GoPro is the go-to name in action cameras worldwide, but which one should you actually get? Today, we’re comparing three models: the Hero4 Session, the Hero4 Black and the Hero4 Silver. Let’s see how they shake up when it comes to size, image quality and features.
Dimensions, Weight & Waterproofing
The Session wins out here, with a trim 35 x 35 x 35mm build. The Black and Silver are both thicker in that iconic GoPro shape, measuring 41 x 59 x 21/30mm. The Session is about 35% smaller than the previous models, making it more portable but breaking compatibility with older accessories. The Black and Silver will become larger when fitted with a waterproof shroud; the Session has waterproofing built in and will therefore remain the same size for underwater use. However, the Session is only rated to 10 metres, while the Black and Silver’s housing is rated to 40 metres.
There’s also a significant weight differential. The Black is the heaviest at 88 grams, while the Silver is marginally lighter at 83 grams. The Session is lighter still, at 74 grams. With housing, the Black and Silver get heavier too — 152 grams for the Black and 147 grams for the Silver.
Features
The Silver is the only model of the three we’re looking at to come with a touchscreen built in. All three have built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, and record onto micro SD cards. Battery specs are similar too, at 1160mAh for the Black and Silver’s replaceable batteries, and 1030mAh for the Session’s built-in unit.
Camera specs
The Hero4 Black and Silver come with the same camera, shooting at f/2.8 at an ultra-wide, medium or narrow FOV. The Session is also at f/2.8, but loses the narrow FOV option. The Session also has a smaller 1/3.2″ sensor, compared to the 1/2.3″ sensor of the Black and Silver. In terms of megapixels, it’s 12MP for the Black and Silver, and 8MP for the Session.
This takes 4K video recording off the table for the Session, something possible on both the Black and Silver. However, the Black has higher frame-rate recording at 4K, being capable of 30 or 25 fps shooting compared to the 15 or 12.5 fps of the Silver. The Black is also capable of 4K Superview recording, which is only available at 1080p on the other two models.
If 1080p recording is the plan, then you can get 60 fps on the Session and Silver, or 120 fps slow-mo on the Black. For 120fps slow-mo on the Silver, you’ll need to drop to 720p, while the Session falls all the way to WVGA. Ouch.
There’s also a difference in bitrates between the three models; the Black can hit 60 Mb/s, the Silver 45 Mb/s and the Session just 25Mb/s.
When it comes to audio, you’re looking at a mono mic on all three models, with the Session boasting a second mono mic on the back. You can also attach a 3.5mm mic on all models, although only the Black has an analogue-to-digital converter.
Conclusion
Thanks for checking out our breakdown of the Hero4 Session, Black and Silver GoPro cameras. For a full range of GoPro accessories, check out the buttons below!