For the past couple generations, GoPro's Black model has been the one to buy because like the majority of top-of-the-line models, it had the best features and best performance and was markedly better than the step-down model, the Silver.
That's what makes the GoPro Hero4 Silver a bit of a head-scratcher. The Silver is still the step-down model, but has more than a little in common with its pricier linemate, the Hero4 Black, as well as the Hero3+ Black, the company's previous top camera.
For $400, £289 or AU$549, the Hero4 Silver records video at up to 4K at 15fps, a more useful 2.7K resolution at 30fps, and perhaps most importantly 1080p at 60fps and 720p at 120fps. Those are what the Hero 3/3+ Black was capable of, too, but the Hero4 Silver is using updated components and has a host of new recording options found in the Hero4 Black, too.
By the way, GoPro is also leaving two older models, the Hero3+ Silver and Hero3 White, in its line, and has the new $129 Hero as well, but none of them can touch the Silver's quality for the price.
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The Hero4 Black still has the edge when it comes to resolutions, frame rates and bit rates, but the Silver has a built-in touchscreen -- a first for a GoPro camera. Having the screen not only makes framing up your shots easy, but it also means you don't have to rely on the small front screen for setting changes and you can view your results immediately on the camera. Just to be clear, it's not the only action cam with a screen, but it's nice that it's not just an add-on and that it doesn't make the camera any larger.
Considering all that it does and its generally excellent video quality for the category and that it's all topped off with a touchscreen, the Hero4 Silver earned our Editors' Choice Award. Still, there are some things to know before you buy.
Design and features
For your money, you'll get the camera, a waterproof housing that's good down to 131 feet (40 meters), skeleton and touch back doors, two adhesive mounts (one flat and one curved), horizontal and vertical quick-release buckles that attach to the bottom of the camera's housing and a three-way pivot arm, so you can mount the camera on the top, front, or side of a helmet.
A small locking plug (also included) can be used to help prevent the buckles from accidentally releasing from the mount from force or vibration. There is no charger in the box for the camera, just a Mini-USB cable for charging via computer or USB wall adapter if you have one. There is also no microSD card included for storage, so plan on getting at least one of those.
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