black and Silver both offer the user exceptional video quality with video resolution of 4K, which is the highest resolution possible for video cameras on the market today. Furthermore, the HERO4 Black offers 4K resolution at 30 frames per second (fps), which will make the video visually smooth. With the Black, the footage stays crystal clear on the highest quality of screens making it the perfect companion to Ultra HD televisions and screens. The camera is made with highest definition of viewing in mind, so if you’re planning to watch your footage on an Ultra HD screen, the GoPro Hero4 Black is a necessity. However, if you plan to view your footage on a regular HD TV, standard resolution screen or simply want to upload your capture on YouTube, the full capabilities of the GoPro HERO4 Silver will be a great alternative.

Will you be editing the footage?

Imagine you’ve got some awesome footage captured in the camera’s highest possible resolution at 4K/30 fps. You go to upload it to your computer to make a sweet video for YouTube and find that it’s killing your computer’s processor just to view it. Unless you’re equipped with newer computer processors and a decent amount of RAM, editing will be a bit of a struggle—even if you’re working with GoPro’s free editing software, Studio. However, there is an option if you’re still dying to film with the latest and greatest on an older processor—you can downgrade the resolution on both cameras to fit your needs. Both the Black and Silver cameras provide options in 4K, 2.7K, 1440p, 1080p, 960p, 720p and WVGA as possible video resolutions.

What are you filming?

Speaking of switching the resolution to fit your needs, it’s important to know what you’re planning on filming so you can choose a resolution and camera accessories that will get you that perfect shot. If you anticipate filming something with a lot of movement, both cameras have the option of filming in a lower resolution, but at a higher frame per second. Shooting high-action shots in lower resolution with a GoPro gives a better visual as it films in more frames per second making it easier for your eye to see with the capability of slowing down the action so even the smallest details can be perceived. The Black has a higher frame rate than the Silver, which means it is able to shoot more movement at a higher resolution.

In general, users should use anything from 2.7K SuperView to 1440p for tripod or body-mounted action shots when shooting with the Black or Silver. For footage where there will be more movement, any resolution from 1080p and below will offer a high-quality picture with higher frames per second. Keep in mind that the Black will offer double the frames per second (120 fps) than that of the Silver (60 fps) at 1080p, the go-to standard resolution to film in. Remember, the more frames there are, the better the footage will look slowed down, making high-action slow motion video possible at 960p and still-shot slow motion video available at 720p.

Bonus: New features special to the GoPro HERO4

• HiLight – This function makes reviewing your footage much easier with a simple way to highlight notable moments while you’re filming. Add in HiLight Tags as you film using the GoPro App or Smart Remote and you’ll know exactly where your golden shots are when you view it afterwards. It’ll make editing your hours of epic footage much easier!
• SuperView – SuperView offers a larger field of view when shooting by expanding the edges of the frame to capture more. SuperView gives an immersive feel to everything you shoot and allows the image to look more stable than shooting in a 16:9 aspect where the top and bottom of the action can “jump” out of the frame.
• Protune – The Protune feature gives you more control when both filming and editing your footage. Protune, when activated, records video and, more recently, photos, in a larger format allowing the editor more artistic license to alter lighting and coloring options. The HERO4’s Protune is an added benefit for those looking to capture professional-quality footage and also allows the editor to do more in post-production.
• QuikCapture – QuikCapture allows users to film with the simple click of a button. Activate this function if you want your GoPro to start recording as soon as you hit the power button and to both stop recording and power off once you hit it again. This function is also a great battery saver and a great way to ensure you are always ready to catch the action.
• Video + Photo – This feature allows your GoPro to capture high-resolution images alongside the video footage you’re shooting. You can set the rate at which your GoPro will take a photo for anywhere from every five to 60 seconds—all while simultaneously filming video footage.
• Night Lapse and Night Photo – These features allow you to take photo or video in low light environments by keeping the shutter open for up to 30 seconds. The slower the shutter speed, the more light gets let in, which makes for great shots of the stars, fireworks or other amazing images that require a slow shutter speed at dawn, dusk or nighttime.

To recap, the GoPro HERO4 can do everything from professional shooting to capturing the basics. While its full capabilities aren’t entirely necessary for the average user, purchasing a GoPro HERO4 can be viewed as an investment. This is a camera you can grow into rather than out of. The camera’s footage quality will long outlive that of cameras currently on the market. With this in mind, and coupled with the camera’s rugged durability, you’ll be happy with your GoPro HERO4 purchase for many years to come.

For more information or to purchase a camera for yourself, visit www.sportchalet.com.