What's new?
GoPro cameras have now hit the 4th generation and the line-up has been overhauled with three new models - the GoPro Hero4 Black, GoPro Hero4 Silver and regular GoPro Hero.
It goes on sale at Rs 48,199 and the headline new features are 4K video at 30fps (the Hero3+ could shoot 4K but only at 15fps) and 1080p at 120fps - that's full HD in 1/4-speed slow motion. This is a crazy amount of power in a device that costs about the same as an entry-level D-SLR or compact system camera.
It goes on sale at Rs 48,199 and the headline new features are 4K video at 30fps (the Hero3+ could shoot 4K but only at 15fps) and 1080p at 120fps - that's full HD in 1/4-speed slow motion. This is a crazy amount of power in a device that costs about the same as an entry-level D-SLR or compact system camera.
Other new features include Bluetooth support, not just Wi-Fi, and the ability to tag your best footage as you shoot it.
Early verdict
Aesthetically, the Hero4 Black looks much the same as the Hero 3+, with the familiar GoPro box form and dimensions. This means that the standard waterproof housing remains the same and is included with the camera when purchased. But once you start using it you realise there have been a few significant changes to the design which make a big difference.
Some are fairly minor - the camera status and Wi-Fi lights that were on the front before are now two small illuminated slits to the left of the LED screen.
Some are fairly minor - the camera status and Wi-Fi lights that were on the front before are now two small illuminated slits to the left of the LED screen.
And on the right hand side of the body the old direct access Wi-Fi button now becomes the settings button - and if you hold down for a couple of seconds it will still enable you to toggle Wi-Fi on and off.
This new settings button is part of the overhauled navigation system, which is a vast improvement and actually makes using the camera far more intuitive than the previous version.
Finally, the battery compartment is no longer accessed through the back of the camera. It's now located in the base, and the battery type also changes from 3.7v 1180mAh to 3.8v 1160mAh. More importantly, it's much easier to swap out in the field than before.
As with previous models there's a connection on the back for a screen. On the side under a protective flap are two connectors that enable direct connection to HDMI and USB along with a Micro SD card slot.
As with previous models there's a connection on the back for a screen. On the side under a protective flap are two connectors that enable direct connection to HDMI and USB along with a Micro SD card slot.
The GoPro Hero4 Black carries on the best GoPro traditions. It's easy to use and the Wi-Fi connection to a smart device is both straightforward and fast. It's also tough enough to survive a heavy mountain bike crash better than its user.
Some of the best things about GoPro cameras are the least obvious from the specs, such as its excellent mount system - it gives a really tight grip and you can get mounts for anything from a crash helmet to a dog harness.
Some of the best things about GoPro cameras are the least obvious from the specs, such as its excellent mount system - it gives a really tight grip and you can get mounts for anything from a crash helmet to a dog harness.
GoPro might be the big name in this sector, of course, but it now has lots of rivals. We've got a big POV action camera test lined up which will include a whole bunch of cameras to see whether GoPro is still king of the hill - and to showcase just what these cameras can do.
A photo shot at night from the GoPro 4 Black edition:
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