GoPro Hero4 Waterproof 4K Action Camera Kit Silver Review

The GoPro Hero4 Waterproof 4K Action Camera Kit Silver delivers stunning 4K video quality and rugged, waterproof performance, making it a top choice for adventure seekers. With intuitive controls, a durable silver design, and a complete kit including mounts and accessories, it’s ready to capture high-octane moments right out of the box.

Key Takeaways

• 4K video quality: Capture stunning ultra-HD footage with smooth, detailed action shots.
• Waterproof design: Dive up to 131ft (40m) without a housing for underwater adventures.
• Intuitive touchscreen: Easily navigate settings and preview shots on the built-in display.
• Wireless connectivity: Use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to control the camera remotely via smartphone.
• Versatile mounting: Kit includes mounts for bikes, helmets, and more for flexible filming.
• Long battery life: Record up to 2.5 hours on a single charge for extended use.

GoPro Hero4 Waterproof 4K Action Camera Kit Silver Review: Is It Still Worth It?

Let’s face it—action cameras are a dime a dozen these days. But there was a time when GoPro ruled the market, and the GoPro Hero4 Waterproof 4K Action Camera Kit Silver was one of the most sought-after models. Released in 2014, it quickly became a favorite among adventure seekers, vloggers, and even casual travelers. I remember unboxing mine at a beach in Bali, excited to capture my first underwater dive. The anticipation was real—would this tiny silver box really handle the salt, the sand, and the sudden splash from a rogue wave?

Fast forward a decade, and while newer models like the Hero12 Black dominate headlines, the Hero4 Silver still holds a special place in many gear bags. Why? Because it was one of the first GoPros to include a built-in touchscreen—a game-changer back then. It also offered 4K video (at 15fps) and 1080p at 60fps, which was impressive for its time. But is it still relevant today? That’s exactly what we’re diving into. Whether you’re a budget-conscious traveler, a nostalgic GoPro fan, or just curious about older tech, this review will give you the real scoop—no fluff, no hype, just honest insights.

Design and Build: Compact, Rugged, and Surprisingly User-Friendly

First Impressions and Physical Build

When you hold the Hero4 Silver, it feels solid—not flimsy. The camera is housed in a rugged, matte-finish shell that’s both lightweight (just 88g without the housing) and durable. The silver color gives it a sleek, almost premium look, though it’s prone to minor scuffs over time. Unlike the Hero4 Black, which lacks a screen, the Silver model features a 1.5-inch touchscreen on the back. This was a huge upgrade for framing shots, reviewing footage, and navigating menus without needing a smartphone or remote.

One thing I loved right away: the camera feels balanced in hand. It’s not too bulky, and the rubberized grip on the sides helps with handling—especially when your hands are wet or gloved. The lens is protected by a replaceable glass cover (a must for underwater use), and the microSD card slot is tucked behind a small, secure door on the side.

Waterproofing Without the Housing

Here’s a standout feature: the Hero4 Silver is waterproof to 40 meters (131 feet) without an additional housing. That’s a big deal for snorkelers, kayakers, or anyone who wants to capture quick dips or surf sessions. I’ve used mine in the ocean, lakes, and even a waterfall—no leaks, no fogging, just crisp footage.

Pro tip: Always check the side door seal before diving in. A tiny grain of sand or hair can compromise the waterproofing. After each use, rinse the camera with fresh water and let it air dry. This simple habit can extend its lifespan significantly.

Accessories in the Kit: What You Get

The “Kit” version includes several useful accessories:

• Standard housing (reinforced for deeper dives)
• Curved and flat adhesive mounts (great for helmets, boards, or cars)
• Quick-release buckle (for easy mounting/dismounting)
• USB cable (for charging and data transfer)
• Rechargeable battery (1160mAh, removable)

While the kit doesn’t include a tripod mount or external microphone, these are easy to find separately. I recommend picking up a 3-way pivot arm for creative angles—like mounting the camera on a bike handlebar or a selfie stick.

Performance and Video Quality: 4K at a Cost

4K Video: The Good, the Bad, and the Frame Rate

The Hero4 Silver shoots 4K video, but there’s a catch: it’s capped at 15 frames per second (fps). That means your footage will look sharp, but it won’t be smooth for fast-moving action. Think of it like a high-resolution photo slideshow—great for landscapes, slow dives, or time-lapses, but not ideal for sports or high-speed chases.

For smoother motion, I usually shoot in 1080p at 60fps. The quality is still excellent, with vibrant colors and decent dynamic range. In good lighting, the camera captures details like coral textures or mountain ridges with clarity. But in low light? It struggles. The sensor is smaller than modern GoPros, so night footage tends to be grainy and lacks detail. I learned this the hard way during a twilight hike—my sunset shots looked more like a blurry watercolor.

Photo Quality and Burst Mode

For stills, the Hero4 Silver shoots 12MP photos. In daylight, they’re sharp and colorful. I’ve used it for travel photography—capturing temples, street scenes, and even candid moments. The burst mode (30 shots per second) is surprisingly effective for action shots. I once used it to photograph a surfer catching a wave, and the sequence was perfectly timed.

However, the shutter lag is noticeable. If you’re trying to capture a sudden movement (like a bird taking flight), you might miss the shot. The camera also lacks advanced photo modes like RAW or HDR, which are now standard on newer models.

Audio: Built-In Mic vs. External Options

The built-in mic is… okay. It picks up wind noise easily, especially at high speeds. During a mountain biking trip, my voice was barely audible over the wind and tire crunch. For vlogging or interviews, I highly recommend an external mic (like the GoPro Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter + a lavalier mic). It makes a world of difference in audio clarity.

Fun fact: The Hero4 Silver supports stereo audio, which gives a more immersive feel to your videos. But again, without wind protection, it’s best used in calm environments.

User Experience: Touchscreen, Menus, and Battery Life

The Touchscreen: A Double-Edged Sword

The 1.5-inch touchscreen is the Hero4 Silver’s crown jewel. It’s intuitive—tap to focus, swipe to switch modes, pinch to zoom. I used it to frame shots while snorkeling, and it worked flawlessly underwater (as long as my fingers were wet). The screen is bright enough for outdoor use, though direct sunlight can make it hard to see.

But there’s a downside: the touchscreen drains the battery faster. In 4K mode, I got about 45 minutes of recording time. In 1080p, it extended to 60-70 minutes. For longer trips, I always pack a spare battery or a portable charger.

Menu Navigation and Settings

The menu system is straightforward, but it can feel clunky compared to modern GoPros. There are no voice commands or gesture controls—just taps and swipes. The settings are organized into categories like “Video,” “Photo,” and “Setup,” which helps. But changing modes (e.g., from video to time-lapse) requires multiple steps.

Pro tip: Customize the “Quick Settings” menu to include your most-used options. For example, I set mine to show “Video Mode,” “Photo Mode,” and “Wi-Fi” for quick access.

Battery Life and Charging

The 1160mAh battery is removable, which is a plus. You can swap it out mid-shoot or charge it separately. Charging takes about 2-3 hours via USB. I’ve used a car charger during road trips and a solar-powered battery pack in remote areas—both worked well.

One annoyance: the battery door is stiff. It can be hard to open with cold or wet fingers. I keep a small silicone tool in my bag to help pry it open.

Connectivity and Software: Wi-Fi, App, and Editing

Wi-Fi and Remote Control

The Hero4 Silver supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing you to connect to the GoPro App (available for iOS and Android). The app lets you control the camera remotely, preview shots, and transfer files to your phone. I’ve used it to start recording while the camera was mounted on a drone or a helmet—super convenient.

However, the Wi-Fi connection isn’t always stable. On a crowded beach, I lost connection twice due to signal interference. The app also feels outdated compared to newer versions. It lacks features like live streaming or advanced editing tools.

File Transfer and Compatibility

Files transfer via USB or Wi-Fi. I prefer USB for faster speeds, especially with 4K footage. The camera saves files in MP4 format (H.264 codec), which is widely compatible with editing software like iMovie, Adobe Premiere, or DaVinci Resolve.

One quirk: the Hero4 Silver uses microSD cards (up to 128GB). I use a 64GB card, which holds about 1 hour of 4K footage or 4 hours of 1080p. Always format the card in-camera for optimal performance.

Editing Tips for Hero4 Footage

Here’s how I edit my Hero4 videos:

• Stabilize shaky footage: Use warp stabilization in Premiere or GoPro Studio (free desktop software).
• Enhance colors: Adjust the white balance and saturation to fix the slightly warm tint.
• Trim frame rates: Convert 15fps 4K clips to 30fps in post for smoother playback.

For quick edits, I use the GoPro App’s “Quik” feature. It automatically trims clips, adds music, and applies filters—great for social media.

Real-World Use Cases: Where the Hero4 Silver Shines (and Where It Doesn’t)

Best For: Travel, Snorkeling, and Casual Vlogging

The Hero4 Silver excels in scenarios where you need a reliable, easy-to-use camera:

• Snorkeling and diving: The waterproof design and touchscreen make it perfect for underwater adventures. I’ve filmed coral reefs and sea turtles with stunning clarity.
• Travel vlogging: It’s lightweight and fits in a pocket. I’ve used it for city tours, hiking, and even food reviews (just hold it close to your plate).
• Family events: The burst mode is great for capturing kids’ birthday parties or pets playing.

Not Ideal For: High-Speed Sports or Low-Light Filming

The camera falls short in these situations:

• Action sports: The 15fps 4K limit makes fast motion look choppy. For skateboarding or skiing, I switch to 1080p/60fps.
• Low-light environments: Night markets, concerts, or indoor events are challenging. The footage is noisy, and the autofocus hunts constantly.
• Professional projects: If you need RAW photos, advanced audio, or 4K/60fps, look at newer models.

Comparing to Modern GoPros: Is It Still Competitive?

Let’s be honest: the Hero4 Silver isn’t as powerful as the Hero12 Black. But for under $200 (used or refurbished), it’s a steal. Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature	GoPro Hero4 Silver	GoPro Hero12 Black
4K Video	15fps	60fps
Photo Resolution	12MP	27MP
Waterproof Depth	40m (no housing)	10m (no housing)
Battery Life	60-70min (1080p)	90min (1080p)
Touchscreen	1.5-inch	2.27-inch
Price (Used)	$100-$200	$300-$400

For casual users, the Hero4 Silver is still a solid choice. It’s cheaper, more durable (thanks to the waterproof design), and easier to use for beginners.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the Hero4 Silver?

After years of using the GoPro Hero4 Waterproof 4K Action Camera Kit Silver, I can say this: it’s not perfect, but it’s dependable. It’s the kind of camera you can toss in your backpack, take on a wild adventure, and trust to come back with great footage—as long as you work within its limits.

If you’re a budget-conscious traveler, a snorkeling enthusiast, or just starting with action cameras, the Hero4 Silver is a fantastic entry point. The touchscreen, waterproof design, and included mounts make it user-friendly right out of the box. Plus, you’ll save hundreds compared to newer models.

But if you’re a professional filmmaker, a low-light videographer, or need the latest tech (like 5.3K video or HyperSmooth stabilization), it’s time to upgrade. The Hero4 Silver simply can’t compete with modern features.

At the end of the day, the Hero4 Silver is like that trusty old backpack—worn, a bit scuffed, but always ready for the next trip. It might not have all the bells and whistles, but it gets the job done. And sometimes, that’s all you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the GoPro Hero4 Waterproof 4K Action Camera Kit Silver truly waterproof?

The GoPro Hero4 Silver is waterproof up to 131 feet (40 meters) without a housing, making it ideal for snorkeling, surfing, and underwater adventures. Always ensure the battery and side doors are securely closed before submersion.

What accessories are included in the GoPro Hero4 Waterproof 4K Action Camera Kit Silver?

This kit includes the Hero4 Silver camera, a standard waterproof housing, rechargeable battery, curved and flat adhesive mounts, a quick-release buckle, and a USB cable. It’s a versatile package for immediate action shooting.

Can the GoPro Hero4 Silver record in 4K resolution?

Yes, the GoPro Hero4 Silver captures stunning 4K video at 15fps and 1080p at 60fps for smooth slow-motion footage. Its 4K capability ensures professional-quality results for action and travel content.

How long does the battery last on the GoPro Hero4 Silver?

The included rechargeable battery lasts approximately 1-2 hours when recording 1080p at 60fps, depending on settings and temperature. Carrying a spare battery is recommended for extended shoots.

Does the GoPro Hero4 Silver support Wi-Fi or app connectivity?

Yes, the Hero4 Silver features built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing you to control the camera remotely via the GoPro app. This makes framing shots and changing settings effortless during action sequences.

Is the GoPro Hero4 Silver suitable for low-light or nighttime filming?

While the Hero4 Silver performs best in well-lit environments, it has a Night Lapse mode for long-exposure shots and improved low-light performance. For nighttime action, additional lighting is recommended.