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GoPro HERO4 Silver and Black Firmware Update / February 2015

GoPro has released new firmware for the GoPro HERO4 Black and Silver. Here's what's new.

01 COPYRIGHT HAVECAMERAWILLTRAVEL.COM  - GoPro HERO4 Silver and Black Firmware Update / February 2015

By David Coleman | @havecamerawilltraveldc
Last updated about 3 months ago // Categories: News
Tags: GoPro HERO4 Black, GoPro HERO4 Silver

Save $220 on GoPro HERO9 Bundle

GoPro is running a deal on the new HERO9 Black, their newest and best camera. It's a bundle that includes the HERO9 Black, a 1-year subscription to GoPro, a free extra battery, and a 64GB SD card. It's all for $349.98.

On February 4, GoPro released new firmware for both the GoPro HERO4 Black and Silver. The new firmware is a mix of relatively minor tweaks and major new features.

Both models share some new features:

Timelapse Video Mode. Going back to at least the HD HERO Original, GoPros have had a timelapse mode. But up until now, it has been a traditional timelapse photo mode that captures still photos. To compile all those still photos into a timelapse video required extra steps. You could do it in GoPro Studio or something like Quicktime Pro or Timelapse Assembler. But it meant significantly more time and effort to end up with a timelapse video.

With this new timelapse video mode feature, GoPros can now compile the video in the camera on the fly. It’s a huge convenience and speed enhancement. Instead of exporting all the photos and compiling the video yourself, the camera takes care of the heavy lifting and outputs a neatly compiled mp4 video.

But it’s worth noting that this is an additional new mode, not replacing the existing timelapse photo mode. If you want to do it the old-fashioned way–and there are all sorts of good reasons you might want to from more control over the image processing settings and cropping to more control over the final file format–you can. You can just use the normal timelapse mode, found under the Photos menu.

The new timelapse video mode is under the video menu. You have the same choices of how frequently to take photos–0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 30, or 60 seconds–and have the choice of outputting to 2.7K 4:3 or 4K mp4s (both at 29.97fps).

Auto Image Rotation. This is really playing catchup. Most modern cameras are able to detect which way up a photo should display if you shoot vertically or horizontally. Now GoPros can too.

New Burst Rate of 30 photos/6 seconds. The previous firmware allowed for burst modes of 30 frames in 1 second, 30 frames over 2 seconds, or 30 frames over 3 seconds. But that meant timing the shooting right on with the action. By spacing 30 frames over 6 seconds–or the equivalent of the 5 shots-per-second continuous mode–it gives you a bit more of a safety net in terms of time.

New Video Modes: GoPro HERO4 Black Only

The Black edition gets some new video modes that don’t appear on the Silver.

The highlight is a new 720p 240fps video mode. Anyone looking to do slow motion will love this. It means that you can slow down the action as low as 10 percent of normal speed and still get smooth video without the tell-tale flicker of slow motion that’s been slowed too much. And all in HD. (The HERO4 has always had a 240fps mode, but until now it has been restricted to the much lower resolution WGVA mode at 848×480 pixels). But it’s worth noting that this new video mode only works with the narrow field of vision, not wide-angle.

There’s also a new 2.7K 60fps video mode, which improves on the 2.7K 50fps mode that the previous firmware allowed.

Here’s the full list of updates for each model:

HERO4 Black Firmware Update v02.00.00

New Features:

  • Adds Timelapse Video mode
  • Adds 720p 240fps video mode (Narrow FOV only)
  • Adds 2.7K 60fps video mode
  • Adds Auto Image Rotation
  • Adds 30 photos/6 seconds burst photo rate

Performance Improvements:

  • Changes Protune default video ISO to 1600

Usability Improvements:

  • Adds Reset option for camera Wi-Fi settings
  • Displays Night Lapse shutter time on the camera status screen

LCD Touch BacPac Improvements:

  • Delivers the ability to add HiLight Tags during playback
  • Adds new gesture to display the last photo or video captured
  • Automatically locks the display after the camera goes to sleep

General Improvements + Bug Fixes:

  • Night Lapse stability improvements

HERO4 Silver Firmware Update v02.00.00

New Features:

  • Adds Timelapse Video mode
  • Adds Auto Image Rotation
  • Adds 30 photos/6 seconds burst photo rate

Performance Improvements:

  • Changes Protune default video ISO to 1600

Usability Improvements:

  • Delivers the ability to add HiLight Tags during playback
  • Adds new gesture to display the last photo or video captured
  • Automatically locks the display after the camera goes to sleep
  • Adds Reset option for camera Wi-Fi settings
  • Displays Night Lapse shutter time on the camera status screen

General Improvements + Bug Fixes:

  • Night Lapse stability improvements

Updating the HERO4 Firmware

There are three ways to update the firmware of your camera:

  • Use GoPro Studio
  • Manually download the update and copy to a microSD card
  • Use the GoPro mobile app to do it wirelessly

You can find instructions on how to update the GoPro’s firmware here.

New GoPro HERO3+ Black Firmware

On February 10, GoPro also released new firmware for the GoPro HERO3+ Black (v03.00). It improves the automated file transfer process, addresses issues that may impact image quality in incandescent or fluorescent lighting conditions, addresses issues when syncing the Dual HERO System that may occur when Wi-Fi is on, and has some other improvements and bug fixes.

You can find the new firmware along with instructions on how to install it here.

Comparison Table

 HERO7 BlackHERO7 SilverHERO7 WhiteFusionHERO (2018)HERO6 BlackHERO5 BlackHERO5 SessionHERO SessionHERO+ LCDHERO4 BlackHERO4 SilverHERO4 SessionHERO+HERO (2014)HERO3+ Silver
HERO7 Black
HERO7 Black
$251.99
Check Price on Amazon
HERO7 Silver
HERO7 Silver
$199.00
Check Price on Amazon
HERO7 White
HERO7 White
$180.00
Check Price on Amazon
Fusion
Fusion
Check Price on Amazon
HERO (2018)
HERO (2018)
Check Price on Amazon
HERO6 Black
HERO6 Black
Check Price on Amazon
HERO5 Black
HERO5 Black
Check Price on Amazon
HERO5 Session
HERO5 Session
Check Price on Amazon
gopro-hero+gopro-hero4-black-frontgopro-hero4-silver-frontgopro-hero4-session-soloeGoPro HERO+gopro-herogopro-hero3plus-silver
MSRP Launch Price$399.99$299.99$199.99$699.99$499.99$299.99$499$399$199.99$199.99$129.99$299.99
Memory CardRecommendationsRecommendationsRecommendationsRecommendationsRecommendationsRecommendationsRecommendationsRecommendastionsRecommendationsRecommendationsRecommendations

VIDEO

Resolution / Max fps4K / 60
4K (4:3) / 30
2.7K / 120
2.7K (4:3) / 60
1440p / 120
1080p / 240
960p / 240
720p / 240
4K / 30
1440p / 60
1080p / 60
1440p / 60
1080p / 60
5.2K / 30
3K / 60
1440p / 60
1080p / 60
4K / 60
4K (4:3) / 30
2.7K / 120
1.7K (4:3) / 60
1440p / 60
1080p / 240
720p / 60
4K / 30
2.7K / 60
2.7K 4:3 / 30
1440p / 80
1080p / 120
960p / 120
720p / 240
480p / 240
4K / 30
2.7K / 48
2.7K (4:3) / 30
1440p / 60
1080p / 90
960p / 100
720p / 120
1080p / 60fps
720p / 60fps
720p SuperView / 60fps
4K / 30fps
2.7K / 60fps
1440p / 80fps
1080p / 120fps
960p / 120fps
720p / 240fps
WVGA / 240fps
4K / 15fps
2.7K / 30fps
1440p / 30fps
1080p / 60fps
960p / 100fps
720p / 120fps
WVGA / 240fps
1440p / 30fps
1080p / 60fps
960p / 60fps
720p / 100fps
WVGA / 120fps
1080p / 60fps
720p / 60fps
720p SuperView / 60fps
1080p / 30fps
720p / 60fps
1080p / 60fps
960p / 60fps
720p / 120fps
WVGA / 120fps
StabilizationHyperSmoothStandardStandardSphericalStandardStandardStandardStandard
Max Bitrate78 Mb/s60 Mb/s40 Mb/s120 Mb/s (60 Mb/s x 2)45 Mb/s78 Mb/s60 Mb/s60 Mb/s60 Mb/s (7.5 MB/s)45 Mb/s (5.7 MB/s)35 Mb/s (4.4 MB/s)
FOVsWide
Medium
Linear
SuperView
WideWide360
OverCapture
Wide
Medium
Narrow
Wide
Medium
Linear
SuperView
Wide
Medium
Narrow
Linear
SuperView
Wide
Medium
Narrow
Linear
SuperView
File Format (Codec)MP4 (HEVC / H.265)
MP4 (AVC / H.264)
MP4 (AVC / H.264)MP4 (AVC / H.264)MP4 (AVC / H.264)MP4 (AVC / H.264)MP4 (HEVC / H.265)
MP4 (AVC / H.264)
MP4 (AVC / H.264)MP4 (AVC / H.264)MP4 (AVC / H.264)MP4 (AVC / H.264)MP4 (AVC / H.264)MP4 (AVC / H.264)MP4 (AVC / H.264)MP4 (AVC / H.264)MP4 (AVC / H.264)MP4 (AVC / H.264)
ProtuneYesNoNoYesNoYesYesYesNoVideo + StillsVideo + StillsVideoNoNoNo
Digital ZoomYesYesYesNoYesYesNo
LoopingYesNoNoNoNoYesYes
Audio TrackWAV + AACAACAACAACAACWAV + AACAAC48kHz AAC48kHz AAC48kHz AAC32kHz AAC48kHz AAC48kHz AAC48kHz AAC
External Mic CompatibilityYesNoNoNoNoYesYesNoNoYesYesNoNoNoYes
360° CaptureNoNoNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
HDMI Video OutYesNoNoNoYesYesYesNo
Live StreamingYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo

PHOTO

Max Photo Size12MP10MP10MP18MP10MP12MP12MP10MP8 MP / 3264x2448px12 MP / 4000x3000px12 MP / 4000x3000px8 MP / 3264x2448px8 MP / 3264x2448px5 MP / 2592x1944px10 MP / 3680x2760px
FOVsWide
Linear
WideWide360
OverCapture
Wide
Medium
Narrow
Wide
Linear
Wide
Medium
Narrow
Linear
Wide
Linear
File FormatRAW (.gpr)
JPG
JPGJPGRAW (.gpr)
JPG
JPGRAW (.gpr)
JPG
RAW (.gpr)
JPG
JPGJPGJPGJPGJPGJPGJPGJPG
ProtuneYesNoNoYesNoYesYesYes
In-Camera ProcessingSuperPhotoWDRWDRNoWDRHDRWDRNo
Top Burst Mode30 / 115 / 115 / 130 / 110 / 130 / 130 / 130 / 110 / 230 / 130 / 1s10 / 1s10 / 2s10 / 2s10
Continuous PhotoYesYesYesNoNoYesYesYes
Night PhotoYesNoNoYesNoYesYesYesNoYesYesNoNoNoNo
Photo TimerYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
360° CaptureNoNoNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo

TIME-LAPSE

Timelapse PhotoYesNoNoYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Timelapse VideoYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNoYesYesNoNoNoNo
NightlapseYesNoNoNoNoYesYesYesNoYesYesNoNoNoNo
TimeWarp VideoYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo

CONTROLS & CONNECTIONS

Built-in TouchscreenYesYesYesNoYesYesYesNoNoYesNoYesNoNoNoNo
Front/Top ScreenYesNoNoYesYesYesYesYesYes
Voice ControlYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
WiFi / BluetoothYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNoYes
USB Port TypeUSB-CUSB-CUSB-CUSB-CUSB-CUSB-CUSB-CUSB-C

DESIGN & BUILD

Waterproof BodyYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNoNoYesYesYesNo
Separate Waterproof Housing----------YesYes---Yes
Dimensions62.3 x 44.9 x 33 mm62.3 x 44.9 x 28.3 mm62.3 x 44.9 x 28.3 mm74 x 75 x 40 mm2.6 x 1.8 x 1.4" / 6.5 x 4.5 x 3.5 cm41x59x30 mm41x59x30 mm41x59x30 mm
Weight4.1 oz / 116 g3.3 oz / 94.4 g3.26 / 92.4 g7.8 oz / 220 g127g (4.5oz)88g (3.1oz)
152g (5.4oz) (with housing)
83g (2.9oz)
147g (5.2oz) (with housing)
2.6oz (74g)123g (4.3oz)111g (3.9 oz)74g (2.6oz)
136g (4.8oz) (with housing)

OTHER

Battery Type1220 mAh1220 mAh (non-removable)1220 mAh (non-removable)2620 mAh1220 mAh1220 mAh1220 mAh1160mAh (non-removable)1160mAh1160mAh1030mAh (non-removable)1160mAh (non-removable)1180mAh (non-removable)1180mAh
GPSYesYesNoYesNoYesYesNo
Buy AtAmazon | B&H PhotoAmazon | B&H PhotoAmazon | B&H PhotoAmazonAmazon | B&H PhotoAmazon | B&H PhotoAmazon | B&H PhotoAmazon | B&H Photo

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By David Coleman
Instagram: @havecamerawilltraveldc

Last updated on October 9, 2020

Categories: News
Tags: GoPro HERO4 Black, GoPro HERO4 Silver

I may earn a commission for purchases using links on this page. Learn more.

GoPro News & Deals

New Smart Remote GoPro will be announcing the new Smart Remote for the HERO9 Black on December 17, 2020. The HERO9 Black isn’t compatible with the previous version of the Smart Remote.

HERO8 Black firmware v2.0 now available. Enables webcam mode; enables Display Mod compatibility; expands HyperSmooth 2.0 High and Boost availability to more video settings; general bug fixes. Update through the mobile app or manually.

GoPro Launches New Live Streaming Service for GoPro PLUS. GoPro has launched their own live-streaming platform for PLUS subscribers. It’s a pretty bare-bones offering for now, with livestreams shared with a dedicated URL. This is alongside their efforts to make the HERO8 Black useful as a webcam when connected to a computer (via USB plug-in-play, not requiring the Media Mod accessory with HDMI out). New firmware adds that functionality for Mac users, and the Windows version is in Beta.

New GoPro Zeus Mini Video Light. GoPro has released released a new video LED light designed to complement their GoPro cameras. It’s tiny, waterproof, and has a built-in magnetic swiveling clip. It’s waterproof down to 33 feet (10 meters), has four levels of brightness, and includes a diffuser to cool the color temperature to 5000K. GoPro claims that the built-in battery lasts up to 6 hours (presumably at the lowest brightness setting, although they don’t specify). It’s available now and priced at $69.99.

DJI Osmo Action firmware update adds live streaming. DJI has released a firmware update for the Osmo Action (v. 01.08.00.10) that adds live streaming support, so you can upload directly to platforms like Facebook and YouTube (it goes through the DJI Mimo mobile app). They’ve also improved the in-camera video stabilization. You can find the new firmware here.

New Underwater Housing for GoPro HERO8 Black from Isotta. Isotta, an Italian brand specializing in underwater housings, has announced a new high-quality underwater housing for the HERO8 Black. It’s an aluminum housing depth-rated to 650 feet (200 meters), has a one-handed open/close switch, double o-rings, and can be used with filters. There’s also a dual-handled tray to go along with it. And like all their housings, it’s in their distinctive red. Priced at $450, it’s only for those who need a highly specialized piece of underwater kit. It’s available for preorder from underwater specialists Backscatter.

Light Mod Now Shipping The Light Mod, one of the three new GoPro accessories, is now shipping. It’s a standalone light that is waterproof, rechargeable and compatible with all GoPro mounts. It was originally announced along with the HERO8 Black, but it hasn’t been available until now. It’s priced at $49.99, and you can find them at GoPro.com.

GoPro MAX Now Shipping. The new 360° camera, the MAX, is now shipping.

GoPro HERO8 Black and Max Unveiled. The new GoPro cameras and accessories have been unveiled. I have a rundown of the highlights of the HERO8 Black here.

DJI Osmo Action vs GoPro HERO7 Black. I’ve posted my detailed hands-on comparison of the Osmo Action and the HERO7 Black. There’s a lot similar between the models, but once you start digging down into the details there are differences that can help in choosing between them. And each has strengths the other doesn’t have. You can find my review here.

GoPro HyperSmooth vs DJI RockSteady. The new DJI Osmo Action also has built-in electronic stabilization to smooth out video. They’re calling it RockSteady (GoPro has HyperSmooth). I’ve been out testing them side-by-side. You can see the results here.

GoPro Deals page. I’ve put together a dedicated page on GoPro deals. So if you’re looking for cheap GoPro deals, check it out.

DJI Osmo action 4K Camera. Best known for their camera drones, DJI has released a new 4K action cam that’s taking direct aim at the GoPro HERO7 Black. It shoots up to 4K60 video and 12MP stills, includes electronic stabilization, has high-dynamic range video at 4K30, voice commands, a touchscreen on the back and another smaller live view screen on the front, and is waterproof down to 36 feet (11 meters). It’s priced at $349, and they’re now available at B&H Photo.

Comments

  1. cobbi mac says

    February 14, 2017 at 12:42 pm

    It would be nice to shoot my gopro 4 silver in 4k at 30fps. I hope you all are working on this.

    Reply
    • David says

      February 14, 2017 at 3:20 pm

      I wouldn’t hold your breath on this, especially with the new HERO5 models now being available.

      Reply
  2. lee says

    June 21, 2015 at 5:05 am

    same here,
    after upgrading firmware gopro silver has been turn to freeze and after 2mins of video recording it turn off automatically,.i think the firmware hasn’t test carefully by gopro .i bought my gopro silver couple weeks ago.

    Reply
    • David says

      June 21, 2015 at 10:19 am

      I haven’t run into that problem. Assuming you’re using a memory card that’s fast enough and isn’t the cause of the problem, getting in touch directly with GoPro support sounds like your best bet.

      Reply
  3. delarosajewelry says

    April 29, 2015 at 1:28 am

    Hey I follow your tutorial and new firmware for h4B 2.0 only records in 15fps at 4k and a lot of problems with other functions (night shot, etc).?????

    Reply

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About Me

I’m a professional travel & location photographer based in Washington DC and traveling all over. Seven continents. Dozens of countries. Up mountains. Under water. And a bunch of places in between.

I’ve owned and used every GoPro since the HD HERO and particularly like finding new and different ways to use them to capture photos, video, and time-lapse.

You can find my main site at havecamerawilltravel.com.

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