Fall colors in 4K (Protune color, wide):

GoPro Hero 4 4K Test Video: Some Fall Colors on Vimeo

Cloud time-lapse in 4K, cropped from 4:3 12MP stills (Protune color, wide, fixed WB):

GoPro Hero 4 Black: Test 4K Cloud Time Lapse on Vimeo

Can you enable download of the original files on vimeo?

Can you enable download of the original files on vimeo?

Yes, and all my 4K posted videos can be downloaded (the 4K version), if you register with Vimeo (free).

Go Pro Hero 4 Black 4K Test Video: On Campus on Vimeo

Protune color, wide.

Wow, it's very sharp. I'm impressed. Thanks for the samples.

GoPro Hero 4 Black Test Video: 4K and 4K SuperView Compared in the Garden on Vimeo

Thanks for sharing all these clips Mark,
Are you liking the camera so far? The images seem very nice. Looking at your last series of clips comparing the different viewing angles, i notice there seems to me some vignetting on the top corners in the superwide mode. Also looks to be more CA on high contrast edges at the edges of the frame. What view would you think you are more likely to use?
Thanks,
Bryce

Thank you for sharing these!

Looks like a worthy upgrade to my Hero2.

Thanks for sharing all these clips Mark,
Are you liking the camera so far? The images seem very nice. Looking at your last series of clips comparing the different viewing angles, i notice there seems to me some vignetting on the top corners in the superwide mode. Also looks to be more CA on high contrast edges at the edges of the frame. What view would you think you are more likely to use?
Thanks,
Bryce

I am pleasantly surprised by the quality (in 4K), and am learning the camera's quirks. I do see the slight vignetting in the Superview (I see it upper too). I do not think there is more CA - there is some CA in some shots, but I do not think that is a property of how much of the sensor is being read. On the other hand, it seems to me there is more detail in the Superview - the additional info is used well, evidently.

The upshot to me is that one can use either view and get good quality, in 4K, so the choice will depend on the type of shot.

If anyone says that 4K does not have advantages, even when viewed in 1080p, they are obvious blind :) I also find the detail remarkable for such a tiny box, how long can you record before the battery dies?
I never had a gopro but might get the black version now, I don't do any extreme sports, unless you would call walking down and up the stairs to my office several times a day some form of exercise, I do think I will find some use for this thing during the weddings I shoot. Most interested in it's widest angle setting and that seems pretty detailed.

If anyone says that 4K does not have advantages, even when viewed in 1080p, they are obvious blind :) I also find the detail remarkable for such a tiny box, how long can you record before the battery dies?
I never had a gopro but might get the black version now, I don't do any extreme sports, unless you would call walking down and up the stairs to my office several times a day some form of exercise, I do think I will find some use for this thing during the weddings I shoot. Most interested in it's widest angle setting and that seems pretty detailed.

I agree, Noa, that 4K video quality is obvious no matter how viewed. I have been trying to get that across to the GoPro community, who cannot understand the advantages of 4K (they think they need 4K viewers) and have actually not seen many examples of 4K video at all. "HD is fine," they say. I point out that they are not actually getting HD.

The specs say that you can continuously shoot 4K for 1 hour 5 minutes; 50 minutes with the LCD back. I have not tested this, as my shooting so far consists of short clips, with lcd back on, and lots of fiddling to try out things.

One nice thing about the removable lcd back is that you can frame the shot and set the parameters of the shot with it on, and then just take it off for the actual shooting, saving battery life (it just snaps in and out, no screws to turn). With the GoPro "frame" rather than the waterproof case (useful only for those who dive, surf, swim, and sail), you have access to all the ports, and can attach a stereo mic, a monitor (HDMI) and even headphones (to the lcd back only). There is also an ND filter you can press on.

Is there a lcd that snaps on? I read the black version was without lcd and that the lcd screen was only with the silver version, is that lcd screen a paid option? Recording time is more then fine, thx for that info.

Is there a lcd that snaps on? I read the black version was without lcd and that the lcd screen was only with the silver version, is that lcd screen a paid option? Recording time is more then fine, thx for that info.

Yes, it's tiny - adds little to size or weight, and costs US$79. I like the modular approach better.

One other point - there is Protune 'flat' mode, which enables color grading to one's liking (even a setting with no WB set by the camera). This better enables GoPro video clips to mix in with video from other cameras (like the AX100), which have a different color look. Apparently, many filmmakers and professional documentarians are mixing in GoPro shots. GoPro, the company, is simultaneously trying to appeal to surfer dudes and video and film pros. And lets not talk about drone flyers...

Did you use some program to remove the "fisheye" look (I only noticed bent lines once)?

Also, what was causing the momentary "hiss" in the audio for a lot (but not all) the shots?

Did you use some program to remove the "fisheye" look (I only noticed bent lines once)?

Also, what was causing the momentary "hiss" in the audio for a lot (but not all) the shots?

No processing - those are what the clips look like right out of the camera, wide and superview. The Hero 4 in 4K seems to have much less fisheye. You do not see the horizon bend when it moves from center, etc.

I will have to check about the hiss, I was not checking the audio carefully with headphones. Except in a few clips I turned the amplitude down to lower the wind noise (so it sounds like hiss).

Mark, the GoPro community understands the down conversion from 4k to 1080 for the extra details, we have been doing this with 2.7k from the previous models, whether the details or workflow is desirable is up to the individual user, their workflow time constraints and the type of footage they shoot.

Mark, the GoPro community understands the down conversion from 4k to 1080 for the extra details, we have been doing this with 2.7k from the previous models, whether the details or workflow is desirable is up to the individual user, their workflow time constraints and the type of footage they shoot.

Not the community I encountered on the web. I think the "community" is quite diverse. I agree with what you say otherwise, but the choice people make is conditional on their understanding of both the costs and the advantages.

The 4K in the new model has not been seen before - it is much better than in the older model. It is not clear that the 2.7k is. Also software and hardware has improved, so working with higher resolutions natively is much easier now. Finally, there is no need to downconvert. You can upload 4K to Vimeo or Youtube, for example, and most computers now will play 4K videos easily. And, 4K video viewed at lower resolutions looks much better than natively-shot "HD" (because it isn't HD).

During a break on a shoot I took a quick shot out the window to take this 4K shot
Quick NYC clip shot with the GoPro HERO4 Black in 4K mode on Vimeo

I'm one of the few (only?) people on the planet who actually care about the audio quality of the GoPro. (Everyone else says "Use an audio recorder as your primary recorder." Sorry, but I'm not going there.) Thus I am encouraged by what GoPro is saying about 'new and improved' audio quality on the 4 model. That's why the "hiss" concerns me.
That's good news about the curvature being lessened. I hope that's the case for all resolutions, not just 4K. I have the 3 and so I'm seeing fisheye big-time.

By the way, I called GoPro's tech support to give them a heads-up on the vignetting issue with the Hero 4 at 4K in superwide mode.
However, they're claiming the problem is with the user and NOT with the camera.
If anyone else has seen this, please call GoPro and give them your first-hand experience. (Mine is only based on the vimeo clip Mark posted as I don't own the Hero 4 yet.)

By the way, I called GoPro's tech support to give them a heads-up on the vignetting issue with the Hero 4 at 4K in superwide mode.
However, they're claiming the problem is with the user and NOT with the camera.
If anyone else has seen this, please call GoPro and give them your first-hand experience. (Mine is only based on the vimeo clip Mark posted as I don't own the Hero 4 yet.)

As the "user", I would like to know what I possibly could have done to produce the slight vignetting in the upper (not lower) corners, and ONLY in superwide mode? I shot the videos standing in back of the camera. The camera was on a tripod in the GoPro frame, which has the least bulk of any of the GoPro cases.

Mark,

Agree what would cause it from your setup? Mine comes tomorrow and I will do the same test since we are going to use it in that mode as part of our next shoot.

Sometimes if the camera is not positioned correctly within the housing the video will display a vignette usually on one side, this used to happen on earlier GoPro versions as the camera case or the Perspex locating lugs wore down after repeated use ( vibration on bikes etc), you could see the wear marks on the camera case.

Sometimes if the camera is not positioned correctly within the housing the video will display a vignette usually on one side, this used to happen on earlier GoPro versions as the camera case or the Perspex locating lugs wore down after repeated use ( vibration on bikes etc), you could see the wear marks on the camera case.

This is the HERO 4 in its GoPro frame case. I do not see how it could induce vignetting, unless that GoPro lens cover does it (it comes with the frame), but that is unlikely since it is only the upper corners.

http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab56/markr041/P1030454_zps9b4464a5.jpg

This is the email I got from the GoPro tech:

"Thank you for calling in today, and pointing me towards that video. I will look into it a little further, and let you know what I find out.

This is not a problem with the camera, but it could be the result of user error, or simply a particular problem with that particular camera itself.

Let me know if yo have other questions."

.................................................................................................... .........................................................

Barrage them with calls if you've seen it yourself, that's what I say.
Don't let them get away with the attitude "Hey, this is only a $500 camera, what do you expect?" Or, "Wait 'til Hero 5 comes out and we'll see if we can get it fixed by then."
Americans are addicted to mediocrity!

HERO4 Black v2.00

New Features
•Adds Automatic shutter option for Night Lapse mode
•Adds Continuous interval for Night Lapse mode

Performance Improvements
•Increases image sharpness in various video modes
•Decreases Time Lapse shutter lag
•Optimizes Time Lapse auto exposure performance for 0.5 and 1 second intervals
•Decreases thumbnail load time on the LCD Touch BacPac™
•Increases file transfer speed from camera to computer

Usability Improvements
•Simplifies Default Mode menu
•Adds 5 min option to Auto Off
•Displays HiLight Tags in thumbnail gallery on the LCD Touch BacPac (3rd Generation only)
•Improves swipe and playback controls on the LCD Touch BacPac (3rd Generation only)
•Displays the most recent video or photo first during playback on the LCD Touch BacPac

General Improvements + Bug Fixes
•Addresses an issue that may prevent pairing with the GoPro App
•Addresses an issue that may disable live preview on the GoPro App
•Addresses an issue that may cause the camera to appear out of range with the GoPro App
•Improves battery level icon accuracy
•Addresses an issue that may prevent files from being deleted
•Addresses an issue which may cause the camera to automatically power on when connected to a computer
•Other improvements and bug fixes

And some valuable info from GoPros Chief Production Artist - Abe Kitsleviz

New Features of the HERO4 (http://abekislevitz.com/new-features-of-the-hero4/)
Understanding Video in the HERO4 (http://abekislevitz.com/understanding-video-in-the-hero4/)
Understanding Photos in the HERO4 (http://abekislevitz.com/understanding-photos-in-the-hero4/)

Happy reading :D

GoPro Hero 4 Black 4K Video: Central Park, NYC on Vimeo

Night shot at the end.

HERO4 Black v2.00

New Features
•Adds Automatic shutter option for Night Lapse mode
•Adds Continuous interval for Night Lapse mode

Performance Improvements
•Increases image sharpness in various video modes
•Decreases Time Lapse shutter lag
•Optimizes Time Lapse auto exposure performance for 0.5 and 1 second intervals
•Decreases thumbnail load time on the LCD Touch BacPac™
•Increases file transfer speed from camera to computer

Usability Improvements
•Simplifies Default Mode menu
•Adds 5 min option to Auto Off
•Displays HiLight Tags in thumbnail gallery on the LCD Touch BacPac (3rd Generation only)
•Improves swipe and playback controls on the LCD Touch BacPac (3rd Generation only)
•Displays the most recent video or photo first during playback on the LCD Touch BacPac

General Improvements + Bug Fixes
•Addresses an issue that may prevent pairing with the GoPro App
•Addresses an issue that may disable live preview on the GoPro App
•Addresses an issue that may cause the camera to appear out of range with the GoPro App
•Improves battery level icon accuracy
•Addresses an issue that may prevent files from being deleted
•Addresses an issue which may cause the camera to automatically power on when connected to a computer
•Other improvements and bug fixes

Do we know what modes received improved sharpness? 2.7K 48p was a little softer than 30p when I did some tests the other day. Same with 1080p80 and higher.

Otherwise, the new exposure and image controls on the 4 are fantastic. I get a good solid 55 minutes of 4K recording too! Wow!

How does the new Gopro 4 black handle interiors? What about lowish light? Compared to the previous black versions?

Having read "Abe's" article, I now realize why there's no "fisheye" look on the superwide mode. A 4:3 frame is being stretched to fill the 16:9 space. So the camera is artificially removing any curved lines along the edges.
So much for any "magic."

Having read "Abe's" article, I now realize why there's no "fisheye" look on the superwide mode. A 4:3 frame is being stretched to fill the 16:9 space. So the camera is artificially removing any curved lines along the edges.
So much for any "magic."

No, the fisheye edges are not adjusted, and the curves are there. The Superview mode is using all of the pixels on the sensor. See again this comparison of Superview and Wide in 4K, and you will see curves at the edges in Superview, sometimes subtle and sometimes not:

GoPro Hero 4 Black Test Video: 4K and 4K SuperView Compared in the Garden on Vimeo

The more I watch that, the more annoying the vignetting becomes! There are some SW shots where I can see it in BOTH corners. Most of the time, however, it's just the right corner. One might think you were using a clear glass lens protector that wasn't designed correctly (which happened to me with a 3rd party protector) but I guess that's not the situation here.
The fisheye look is more noticeable with peculiar compositions, like straight lines presenting at certain angles (eg. telephone pole being the worst example). Hard to get a handle on exactly what's going on.

GoPro in the rain in 4K (it is waterproof!):

GoPro Hero 4 Black in the Rain in Cambridge, in 4K on Vimeo

GoPro in the rain again, in 4K, in St Louis:

GoPro 4 Black 4K Video: The St. Louis Arch, in the Rain on Vimeo

Hello everyone, I just got my Hero 4 black, and just learning it, However If anyone could check this out for me, When I put the camera in Video settings (Using the LCD Bac-Pac) and scroll down to ( Low-Light ), it says it's On and the color of orange. However, When I try to change it to off, in any video mode, or FPS it will not turn off. Example of wanting it off would be if you are shooting out doors and in average bright daylight.

It beeps but never turns off. I even tried going into settings and resetting everything to the camera defaults, still can't turn it off. I even took the LCD Bac-Pak back for an exchange for a new one, Same thing.

Am I missing something here?

GoPro in NYC in the Rain in 4K on Vimeo

GoPro Hero 4 Black 4K Test Video: Testing the Z-One Pro 3-Axis Gimbal on Vimeo

Static shots in stiff wind, walking while shooting, and following a pedestrian up a hill using this handheld gimbal.

I just got my Z-one Pro, and now I see they have come out with a new one. Called the Z-1 Pround.
Zhiyun Z1-Pround Hidden Wire 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal for Gopro3/4 Sale-Banggood.com (http://www.banggood.com/Zhiyun-Z1-Pround-Hidden-Wire-3-Axis-Handheld-Gimbal-for-Gopro34-p-960070.html)

Looks like improved motors, improved programming, and the choice of bigger batteries that can run the GoPro longer than the GoPro's battery, I love that feature. Also hidden wires.

I don't know why Mark, but in your last video following the people, there seemed to be more movement than what I see on mine? There was a strange relection thing in the lower right side of the video also.

May sell mine, and get this one.

I just got my Z-one Pro, and now I see they have come out with a new one. Called the Z-1 Pround.
Zhiyun Z1-Pround Hidden Wire 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal for Gopro3/4 Sale-Banggood.com (http://www.banggood.com/Zhiyun-Z1-Pround-Hidden-Wire-3-Axis-Handheld-Gimbal-for-Gopro34-p-960070.html)

Looks like improved motors, improved programming, and the choice of bigger batteries that can run the GoPro longer than the GoPro's battery, I love that feature. Also hidden wires.

I don't know why Mark, but in your last video following the people, there seemed to be more movement than what I see on mine? There was a strange relection thing in the lower right side of the video also.

May sell mine, and get this one.

I am not thrilled by its performance - do you have some video you can share of what you are getting? Also, I do not understand what "relection" means. I do not see anything strange on the lower right side.

GoPro Hero 4 Black 4K Test Video: Suburban Night Time-Lapse on Vimeo

GoPro Hero 4 Black 4K Video: A Stormy Day at Palm Beach on Vimeo

Rainy day to sun-drenched vistas, with a time-lapse.

GoPro Hero 4 Black 4K Video: Out in a New England Blizzard on Vimeo

GoPro Hero 4 Black 4K Video: New Yorkers in the Snow and Underground on Vimeo

I am not thrilled by its performance - do you have some video you can share of what you are getting? Also, I do not understand what "relection" means. I do not see anything strange on the lower right side.

Mark,

Since it doesn't seem like you got any responses, you might look at comparisons of three devices here:
GoPro Forum ? View topic - Gimbals 3-Axis : FengYu G3 vs SteadyGIM3 vs FunnyGO (http://goprouser.freeforums.org/gimbals-3-axis-fengyu-g3-vs-steadygim3-vs-funnygo-t21622.html)

The Z1 and the SteadyGIM3 are from what I can tell the same product line.

Here is a post I did on the same forum which lists all the handheld 3 axis gimbals I could find:
GoPro Forum ? View topic - New gimbal by DYS and an overview of the marketplace (http://goprouser.freeforums.org/new-gimbal-by-dys-and-an-overview-of-the-marketplace-t22181.html)

My gimbal is now performing better. Here is a test using panning (vertical and horizontal), walking and stills:

GoPro Hero 4 Black 4K Test Video: On a Three-Axis Gimbal in Late Afternoon on Vimeo

I am impressed by the quality of such a small camera. I just recently bought the small sister (the GoPro Hero), which is only 1080p (as a entry camera to use it on the bike and at the sea), but I do look forward to the next gen GoPro in a year or so (4K at 60fps, and 1080p at 120fps would be gorgeous) :-)

GoPro Hero 4 Black 4K Video: Visiting a NYC Street Fair on Easter Sunday on Vimeo

GoPro Hero 4 Black 4K Video: A Brief Trip to Southern Manhattan on Vimeo

Shot at 2.7K, 60p, Medium POV:

GoPro Hero 4 Black HD Video: Barcelona Parks 2 on Vimeo

GoPro Hero 4 Black HD Video: Barcelona Parks 1 on Vimeo