GoPro Hero4 Silver Action Camera Ultimate Kit Review

The GoPro Hero4 Silver Action Camera Ultimate Kit delivers exceptional 1080p60 video and 12MP photos in a rugged, waterproof design, making it ideal for adrenaline-fueled adventures. Packed with mounts, batteries, and accessories, this all-in-one bundle ensures you’re ready to capture every moment, whether skydiving, surfing, or mountain biking—offering pro-level performance at a consumer-friendly price.

Key Takeaways

• 4K video: Captures stunning ultra-high-definition footage for professional-grade results.
• Built-in touchscreen: Simplifies framing shots and navigating settings effortlessly.
• Waterproof housing: Ready for underwater adventures up to 131 feet deep.
• Long battery life: Extended recording time ensures you never miss critical moments.
• Ultimate kit value: Includes essential mounts and accessories for immediate use.
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Enables quick file transfer and remote control via smartphone.

Why the GoPro Hero4 Silver Action Camera Ultimate Kit Still Holds Up in 2024

Let me take you back to the first time I strapped a GoPro to my helmet. I was on a mountain bike trail in the Pacific Northwest, rain dripping from my visor, adrenaline pumping. I wanted to capture the raw energy of that ride—the mud, the speed, the sheer joy of it. But my phone couldn’t handle the motion, and my DSLR? Way too bulky. That’s when I discovered the GoPro Hero4 Silver Action Camera Ultimate Kit, and honestly, it changed the game for me.

The Hero4 Silver isn’t the newest model in GoPro’s lineup, but after years of using it in everything from scuba diving to vlogging from a kayak, I can confidently say it’s still one of the most reliable, user-friendly action cameras out there. The Ultimate Kit adds a whole new level of versatility—extra batteries, mounts, a case, and more. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a travel vlogger, or just someone who loves documenting life’s wild moments, this bundle offers serious value. And while newer models boast 4K and faster frame rates, the Hero4 Silver’s balance of performance, durability, and price makes it a standout—especially if you’re not ready to drop $400+ on the latest tech.

What’s in the GoPro Hero4 Silver Ultimate Kit? (And Why It Matters)

One of the biggest reasons I recommend the Ultimate Kit over buying the camera alone is the sheer number of accessories it includes. It’s not just a camera—it’s a full ecosystem designed to help you capture more, stress less, and get creative. Let’s break down what you’re actually getting and why each piece matters.

Core Components: The Camera and Housing

The star of the show is the GoPro Hero4 Silver itself. This model features a built-in 1.7-inch touchscreen—something the cheaper Hero4 Black doesn’t have. That screen makes framing shots, reviewing footage, and adjusting settings way easier, especially when you’re on the move. The camera shoots up to 1080p at 60fps and 720p at 120fps for smooth slow-motion. It also captures 12MP still photos and supports time-lapse and burst modes.

It comes with the standard waterproof housing (rated to 131 feet / 40 meters), which is essential for underwater use or rainy adventures. The housing has a flat lens port for sharp, distortion-free video and a built-in microphone that actually performs decently—especially compared to older models.

Essential Accessories: Batteries, Mounts, and More

The Ultimate Kit includes:

• Two rechargeable batteries – A lifesaver. The Hero4 Silver’s battery life is about 1.5 hours at 1080p/30fps. With two batteries, you can swap in the field without missing a beat.
• Dual battery charger – Charges both batteries at once. Handy when you’re prepping for a long shoot or traveling.
• 3-way pivot arm mount – Perfect for mounting the camera to helmets, handlebars, or even your chest. The pivot lets you adjust the angle on the fly.
• Head strap + quick clip – Great for POV shots. I’ve used the head strap for hiking, skiing, and even filming a friend’s birthday party (don’t judge—it’s hilarious).
• Floating hand grip (“The Handler”) – Keeps your camera afloat if you drop it in water. Also improves stability when filming handheld.
• Tripod mount + mini tripod – For stable time-lapses, vlogging, or setting up shots on a table or rock.
• Curved and flat adhesive mounts – For permanent or semi-permanent mounting on helmets, bikes, surfboards, etc.
• USB cable and wall charger – For charging and transferring files.

One thing I love is that everything fits neatly into the included water-resistant carrying case. No more loose parts rolling around in your backpack. It’s compact, durable, and has custom-cut foam slots for each item. I’ve taken this case on flights, hikes, and even a whitewater rafting trip—zero issues.

Bonus: The Value of the Bundle

Buying all these accessories separately would cost you at least $150–$200 extra. The Ultimate Kit typically runs around $450–$500 (depending on the retailer), while the camera alone is $300–$350. So you’re getting $100–$150 worth of gear for free. That’s a solid deal, especially if you plan to use your GoPro in multiple scenarios.

Performance in Real-World Conditions: Where the Hero4 Silver Shines (and Struggles)

Specs are one thing, but how does the Hero4 Silver actually perform when you’re out in the wild? I’ve tested it in a range of environments—underwater, in freezing temps, on fast-moving bikes, and in low-light city scenes. Here’s what I found.

Video Quality: Crisp, but Not Cutting Edge

The Hero4 Silver shoots 1080p at up to 60fps and 720p at 120fps. That’s more than enough for most users. Footage is sharp, with good color reproduction and dynamic range in daylight. I shot a sunrise hike in the Rockies, and the camera captured the golden light on the peaks beautifully. The built-in touchscreen makes it easy to frame shots and adjust settings without fumbling with buttons.

However, don’t expect 4K resolution. The Hero4 Silver maxes out at 1080p, which is fine for YouTube, social media, or home videos, but not ideal if you’re planning to crop heavily or need ultra-detailed footage. Also, while the image stabilization is decent for an older model, it’s not electronic—just optical. So if you’re running or biking on rough terrain, expect some shake. I found that mounting the camera to a chest harness or using the floating grip helps a lot.

Photo Capabilities: Solid for Snapshots

The 12MP sensor takes good stills in bright light. I’ve used it for landscape shots, pet photos (my dog chasing squirrels), and even product photography for my small business. The burst mode (30 photos in 1 second) is great for action—like catching a skateboard trick or a wave crash.

That said, low-light performance is where it starts to show its age. Photos taken at dusk or indoors can get grainy, and the lack of a wide aperture means you’ll need a lot of light for sharp results. If you’re into night photography, you’ll want to stick to well-lit scenes or use an external light source.

Audio: Better Than You Think (But Still Limited)

The built-in microphone is surprisingly good for an action camera. I recorded a mountain bike ride through a forest, and you can hear the crunch of gravel, birds chirping, and my breathing—all clear and balanced. But if you’re in windy conditions, the audio gets muffled fast. The housing’s port helps, but it’s not magic.

For vlogging or interviews, I always recommend using an external mic (like a lavalier) and recording audio separately. But for ambient sound or voiceovers in post, the onboard mic does the job.

Durability and Weather Resistance

This is where the Hero4 Silver truly shines. I’ve taken it:

• Scuba diving to 60 feet (with the housing)
• Skiing in -10°F weather
• Kayaking through rapids
• Hiking in heavy rain

It handled all of it without a hiccup. The housing seals tightly, and I’ve never had water intrusion. The camera body itself is rugged, with a rubberized finish that resists scratches and drops. I’ve accidentally dropped it from chest height onto rocks, and it kept working.

Just remember: the touchscreen isn’t usable underwater. You’ll need to rely on the side buttons or a remote (sold separately) for diving. Also, the adhesive mounts can lose stickiness over time, especially if exposed to saltwater or extreme heat. I keep a few extra adhesives in my kit—they’re cheap and easy to replace.

Ease of Use: Why the Touchscreen Makes All the Difference

Let’s be real: not everyone wants to fiddle with tiny buttons in freezing wind or while dangling off a cliff. The Hero4 Silver’s touchscreen is one of its biggest advantages over older models and even some newer budget GoPros.

Intuitive Interface for Beginners

The menu system is simple. Tap the screen to wake it up, swipe to switch between video, photo, and settings, and tap icons to select. You can adjust resolution, frame rate, exposure, and even set up time-lapse or night lapse modes with just a few taps. No memorizing button combos.

I taught my 12-year-old niece to use it in 10 minutes. She recorded a skateboarding session and even figured out how to switch to slow-motion mode on her own. That’s the power of a good UI.

Quick Settings for Fast Action

When you’re in the middle of a run or a dive, you don’t have time to dig through menus. The Hero4 Silver lets you save custom “presets” for different activities. For example:

• Biking preset: 1080p/60fps, auto exposure, high sharpness
• Diving preset: 1080p/30fps, manual white balance, medium sharpness
• Vlogging preset: 1080p/30fps, spot metering, high audio gain

Switching between them takes one tap. I use this all the time—especially when I’m transitioning from filming a hike to a campfire scene at night.

Connectivity and App Support

The Hero4 Silver has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. You can pair it with the GoPro app (iOS/Android) to control the camera remotely, preview shots, and download footage to your phone. The app is reliable and easy to use. I’ve used it to set up shots on a tripod while I’m in the frame, or to review footage on the go without taking the camera out of the housing.

One tip: Turn off Wi-Fi when you’re not using it. It drains the battery fast. Also, the app can be a bit slow to connect in cold weather, so give it a minute to sync.

Battery Life, Charging, and Power Management Tips

Battery life is the Achilles’ heel of most action cameras, and the Hero4 Silver is no exception. But with the right habits, you can stretch it further.

Real-World Battery Performance

Here’s what I’ve observed:

• 1080p/30fps: ~1.5 hours
• 1080p/60fps: ~1 hour 15 minutes
• 720p/120fps (slow-mo): ~50 minutes

Using Wi-Fi or the LCD screen cuts that time by 20–30%. Cold weather? Expect another 15–20% drop. So if you’re skiing all day, plan for 45–60 minutes per battery.

Pro Tips to Maximize Battery Life

• Carry extra batteries. The Ultimate Kit includes two—use them. I keep one in my pocket (body heat helps) and one in the case.
• Turn off Wi-Fi and LCD when not needed. Use the camera in “Quick Capture” mode (hold the shutter button to start recording instantly) to save power.
• Use airplane mode. If you’re not using the app, turn on airplane mode to disable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
• Charge fully before trips. The dual charger is great for prepping both batteries the night before.
• Use an external power bank. You can power the camera via USB while it’s recording. I’ve used a 10,000mAh pack for 4+ hours of continuous filming.

Charging Time and Compatibility

A fully drained battery takes about 2 hours to charge. The dual charger is convenient, but you can also charge the camera directly via USB. I use my laptop or a wall adapter. The included wall charger works fine, but any USB-A to Micro-USB cable will do.

Comparing the Hero4 Silver to Newer Models and Alternatives

You might be wondering: “Why buy a 2014 model when newer GoPros and competitors exist?” Fair question. Let’s look at how the Hero4 Silver stacks up today.

GoPro Hero4 Silver vs. Hero5/Hero6/Hero9/11/12

Newer GoPros offer 4K, better image stabilization, voice control, cloud backup, and longer battery life. The Hero9 and up also have front-facing screens for vlogging. But they come at a price—often double the cost of a used Hero4 Silver.

The Hero4 Silver still wins in:

• Value: You get a full kit for the price of a new camera body.
• Durability: The older housing design is proven and tough.
• Ease of use: No complex menus or AI features to learn.

If you’re a casual user or on a budget, the Hero4 Silver is more than capable. But if you need 4K, HDR, or advanced stabilization, consider the Hero9 or later.

Hero4 Silver vs. DJI Osmo Action, Insta360, and Others

Competitors like DJI Osmo Action 3/4 and Insta360 X3 offer similar or better specs at similar prices. The Osmo has RockSteady stabilization and a front screen. The Insta360 does 360° video. But the Hero4 Silver’s ecosystem—mounts, accessories, and software—is still unmatched.

And if you already own GoPro mounts (like I do), upgrading to a newer GoPro is seamless. The Hero4 Silver uses the same mounting system as all GoPros since 2013.

Data Table: Hero4 Silver vs. Key Alternatives

Feature	GoPro Hero4 Silver	GoPro Hero11	DJI Osmo Action 4	Insta360 X3
Max Video	1080p/60fps	5.3K/60fps	4K/120fps	5.7K 360°
Photo Resolution	12MP	27MP	12MP	18MP (reframed)
Touchscreen	1.7″ (rear only)	2.27″ (rear) + 1.4″ (front)	2.25″ (rear) + 1.4″ (front)	2.29″ (rear) + 1.4″ (front)
Battery Life	~1.5 hrs	~1.5 hrs	~2.5 hrs	~1.5 hrs
Waterproof (housing)	131 ft (40m)	33 ft (10m) – 196 ft with case	39 ft (12m) – 196 ft with case	33 ft (10m) – 196 ft with case
Price (Ultimate Kit)	$450–$500 (used)	$550 (body only)	$399 (body only)	$450 (body only)

As you can see, the Hero4 Silver holds its own in core areas—especially when you factor in the full kit. It’s not the most advanced, but it’s reliable, versatile, and affordable.

Final Thoughts: Is the GoPro Hero4 Silver Ultimate Kit Worth It in 2024?

After years of using the GoPro Hero4 Silver Action Camera Ultimate Kit, I can say this: it’s not perfect, but it’s damn close for what it costs. The video quality won’t blow you away compared to 4K models, but it’s more than enough for most people. The touchscreen, rugged design, and included accessories make it incredibly user-friendly. And that carrying case? A game-changer for organization.

I’ve used this kit to film:

• A 3-day backpacking trip in the Sierra Nevada
• Underwater coral reefs in Hawaii
• My nephew’s first ski lesson
• A friend’s wedding (as a secondary camera)

Every time, it delivered. It’s not the flashiest or most high-tech option, but it’s dependable, intuitive, and built for real adventures—not just Instagram flexes.

If you’re a beginner, a budget-conscious traveler, or someone who wants a no-fuss action camera that just works, the Hero4 Silver Ultimate Kit is a fantastic choice. Sure, newer models offer more features, but they also come with a steeper learning curve and a bigger price tag. For under $500, you’re getting a complete, ready-to-go system that’s stood the test of time.

So go ahead—strap it on, hit record, and capture your wildest moments. Just don’t forget to charge those extra batteries. Trust me, you’ll need them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the GoPro Hero4 Silver Action Camera Ultimate Kit stand out from other models?

The GoPro Hero4 Silver Action Camera Ultimate Kit combines 1080p60 and 720p120 video with 12MP photos, offering professional-grade quality in a compact design. It includes essential accessories like mounts and batteries, making it a complete package for action enthusiasts.

Does the GoPro Hero4 Silver support 4K video recording?

Yes, the Hero4 Silver can record 4K video at 15fps and 2.7K at 30fps, ideal for high-resolution footage. However, its standout feature is the built-in touchscreen, which earlier GoPro models lacked.

What accessories come with the GoPro Hero4 Silver Ultimate Kit?

The kit includes a standard housing, head strap, chest mount, quick-release buckle, spare battery, and charging cable. These additions ensure you’re ready for any adventure right out of the box.

Is the GoPro Hero4 Silver waterproof without an external case?

The camera itself is not waterproof, but it comes with a rugged housing rated to 131 feet (40 meters). This allows for underwater shooting without risking damage to the device.

How does the GoPro Hero4 Silver compare to newer models like the Hero5 or Hero6?

While newer models offer features like voice control and improved stabilization, the Hero4 Silver remains a cost-effective choice for 4K recording and durability. Its touchscreen and Wi-Fi connectivity still hold up well for most users.

Can I use the GoPro Hero4 Silver for live streaming?

No, the Hero4 Silver lacks native live-streaming capabilities. However, you can pair it with third-party apps or hardware for live broadcasts, though this requires additional setup.