Heading to stores on Oct. 4, the GoPro Hero4 will be geared toward uninitiated GoPro users whom are new to the technology.
There are three models in the series - the basic GoPro Hero, Hero4 Silver, and Hero4 Black. Each of the three GoPro models is waterproof up to 40 meters (130 feet). They also feature the same level of durability as previous GoPro cameras. Naturally, the differences between the three devices are reflected by the specs as well as the price.
Capable of shooting in 4K video at 30 fps, the Hero4 Black starts off at $499.99. Besides 4K video, the camera is capable of pulling off 2.7K video at 50 fps and 1080p video at 120 fps.
In contrast, the Hero4 Silver shoots at 1080p HD at 60 fps. As such, this camera sells for the lower price of $399.99. Unlike the Hero4 Black, the Hero4 Silver does not have 4K video capabilities. Instead, the camera can shoot 1080p video at 60 fps and 720p video at 120 fps.
Both the Hero4 Black and Hero4 Silver have built-in Wi-Fi along with Bluetooth connection. Also, both cameras allow users to capture 12-megapixel still photos at 30 fps.
Selling for $130, the baseline Hero4 lacks many of the perks offered by its sister cameras. For instance, the Hero4 is only capable of 1080p HD video at 30 fps. The device also shoots at 720p at 60 fps. Also, the camera lacks Wi-Fi connectivity as well as Bluetooth capabilities.
Curiously, GoPro confirmed that all three devices have a relatively short battery life of about 2.5 hours. Still, this may not be a problem as average consumers generally do not have the need to record hours of footage.
Upon release, the GoPro Hero series is expected to compete against similar cameras from competitors such as Sony and HTC. Earlier this year, Sony unveiled the HDR-AS100V that features five cameras in one package. Days ago, HTC launched a teaser trailer for an action cam. Though the actual camera was not shown, the Taiwanese tech firm promised to unveil the device on Oct. 8 this year.
