Want to capture those mesmerizing sunsets, bustling cityscapes, or blooming flowers with your trusty GoPro Hero 4 Silver? You’re in the right place! Time-lapse photography is an incredible way to condense long periods into captivating short videos, and your Hero 4 Silver is perfectly capable of producing stunning results. But to truly nail those epic time-lapse shots, having the right gear can make all the difference.
From ensuring your camera doesn’t run out of juice mid-shoot to keeping it rock-steady, the accessories and even other camera models (for comparison or an upgrade path) can dramatically enhance your time-lapse game. We’ve rounded up some of the best for GoPro Hero 4 Silver time lapse setups, including essential accessories and even a look at other GoPro models that offer similar or enhanced capabilities. Let’s dive in and get those creative juices flowing!
1. GoPro Hero4 Silver
The GoPro Hero4 Silver is, of course, the star of the show when it comes to capturing incredible time-lapse sequences. What makes this camera stand out for time-lapse is its built-in touch display, which was a game-changer for framing your shots and navigating settings without needing a separate app or remote. This makes it super convenient to set up your interval, resolution, and field of view for that perfect time-lapse right on the spot. It’s a reliable workhorse for anyone looking to create engaging time-lapse videos.
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Key Features:
- Built-in touch display for easy camera control, shot framing, and playback
- Professional 1080P60 and 720P120 video with 12MP photos at up to 30 frames per second
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support the GoPro app, Smart Remote, and more
- Improved camera control and built-in video trimming
- Protune with SuperView for cinema-quality capture and advanced manual control
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Pros:
- Integrated touch screen simplifies setup
- Excellent video and photo quality for its time
- Robust connectivity options for remote control
- Compact and highly portable
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Cons:
- Battery life can be limiting for very long time lapses
- Not as advanced as newer GoPro models
- Lacks in-camera stabilization
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User Impressions: Many users praise the Hero4 Silver for its user-friendliness thanks to the touch screen, often citing it as their go-to for adventures and easily capturing great time-lapses. They appreciate the image quality but often recommend external power solutions for extended shoots.
2. GoPro HERO7 Silver – E-Commerce Packaging – Waterproof…
While this article focuses on the Hero 4 Silver, the HERO7 Silver offers a compelling look at how GoPro’s capabilities have evolved, making it a great consideration if you’re looking for an upgrade that inherently handles stunning time-lapse videos. This particular listing highlights the convenient e-commerce packaging, meaning less waste and often a more streamlined unboxing experience. Its ability to shoot 4K30 video and create time-lapse videos directly in-camera is a massive plus for modern content creators.
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Key Features:
- E-COMMERCE PACKAGING: Identical product to retail version, covered under full standard warranty
- 4K30 VIDEO: Stunning video quality, perfect for time-lapse
- RUGGED & WATERPROOF: Durable design for any adventure
- INTUITIVE TOUCH SCREEN: Simple and streamlined capture modes
- VOICE CONTROL: Hands-free operation with voice commands
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Pros:
- Higher resolution 4K time-lapses
- Improved ruggedness and waterproofing
- Extremely user-friendly touch screen interface
- Voice control is a handy feature
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Cons:
- Not the “top-tier” Hero7 model (Black has Hypersmooth)
- Might be overkill if you just need Hero 4 Silver functionality
- Still requires good battery management for extended time-lapses
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User Impressions: Customers love the simplicity and robust nature of the HERO7 Silver, often noting how easy it is to capture great footage, including time-lapses, even for beginners. The waterproofing without an extra case is a huge bonus for many.
3. hohem iSteady Pro 4 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer for Gopro…
When you’re aiming for a buttery-smooth time-lapse, especially a hyperlapse where the camera moves, a gimbal like the hohem iSteady Pro 4 is an absolute game-changer. This stabilizer is designed specifically for action cameras, including your GoPro Hero 4, ensuring your footage is incredibly stable and professional-looking. Its advanced anti-shake system and various control modes, including a 600° Inception mode for creative shots, elevate your time-lapse videography beyond static setups.
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Key Features:
- Born For Action: Compatible with GoPro Hero series (including Hero 4) and other action cameras
- 5.0 iSteady Tech: Provides hyper-smooth footage and a newly developed 600° Inception mode
- App Control Modes & One Click Videography: Adjust parameters, choose modes, and control with Bluetooth
- IPX4 Water Resistant: Protects motor from splashing water
- Special Gift: Great for various occasions
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Pros:
- Drastically improves video smoothness for moving time-lapses (hyperlapses)
- Versatile modes for creative shots
- Water-resistant for outdoor use
- Long battery life for extended shoots
- App control offers flexibility
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Cons:
- Adds bulk and weight to your setup
- Requires balancing the camera initially
- Does not support pairing with GoPro Hero 7 White/Silver models (important if you upgrade)
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User Impressions: Users rave about the stabilization capabilities, often calling it a “must-have” for action camera videography. They appreciate the various shooting modes and the overall build quality, making dynamic time-lapses achievable.
4. GoPro Battery BacPac (Camera Not Included) (GoPro Official…
For long-duration time-lapse sequences, a standard GoPro battery just won’t cut it. That’s where the GoPro Battery BacPac becomes one of the best for GoPro Hero 4 Silver time lapse accessories you can own. It seamlessly attaches to the back of your GoPro, significantly extending its battery life. This means you can capture those epic sunrise-to-sunset time lapses without constantly worrying about your camera dying. It’s a lifesaver for outdoor adventures and multi-hour projects.
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Key Features:
- Seamlessly attaches to the back of your GoPro to extend battery life
- Features 15 percent more battery life than the previous model
- Perfect for any application where you need extended battery life
- Compact design keeps your GoPro as small and light as possible
- LCD window displays battery level or charging status
- LED light displays recording status
- Compatible for use with your Standard Housing with the included BacPac Backdoors
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Pros:
- Dramatically extends recording time
- Integrated design is compact and secure
- Easy to monitor battery status
- Official GoPro product ensures compatibility and reliability
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Cons:
- Adds a bit of bulk and weight
- Requires a larger backdoor for your housing
- Still not infinite power; for truly indefinite time-lapses, external power is needed
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User Impressions: Users universally praise the BacPac for its crucial role in extending shoot times, especially for time-lapses and long video recordings. They find it reliable and essential for any serious GoPro user.
5. GoPro Suction Cup Mount (GoPro Official Mount), Black
Stability is paramount for static time-lapse photography, and the GoPro Suction Cup Mount delivers it in spades. This industrial-strength mount is incredibly versatile, allowing you to attach your GoPro Hero 4 Silver securely to smooth surfaces like cars, boats, windows, or even a tabletop. Proven at speeds of over 150 mph, you can trust this mount to keep your camera perfectly still, ensuring your time-lapse footage is free from unwanted jitters or movements. It’s an indispensable tool for unique perspectives.
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Key Features:
- Attach your GoPro to cars, boats, motorcycles and more
- Industrial strength suction cup proven at speeds of 150+ mph
- Engineered to provide a broad range of motion and stability
- Quick release base makes moving between shots and locations quick and convenient
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Pros:
- Extremely strong and reliable suction
- Versatile for various smooth surfaces
- Offers a wide range of adjustment for framing
- Quick release mechanism for easy repositioning
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Cons:
- Only works on smooth, non-porous surfaces
- Can leave a temporary mark on some surfaces if left for too long
- Not suitable for rough terrain or surfaces
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User Impressions: Customers are consistently impressed by the incredible holding power of this mount, using it for everything from high-speed vehicle footage to static, long-duration time-lapses from unique vantage points. They often highlight its robust build.
6. GoPro The Frame for HERO4 Black/HERO4 Silver (GoPro…
Sometimes, you need to strip down your GoPro setup to its bare essentials, especially when audio quality or direct access to ports is important. “The Frame” for HERO4 Black/Silver is the smallest and lightest way to mount your camera. While not directly for stability (you’d still need a tripod or mount), it’s fantastic for allowing continuous external power for super long time-lapses (by keeping the USB port accessible) or for low-speed activities where you want optimal audio capture without the housing muffling sound. It provides easy access to all camera ports, which is a significant advantage for specific time-lapse scenarios.
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Key Features:
- Smallest, lightest way to mount your GoPro
- Minimalist design for compact, low-profile mounting
- Enables optimal audio capture during low-speed activities
- Allows full-time access to all camera ports for convenient data offload, live-feed video and charging
- Integrated latch makes removing the camera quick and easy
- Extendable support arm allows you to easily attach an LCD Touch BacPac or Battery BacPac
- Includes a glass Protective Lens to help guard the camera lens from dirt, dust and scratches
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Pros:
- Minimalist design keeps the camera light and compact
- Full access to ports for external power (crucial for long time-lapses)
- Improved audio capture compared to being in a waterproof housing
- Easy to insert/remove the camera
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Cons:
- Offers no waterproofing or significant impact protection
- Requires a separate mounting accessory (like a tripod) for stability
- Exposes the camera body to the elements
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User Impressions: Users love The Frame for its ability to keep the GoPro compact and accessible. It’s particularly popular for vlogging or situations where sound quality is important, and for those needing constant external power for their Hero 4 time-lapses.
7. GoPro HERO4 Black Edition Camera (Renewed)
If you’re already a fan of the Hero 4 Silver and are looking for a step up in professional video capabilities for your time-lapses, the GoPro HERO4 Black Edition (Renewed) is a fantastic choice. The Black edition offers higher frame rates and resolutions, including 4K30 and 2.7K60, which translates to even crisper and more detailed time-lapse footage, especially useful for grand landscapes or intricate scenes. Being a renewed product, it often provides excellent value, giving you top-tier performance at a more accessible price point for your best for GoPro Hero 4 Silver time lapse setup.
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Key Features:
- Professional 4K30, 2.7K60 and 1080p120 video
- 720p240 video for super slow-motion playback
- 12MP photos at up to 30 frames per second
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support the GoPro App, Smart Remote and more
- Improved camera control and built-in video trimming
- Protune with SuperView for cinema-quality capture and advanced manual control
- Night Photo and Night Lapse offer customizable exposure settings for nighttime shooting
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Pros:
- Superior video quality and frame rate options
- Dedicated Night Photo and Night Lapse modes for low-light time-lapses
- Excellent value as a renewed product
- Similar user experience to Hero 4 Silver (minus the built-in screen)
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Cons:
- No built-in touch screen (requires the app or external BacPac screen)
- Battery life is still a consideration for long time-lapses
- Renewed products may have minor cosmetic imperfections
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User Impressions: Renewed GoPro Black models are highly sought after by users who want professional features without the brand-new price tag. They praise the video quality and advanced settings, particularly for more demanding time-lapse projects and low-light scenarios.
8. GoPro HERO7 Silver Waterproof Digital Action Camera with…
This version of the GoPro HERO7 Silver emphasizes its inherent ruggedness and waterproof capabilities, making it an excellent upgrade path if your time-lapses frequently take you into challenging environments. Unlike the Hero 4 Silver, which needs a housing to be waterproof, the HERO7 Silver is tough and completely waterproof out of the box. This makes it ideal for capturing time-lapses by the pool, at the beach, or during rainy weather, without the added bulk or concern of a separate case. It retains the intuitive touch screen and voice control, making setup for time-lapse videos a breeze.
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Key Features:
- 4K30 Video – Get stunning 4K video that’s as amazing as the moment itself. You can also shoot time lapse videos to turn longer events into short, shareable moments.
- Rugged + Waterproof – Share experiences you can’t capture with your phone. Hero7 Silver is Tough, tiny, totally waterproof-and up for any adventure.
- Intuitive Touch Screen – With a touch screen and simple, streamlined capture modes, its easy to jump right in and get great shots. Just swipe and tap.
- Voice control – Stay in the moment. Control your Hero7 Silver hands free with voice commands Like GoPro, take a photo and GoPro, start recording.
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Pros:
- Waterproof without a separate housing (up to 33ft/10m)
- Built-in 4K time-lapse video mode
- User-friendly touch screen interface
- Voice control for hands-free operation
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Cons:
- Image stabilization (HyperSmooth) is better on the Hero7 Black
- Not as feature-rich as the Hero7 Black
- Fixed battery, not removable like older models (though it’s still good)
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User Impressions: Reviewers love the peace of mind that comes with the HERO7 Silver’s built-in waterproofing, frequently using it for underwater or wet environment time-lapses. The simplicity of its operation and good video quality also receive high marks.
9. GoPro Hero4 Black
The GoPro Hero4 Black is the powerhouse of the Hero4 lineup, designed for professional-grade capture, and it truly shines when it comes to time-lapse photography, especially if you want maximum detail and flexibility. Its ability to record 4K video at 30 frames per second means your time-lapses will be incredibly sharp and high-resolution, perfect for large displays or detailed analysis. For dynamic time-lapses or hyperlapses, the higher frame rates at lower resolutions (like 1080P120) provide more frames for smoother motion. This camera, though lacking the Silver’s built-in screen, is truly one of the best for GoPro Hero 4 Silver time lapse enthusiasts seeking an upgrade.
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Key Features:
- Professional 4K30, 2.7K60 and 1080P120 video
- 720P240 video for super slow motion playback
- 12MP photos at up to 30 frames per second
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support the GoPro app, smart remote and more
- Improved camera control and built-in video trimming
- Protune with SuperView delivers cinema quality capture and advanced manual control
- Night photo and night lapse offer customizable exposure settings for nighttime shooting
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Pros:
- Top-tier resolution and frame rate options for professional time-lapses
- Night Photo and Night Lapse modes are excellent for low-light scenarios
- Advanced Protune settings for fine-tuning exposure and color
- Robust connectivity for remote control
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Cons:
- Lacks a built-in touch screen (relies on the app or an LCD BacPac)
- Battery life is still a concern for very long shoots without external power
- Can be pricier than the Silver edition
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User Impressions: Professionals and enthusiasts frequently choose the Hero4 Black for its unmatched image quality and advanced features. They particularly praise its performance in 4K and its specialized night modes, making it a go-to for serious time-lapse projects.
10. GoPro HERO3+ Silver Edition (Renewed)
For those on a budget or looking for a secondary camera for a multi-angle time-lapse setup, the GoPro HERO3+ Silver Edition (Renewed) offers a solid entry point. While it’s an older model than the Hero 4 Silver, it still packs a punch for time-lapse capabilities, offering Full HD 1080p recording and 10MP photos. Being a renewed product, it provides an affordable way to get a functional GoPro that can still deliver good time-lapse results. Its compact size and Wi-Fi connectivity make it a viable option for various time-lapse projects, proving you don’t always need the latest tech to get great shots.
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Key Features:
- Full HD 1920 x 1080p Recording at 60 fps
- HD 1280 x 720p Recording at 120 fps
- Capture up to 10MP Photos at 10 fps
- Ultra Wide Angle Glass Lens
- Built-In Wi-Fi & GoPro App Ready
- Compatible with Optional Wi-Fi Remote
- Provides Enhanced Low-Light Performance
- HERO3+ Is 15% Smaller Than HERO3
- Battery Lasts 30% Longer Than HERO3
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Pros:
- Affordable option, especially as renewed
- Still capable of good quality 1080p time-lapses
- Compact and lightweight design
- Improved battery life over the original HERO3
- Built-in Wi-Fi for remote control
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Cons:
- Older technology compared to Hero 4 Silver and newer models
- No built-in screen for easy setup
- Low-light performance is good for its generation but lags newer models
- May not support all newer GoPro mounts or accessories
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User Impressions: Users looking for a cost-effective action camera often turn to the renewed HERO3+ Silver. They appreciate its reliability and ability to still capture decent video and photo, including time-lapses, making it a good secondary camera or starter GoPro.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How do I set up my GoPro Hero 4 Silver for time lapse?
A1: Setting up your GoPro Hero 4 Silver for time lapse is straightforward. Turn on your camera and swipe on the touch screen (if you have the Silver edition) or use the mode button to navigate to the ‘Time Lapse’ mode (represented by a clock icon). From there, you can adjust settings like the photo interval (how often it takes a picture), resolution, and field of view (FOV). For specific scenarios, you can also opt for ‘Night Lapse’ mode. Ensure you have enough battery life or an external power source.
Q2: What’s the best interval setting for time lapse on my GoPro Hero 4 Silver?
A2: The best interval depends entirely on what you’re filming and how long the final time-lapse video should be.
* Fast-moving subjects (clouds, traffic): 0.5-2 seconds
* Sunrise/Sunset: 5-10 seconds
* Construction/Plants growing: 30 seconds – 60 minutes
* Long-duration events (city day-to-night): 10-30 seconds
A good rule of thumb is to calculate: (Total time in seconds) / (Desired video length in seconds * frames per second). For example, a 2-hour sunset (7200 seconds) into a 30-second video at 30fps means 7200 / (30*30) = 8 seconds interval.
Q3: How can I extend my GoPro Hero 4 Silver’s battery life for long time lapses?
A3: Battery life is a common challenge for long time-lapses. To extend it:
1. GoPro Battery BacPac: This accessory (like the one reviewed) attaches directly to the back of your camera.
2. External Power Bank: Connect a USB power bank to your GoPro’s USB port. Using “The Frame” mount keeps this port accessible.
3. Turn off Wi-Fi/Bluetooth: These features drain battery unnecessarily during a time lapse.
4. Lower Resolution/Frame Rate: While not always ideal for time lapse, lower settings generally consume less power.
5. Remove LCD BacPac (if using): If you’re using an external LCD, detach it once your shot is framed to save power.
Q4: Is the GoPro Hero 4 Silver still good for time lapse in 2024?
A4: Absolutely! While newer GoPros offer advanced features like HyperSmooth stabilization and higher resolutions, the Hero 4 Silver remains a very capable camera for time-lapse. Its 12MP photo resolution and 1080p video capabilities are still sufficient for most casual and even semi-professional time-lapse projects. The built-in screen is a huge plus for easy setup. As long as you manage battery life and ensure stability, you can get excellent results.
Q5: Can I do a night time lapse with my GoPro Hero 4 Silver?
A5: Yes, you can! The GoPro Hero 4 Silver has a ‘Night Lapse’ mode. This mode allows you to set longer exposure times (up to 30 seconds) per photo, which is crucial for capturing enough light in dark conditions. You’ll need to experiment with exposure time and interval settings based on the ambient light. A stable mount (like a tripod or suction cup mount) is absolutely essential for sharp night time-lapses to avoid motion blur.
Q6: What’s the difference between time lapse video and time lapse photo mode on a GoPro?
A6:
* Time Lapse Video: The GoPro captures photos at set intervals and then stitches them together in-camera to create a video file. This is convenient as you get a finished product directly.
* Time Lapse Photo (or Photo + Video): The GoPro captures individual still photos at set intervals. You then have to import these photos into editing software (like GoPro Quik, Adobe Premiere Pro, or DaVinci Resolve) and compile them into a video manually. This gives you more control over the final video’s resolution, frame rate, and post-processing, often resulting in higher quality. For the best quality, the latter is usually preferred.
Q7: Do I need special software for GoPro time lapses?
A7: If you use the ‘Time Lapse Video’ mode on your GoPro Hero 4 Silver, no special software is needed; the camera outputs a video file. However, if you use the ‘Time Lapse Photo’ mode (which many advanced users prefer for higher quality), you will need video editing software to compile the individual photos into a video. Free options like GoPro Quik or more professional software like Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or even basic photo viewers that can create slideshows (then screen-recorded) can work.
Conclusion
Creating stunning time-lapse videos with your GoPro Hero 4 Silver is an incredibly rewarding experience. While the camera itself is a fantastic starting point, the right accessories can truly elevate your footage from good to great. Whether it’s extending your battery life for those epic multi-hour shots, ensuring rock-solid stability with a reliable mount, or even upgrading to a newer model for enhanced features, investing in the best for GoPro Hero 4 Silver time lapse gear will undoubtedly pay off.
So, grab your GoPro, pick out the accessories that fit your creative vision, and start capturing those incredible moments as they unfold, one frame at a time! Happy time-lapsing!
