Getting Started with the GoPro Hero 4
The GoPro Hero 4 comes in two versions: the Hero 4 Black and the Hero 4 Silver. The Black model is the high-performance option, shooting 4K video at 30 frames per second and 1080p at up to 120 fps for smooth slow motion. The Silver trades some video horsepower for a built-in touchscreen on the back, topping out at 1080p60. Both models capture 12-megapixel photos, support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and fit into the same standard GoPro mounting system.
If you just got your Hero 4 or want to get better results from it, this guide walks through the camera’s modes, settings, and practical shooting tips.
First-Time Setup
Charging and Memory
Charge the Hero 4’s removable battery using the included USB cable. A full charge takes about two hours and gives you roughly 1.5 to 2 hours of recording at 1080p. The battery drains faster at 4K and at higher frame rates. Picking up a spare battery is a smart move for longer sessions.
Slide a microSD card into the slot on the side. GoPro recommends cards rated UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) for reliable 4K recording. A 32 GB or 64 GB card gives you plenty of room. Avoid cheap, off-brand cards. A slow card can cause dropped frames or recording errors.
On the Hero 4 Black, you navigate menus using the front button (Power/Mode) and the top button (Shutter/Select). Press the front button to cycle through modes, and the top button to select. The Hero 4 Silver has a rear touchscreen that makes menu navigation much faster. Swipe to browse settings and tap to choose.
Shooting Modes
Video Mode
Video is what GoPros are built for, and the Hero 4 delivers. The Black model offers resolutions from 4K30 down to 720p240. The sweet spot for most people is 1080p at 60 fps. It looks sharp, handles motion well, and gives you enough slow-motion flexibility in editing. For dramatic slow motion, try 720p at 240 fps or 960p at 120 fps.
The Silver model’s best video option is 1080p60. That’s still excellent for action footage, vlogging, and travel clips.
Photo Mode
Both Hero 4 models capture 12-megapixel stills. You can choose single shot, continuous shooting, or night mode. Single shot fires one frame each time you press the shutter. Continuous mode captures up to 30 photos per second for as long as you hold the button. Night mode uses a slower shutter speed for low-light situations, so you’ll want to keep the camera steady or mount it on a tripod.
Burst Mode
Burst mode fires a rapid sequence of photos in a short window. You can set it to 30 photos in 1 second, 10 in 1 second, 5 in 1 second, and several other combinations. This is perfect for action sports where timing matters. Fire a burst during the peak moment, then pick the best frame later.
Time-Lapse Mode
Time-lapse takes a photo at a set interval (every 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 30, or 60 seconds) and stitches them into a video or saves them as individual frames. Use short intervals like 0.5 or 1 second for fast-moving scenes (traffic, crowds). Use longer intervals like 10 or 30 seconds for slow events (sunsets, clouds, construction).
Protune Settings
Protune is the Hero 4’s advanced settings menu. Turning it on gives you manual control over color, white balance, ISO limit, sharpness, and exposure compensation. If you plan to color-grade your footage in editing software, set the color profile to Flat. Flat footage looks washed out on camera but holds more detail in highlights and shadows, which is exactly what you want for post-production.
The ISO Limit setting caps how high the camera pushes sensitivity in low light. A lower limit (like 400 or 800) keeps noise under control but makes dark scenes darker. For outdoor daylight shooting, ISO 400 is usually plenty.
Sharpness has three levels: High, Medium, and Low. If you’re editing your footage, set it to Low or Medium and add sharpening in post. If you want clean files straight from the camera, leave it on High.
Resolution and Field of View
The Hero 4 offers Wide, Medium, and Narrow field-of-view settings at most resolutions. Wide gives you the classic GoPro fisheye look and captures the most of the scene. Medium pulls back the distortion a bit while still covering a broad angle. Narrow crops in further for a more traditional camera perspective. For action sports and point-of-view footage, Wide is usually the best choice. For talking-head shots or anything where the fisheye distortion looks odd, try Medium or Narrow.
Wi-Fi and the GoPro App
Press and hold the side button (on the Black) or go to Connections in the menu (on the Silver) to turn on Wi-Fi. Download the GoPro App on your phone, connect to the camera’s network, and you can preview your shot in real time, change settings, start and stop recording, and review footage on your phone screen. This is especially handy when the camera is mounted on a helmet, chest mount, or drone where you can’t easily see the screen. For a deeper look at how the camera system works, check out our guide on How does a GoPro work.
Mounting Tips
The Hero 4 fits any standard GoPro mount. The adhesive mounts stick permanently to helmets, boards, and vehicle surfaces. The suction cup mount works well on smooth surfaces like car hoods and windshields. The chest strap gives a lower point-of-view angle that looks great for skiing, biking, and hiking.
Before you go out, double-check that the camera is locked securely into the mount frame and that the thumbscrew is tight. Vibration from motor vehicles or rough trails can loosen a sloppy connection.
Waterproofing and the Housing
The Hero 4 is not waterproof on its own. You need the standard housing, which protects it down to 131 feet (40 meters). The housing is tough enough for surfing, snorkeling, and light diving. Before each water session, inspect the rubber seal on the housing backdoor for dirt or hair. Even a tiny particle can let water seep in.
Battery Life and Storage Tips
Battery life depends heavily on your settings. 4K recording drains the battery in about an hour. 1080p30 gives you closer to two hours. Turning off Wi-Fi when you’re not using the app saves a noticeable amount of power. Turning off the camera’s status lights and beeps also helps a little.
Format your microSD card in-camera (not on your computer) before each major shoot. This reduces the chance of file errors. Go to Settings, then scroll to Delete and choose Format.
Quick Tips for Better Footage
Clean the lens. Fingerprints and dust show up badly on wide-angle footage. A quick wipe with a microfiber cloth makes a real difference.
Shoot more than you think you need. GoPro footage is made in the edit. Let the camera roll and cut the best moments later.
Stabilize when possible. The Hero 4 doesn’t have built-in stabilization, so use a handheld gimbal or mount the camera on a stable surface for smoother results.
Use the right frame rate. 60 fps handles motion well and gives you the option to play back at half speed. 30 fps is fine for slower scenes and saves storage space.
