Aug. 04--Name: GoPro Hero4 Silver
What it is: The best little rectangular HD action camera from GoPro yet. New bells and whistles include a built-in touch screen, an auto low-light mode that adjusts frame rates for lighting conditions and a better microphone with twice the dynamic range of the Hero3.
Protune software is onboard to offer advanced photo and video capture options. Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth allow for remote operation. The free GoPro App (for iOS, Android and Windows phone) uses Wi-Fi, while the optional remote connects via Bluetooth.
Hero4 snaps 5, 7 or 12 megapixel stills at up to 30 frames per second in burst mode. A faster image processor helps it shoot video at faster frame rates ranging from 720 to 4K. For example, frame rates for ultra-wide to narrow 1080 progressive-scan video range from 24 to 60 frames per second. It comes with a rechargeable battery and USB charging cable, two mounts, a three-way pivot arm for mounting the camera and a case that is waterproof to 131 feet. Hero4 weighs 2.9 ounces.
The good: I thought GoPro had hit the action camera ceiling with its great Hero3+, but I was wrong. The Hero4 Silver's built-in touch screen makes it easier to frame shots and watch an immediate playback. Improved audio and higher resolution are icing on the cake. Almost no wearable camera is as easy to operate straight out of the box as GoPro. Hero4 Silver has helped me capture snowy adventures in Alberta and Toronto as well as the scenic majesty of Machu Picchu in Peru.
The bad: Battery life remains about two solid hours. So I frequently power it down, and I also carry a charger to recharge it on the fly when I'm out all day.
Cost: $399.99
Available from: www.gopro.com, www.amazon.com and www.rei.com.
Terry Gardner is a freelance reporter.
