Update on September 29, 2014: GoPro has officially announced the Hero4 Black ($500) and Hero4 Silver ($400), both available on October 5, 2014. Much of the rumor we reported on is accurate, with the Black model supporting cinema 4K video recording at 30 frames per second and 2.7K at 50 fps, while the Silver model has a built-in touchscreen display, 2.7K recording at 30 fps, Full HD 1080 video recording at 60 fps, and 720p at 120 fps. GoPro says the Hero4 Black doubles the performance power of its predecessor.
Both models have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (working with the GoPro App or new Smart Remote); 12-megapixel photo resolution with 30 fps burst mode; a QuickCapture mode; HiLight Tag to mark your favorite moments when recording; SuperView mode for immersive wide-angle shots; Night Photo + Night Lapse for time-lapse shots at night; improved audio capture (two-times the dynamic range over the last gen); manual controls for adjusting color, ISO, exposure, etc.; Auto Low Light mode; and a new button that lets you adjust camera settings quickly via the front LCD.
The Black and Silver versions of the Hero4 will also come in either Surf or Music kits. These will come with special mounts for either placing on a surfboard, or a mic stand or instrument.
GoPro says the Wi-Fi connection is 50-percent faster than in the previous generation, and have better power management. With the Black model, GoPro is touting the ability to capture 4K photos, in which an 8.3-megapixel photo can be extracted from a 4K video. It means users can capture both high-quality videos and photos without having to choose between the two.
As we originally alluded, there’s a new entry-level model for $130. Simply called the Hero, it’s more barebones as it lacks wireless connectivity, but it still captures Full HD videos at 30 fps (720p at 60 fps). It retains the familiar Hero form-factor and waterproof housing, but has the lower price point to appeal to hobbyists and parents buying an action cam for their kids.
In addition to these new products, the Hero3 White ($200) and Hero3+ Silver ($300) will remain in the lineup.
Original story: It’s been almost a year since the latest and greatest Hero3+ models appeared for sale in the GoPro range, and we have a steady stream of leaks to suggest that new devices are just around the corner. The next set of GoPro cameras are rumored to include an integrated touchscreen, 30fps 4K recording (up from 15fps) and a low budget model.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like 4K recording at 30fps and a touchscreen will appear on the same model — the Hero4 Black Edition will have the top-notch specs, while the Hero4 Silver Edition will offer the user-friendly touchscreen, according to Petapixel and other sources. Audio capture quality will be improved across the board. If the rumors are correct then action camera fans will be able to order the new models in mid-October.
There’s a monster thread on Reddit that pulls together everything that’s been unearthed so far from leaked promotional materials. We haven’t heard anything official from GoPro yet, but with the yearly product cycle almost up and the GoPro Hero3+ Black Edition now listed as out of stock it seems a fairly good bet that new devices are imminent.
The Hero4 Black Edition resolution frame rates are said to include 4K at 30 frames per second, 2.7K at 30 fps, 1080p at 60 fps, and 720p at 120 fps. The Silver Edition can capture 2.7K at 30 fps, 1080p at 60 fps, 960p at 100 fps, and 720p at 120 fps. New manual settings are also rumored to be on the cards.
Further speculation centers around a budget model called the Hero. This device will offer video recording up to 1080p at 30fps but drops features like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and the touchscreen. If you want to get yourself some decent quality footage but don’t have an extra few hundred dollars to play around with then it looks like the Hero could be the camera for you.
We shouldn’t have too long to wait to see if these leaks are on the money: GoPro is said to be readying an announcement for as early as next week.
(This article was originally published on September 28, 2014.)
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