GoPro HERO4 v2.00.00 Software Update Release

GoPro just released the mid-year software update for their HERO4 cameras. It's basically a free upgrade to a better camera for those who already own HERO4 Black or Silver, so I can see no reason not to upgrade your camera ASAP. One of the coolest things about the GoPro updates is that they can be downloaded and installed all using the GoPro Smartphone app and a WiFi connection. For those who are a little trepidatious about the whole process, I filmed myself updating both my HERO4 Black and Silver (using an Android & an iOS smartphone) to help you make it through alright. It really is a pretty simple and straightforward process, but it never hurts to know exactly what's ahead.

From GoPro:

Latest release:

HERO4 Black v02.00.00 | February 4, 2015

HERO4 Silver v02.00.00 | February 4, 2015

NEW FEATURES

• 
  Time Lapse Video
• 
  720p240 + 2.7K60 Video
• 
  Auto Image Rotation
• 
  Add HiLight Tags During Playback
• 
  30/6 Burst Photo

HERO4 Black update v02.00.00

New Modes + Features

• Adds Time Lapse Video mode
• Adds 720p240 video mode (Narrow FOV only)
• Adds 2.7K60 video mode
• Adds Auto Image Rotation
• Adds 30 photos/6 seconds Burst rate

Performance Improvements

• Changes Protune default video ISO to 1600

Usability Improvements

• Adds Reset option for camera Wi-Fi settings
• Displays Night Lapse shutter time on the camera status screen

LCD Touch BacPac Improvements

• Delivers the ability to add HiLight Tags during playback
• Adds new gesture to display the last photo or video captured
• Automatically locks the display after the camera goes to sleep

General Improvements + Bug Fixes

• Night Lapse stability improvements

HERO4 Silver update v02.00.00

New Features

• Adds Time Lapse Video mode
• Adds Auto Image Rotation
• Adds 30 photos/6 seconds Burst rate

Performance Improvements

• Changes Protune default video ISO to 1600

Usability Improvements

• Delivers the ability to add HiLight Tags during playback
• Adds new gesture to display the last photo or video captured
• Automatically locks the display after the camera goes to sleep
• Adds Reset option for camera Wi-Fi settings
• Displays Night Lapse shutter time on the camera status screen

General Improvements + Bug Fixes

• Night Lapse stability improvements

GoPro 4 Black Edition Firmware Update Coming Soon?

The GoPro 4 Black Edition is about to get even more awesome. GoPro announced back at CES 2015 that they would be releasing a firmware update for their top-of-the-line action camera sometime either in February or March of this year much like they updated the GoPro 3+ Black Edition's firmware last year at around the same time. Well now since it is officially February, you can start expecting that update to roll out any day. With that said, let's take a look at the expected features:

720p at 240fps Super Slow Motion

One of the coolest things GoPro introduced with the GoPro 4 was the ability to record 1080p Full HD at 120fps. However, many people were also disappointed because while they increased the max frame rate available at 1080p from 60fps to 120fps, the max frames per second possible for 720p HD remained fixed at 120fps.

A recent video I made using the GoPro 4 Black Edition in 1080p at 120fps.

Timelapse Video Mode

The second big feature that this update will be adding is in-camera timelapse. Yes, the GoPro has always been able to record very high quality timelapses, but up until now this has always required assembling the image sequence on a computer using software like GoPro Studio or Photoshop. While I might not see myself always using this new feature (mainly because it doesn't save the original image sequence files), I can definitely see this coming in handy when I want to upload a timelapse directly from my phone or I want to save space on my memory card. This feature will be coming to the Hero4 Black and Silver editions.

Just a few examples of the insane quality timelapses you can take with the Gopro 4.

2.7k Video at 60fps

Situated nicely between 1080p and 4K, 2.7k is almost my 'go-to' resolution because it offers the best of both worlds. Recording at 2.7k gives you the ability to crop and/or use stabilization software in post production while also allowing you to record at a frame rate higher than 30fps so that you can slow the video down by 50% and still have it look good. With this update, you will be able to slow it down by 40%, not a large increase, but still a noticeable difference (and double the frame rate available in 4K).

Other Miscellaneous Improvements

Auto Rotate. Did you know that the GoPro HERO4 Black and Silver had an accelerometer inside? Now you can finally put them to use. Just like your smartphone, the GoPro will be able to sense which way is up and rotate any picture or video you take accordingly. Say goodbye to flipping upside down video in post or quickly scrambling to find the setting to switch the GoPro's orientation.

30/6 Burst Photo Mode. It captures a burst of 30 photos spread out over six seconds. This will increase the max burst time duration from 3 to 6 seconds while keeping the number of photos taken the same. I imagine this will be most helpful for taking selfies with extension poles or 'selfie sticks' as they have quickly become called.

Add Highlight Tags in Playback. Highlight tags might be a cool feature, but it's annoying to always be having to tap the side of your camera while you're trying to concentrate on filming. This will allow GoPro HERO4 Silver users (and those Black edition users who also have the LCD Touch BacPac) to focus on what you're doing and tag things later as you're flipping through the day's highlights.

Now all that comes is the wait. I'll try to keep you informed if I hear anything else and will be sure to let you know as soon as the update is release. Like the previous couple of updates, you can update your GoPro by connecting it to your smartphone via WiFi and opening the GoPro app or by doing it the old fashioned way and plugging it into your Windows or Mac PC.