The GoPro HERO 4 and GoPro HERO 5 are both great action cameras, but which one is the best? The GoPro HERO 4 has a few features that the GoPro HERO 5 doesn’t have, such as a built-in screen and a higher frame rate. However, the GoPro HERO 5 has a few features that the GoPro HERO 4 doesn’t have, such as voice control and a waterproof case.
In this blog, we will look at the detailed comparison of GoPro Hero 4 Vs GoPro Hero 5
Table of Contents
GoPro Hero 4 Vs GoPro Hero 5
Table could not be displayed.Design and Build
The GoPro Hero 4 and GoPro Hero 5 are two popular action cameras that are widely used for capturing extreme sports and adventure activities. While both cameras share many similarities in terms of design, there are also some notable differences between them.
Firstly, both the GoPro Hero 4 and Hero 5 use the same case design, which makes them look identical from the outside. The case is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around during outdoor activities. However, if you look closely, you will notice that the model name is printed on one side of the case, which helps to differentiate the two models.
Secondly, both cameras are waterproof and can be used without separate housing. They can be used down to 33 feet (10 meters) without any issues, which is great for swimming, snorkeling, and other water-based activities. Additionally, both cameras are compatible with the Super Suit diving housing if you need to go deeper than 33 feet.
Thirdly, both cameras have an LCD screen at the back that allows for touch control and can be used to playback or view live footage. The screen size and resolution are the same for both cameras, which makes it easy for users to navigate through the camera’s settings and options.
However, there are some notable design differences between the GoPro Hero 4 and Hero 5. The Hero 5 has a slightly larger battery capacity, which provides longer battery life compared to the Hero 4. Additionally, the Hero 5 has built-in GPS, which is not present in the Hero 4. The Hero 5 also has voice control, which allows users to control the camera hands-free using voice commands.
In conclusion, while both the GoPro Hero 4 and Hero 5 share many similarities in terms of design, there are also some notable differences between them. These differences may be important to consider when choosing between the two models, depending on your specific needs and preferences.
Size and Weight
The GoPro Hero5 Black has a striking design. Its slim, sleek construction and slightly wider than average dimensions make it very appealing. If you have installed the battery and memory card, then the maximum weight of Hero5 Black will go up to 4.2 Oz or 118 grams, whereas on the other side the GoPro Hero4 Silver possess an overall weight of 2.9 Oz or 82 grams without additional housing and it can go up to 5.1 Oz or a45 grams with standard housing arrangement.
Hero5 Silver is smaller than GoPro Hero4 Silver because the camera body was designed to be waterproof.
Battery Life and Storage
The battery life is a crucial factor when it comes to choosing a camera. Both the GoPro Hero 4 and Hero 5 have removable batteries, which means that you can swap out a dead battery with a fully charged one on the go. However, there are some differences in battery life between these two models.
The GoPro Hero 5 Black comes with a 1220 mAh battery, while the Hero 4 Silver comes with a 1200 mAh battery. This slight difference in battery capacity gives the Hero 5 Black a longer battery life.
The Hero 5 Black can last up to 2 hours and 15 minutes of continuous recording at 1080p 30fps, while the Hero 4 Silver can only last up to 2 hours of continuous recording at the same resolution and frame rate.
When it comes to storage, both cameras support microSD cards, but the Hero 5 Black can support larger capacity cards up to 128GB, while the Hero 4 Silver can only support up to 64GB. This means that you can record more footage on the Hero 5 Black without having to swap out your memory card as frequently.
It’s important to note that recording at higher resolutions and frame rates can significantly reduce the battery life and storage capacity of both cameras. For example, recording at 4K resolution and high frame rates can drain the battery much faster, and you’ll need a larger storage capacity to accommodate the larger file sizes.
Overall, the battery life and storage capacity are important considerations when choosing between the GoPro Hero 4 and Hero 5. The Hero 5 Black has a slight advantage in battery life and can support larger capacity microSD cards, but both cameras are capable of capturing high-quality footage with their respective battery capacities and storage limits.
Accessories
While a few accessories from your GoPro Hero4 Silver can be used to connect to Hero5 Black, not all can. To get an idea of which parts are compatible, you can look at the specifications of these two devices.
Burst Mode
The GoPro Hero 4 and 5 are both great action cameras, but which one is the best? The Hero 4 has a burst mode that can take up to 10 photos per second, while the Hero 5 can take up to 30 photos per second. So if you need to take a lot of photos in a short amount of time, the Hero 5 is the better option.
Voice Controls
The GoPro Hero 4 and GoPro Hero 5 are two popular action cameras that are widely used for capturing extreme sports and adventure activities. While both cameras share many similarities in terms of design, one significant difference between them is the presence of voice controls in the Hero 5.
The GoPro Hero 5 has a built-in microphone that allows users to control the camera hands-free using voice commands. This feature is not available in the Hero 4, which requires users to manually operate the camera’s buttons and controls. Voice control is a game-changer for users who engage in activities that require both hands, such as surfing, snowboarding, or mountain biking.
The voice control feature in the Hero 5 is easy to use and can be activated by simply saying “GoPro, start recording” or “GoPro, stop recording.” Users can also use voice commands to take a photo or change the camera mode. This feature saves time and eliminates the need for users to stop what they’re doing to adjust camera settings or operate the camera manually.
Another advantage of voice control in the Hero 5 is that it helps to conserve battery life. Users can turn off the camera’s LCD screen and save battery power, as they can rely on voice commands to control the camera. This is particularly useful during longer activities, where users may not have access to a power source.
Touch Display
One of the most significant differences between the GoPro Hero 4 and GoPro Hero 5 is the inclusion of a built-in touch display on the latter. The GoPro Hero 4 Silver was the first GoPro camera to include a built-in touch display, but the Hero 5 Black improved upon it with a better resolution, better contrast, and better touch sensitivity.
The touch display on the Hero 5 Black is a game-changer for users who want to easily navigate through the camera’s settings and options. It offers all the features you would expect from a touch display, including a live view of the lens to assist with composition, a screen to playback recorded video and photos, and an interface with the camera’s settings.
The display is also larger than the one on the Hero 4 Silver, making it easier to see and use.
One of the most significant benefits of the touch display on the Hero 5 Black is that it is more intuitive to use compared to the Hero 4 Silver. The Hero 4 Silver’s touch display required an additional layer of a backdoor, which could make it more challenging to navigate through the camera’s settings and options.
The Hero 5 Black’s touch display eliminates this additional layer, making it more seamless to use and easier to operate.
The touch display on the Hero 5 Black also makes it easier to frame shots and adjust camera settings on the fly. Users can simply swipe and tap the display to change the camera mode, adjust the camera’s settings, and preview footage.
This feature is particularly useful for users who engage in activities that require them to adjust camera settings quickly and efficiently, such as skiing, snowboarding, or surfing.
Housing
The housing of the GoPro Hero 4 and Hero 5 is a significant point of difference between the two models. The GoPro Hero 4 requires a standard housing to provide protection against the elements and waterproofing.
The standard housing was required for many previous GoPro models, and it added an extra layer of protection to ensure that the camera could function in extreme conditions.
On the other hand, the GoPro Hero 5 has almost eliminated the need for standard housing with its built-in casing. The casing is waterproof to 33 feet and also provides protection against dust, sand, and dirt. This means that users do not need to use separate housings for multiple purposes, and they have one less thing to worry about while shooting.
The built-in casing of the Hero 5 makes the overall package smaller and more compact than the combination of a GoPro Hero 4 Silver in Standard Housing. This is a significant advantage for users who want a more streamlined and portable setup.
However, it’s worth noting that the Hero 5’s built-in casing doesn’t replace the old model’s standard housing in all situations. The standard housing for the Hero 4 was rated to 131 feet (40m), which is deep enough for recreational diving.
If users want to dive deeper than 33 feet, they will need to purchase a new version of the Super Suit housing from GoPro to use with the Hero 5.
It’s also worth noting that the Hero 5 doesn’t come with housing, unlike the Hero 4, which comes with a standard housing. The Hero 5 comes with a Frame that provides mounting points at the bottom but doesn’t offer much protection. This means that users who want to use the Hero 5 in extreme conditions will need to purchase additional housing separately.
In conclusion, the housing of the GoPro Hero 5 is a significant improvement over the Hero 4, with its built-in casing that provides waterproofing and protection against dust, sand, and dirt. However, users who want to use the camera in extreme conditions or dive deeper than 33 feet will need to purchase additional housing separately.
Video
GoPro hasn’t apparently upgraded the sensor in any of the new models. The video quality is still fundamentally the same. Although I would love to see a better sensor, particularly with better low-light capabilities and better color renditions, we will have to wait for the HERO6 or whatever it is going to be called before that happens.
However, just because the sensor isn’t updated doesn’t mean you won’t get better footage from the HERO5 Black than a GoPro Hero4 Silver. Other improvements can make your footage smoother and more professional.
The GoPro Hero 4 and the GoPro Hero 5 are both great video recording devices. They have many of the same features, but there are some differences. Hero 4 has a better resolution than Hero 5, and Hero 5 has image stabilization that Hero 4 does not have.
GoPro Hero 4 Silver Video Capture 12MP Photos at 30 fps while Hero 5 captures Stunning 4k video and 12MP photos in single. Overall, they are both great cameras, and it really depends on what you are looking for as to which one is better for you.
Tweaked Processing Algorithms
. First, the camera’s software processing algorithm has been tweaked. These tweaks are subtle but significant improvements.
You can see a slight hue shift in the blue sky at the beginning. This is a sign that the onboard processing was tweaked.
Despite the slightly different look of the HERO5 Black’s footage and the contrasty look, they are essentially identical-the same details (or lack thereof) in shadows, highlight, auto exposure choices, and the same exposure transitions for moving through bright or dark conditions.
Video Stabilization
The second feature is the addition of in-camera stabilization. This feature is a key component of both the HERO5 Black and the HERO5 Session. This is to reduce the jerkiness that can be caused by unstabilized footage.
It works well in some cases, but not in all. As long as you are realistic about it, it will work. This software solution works in camera in a manner similar to Adobe Premier’s Warp Stabilizer or Final Cut Pro’s Stabilization. It won’t offer the smooth glide that a high-quality gyro can.
Although the standalone Karma Gimbal is undoubtedly more powerful, I have found that the built-in stabilization function can dramatically improve footage quality and is very useful.
Resolutions
Both resolutions have the same options, but not all resolutions share the same framerate options. Below is an example of the available video resolution
Fields of View
There are differences in the FOV (fields of view). The most important difference is the HERO5s’ new Linear FOV, which eliminates fisheye distortion in-camera.
More information is available here. (UPDATE – Linear FOV is now possible on the HERO4 Black & HERO4 silver after updating the firmware to V.05.00.00.
Protune.
Both offer Protune options to video, and they are almost identical. The HERO5 offers two additional Protune options for audio, which can prove very helpful.
You can also choose to create a raw audio track that will create a WAV file of higher quality separate from the video file.
An auto mode option allows you to set it up in a way that minimizes wind noise.
Bitrates.
The maximum bitrate for the HERO5 Black is 60 Mbps and 45 Mbps for the GoPro HERO4 Silver. This has practical implications. A higher bitrate can offer higher quality video, as it is less compressed. It also means that you need a faster memory card to keep up with the data stream.
Video Format. Both formats are available in NTSC and PAL.
File Format. Both can produce H.264 MP4 videos.
Video Modes. Overall, the HERO5Black has a wider range of video modes than its silver counterpart.
HDR
Since its launch, GoPro has been praising its HDR features in the GoPro Hero 5 Black. However, they refer to it as a ‘wide dynamic range. You can capture more detail in shadows or highlights with the new system, as well as a new RAW image format.
Still Photos
Both will produce similar still images. Both cameras produce 12MP images measuring 4000 pixels wide x 3000 pixels high. However, there are some differences in the still-photo features between the cameras.
New Features. The HERO5 Black adds two new photo modes that previous models haven’t had
- Wide Dynamic Range Option that highlights details in shadows, highlights and highlights. Also available is the option to save images in a GoPro.
- The raw image format is a type of image that has a file extension.GPR. This allows for better post-processing quality. The HERO4 Silver doesn’t offer these options, only standard JPG.
In-Camera Processing.
Although the in-camera processing engine was tweaked, the image fundamentals are identical. The improved white balance is a direct result of this. The HERO4 models were always too cool (i.e.. a blue tint).
Sharpness.
The photos from the HERO5 Black look ever-so-slightly sharper when zoomed in at 100 percent. This could be due to a number of factors, such as an optically sharper lens and a more aggressive sharpening algorithm within the in-camera software. It’s not noticeable if there is any difference.
Lens.
Both lenses are rated at 3mm, which is equivalent to 15mm in the 35mm/full-frame format.
Resolution.
Resolution. Both cameras can capture images up to 12MP at 4000×3000 pixels. The HERO4 silver also has 7MP (33000 x 2250 px), and 5MP (2560-x 1920 px), but these modes are limited to the cropped medium view.
Timelapse
There are two ways to create time-lapses with both models. The GoPro Hero 4 and 5 both have a night lapse mode. This mode is great for capturing footage of the stars or cityscapes at night. The mode works by taking a series of photos at a set interval and then stitching them together to create a time-lapse video.
Timelapse Photo.
The traditional method involves taking a series of still images and downloading them to your memory card. Once you have downloaded the images,
you will need to stitch them together using the software. Both cameras have the same intervals: 0, 5, 10, 30, and 60 seconds.
Timelapse Video.
The camera can also compile the video automatically to create an mp4 timelapse video. While this saves time and effort, it leaves you with less flexibility. It provides the same intervals and flexibility as the time-lapse method.
The HERO4 silver can produce 4K and 2.7K time-lapse videos at 4:3. These are the new features of the model, and there is a new option for 1080p. It’s easier to share the file quickly with the smaller size than it is with large files such as 4K and 2.7K video.
Night Lapse Photo.
Both the new and old models come with Night Lapse Photo, which offers additional intervals and shutter speeds that are better suited for low-light photography.
The GoPro Hero 4 and 5 are both great cameras for capturing night photos. However, the Hero 5 has some features that make it better for this purpose. It has a higher ISO setting, which means that it can capture photos in low light conditions with less noise. It also has a built-in image stabilization system, which helps to keep photos sharp even when you’re shooting handheld.
GPS & Telemetry
The HERO5 models include GPS location tags in the EXIF metadata for still images and video. Anyone who needs to locate the images or sort them by location will find it very helpful. The GPS function can reduce battery life slightly when activated.
Audio
Both models can take external microphones. However, you will need to use the USB-C adapter that comes with the HERO5 Black.
Although the new model is better in audio handling, many users find that the sound quality with onboard microphones is significantly worse. This is likely due to the fact that the microphones are integrated directly into the waterproof housing.
Stereo audio can be recorded directly by the HERO5 BLACK. You can also create an audio WAV file that is separate from the video file. This raw audio feature is available under the video Protune settings.
It’s an excellent option when audio is important to what you’re capturing and you plan on post-processing in video editing apps. Protune is an option that reduces wind noise on the new model.
Interface and Controls
You can control both with the three buttons on your body and the small LCD screen at the front. Or, you can use the large touchscreen on your back or the GoPro mobile app (now called Capture).
With the new model, the menu system has been enhanced. It is easier to use and more logically organized. It’s also easier to use the back touchscreen, which makes it much more intuitive.
Ports and Connections
Both models use USB for data transfer and power, but they have different connectors. The GoPro HERO5 Black uses the USB-C connector (and a bundled cable), while the HERO4Silver uses the older mini-USB connector.
The [USB-C port] (GoPro now has a new camera, the HERO. This brings the current lineup of cameras to five and continues a confusing naming scheme. This isn’t the first GoPro Hero.
An earlier version was released in 2014. There was also an earlier one released in 2014. HERO. Let’s not forget about the HERO+, HERO+ LCD. You’ll see the HERO+ (2018) version of all those heroes. This is the model I am focusing on.
The HERO (2018) is GoPro’s latest addition to its current lineup. It also includes the HERO5 Session and Fusion.
There’s another model. However, that is remarkably similar in key aspects. The older HERO5 black model is it. Although the HERO5 Black is now obsolete, the HERO6 Black is still available. I thought it would be helpful to compare them side-by-side, in case you are trying to decide between them.
The HERO5 Black and the HERO5 Black appear identical from the outside. They also share a lot of similarities underneath the hood. There are key differences. The HERO5Black can do all the things the HERO can, plus a lot more.
The HERO (2018) was designed to be an entry-level, simplified camera. Before the HERO6Black, the HERO5Black was GoPro’s flagship camera. It’s loaded with all the bells and whistles that come with that title. The HERO is a rebadged HERO5Black with a feature set that is artificially limited by firmware.
Conclusion
The GoPro Hero 4 vs. five debate is one that has been raging on for a while now. Some people say that Hero 4 is better, while others claim that Hero 5 is the clear winner. In the end, it all comes down to personal preference. So, which one should you buy? Well, that depends on what you need and want from your action camera.
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
