GEAR TESTS: GoPro Hero4 Black

Joel Penner Chief Technical Guru

It seems like every year at The Digital Shootout I'm using a new version of the GoPro action camera.  If you look back at previous gear tests, I tested the Hero3+ in 2014, Hero3 in 2013, and Hero2 back in 2012. The latest lineup of cameras by GoPro are the Hero4 Black and Hero4 Silver. While the Hero4 Silver is comparable to the Hero3+ Black edition, the Hero4 Black is the camera that has received the biggest upgrade. UHD 4K resolution at full useable frame rates has been added to this camera!  Read more about the differences between the Black and Silver in an article we wrote  "GoPro – Which Hero4 is Best for Me".

My go-to GoPro setup is a Hero4 Black with the Flip3.1 Color Correction System mounted to a Backscatter Dual Arm Tray with Sola 2100s connected.

In the video above most of the time I used the DIVE Flip filter along with video lights. In shallow water, I would run the SHALLOW Flip filter, but still run video lights.  I used all kinds of lights: Sola 2100s, Keldan Video 8Ms, and even my Gates lights while the GoPro was mounted to my Canon 1DC DSLR camera. I believe the addition of video lights in combination with a red filter produces the best results for color reproduction, clarity, and contrast for underwater GoPro footage.

Here are my current jump settings for both the Hero4 Black and Hero4 Silver.

Hero4 Black Jump Settings:

Hero4 Silver Jump Settings:

For a comprehensive understanding of why to use ProTune, read our article: "GoPro Out of the Box: Settings and Stability Options".

If you're still working to get your GoPro Hero4 Camera accessorized for the best underwater video capture possible, check out the following popular configurations:

Wide Angle / Blue Water

Stable underwater video and perfect color with a flip! Our recommended configuration for wide angle shooting in blue water conditions with your GoPro camera and FLIP3.1 accessories will have you shooting underwater video like a pro! In addition to our Backscatter FLIP3.1 Filter System, we recommend the Backscatter Double Handle & Tray (for stable footage), Locline Flex Arms, and Sola 2100 Video Lights to help light up your footage. Lighting in wide angle scenes dramatically assists the GoPro in acquiring better white balance in camera as well as increasing the contrast of your footage.

Macro

Capture the small and the smallest ocean critters with your GoPro camera. Following our recommended configuration for macro shooting, you'll be able to capture and light those basketball-sized subjects with the +10 Close Focus Lens, and the small wonders with the Macromate Mini! In addition to our Backscatter FLIP3.1 Filter System, we recommend the Backscatter Double Handle & Tray mounted on top of a Joby Gorillapod, Locline Flex Arms, and Sola 2100 Video Lights run in "spot" mode to help light up your macro footage.

Wide & Macro on Same Dive

Be prepared for whatever swims your way! Setting up your GoPro camera with FLIP3.1 filters and accessories as shown in our recommended configuration for both wide angle and macro shooting will insure you never miss a shooting opportunity! In addition to our Backscatter FLIP3.1 Filter System, we recommend the Backscatter Double Handle & Tray mounted on top of a Joby Gorillapod, Locline Flex Arms, and Sola 2100 Video Lights run in "spot" mode to help light up your macro footage.

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