GoPro Hero4 Black Action Camera Instruction Manual

Introduction

This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your GoPro Hero4 Black action camera. The Hero4 Black offers advanced video and photo capabilities, including 4K video recording and high-speed frame rates for slow-motion playback. Please read this manual thoroughly to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your device.

Image: Front view of the GoPro Hero4 Black camera, displaying its mode screen indicating 4K-30 video recording and battery status.

What's in the Box

Verify that all components are present in your package:

• HERO4 Black Camera
• Standard Housing (waterproof to 131’/40m)
• Skeleton Backdoor
• Rechargeable Battery
• Curved Adhesive Mount
• Flat Adhesive Mount
• Quick Release Buckles
• 3-Way Pivot Arm
• USB Cable

Image: The GoPro Hero4 Black camera shown both inside its waterproof housing with a mount, and as a standalone unit.

Setup

1. Charging the Battery

1. Insert the rechargeable battery into the camera.
2. Connect the camera to a USB power source using the provided USB cable. The camera's status light will indicate charging.
3. A full charge typically takes approximately 2 hours.

2. Inserting a MicroSD Card

A high-speed MicroSD card (Class 10 or UHS-I/UHS-3 recommended) is required for recording. Ensure the card is formatted before first use.

1. Open the battery door on the bottom of the camera.
2. Insert the MicroSD card into the card slot with the label facing up until it clicks into place.
3. Close the battery door securely.

3. Attaching the Housing and Mounts

The standard housing provides waterproof protection and allows for mounting.

1. Place the camera into the standard housing. Ensure the camera fits snugly.
2. Close the housing latch firmly to create a waterproof seal.
3. Attach a quick release buckle to the housing, then connect it to an adhesive mount or the 3-way pivot arm as needed.

Image: Three views of the GoPro Hero4 Black camera within its waterproof housing, demonstrating its compact design and mounting point.

Operating Instructions

1. Powering On/Off

• To power on: Press the Mode button (front of camera).
• To power off: Press and hold the Mode button for two seconds.

2. Changing Modes

Press the Mode button repeatedly to cycle through video, photo, multi-shot, and setup modes. The current mode is displayed on the front screen.

3. Recording Video

1. Select Video mode.
2. Press the Shutter/Select button (top of camera) to start recording. The red LED will flash.
3. Press the Shutter/Select button again to stop recording.

Video Settings

The Hero4 Black supports various resolutions and frame rates:

• 4K: 30 frames per second (fps)
• 2.7K: 60 fps
• 1080p: 120 fps (for slow motion)
• 720p: 240 fps (for super slow motion)

Image: The GoPro Hero4 Black camera with an inset showing its digital display menu, highlighting options for video resolution, frame rate (FPS), and field of view (FOV).

4. Taking Photos

1. Select Photo mode.
2. Press the Shutter/Select button to take a single 12MP photo.

Photo Modes

• Burst Photo: Captures up to 30 photos per second.
• Time Lapse: Automatically captures a series of photos at set intervals.
• Night Photo/Night Lapse: Offers customizable exposure settings for low-light conditions.

5. Protune Settings

Protune unlocks manual control over various settings for advanced users:

• Color: Adjust color profile.
• ISO Limit: Control sensitivity in low light.
• Exposure: Fine-tune exposure compensation.
• And more, for both photos and videos.

6. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connectivity

The Hero4 Black features built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for connecting to the GoPro App on your smartphone or the optional Smart Remote.

1. Enable Wi-Fi/Bluetooth in the camera's settings menu.
2. Download the GoPro App on your mobile device.
3. Follow the app's instructions to pair your camera.

Image: The GoPro Hero4 Black camera, a remote control, and a smartphone displaying the GoPro app interface, illustrating wireless connectivity options.

7. QuikCapture

This feature allows you to power on the camera and start recording immediately with a single button press.

• Press the Shutter/Select button once to power on and begin video recording.
• Press and hold the Shutter/Select button for two seconds to power on and begin Time Lapse photo capture.

8. HiLight Tag

Mark key moments in your footage while recording for easier editing later.

• During recording, press the Settings/Tag button (side of camera) to add a HiLight Tag.

Maintenance

1. Cleaning

• Camera Lens: Use a soft, lint-free cloth. For stubborn smudges, a lens cleaning solution designed for optics can be used sparingly.
• Housing Lens: Rinse with fresh water after use, especially in saltwater environments. Dry with a soft cloth.
• Camera Body: Wipe with a damp cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals.

2. Battery Care

• Remove the battery from the camera when not in use for extended periods to prevent potential power drain.
• Store batteries in a cool, dry place.
• Consider purchasing additional batteries or a Battery BacPac for extended recording sessions.

3. MicroSD Card Management

• Regularly format your MicroSD card using the camera's settings menu to maintain optimal performance and prevent data corruption.
• Always use a high-speed MicroSD card (Class 10 or UHS-I/UHS-3) from a reputable brand.

4. Firmware Updates

GoPro periodically releases firmware updates to improve camera performance and add new features. Updates can typically be performed wirelessly via the GoPro App.

1. Ensure your camera battery is sufficiently charged.
2. Connect your camera to the GoPro App via Wi-Fi.
3. Follow the prompts in the app to download and install any available firmware updates.

Troubleshooting

Camera Freezing or Unresponsive

• Cause: Often due to an incompatible or slow MicroSD card.
• Solution: Ensure you are using a recommended high-speed MicroSD card (Class 10 or UHS-I/UHS-3). Try formatting the card in the camera. If the issue persists, try a different compatible MicroSD card.
• Reset: If the camera is unresponsive, remove and reinsert the battery to perform a hard reset.

Poor Battery Life

• Cause: High-resolution/frame rate recording (e.g., 4K), Wi-Fi/Bluetooth usage, or cold temperatures can reduce battery life.
• Solution: Carry spare batteries. Consider using a GoPro Battery BacPac for extended recording. Turn off Wi-Fi/Bluetooth when not actively using it.

Camera Overheating

• Cause: Recording at high resolutions (e.g., 4K) or in warm environments can cause the camera to heat up. This is normal for compact, high-performance devices.
• Solution: The camera has an automatic shutdown feature to prevent damage from excessive heat. Allow the camera to cool down if it becomes too hot. Using the camera outside of its housing in cooler conditions can help.

Wi-Fi Connection Issues

• Cause: Interference, distance from the connected device, or a software glitch.
• Solution: Ensure the camera and your mobile device are close to each other. Restart both the camera and the mobile device. If issues persist, try resetting the camera's Wi-Fi settings. Always turn off Wi-Fi before powering off the camera to prevent potential issues.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

For detailed warranty information, please refer to the official GoPro website or the warranty card included with your product. GoPro offers customer support for technical assistance and service inquiries.

An official user guide in PDF format is available for download: GoPro Hero4 Black User Guide (PDF)

For further assistance, visit the official GoPro support page or contact their customer service.

Official Product Videos

No official product videos from the seller were found in the provided data to embed in this manual.