The HERO4 Black and HERO4 Silver both offer significant improvements over their predecessors. They have 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 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 and a few minor ones, the Black has all the features of the Silver, and quite a lot 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.
So here's a detailed breakdown of how the HERO4 Black compares with the HERO4 Silver.
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. With previous models--and with the HERO4 Black--you could add a screen on the back as an optional extra accessory. The Silver builds that screen in.
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. There's a virtue to the convenience of having the screen built into the camera itself.
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. You can also connect it wirelessly to the GoPro mobile app and use the app's live view to frame the shot. In many situations, that works well, but it also means extra complications.
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 BacPac. If you decide to buy the extra screen, it won't fit in the standard waterproof housing because it creates a bulkier package, so you'll need to use an extended back (they just clip on and off), 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 while you're using it.
HERO4 Black vs HERO4 Silver: Video Resolutions and Framerates
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).
Here's a split-screen from both cameras shot simultaneously with the same settings (1080p30, Protune off). There's a slight misalignment in the original footage due to the mounting frame. But the examples illustrate that because the cameras are using the same sensor, there's no functional difference in the results when using the video modes they have in common.
In uploading to Youtube the file is compressed. If you'd like to download the original raw footage as it came out of the camera, here it is: Black | Silver (right-click to download).
Here's another test sample. The blank line at the top of the Black is the result of realigning the slightly misaligned footage.
And here are the original raw files: Black | Silver (right-click to download). (In case you're wondering what the event is in the background, it's a group of Army recruits doing their regular dawn training down on the plaza in front of the Lincoln Memorial and on the steps.)
Video Modes: HERO4 Black vs HERO4 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.
| Mode | FPS | Bitrate (Megabits/s) - Protune / + Protune | Aspect Ratio | Resolution | HERO4 Black | HERO4 Silver |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4K | 30 | 60/60 | 16:9 | 3840x2160 | ✓ | |
| 25 | 60/60 | 16:9 | 3840x2160 | ✓ | ||
| 24 | 60/60 | 16:9 | 3840x2160 | ✓ | ||
| 15 | 45/45 | 16:9 | 3840x2160 | ✓ | ||
| 12.5 | 45/45 | 16:9 | 3840x2160 | ✓ | ||
| 2.7K | 60 | 60/60 | 16:9 | 2704x1520 | ✓ | |
| 50 | 60/60 | 16:9 | 2704x1520 | ✓ | ||
| 48 | 60/60 | 16:9 | 2704x1520 | ✓ | ||
| 30 | 45/45 | 16:9 | 2704x1520 | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 25 | 45/45 | 16:9 | 2704x1520 | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 24 | 45/45 | 16:9 | 2704x1520 | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 2.7K SuperView | 30 | 45/60 | 16:9 | 2704x1520 | ✓ | |
| 25 | 45/60 | 16:9 | 2704x1520 | ✓ | ||
| 2.7K 4:3 | 30 | 45/60 | 4:3 | 2704x2028 | ✓ | |
| 25 | 45/60 | 4:3 | 2704x2028 | ✓ | ||
| 1440p | 80 | 60/60 | 4:3 | 1920x1440 | ✓ | |
| 60 | 45/60 | 4:3 | 1920x1440 | ✓ | ||
| 50 | 45/60 | 4:3 | 1920x1440 | ✓ | ||
| 48 | 30/45 | 4:3 | 1920x1440 | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 30 | 30/45 | 4:3 | 1920x1440 | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 25 | 30/45 | 4:3 | 1920x1440 | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 24 | 30/45 | 4:3 | 1920x1440 | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 1080p | 120 | 60/60 | 16:9 | 1920x1080 | ✓ | |
| 90 | 60/60 | 16:9 | 1920x1080 | ✓ | ||
| 60 | 30/45 | 16:9 | 1920x1080 | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 50 | 30/45 | 16:9 | 1920x1080 | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 48 | 30/45 | 16:9 | 1920x1080 | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 30 | 30/45 | 16:9 | 1920x1080 | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 25 | 30/45 | 16:9 | 1920x1080 | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 24 | 30/45 | 16:9 | 1920x1080 | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 1080p SuperView | 80 | 60/60 | 16:9 | 1920x1080 | ✓ | |
| 60 | 30/45 | 16:9 | 1920x1080 | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 50 | 30/45 | 16:9 | 1920x1080 | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 48 | 30/45 | 16:9 | 1920x1080 | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 30 | 30/45 | 16:9 | 1920x1080 | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 25 | 30/45 | 16:9 | 1920x1080 | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 24 | 30/45 | 16:9 | 1920x1080 | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 960p | 120 | 30/45 | 4:3 | 1280x960 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 100 | 30/45 | 4:3 | 1280x960 | ✓ | ||
| 60 | 30/45 | 4:3 | 1280x960 | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 50 | 30/45 | 4:3 | 1280x960 | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 720p | 240 | 60/60 | 16:9 | 1280x720 | ✓ | |
| 120 | 30/45 | 16:9 | 1280x720 | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 60 | 30/45 | 16:9 | 1280x720 | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 50 | 30/45 | 16:9 | 1280x720 | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 30 | 30/45 | 16:9 | 1280x720 | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 25 | 30/45 | 16:9 | 1280x720 | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 720p SuperView | 120 | 30/45 | 16:9 | 1280x720 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 60 | 30/45 | 16:9 | 1280x720 | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 50 | 30/45 | 16:9 | 1280x720 | ✓ | ✓ | |
| WVGA | 240 | 30/30 | 16:9 | 848x480 | ✓ | ✓ |
Video Resolutions
For comparison, here's a visualization of the video resolutions that the GoPro HERO4 produces. Click on the graphic to open a full-size version.
Protune Video Options
This table shows the various Protune options available when shooting video with these cameras.
| Protune Option | HERO4 Black | HERO4 Silver |
|---|---|---|
| Color | GoPro Color Flat | GoPro Color Flat |
| White Balance | Auto 3000K 4000K 4800K 5500K 6000K 6500K Native | Auto 3000K 4000K 4800K 5500K 6000K 6500K Native |
| Shutter / Manual Exposure | Auto 1/60 1/120 1/240 | Auto 1/60 1/120 1/240 |
| ISO Limit | 6400 3200 1600 1200 800 400 | 6400 3200 1600 1200 800 400 |
| Sharpness | High Medium Low | High Medium Low |
| Exposure Compensation | -2 to +2 | -2 to +2 |
HERO4 Silver vs HERO4 Black: Still Photos
For still photos, they're the same. Both are using the same sensor and both produce up to 12MP at 4000x3000px. They also have 7MP (3000x2250px) and 5MP (2560x1920px) modes. The 12MP and 7MP resolutions offer the Wide FOV, while the 7MP and the 5MP resolutions offer medium resolution.
The lens is rated as a 3mm lens, equivalent to 15mm in the 35mm/full-frame format. The light meter reacts identically, producing identical photos in each. Both handle shadows and highlights the same.
As you can see in these side-by-side photos, there's no difference (aside from the minor misalignment made more noticeable thanks to the ultra-wide field of view). In both, the image to the left of the slider (the Before image) is from the GoPro HERO4 Black, while the left is the GoPro HERO4 Silver. For this first one, I've deliberately chosen a scene that's tricky for cameras to deal with so that any differences will be more obvious. It has both very bright highlights (the sun) as well as dark shadows. And the white balance is tricky, because the camera has to try to decide whether to choose the warm light of the sun or the cooler light in the shadows.
[caption id="attachment_12705" align="aligncenter" width="678"]
DCIM100GOPROGOPR0248.[/caption][caption id="attachment_12706" align="aligncenter" width="678"]
DCIM100GOPROGOPR5277.[/caption]
If you'd like to see the original full-size images, you can download them here: Black | Silver.
And here's another example:
[caption id="attachment_12707" align="aligncenter" width="678"]
DCIM100GOPROGOPR0244.[/caption][caption id="attachment_12708" align="aligncenter" width="678"]
DCIM100GOPROGOPR5273.[/caption]
And here are the full-size originals: Black | Silver.
While both record exactly the same exposure settings in their EXIF, in my cameras, the Silver tends to expose ever so slightly under the Black, but it's such a tiny difference that it's most likely just natural manufacturing variation.
HERO4 Black vs HERO4 Silver: Audio
In many respects, the Black and Silver have the same specs when it comes to audio. Both record at 48kHz with AAC compression. Both have automatic gain control and use an internal multi-band compressor to improve the sound. Both have a mono internal microphone (which of course works best when not sealed inside the standard waterproof housing). And you can plug an external stereo microphone into both, although to do so you'll need to buy a separate 3.5mm to mini USB adapter.
There is a key difference for high-end audio, though. The Black has a high-quality analog to digital converter (ADC) built-in, which allows you to use high-end, studio-quality microphones that won't work on the Silver. If you need this feature, you'll probably already know you need it; it's most commonly needed for broadcast recordings or live music recordings, although those users will often use separate, dedicated sound gear.
I have a much more detailed post on external microphones for the HERO4 Silver and Black here.
Design, Dimensions, Weight, and 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 time-lapse, have night photo and night time-lapse 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: HEOR4 Silver vs HERO4 Black
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 but is priced significantly lower 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 are two less expensive models below these, the entry-level GoPro HERO (2014) and the HERO+ LCD, both of which are also very capable cameras. I have a post comparing the HERO (2014) and HERO4 Silver here and comparing the HERO+LCD with the HERO4 Silver here.
Find Them At
Both of these models are older models now and becoming harder to find. But you still might be able to find new ones at retailers like B&H Photo and Amazon.
Alternatively, there's a good chance of picking up used copies. I buy most of my used gear from KEH; you can check their current GoPro inventory here.
More GoPro Tips & Tricks:
Common GoPro Questions
Here are some common questions I get from GoPro users.
How to Maximize a GoPro's battery life
There are several factors that influence how long the GoPro's battery life lasts. Among them include what mode you're recording in (4K uses more power than 1080p30, for instance), the health of the battery, and even the environmental temperature (lithium batteries don't perform well in very cold temperatures). But there are some things you can do to maximize battery life. Not every GoPro has all of these features, but start with these:
- Minimize use of the back screen
- Turn off wireless
- Turn off voice commands
- Turn off GPS
- Turn off Protune
- Use QuickCapture mode
Is it normal for GoPro cameras to get hot?
Yes. Depending on the model and the shooting mode you're using, it's normal for GoPros to get quite warm while shooting. They can get hot enough to be uncomfortable to touch. It's especially noticeable when shooting high-resolution and high-framerate video. Some newer models have an overheating protection mechanism that will shut the camera down if it gets too hot. I have more details on GoPros getting hot, here.
How can I control a GoPro remotely?
GoPro makes a range of wireless remote controls. They don't all work with all GoPros--for example, the HERO (2018) isn't compatible with this type of remote control. Many of the newer models also work with the GoPro mobile app. Not every model can be controlled remotely, but most of the newer models have wireless compatibility that can be used for at least some methods of remote control.
Can you take pictures with a GoPro?
If you've been using a GoPro for a while, this might seem pretty obvious, but if you've never used one, it's not quite so self-evident. GoPros are best known for dramatic action videos, but they can most certainly take still photos too. In fact, they can be a very interesting alternative to a traditional camera so long as you work within its limitations. I have more more details here.
Do GoPro wireless controls work underwater?
No. You can't use the mobile app or a wireless remote control if the camera is fully submerged in water. They will normally work just fine in rain and spray--just not submerged. I have a more detailed explanation here.
Do GoPro touchscreens work underwater?
No. If they're just wet above water, they can work to some extent, although often less reliably. But the touchscreens won't work underwater.
Keith Allen says
Hi, Excellent article. I need to be sure before I hit pull the trigger on the Hero4 Black. I need to do a kick-butt time-lapse video over a 2-4 day period for a kick-starter/indiegogo campaign. I have an external power supply than can provide unlimited power via USB. I have only 2 questions: 1) Is the time-lapse thing fairly easy and straight forward? 2) Is the memory card going to be a problem? I appreciate your answer in advance.
Thank you kindly, Keith
David says
Yes, the timelapse function is very straightforward. There's actually two ways to do it: timelapse video, where it creates the video in the camera, and timelapse photo, where it shoots the sequence as JPGs and you'll have to use them to compile the video on a computer. I have a basic guide here that gives an overview of what you can expect from the timelapse photos option and stitching it together with GoPro Studio (of course, since they're just JPGs, you can use any other timelapse software you like instead). For something like you describe, I would generally shoot it in the timelapse photo mode. It's more work and takes more memory card space, but it's also more flexible and is safer if something goes wrong part way through. Depending on what exactly you're shooting there are also options for external intervalometers that can stop the shooting when it's not needed, etc. I have more on them here. In general, the timelapse function isn't going to tax the memory card too much, but I'd still recommend sticking with one of the ones recommended here.
cristian says
hola yo tengo la gopro hero 3 y estoy pensando en adquirir la hero 4 silver. cuales serian las ventajas de una con respecto a la otra,
David says
Tengo una comparación detallada del HERO3+ Silver y HERO4 Silver.
Pete T. says
Hi David. Brilliant & v useful review. Thank you!
I have read somewhere that he silver LCD can be turned off, and the camera operated fully via the phone app. Is this correct?
I want to mount it remotely on a sailboat and capture stuff via Bluetooth or wifi, whilst also maximising battery life. As I don't need super-hires video I'm guessing the silver 4 is the way to go?
Thanks again for your advice.
David says
Yes, you can run it from the phone app. The catch in terms of battery life is that controlling it via the app also causes quite a drain on battery. If you don't need to see what the camera is seeing, the Smart Remote offers control and better battery life thank using the app (but not as good as having the wifi switched off completely).
Laurence L. says
Excellent article. Learnt heaps. Concise, clear and the examples worked for me. Thank you.
A note on using the Go Pro App (I have 'Capture' on my Iphone) and I have a Hero 4 Black: Iphones (or at least mine) do not do too well in cold places and therefore, difficult to team up with Hero 4 Black to view shots. It is my experience and it may not be yours. Just been to Antarctica and that is one problem I had and other passengers on the boat.
Hayzer says
I'm looking for a video camera to record gigs I attend, could you advise on whether the black or silver 4 would be better for the low light and sound quality please
Many thanks
David says
Both give same low-light performance. An external microphone will improve the sound quality markedly on both--more on that here. The HERO5 Black is potentially even better for this use because you can save the soundtrack as a separate WAV file.
Danny says
Question. Why do you have the bitrate in the chart as one number, and then a number next to it in parenthesis? IE: 60 Mb/s (7.5 MB/s)?
David says
It's two different ways to write the speed. Mb/s, with a small "b", is megabits per second. It's the unit usually used for video bitrates. MB/s, with a capital "B", is megabytes per second. It's the unit we're probably more used to in other contexts. There are eight megabits in a megabyte (or eight bits in a byte, for that matter).
Danny says
Oh sweet, thanks. I'm exporting some GoPro video on Premiere Pro and for the last 15 or so video I notice that YouTube recommended bitrate of 12 for 60FPS video loses a lot of quality. I'm going to export at the same bitrate as the camera shoots and see how that looks.
Misty W. says
Thank you so much for putting all this information in one location! It is so helpful. We want a GoPro of some sort, but debating on which one to get. I love taking pics and videos, but just average in doing it. I wish I had the time to learn more about photography because I love doing it. Mainly this GoPro will be used by the kids and on family vacations. We are just trying to find a good one, but also not break the bank. I am going back and forth between an older model and the new version. I know the older models are less expensive now that the 4 has come out, but I also know how fast technology changes and things get "outdated" quickly. What would your recommendation be for our family? Again thank you for all of your wonderful insight!!!
David says
The HERO4 Silver is probably the best all-around in the current range, in large part because it has the built-in screen. But if you're less concerned with high-end video modes, the HERO+ LCD is not technically in the current range but still has good video and image quality as well as a built-in screen, and it's significantly cheaper.
mallick says
Hello David
I will be going on Safari with my family and want a camera to make VDO's. have been looking at camcorders, but the ones with 4K capability are very expensive. is Go Pro Hero 4 silver a good alternate to a camcorder. my biggest concern is the fish eye lens, how much does it distort the image. i also understand that Go Pro does not have zoom capabilities.
look forward to hearing from you.
David says
I have some examples of the field of view here as well as some examples of how to remove the fisheye effect from videos and photos that show how much distortion there is. The very wide field of view isn't ideal for going on safari because the animals will be very small in the frame and you'll also end up with parts of the vehicle in the frame in many shots.
Kathryn says
Hi i'm going on a holiday abroad with friends next week I have the go pro hero 4 silver it's my first time using it I want to be able to record a lot of the holiday in the best possible quality I have a 32GB and 64GB memory card and spare batterys
I'm new to all of the settings and knowing which would be the best. Which video format, LEDs, frame rate and quality would you recommend I use to film?
David says
At the highest resolution video modes you'll fit a maximum of just under 3 hours of footage on the 64GB card. So if you want to fit more than that on your cards you'll be better off reducing the resolution, which makes for smaller files that require less space. Here are some guide as to how much you can fit on a card at each resolution. A good general shooting mode is something like 1080p at 30fps. That will give you full resolution on a standard HD TV (ie. not 4K) and works well for the web. If you're only going to post on the web, you could even drop that back to 720p at 30fps, which is still considered HD for the web. I wouldn't recommend going below 720p. Those will give you some places to start, but you can of course tweak them and choose something in between those or add more memory cards (or take along something to offload from the memory cards to be reused again). So there's no "right" answer, as such. I have a separate post here on using a GoPro as a travel camera, and I'd very much recommend testing things out at your chosen settings before you head off.
Kathryn says
Thankyou!
P. Gregory says
Thank you for these helpful reviews. Plan to use one when travelling to Italy in particular along the Amalfi coastline on a scooter with a helmet mount or a selfie stick. Also cruising along a boat along the coast. Trying to capture keepsake video that can be played back on a large 4K capable screen. Likely will use it on future motorcycle touring. If I go with the silver will be prepared to bring along additional batteries. Which one would you suggest I go with?
David says
The Silver is often more convenient simply because of the screen, but if you know in advance that you're going to want to be shooting 4K video, the Black does have extra 4K modes. I'd recommend batteries or some other way to charge on the go regardless of which model you go with. I have more suggestions here.
Khan says
Thanks for clarity regarding GoPro black and silver
Dani says
I'm going to be doing video trainings to market, video's for my website, podcasts, and for utube, which would be the best black or silver?
David says
While they'll both work well, it doesn't sound like you need the extra features of the Black. So the Silver is probably the better bet in that it meeds or exceeds your needs and is a bit cheaper.
Alex says
I'm a Triathlete and time is critical. So the longer I can record the better.
Peter Lewis says
The deal clincher for me,is the fact that the Silver has a LCD screen built in.
It may sap more of the battery's power, but you have a visual indication,and the ability to frame your shot perfectly.
When your paying a lot of money for a tiny SportsCam, having a built in LCD screen is vital, having to fork out yet more money to buy one as an option is not on the cards.
Am i pleased with my Hero 4 Silver, Yes.
David says
I would have to agree. I find I reach for the Silver more often for general shooting just because of the screen.
Rick Bradley says
Hi David
Have you done a comparison between the Sony Action Cam Mini HDR-AZ1VR Full HD with Live View Remote Kit and the GoPro Black or Silver
Cheers
David says
No, not yet, but it's on my to-do list.
Jakob Christoph says
Without a doubt this is the best product review or comparison I have ever read. Concise with great examples. Made my choice easy. Thank you -jakob
David says
Glad it's useful!
Victoria says
Hey David.
I was lucky enough to get a GoPro Hero4 Black for Christmas, but I'm not sure if it's the right model for me. Usually I use GoPro for skiing, diving and other water sports, but this year I'm going to travel a lot and the camera will therefore be used for other activities and sports such as: skating, jet skiing, surfing, river rafting and sky diving. I use my footage for video publishing and wish for it to be in good quality, but I'm intrigued by the LCD BacPac and now I don't know if the silver edition would be more practical... Although I need the battery to last as long as possible.
Any suggestions?
thanks in advance
Victoria
Pola says
thanks! This is the best review ever.. My heart says go for the silver one.. Does the waterproof case already included? May i know whats included if ill yust buy go pro silver (ex.waterproof case battery etc.) it will be a big help thanks ?
David says
Yes, it's included in the standard version. But there are bundles available with different configurations--eg. for surfing or music, etc--so make sure that the bundle you're looking at includes the pieces you're most concerned about.
Jamie says
I was thinking of purchasing a go pro, and I'm still not sure on what one I should get I would be mainly using it in the water such as the beach, pool and stuff like that, I was thinking of getting the black but because it doesn't have a screen I was starting to lean more towards the sliver although I could add the screen and stuff to the black, I don't want the battery to drain more.
David says
To make the most of battery life you can turn the Silver's screen off or have it turn off automatically. If you don't need the very high end video modes of the Black, the Silver is probably a better bet than a Black with an added LCD screen.
Lee Holland says
Cant chose between sliver or black. Mostly used while diving (down to 50m) and other watersports. looking for good underwater quality.
David says
They'll both give the same image/video quality. And both have Protune, so you can mess with the ISO settings etc to optimize for low light. Both also can accept the same red/orange filters, and you can get small external lights for both. I find the screen on the back of the Silver handy to see what you're filming--especially underwater--but otherwise the performance is much the same unless you need the extra video modes the Black offers. But one thing to watch is that the standard waterproof housings are only rated down to about 40m. And, of course, at those depths, a light is going to come in handy. Another alternative that I've had a chance to play with recently is the range by Sealife (http://bhpho.to/1TS5irx). It's a different setup to GoPro, but they're small, compact, and automated, with special features for underwater shooting.
M vE says
Hi, thank you for this article! It was very helpful and made me realize that the silver edition is best for my usage. I have now bought the camera, but apart from memory card and extra battery, I am not quite sure which accessories I will need. The primary use of this go pro will be to document (trough video) a backpacker trip to Asia and South America, which will include hiking, surfing and hopefully some adventurous sport activities. Do you have any recommendations? Also, this is my first go pro, maybe you have written an article on how to make full use of go pro for beginners?
Peter says
David:
Thank you for your thoughtful review.
I have a question - do you recommend the Feiyu wearable gimbal attachment for the Hero4 Silver, or would you go with a steadicam ? Obviously, the goal will be to smooth out the video from a journey, and the wearable mount, if possible will reduce "torch arm" fatigue.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Stephanie says
Hi there. Thank you so much for this information, it really is great. However I still can't make a decision. I am buying either the black or silver as a gift. It will be used for snowboarding, skiing and other non-action holidays. I can't decide if the screen on the back is going to be more beneficial than not having it.
David says
In general, my personal opinion is that the Silver is probably a safer bet for a gift. It can do nearly all the Black can do--and at the same quality levels--and has the advantage of the built-in screen. The Black does have some high-end video modes that exceed the Silver, but the reality is that most people don't need or use those high-end modes. And the people who do need them are often video professionals or at least dedicated video publishers.
Mark Kanzler says
How much does the Hero 4 black, with the lcd bacpack and larger waterproof housing and a battery weigh? How does that compare with the silver, baterry & housing in combination?
David says
I've just stuck those combinations on a scale for you. With the Black+LCD BacPac+extended backdoor I get 7.7oz (217g). With the Silver with its standard housing I get 5.1oz (146g). Both are with battery and memory card and without screws on the housing.
Ed says
Hey so I mostly skate for long periods of time and also do kayaking, hiking, and other all day trips. What would you recommend for all day trips because I know I won't be able to charge it during the trips? Thanks ahead of time!
David says
That's a tough one, and I'm not sure there's a particularly good option. You can plug in a small external USB battery that can extend the shooting life enormously (depending on the capacity of the external battery), but the downsides are that it's cumbersome with two pieces and the setup from the battery to the connection to the camera isn't waterproof. Brunton has released a model of their All Day extended battery that is compatible with the HERO4 Silver and Black housings (but not the Session's). It attaches to the camera housing, so it makes a single piece, and it's waterproof. But it has decidedly mixed reviews so far. I have one of them on the way to test and plan to post a review of it very soon. And you can, of course, also swap out spare batteries, but that's a pain and hard to do while kayaking.
Ed says
Thanks David, that's good to know. So I plan to be filming in 4K is it worth the extra $100 to get the black edition?
David says
Really depends on whether you're going to make use of it. If you're primarily posting to the web, it's probably overkill. If you're using the footage for some kind of high-resolution display--or plan on cropping aggressively--then the extra detail might come in handy. The Silver still does 4K15, just not 4K24, 4K25, or 4K30.
Tom says
Hi,
Wow lots of useful information! I can't decide between the Hero 4 Silver or Black, I will use this mainly for mountain biking in Utah and Colorado.
David says
My general rule of thumb advice is that unless you're using the very highest video modes of the Black (or, less likely, want to plug in studio microphones), the Silver is a good bet.
Ed says
Thanks David. I think I'll go with the silver thanks again.
ben says
David, thanks for the great information. I will push my luck and ask for more... I would value your input on what to buy.
I am planning my dream trip to Galápagos Islands and a side trip to the amazon. I want to capture on camera what I see for future memory review but I want to spend the time seeing and experiencing not fiddling with cameras.
In the boat/shore excursion trip, there will be daily shore excursions of about 2 hrs each possibly more and hopefully a chance or two to snorkel. I was thinking of the gopro silver or black with chest mount or head/hat mount for land, not sure what to do about the water part.
I want to turn the camera on with minimal effort and forget about it for q couple of hrs, hopefully forget it is theree. At the end of day I expect to download or swap mem cards (another challenge) and charge batteries when I return to the boat I will be sleeping on. I hope to not do edits until I return home but I'd like to do some quick checks periodically to make sure everything is working. In all about there will be 10-12 2 hr excursions. As an aside, after the trip I will use the camera mostly on my own sailboat, mounted somewhere and turned on/off remotely.
One other thing, there will several night excursion in the Amazon as part of a side trip so night vision would be nice but a secondary requirement.
Some features that are important to me and a few questions
Ease of use and setup is important
Strap it on and forget about it for a couple of hrs
Battery time or the ability to quickly swap is important
Memory storage is important
Can an extra battery pac go on the silver or black?
How many minutes of video will a 65gig card store?
Which camera and accessories would you recommend?
A big thanks in advance.
David says
That's a lot of requirements--but perfectly natural, of course. My short answer is that, if it was me, I'd probably opt for the Silver with either a chest harness mount or a hat mount, a bobber, a Brunton All Day battery pack, spare memory cards, and some anti-fog inserts.
But that comes with a bunch of asterisks, such as:
- The Brunton power pack adds bulk. It'll also cover up the screen on the Silver. Also, some users have reported leakage when used underwater, so it's worth testing before you head off. The standard battery gives you up to about 2 hours in best-case scenarios, so that might work for you. Here are some ideas for spare standard batteries.
- Swapping batteries and memory cards is simple enough, but does mean opening the waterproof housing each time. To reduce fogging, try to do that in the air-conditioned dry air of your cabin rather than in the humid air on deck or land. [easyazon_link identifier="B009QXFFYS" locale="US" tag="05060702-20"]Anti-fog inserts[/easyazon_link] will also help.
- GoPros use a very wide-angle lens. That's great for when you're very close to the subject and want an immersive feel to the footage. When you're swimming amongst the sea lions, that can be wonderful. If you're further away from your subject, as you'll often be on land because you'll be kept to designated areas so as not to disturb the environment and wildlife, the animals will be very small in the frame.
- Here's some rule-of-thumb guidelines for how much you can fit on memory cards with GoPros.
- Night vision: none of these have true night vision. The Silver and Black have night shooting modes, which basically leaves the shutter open longer, but it's not true night vision.
The Silver has wireless compatibility, so when it's mounted on your boat you can turn it on and off using either the GoPro Smart Remote or the smartphone app. The new HERO+ LCD has similar functionality but fewer features and lesser quality video and photos. The HERO4 Session can also manage similar things, is smaller, can't go as deep underwater without an optional extra housing (but is fine for regular snorkeling), and doesn't have a built-in screen.
And, finally, it might be more than you need, but there are portable devices for backing up memory cards on the go. Here are some.
Tim says
Hey man, I won a gift card through work to buy a Go-Pro but not sure which to get? I'm a singer/songwriter and am wanting to record home videos, coffee shop gigs, and also use it for some outdoor adventures (biking, kayaking, hiking) when I actually get out to vacation. What do you recommend? Btw, awesome article! Thank you for taking the time bro. Cheers.
David says
If you don't need the super high resolution that the Black has (eg. 4K30ps), the Silver has the added convenience of a screen. The audio for both will be greatly improved with an external microphone (more on that here. If you happen to be using a full-blown studio mic, the Black has added support for some of those.
Kristian says
Hello- in the comparison you have an picture example, you wrote -" the image to the left of the slider is from the GoPro HERO4 Black, while the left is the GoPro HERO4 Silver." which is on the right?
David says
You should see a before/after slider. The "before" image is the Silver, with the "after" image the Black.
Grant Seeman says
Hi David
I had the black with the additional lcd pack pac but sadly lost the camera on a bike trip. I do how ever still have the lcd back pack. I had also purchased a Feiyu Tech hand held gimbal which the the black with the lcd back pack did not fit into but the silver would have. Considering that I already have the lcd back pack it would make sense to purchase the black excepting that when using it with the gimbal I would have to shoot blind.
Any suggestions?
Ben says
Can you use the battery backpac with both cameras ? How different is the video footage between the best each camera can do ?
Mat Lee says
Not sure what you are asking: "How different is the video footage between the best each camera can do ?"
At the same resolution and same fps the results are pretty similar between the different GoPro cameras I tried. I wonder if the quality of the new GoPro session lens is the same as the other GoPro. By the way, here's a nice
chart
of all the gopro models available resolutions.
Ben says
Thanks for that
Chase Hayner says
Those of you who are thinking of going with the black over the silver because you will just use your smartphone for playback, be aware. The android app that is used to connect via wifi to your gopro is unstable at best.. thousands of people complain it will only connect for a few moments before losing connection. I myself have trouble using my phone my wifes phone and our tablet. so just be prepared to pay the extra money for that LCD.
David says
Thanks for the tip. I must admit that I find the smartphone apps more cumbersome than I like, but since I use an iPhone I've not run into that issue on Android. Thanks for letting us know. If I'm doing a critical shoot for a client, I've learned the hard way that I'm better off using the Smart Remote rather than relying on the wifi smartphone app.
John Sanders says
Is it possible to connect external power to the Silver for longer recording?
David says
Yes, you can connect to AC, car charger, or external battery, all through the mini USB port. It doesn't work with the standard waterproof housing, but you can use skeleton frames (non-waterproof) that allow you to connect external cables while still using the standard GoPro mounting options
David C says
do either of these have a remote for taking pictures and/or video? or is that separate?
David says
No, they don't. The Smart Remote is sold separately. You can, though, use the free mobile app to turn your phone into a remote. It doesn't have the range or the multi-camera capabilities of the Smart Remote, but it does add some other things that the Smart Remote doesn't have, like through-the-lens view etc.
Nick says
Hello
For kiteboarding which one you recommend?
David says
Either will work well. If you don't need the high end video modes of the Black, the Silver is a good bet. Both have the same waterproof housing and are basically identical in size and weight. Both use the same mounting system. While you probably wouldn't be using the screen on the Silver while actually kiteboarding, it does come in handy afterwards for checking if you got the shot you're after.
Michael says
Thanks for the comparison between the black and silver. It was extremely helpful. Looks like I'm going with the silver and will be very happy with it. The money I save will go towards a battery or two.
Curtis says
Hi David,
I can get a 4 Black for £20 more expensive than the silver, I feel like at this price I may as well go for it, any reason not to? What would you suggest?
Thanks! Great article btw, looking at batteries too and found your article on that helpful, undecided between wasabi and smatree
David says
The only thing would be whether you want the built in screen. Other than that (and aside from a few inconsequential video modes that the Silver does that aren't on the Black), the Black does everything the Silver does and a bit more. You can of course add a BacPac screen to the Black, but that adds cost as well as weight and size.
Curtis says
Thanks for the reply, I'm not bothered about the display as i feel it will be more convenient using the app through my iPhone instead when needed. For this reason I think i'm going to get the black for the small amount of extra money in order to get the slightly better quality and frame rates that are possible as well as any other extra features.
Barbara says
Hi David, we are going to USA and doing the theme parks. Which would you recommend for wearing on the rides eg roller coaster etc and just wearing it around the theme parks in general.
Cheers Barb
David says
Unless you need the high end video modes of the Black--and it doesn't sound as though you do--the Silver or even the new HERO+ LCD sound like better options. You can see how the HERO+ LCD compares with the Silver here.
Melisa says
Im travelling through Central and South America in November and a friend recommended just using a GoPro while tripping around instead of taking a separate digital camera. Aside from the adventure sports we will be doing, what are scenery and general travel pics like with a GoPro Silver? Sunsets/nightlife/beach etc. thank you
David says
The image quality is pretty good, but because it's designed with an emphasis on video--and action video at that--there are a few things to bear in mind when using it as a stills camera. For one thing, the shutter is designed to prevent accidental bumps, so you have to press it harder and further than you do on most cameras, which can make it feel a bit sluggish. Same sort of issue when powering it on--it takes a few seconds to actually power up, which mightn't sound like much, but it can be if you're trying to capture something that's happening fast in front of you. But the biggest issue is probably battery life. If you're lucky, you'll get 2 hours out of the battery. But that's not necessarily 2 hours of shooting--it's just 2 hours of being powered on. There is an auto-off function that's pretty much essential for this kind of thing, and you can take spare batteries, but keeping it charged is something that has to be managed, especially if you're out hiking or camping, etc. There's no zoom, of course--just a wide angle or wider angle, which isn't ideal for photos of people but can be very dramatic for landscapes. There are also definite pluses--it's tiny, and in the waterproof housing you can take it all sorts of places that you can't take a lot of cameras.
imad says
Thanks for the review. I will go for the 4 Silver
Richard SJ says
Intending to buy a GoPro to use in my ultralight aircraft - was going to get the Black but now see the Silver will be OK for me. Your excellent comparison has saved me some cash! Thanks David.
David says
Glad it's helpful. The Black is a great camera, but the reality is that many users don't need the extra features it has. You'll get some great aerial footage with the Silver. Safe flying!
McKenzie says
Thank you so much for this! It's super helpful! I'm a wedding photographer, and while I'm getting this for my own enjoyment for vacations, I would love to be able to use it at weddings, either to just record the whole ceremony since they don't typically hire videographers and I prefer un-plugged weddings, or to start offering video fusion where it takes clips throughout the day that I add into the slideshow, along with clips from my DSLR. I wish I could see the video quality difference between the two. I still cannot decide.
David says
For the video modes where they overlap, there's no difference in video quality. The Black does, of course, offer some video modes that the Silver doesn't, but otherwise the quality is the same.
Jacques Mathieu says
Hi David, I'm a autocross and rally enthusiast, I've purchased the black but at my age (62) I hate the complexity of some electronics and shuffling through adjustments. Reading your nice article, I believe that my purchase is overkilled. How reliable is the blue tooth wireless APP, and since I usually mount my smart phone (Android) in a car cradle, would the APP reliably control the camera via the phone? Thanks for helping all of us.
Jacques
David says
I've found it to work pretty well even though I tend to be cautious when it comes to wireless controls. Assuming you're mounting the camera on the outside of the car, it should work nicely from a phone inside the car.
Jessica. says
Question:: I have three boys. Which camera would be the best option for sports, vacations and just the wildness of boys? I'm having a hard time deciding if the Black is necessary or not?! Thanks you!!!
David says
Unless you really need the high end video modes, the Black is probably overkill. If you're posting to the web, sharing with friends and family, etc, the Silver's video modes are more than enough. I have all of the current and recent GoPro models and find that for that kind of everyday shooting--with two boys--I reach for the Silver most often. I really only need the Black for high-end work for clients or when I'm deliberately pushing for the top end. The screen is great not just for seeing what you're shooting, but they also love the instant feedback of being able to play it back right away. It also sounds like the brand new HERO+ LCD might work well for you. It's $100 cheaper, still has a screen, still has waterproof housing, and shoots HD video, but is simplified in many ways. I have a comparison here.
Sandy says
Hi David Sandy here. I would like a gopro to video horse back riding. What would you recommend the silver or the black. Thanks
David says
Unless you know that you really need the very high end video modes of the Black--and in reality they're a pretty niche requirement--the Silver is probably going to be a much more versatile camera for that kind of use simply because of the live view LCD screen on the back. It doesn't hurt that it's also $100 cheaper. And if you have pretty basic video requirements, the brand new HERO+ LCD is also worth a look (it's cheaper still). Here's a comparison of that and the Silver. Probably the top two things to help you decide are whether you want the live view screen and what video modes you need.
sandy says
Hi David I got a super sweet deal on the Hero4 at Blacks so not kn owing what I Was doing I grabbed it and bought the LCD screen to attach from Best Buy. Clueless and learning how to use it. Thanks for the advise I hope I like it.
David says
That's great you found a deal. And with the BacPac screen it does, for all intents and purposes, everything the Silver does and more. It's a little heavier and larger with the screen attached, but it'll work nicely. Enjoy!
sandy says
I probably should have got the silver never thought of the weight.... But for such a good deal I could not resist. The silver was a good deal too but went with the 4, hope it works out ok. Once I get good I can remove the lcd screen. I hope I like using it. I heard nothing but good,things about the goPros
rifen89 says
Thanks for the comparison review. It is really useful to compare actually between lots of gopro version. I personally Like gopro hero black edition.
Alex says
Hi! Anyway you can compare the new GoPro Hero+ with the ones above? You did an amazing job comparing the other versions!
David says
Absolutely. Here you go.
Mimi says
Thanks for the breakdown - it's really helpful. How about audio though? I thought I read somewhere that the Black can handle and external mic but the Silver can't. I need to film some interviews with the camera and so I'll need to capture sound too.
Arnold says
Hello... Thanks for the review, well explained. I would like to buy one to use for dive but don't know yet which one.
David says
I find I prefer the Silver for diving or snorkeling simply because of the LCD screen on the back. It's hard enough to to shoot underwater without shooting blind. A red filter also comes in handy to correct the natural light dropoff.
Joe says
I had in mind filming running along bush tracks and compiling short clips on my favourite bush tracks - mainly short runs under 2 hours
What would you recommend?
Joe
David says
Unless you need the very high end video modes of the Black, the Silver sounds like it might be a better fit. The base model HERO is also a very capable camera for that kind of thing, although it has stripped down features (here's a comparison. One thing to bear in mind is that 2 hours is at the top limit of the GoPro battery life under pretty ideal conditions, so it's worth doing a test run first to check that your settings are getting maximum battery life (ie. don't leave the back screen on, turn off WiFi and Bluetooth, etc). Here are GoPro's own estimates for battery life in various configurations.
Odi says
Thanks! This firmed up my decision to go with the Black.
David says
Enjoy it!
Evelthon Michaelides says
what about the sound ? can you compare the sound of the two cameras?
mark says
thank you!! you made it easy
đèn quay phim says
Good!
R. Garcia says
Just what i needed to decide
Thanks a lot
John Logan says
the best simpliest review and quick helping guide ever for Go Pro buying
Jorge Flores says
so usefull information, thanks! I'm decided for silver edition
Taylor says
That was an awesome simple and thorough review. Thanks for writing that up!!
David says
Glad it's useful!
Noah says
How do I change the definition.