You’re probably looking at a used GoPro Hero 4 Silver on eBay or digging one out of a dusty kitchen drawer and wondering if it’s actually junk. It isn't. Honestly, it’s kinda weird how well this specific model has aged. While the brand-new GoPros are basically computers with lenses glued on, the Hero 4 Silver feels like a tool. It was the first one to ever have a built-in touchscreen. Before this, you were just pointing and praying, or carrying around a bulky "LCD BacPac" that drained your battery in twenty minutes.
Why the GoPro Hero 4 Silver is Still a Thing
Most people think old tech is useless because it lacks 8K resolution or AI-powered horizon leveling. But here’s the thing: most of us just want a rugged camera that captures 1080p footage for YouTube or family vacations. The GoPro Hero 4 Silver hits that sweet spot. It doesn't overheat every five minutes like some of the newer, high-bitrate models.
The Screen changed everything
It's a tiny 1.7-inch display. By today's standards, that's small. But in 2014, it was a revolution. You could actually see if your head was cut off in the frame. You've probably experienced the "blind filming" of older action cams—it sucks. With the Silver, you swipe to change modes and tap to play back. It’s intuitive in a way that the more expensive Hero 4 Black never was, since the Black sacrificed the screen for a slightly faster processor.
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The "Silver" vs. "Black" Debate (10 Years Later)
Back in the day, everyone obsessed over the Hero 4 Black because it could do 4K at 30 frames per second. The Silver? It does 4K at 15fps.
That 15fps is basically a slideshow. It's useless for video.
But unless you’re a professional colorist or a high-end YouTuber, you probably don't need 4K. The Silver handles 2.7K at 30fps and 1080p at 60fps beautifully. Honestly, the 1080p footage from a well-lit Silver model looks better than the over-sharpened 4K footage from a cheap $50 knockoff camera you'd buy today.
What you're actually getting
- 12MP Photos: Great for time-lapses.
- Protune Mode: This is the "secret sauce." It lets you unlock higher bitrates and manual controls.
- Standard Housing: It’s waterproof down to 131 feet (40m). Most new ones only go to 33 feet without a case.
- The Weight: It’s only about 83 grams without the case. Light enough to forget it’s on your helmet.
The Real-World Problems (The "Grumpy" Section)
I’m not going to lie to you and say this camera is perfect. It’s a decade old. The batteries are probably tired. If you buy a used one, the first thing you should do is buy a fresh 1160mAh battery because the original ones usually swell or just die after 15 minutes of use.
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There’s also the "freezing" issue. A lot of users on the GoPro forums have complained about the camera locking up. Usually, this isn't a broken camera; it’s a slow SD card. If you try to use a generic card from a grocery store, the GoPro Hero 4 Silver will throw a fit. You need a Class 10 or UHS-I card.
Watch out for the cracks
Check the front faceplate. Right around the lens. There’s a known issue where the plastic develops tiny stress cracks. It doesn't affect the video, but it’s a sign the camera has been through some wars. Also, the audio inside the waterproof case is... well, it's garbage. It sounds like you're filming from inside a Tupperware container underwater. If you want decent sound, you need the "skeleton backdoor" or an external mic adapter.
How to actually use it in 2026
If you’re using this for mountain biking or surfing, you’re fine. But since it doesn't have internal electronic image stabilization (EIS), your footage will be shaky. Like, "Blair Witch Project" shaky.
The workaround? Use a gimbal or just be steady. Or, if you’re tech-savvy, run your footage through Gyroflow or ReelSteady. Since the Hero 4 Silver doesn't store gyro data, you have to do it the old-fashioned way with optical flow stabilization in Premiere or DaVinci Resolve.
Actionable Steps for New Owners
If you just picked one up, don't just go out and shoot. You'll be disappointed. Do these three things first:
- Manual Firmware Update: Don't trust the app. Go to the GoPro website, download the firmware to your SD card, and do it manually. It fixes a lot of the "death freezes."
- Turn on Protune: Go into the settings and enable Protune. Set the ISO limit to 400. This stops the camera from getting that "grainy" look when you move into the shadows.
- Get the App (Maybe): The "GoPro Quik" app still supports the Hero 4 series, though it can be finicky with modern Wi-Fi frequencies. It’s the easiest way to change settings without squinting at the tiny front LCD.
The GoPro Hero 4 Silver is a tank. It’s the last of the "classic" GoPros before they started getting too smart for their own good. If you find one for under $60, grab it. It’s better to risk a $50 camera on a cliffside than a $400 one.
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To get the best results, stick to shooting in 2.7K at 30fps with Protune "On" and Color set to "GoPro." This gives you the most flexibility in editing without the choppy frame rate of the 4K mode.