GoPro Hero 4 Black Pros and Cons: Looking Back on 10 Years of Action and Adventure
I’ve had my GoPro Hero 4 Black since its launch back in September 2014. It’s one of the best cameras I’ve ever owned, and it’s played a huge role in my journey from photographer to videographer.
Why I Got the GoPro Hero 4 Black
Back when I first got this camera, I was primarily a photographer, not really into video at all. I wanted something small, lightweight, and versatile – something I could easily attach to my bike, car, or anywhere else to capture cool shots without lugging around heavy gear.
The Hero 4 Black fit the bill perfectly. It was compact, rugged, and promised great image quality. But it wasn’t until I started experimenting with video that my whole perspective changed.
The Pros of the GoPro Hero 4 Black
Here’s what I love about this camera after 10 years of use:
- Compact and Lightweight Design
The size of the Hero 4 Black is probably its biggest selling point. It’s tiny and light, which means you can mount it almost anywhere without it being a burden. Whether on a bike helmet, car dashboard, or handheld, it’s super convenient to carry around and use on the fly. - Great Image Quality in Good Light
When you shoot in bright sunlight or well-lit conditions, this camera produces solid, sharp images and videos. For a 10-year-old device, the quality still holds up well enough for casual and even some professional use, especially outdoors. - Impressive Audio for Its Age
Surprisingly, the onboard microphone on this old GoPro still outperforms many newer models in my opinion. The audio is clear and not muffled, which is rare for action cameras. I often use it as a secondary camera just to capture sound because it does such a good job. - Durability and Ruggedness
I’ve put this camera through the wringer – multiple bike crashes, scrapes, and even a shattered lens from a high-speed fall. Yet, the body has held up remarkably well. Aside from some cosmetic scuffs, the Hero 4 Black is still going strong. - Easy to Repair
When the lens did break, I didn’t have to send it off or buy a new camera. I watched a quick “how to fix” video and replaced the lens myself in about 10 minutes using a few simple tools and parts from Amazon. Later generations (the GoPro Hero 7 Black for example) weren’t this easy to repair. - Easy Access to SD Card and Charging Port
The SD card slot and charging port are conveniently located, making file transfers and charging straightforward. Even though I lost the cover years ago, I haven’t had any dust or dirt issues, which speaks to the solid design.
The Cons of the GoPro Hero 4 Black
Of course, no camera is perfect, but I have to say that this was much better than the GoPro Hero 5 Black that I replaced it with. Here are some of the downsides I’ve noticed:
- Terrible Low-Light Performance
This is probably the biggest drawback. The Hero 4 Black needs a lot of light to perform well. In dim or dark environments, both photos and videos come out grainy and low quality. If you’re shooting indoors or at night, you’re going to be disappointed. - Confusing User Interface and Menu System
Even after 10 years of use, I still struggle with the menu. The controls are limited to just a few buttons, and navigating through settings to find exactly what I want is a pain. The interface is convoluted and not very intuitive, which can slow you down when you’re trying to capture the moment. - Battery Life and Difficult Battery Access
The battery life on this camera is pretty short. I often find myself needing to swap batteries during shoots, but the battery cover is tough to open – especially when you’re out and about. It’s designed this way to be dust- and waterproof, which is good, but it’s a hassle when you’re in a hurry. - Base Unit Isn’t Waterproof Without a Case
The camera itself isn’t waterproof without the protective case, which means you have to keep it in the housing for water activities. Unfortunately, this case muffles the audio and creates a rattling noise, which is annoying if you want clean sound. - Audio Limitations When Using the Case
To get the best audio, I have to take the camera out of the case and use a “dead cat” wind cover on the mic. This exposes the camera to potential damage, so it’s a bit of a tradeoff between sound quality and protection. - Unreliable Connection to GoPro App
Connecting this camera to the GoPro app on my phone can be a nightmare. The connection drops frequently, especially during file transfers, which is frustrating. This was a common issue with early Wi-Fi-enabled GoPros and hasn’t been fully resolved.
Final Thoughts
The GoPro Hero 4 Black has been one of the most impactful cameras in my life.
It’s small, durable, and surprisingly capable, especially in good lighting. The audio quality and repairability are standout features that keep it relevant even today.
However, its low-light performance and confusing menu system can be frustrating, and the battery life and waterproofing limitations mean it’s not perfect for every situation.
Still, for a decade-old action camera, it’s held up incredibly well and helped me evolve from a still photographer to a passionate videographer. It’s a keeper.
