New GoPro HERO 4 Leaks Confirmed, Plus New Entry Level GoPro?

Well, it's that time of year again. Almost a year after the industry shaping action camera maker updated the GoPro with the release of the GoPro HERO 3+ it looks like they will soon be announcing the 4th version of their ever so popular action cam. Though this hasn't been confirmed by GoPro yet, photoblog PetaPixel is claiming that all of the information and specs "...should be 100% accurate, as [they] were given access to product photos and full spec sheets." Reportedly there will be three new cameras released, two of them being the GoPro HERO 4 (in Black and Silver editions) and the other being a brand new entry level camera simply called the HERO. They say to expect GoPro to make the announcement official on October 8, 2014.

The Next In A Long Line Of Heroes

The GoPro 4 Black Edition is said to double the performance of the previous model, and GoPro might not just be speaking figuratively! The GoPro 4 Black Edtion will reportedly double the max frame rates across all of the main resolutions. If you're doing the math in your head, yes this means we will finally have usable 4k (30fps as opposed to 15) and also the ability to record full 1080p HD at 120fps. Unfortunately, 720p will not see an increase to 240fps, but that is not a big deal considering very few people record at anything other than full HD or above nowadays. Here's the full leaked resolution sheet for the Black and Silver Editions.

For still images, the GoPro 4 won't improve on the 3+'s specs so expect to be able to capture 12 megapixel photos at 30 frames per second.

The GoPro 4 Black Edition will also double the dynamic audio range of the previous GoPro, so expect better sound as well as better video.

Both the GoPro 4 Black and Silver Editions will reportedly feature a brand new built-in touch display on the back, making it easier for users to frame shots and adjust settings. This will mark the first time that GoPro has included a display on it's cameras and is possibly a move to try to appeal to a broader audience since many people's main complaint about the previous GoPro models was their lack of a display. Taking advantage of the display, GoPro is said to also be increasing the amount of manual control the user can have over photo and video settings like ISO limit, exposure, color, and more.

Returning and new features which will be shared by the two editions include built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, exposure settings for nighttime shooting, a “HiLight Tag” feature for marking key moments in footage, a QuikCapture feature for powering up and recording with one button press, and auto low light features.

Thankfully the new GoPro 4's will be backwards compatible with all GoPro mounts and accessories.

Unfortunately, PetaPixel didn't get any pricing information out from their source, but financial website Benzinga says that the camera (GoPro 4 Black Edition) will carry a retail price of $499.95.  I would expect the new Silver Edition to be at least $100 below whatever they are planning on selling the Black Edition for so expect the Silver to retail for somewhere between $300-$400.

A New HERO Is Born

With the expected increase in cost of the GoPro 4 cameras (and the lack of a new White Edition), it almost comes as no surprise that GoPro will also be unveiling a cheaper entry level version dubbed simply the HERO. 

While the GoPro 4's will be sporting a new touch display, 4k recording, Wifi, Bluetooth, and many other features which set them ahead of their competitors (and also warrant their reportedly high price point), the HERO will be a low-end camera that doesn't offer any of those features.

Instead, it offers high-quality 1080p30 and 720p60 video capture, a Burst Photo feature which snaps 5 megapixel still frames at a rate of 5 shots per second, and a 0.5 second Time Lapse feature. Some new features such as QuikCapture will carryover from the GoPro 4, allowing you to power on the camera and begin recording with a single press of a button.

The HERO, like other GoPro cameras, will come in a rugged housing which is waterproof down to 131' (40m). However, this housing is integrated with the camera and cannot be removed, meaning the camera isn't compatible with certain accessories (e.g. The Frame and the LCD Touch BacPac).

Other features include a built-in microphone, microSD card support of up to 32GB, a 2.5-hour battery, and a 3.9oz body.

The NEW GoPro League Of HEROES

Even with the introduction of these three new cameras, GoPro will reportedly still be keeping a few of the old editions around to fill in some of the middle price brackets. The only current version which will be left in the past will be the 3+ Black Edition. Both the GoPro 3 White Edition and the 3+ Silver Edition will continue to be offered. One possible reason for this would be that GoPro could offer the cameras with this very simple pricing:
GoPro HERO - $99
GoPro HERO 3 White Edition - $199
GoPro HERO 3+ Silver Edition - $299
GoPro HERO 4 Silver Edition - $399
GoPro HERO 4 Black Edition - $499

What are your thoughts on the new GoPro cameras? Which one will you get? Leave your questions or comments down below and follow me on Facebook or Twitter to stay up-to-date on the latest news.