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These four older GoPro cameras are not interchangeable editions. The HERO4 Black is the performance-focused model, the HERO4 Silver adds a built-in touch display while giving up some of Black’s highest-performance modes, the HERO4 Session is the smallest and simplest body, and the HERO+ LCD combines entry-level capture with a screen and an integrated waterproof housing. For a used purchase, choose by the resolution and frame rate you actually need, then verify the specific camera’s condition and included parts.
Quick comparison
| Model | What GoPro documented | Best fit | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| HERO4 Black | Launch highlights included 4K at 30 fps, 2.7K at 50 fps and 1080p at 120 fps. The manual lists additional variants such as 4K30/24, 2.7K60/48, 1080p120/90 and 720p240. | Users prioritizing the highest listed capture modes. | No built-in rear touch screen; high-performance modes draw more power and can raise camera temperature. |
| HERO4 Silver | Shares the HERO4 image-quality platform but omits some of Black’s highest-performance modes; includes a built-in touch display for control, framing and playback. | Users who want to frame and review footage on the camera. | You must compare the exact requested resolution and frame rate before choosing it over Black. |
| HERO4 Session | GoPro positioned it as 50% smaller and 40% lighter than HERO4 Black and Silver. Listed modes include 1080p60, 720p100, 1440p30 and 8MP photos. | Mounts, travel and situations where a compact, simplified body matters most. | Fewer on-camera controls and a lower listed capture ceiling than HERO4 Black. |
| HERO+ LCD | Entry-level camera with 1080p60 video, 8MP photos, a built-in touch display, in-camera trimming, Wi-Fi and an integrated waterproof housing rated by GoPro to 131 ft (40 m). | Simple operation with a screen and an all-in-one housing. | Its listed modes are below the highest HERO4 Black modes. |
These are manufacturer specifications and positioning from the cameras’ launch material and manuals, not independent laboratory results.
GoPro HERO4 Black vs Silver: what’s the difference?
HERO4 Black favors capture performance
GoPro announced the HERO4 Black on September 29, 2014, highlighting 4K30, 2.7K50 and 1080p120. The HERO4 Black manual documents still more combinations, including 4K24, 2.7K60 and 1080p90. That gives Black the strongest documented resolution-and-frame-rate ceiling in this group.
The manual also warns that demanding modes use more power and can increase camera temperature. Higher ambient temperature, limited airflow, the GoPro App or BacPac accessories can reduce recording time. Treat those statements as GoPro operating guidance rather than a measured runtime test.
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HERO4 Silver adds an on-camera display
The HERO4 Silver’s defining convenience is its integrated touch screen. You can frame a shot, change settings and play clips without relying on a phone or an optional accessory. GoPro said Silver omitted some of Black’s highest-performance modes, so the practical choice depends on the exact mode you need rather than the model name alone.
The screen does not make Silver a higher-spec camera overall. It makes everyday setup easier, while Black remains the better match when a particular high-resolution or high-frame-rate mode is the priority.
Rank #2
- Professional 4K30, 2.7K60 and 1080p120 video, 720p240 video for super slow-motion playback and 12MP photos at up to 30 frames per second
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support the GoPro App, Smart Remote and more
- Improved camera control and built-in video trimming lets you create and save short video clips right on your camera. Protune with SuperView delivers cinema-quality capture and advanced manual control for photos and video with the world’s most immersive wide-angle field of view
- Night Photo and Night Lapse offer customizable exposure settings for nighttime shooting
Is the HERO4 Silver touch screen worth giving up Black’s higher frame rates?
Choose Silver when direct framing and playback are more important than the top-end modes you would otherwise use. Choose Black when you specifically need one of its documented modes, such as 4K30 or 1080p120, and are comfortable composing without a built-in rear display.
Do not assume every Black mode exists on Silver or that every listing uses the same settings. Ask the seller for the exact model and, if possible, a menu photo or sample specification before buying.
Rank #3
- INCLUDES – GoPro HERO13 Black Camera | 3 High-Capacity 1900mAh Enduro Batteries | Dual-Battery Charger with USB Input | 64GB SanDisk microSD Card | Adhesive Helmet Mount Kit | Camera Case | GoPro 1-Year Limited Warranty | Bundle Includes 47-Piece Adventure Accessory Kit | Extra Enduro batteries and dual charger help extend recording time for travel, sports, vacations, and all-day adventures with less downtime and uninterrupted shooting
- PRO-GRADE VIDEO & ADVANCED STABILIZATION – Capture stunning 27MP photos and ultra-detailed 5.3K60 video with 91% more resolution than 4K, plus 4K120 and 2.7K240 slow motion for smooth cinematic playback | HDR/HLG recording, 10-Bit Color & GP-Log support deliver rich color and enhanced dynamic range | HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization with Horizon Lock keeps footage steady and level during action scenes | Compatible with HB-Series auto-detect lenses | Front & rear LCD screens with Bluetooth audio support
- EXTENDED POWER & FAST CHARGING – Includes 3 high-capacity 1900mAh Enduro Batteries and Dual-Battery Charger for longer shooting sessions and reliable all-day power | With each battery Capture over 1.5 hours of continuous 5.3K30 or 4K30 recording, plus over 2.5 hours at 1080p30 | Dual charger powers 2 batteries simultaneously for fast, efficient charging | Dual LED indicators and battery quick-check display charging status even when unplugged | Enduro batteries deliver enhanced cold-weather performance down to 14°F (-10°C)
- RUGGED, WATERPROOF & ADVENTURE READY – Built tough for travel, sports, mud, snow, and underwater adventures with a durable waterproof body up to 33ft (10m) | Lightweight portable design mounts easily to helmets, bikes, chest harnesses, vehicles, and gear for immersive first-person action recording almost anywhere | HyperSmooth stabilization helps capture smooth footage during high-action activities
- CREATOR-READY & EXPANDABLE SYSTEM – Front and rear LCD screens simplify vlogging, selfies, live streaming, and social media content creation | Compatible with GoPro mounts, HB-Series lenses, wireless audio accessories, and creative tools for POV recording, cinematic video, vertical capture, and multi-angle shooting flexibility
How small is the GoPro HERO4 Session?
GoPro introduced HERO4 Session in 2015 as a compact, simplified alternative and claimed it was 50% smaller and 40% lighter than HERO4 Black and Silver. Those percentages are GoPro’s comparison figures, not an independent measurement.
Session’s listed capture options include 1080p60, 720p100, 1440p30 and 8MP stills. Its one-button recording approach reduces setup on the camera; expanded controls are available through the GoPro App or Smart Remote. That makes it attractive for helmets, handlebars and travel where a smaller body is more useful than a touch display.
Rank #4
- Professional 4k30, 2.7k60 and 1080P120 video, 720P240 video for super slow motion playback and 12MP photos at up to 30 frames per second
- Built in wi fi and bluetooth support the GoPro app, smart remote and more
- Improved camera control and built in video trimming lets you create and save short video clips right on your camera
- Protune with superview delivers cinema quality capture and advanced manual control for photos and video with the world’s most immersive wide angle field of view
- Night photo and night lapse offer customizable exposure settings for nighttime shooting
What is the difference between HERO+ LCD and HERO4?
HERO+ LCD was announced in June 2015 as an entry-level model rather than another HERO4 performance tier. It lists 1080p60 video and 8MP photos, plus a built-in touch display, Wi-Fi and in-camera trimming.
Its camera is integrated into the waterproof housing. GoPro’s launch specification rated that housing to 131 ft (40 m). Because the rating is a manufacturer specification from launch, inspect the housing, door seal and latch carefully on any used unit.
Best Value
- Using high-tech lithium battery technology: Battery capacity 1160mAh / 3.8V / 4.4Wh / Li-ion for longer battery life.
- Dual battery charger: one a charger can simultaneously charge the two batteries, the unique PCB safety circuit design, allowing you to use our charger more secure.
- Compatible with the HERO4 Black and HERO4 Silver models; Suptig dual battery charger works for GoPro batteries or Suptig AHDBT-401 Batteries; GoPro charger and camera can charge Suptig AHDBT-401 batteries.
- Incredibly Compact: The Suptig dual battery charger Size:(2.1x1.7x0.78 in), Use the Suptig dual battery charger, charg Two batteies are fully charged about 2:30-3 hours. Use a 1A adapter (not included) and the included MINI USB cable.
- What You Get: 1xSuptig dual battery charger, 2x batteries, 1xMINI USB Cable.Do not hesitate, you can try it, it will make you even better. Believe us, dear friend.Use it will bring you more convenient. Includes Suptig dual battery charger and two batteries.
Compared with HERO4 Black, HERO+ LCD has a lower listed capture ceiling. Compared with HERO4 Silver, it offers a similar screen-oriented style but belongs to a simpler, entry-level line. Confirm which model a seller means; “GoPro LCD” can describe more than one generation in used listings.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Historical launch prices and dates
| Camera | Announcement | Original U.S. MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| HERO4 Black | September 29, 2014; planned availability October 5, 2014 | $499 (historical launch price) |
| HERO4 Silver | September 29, 2014; planned availability October 5, 2014 | $399 (historical launch price) |
| HERO4 Session | 2015 | Not stated here |
| HERO+ LCD | June 1, 2015 | Not stated here |
Those Black and Silver figures are launch MSRPs from 2014, not current used-market values. Current stock, seller quality and support status were not established, so do not treat an online asking price as a reliable market benchmark.
Quick Recap
Which old GoPro should you buy used?
Pick HERO4 Black if
- You need its documented high-end modes, especially 4K30 or 1080p120.
- You accept higher power and heat demands in demanding modes.
- You are willing to frame through an external device or by setting the shot in advance.
Pick HERO4 Silver if
- You regularly need on-camera framing, settings and playback.
- Your required resolution and frame rate are available on Silver.
- You prefer convenience over the Black’s maximum listed performance.
Pick HERO4 Session if
- Small size, low weight and one-button operation are the deciding factors.
- 1080p60, 720p100 or 1440p30 meet your needs.
- You are comfortable using the app or Smart Remote for expanded control.
Pick HERO+ LCD if
- You want a simple entry-level camera with a built-in screen.
- 1080p60 and 8MP photos are sufficient.
- An integrated, manufacturer-rated waterproof housing is useful for your use case.
Used-camera checklist
- Verify the exact model. Request a clear photo of the camera, markings and menus; HERO4 Black, Silver, Session and HERO+ LCD have materially different capabilities.
- Confirm the required mode. Match your intended resolution and frame rate to that model’s documented options rather than relying on “4K” or “HD” in a listing title.
- Inspect the battery and charging behavior. These are legacy cameras, so ask whether the battery is included, holds a charge and can be replaced.
- Check the housing and doors. Look for cracks, damaged seals, a loose latch or corrosion before relying on any waterproof rating.
- Inventory the accessories. Verify the included housing, mounts, doors, cables and remotes individually. Compatibility of every accessory across these models is not established here.
- Review return terms. A working demonstration, serial/model confirmation and a return option matter more than a low headline price.
- Check software expectations. GoPro’s product-update selector lists HERO4 and HERO+ LCD, but that listing alone does not prove current firmware availability, active support or retail stock.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
