Upcoming GoPro Hero4 firmware will enable new photo and video features

I am having the same issue on my Hero 4 Silver. It doesn't happen every time, which actually makes it somewhat worse. You think the camera is working fine, test it a few times, all is good. Then you mount it, start rolling, and 30 seconds later you look down and see it's either locked up or just shut down all together. I have tried different cards, 1 of them is the Lexar 633x card. Same issue. I have tried reapplying the same firmware, the latest firmware, which is what the camera shipped with, same issue.

I have been on the phone with GoPro about this multiple times. They are getting me to send the camera back and replacing it with a new one. However, based on the frequency in which I see people posting about this freezing issue, I have a feeling the replacement will have the same problems.

This is my first GoPro, and so far it's been a very miserable experience.

Edit: Woops, forgot to say, Hero 4 Silver.

You forget weather proof body and stereo mic.

Correct, forgot those

I am going to buy an action cam in the next 2 months. What was Sony thinking? 10m waterproof case???? Clearly not interested in recreational scuba divers then?

The very original ActionCam from Sony, HDR-AS15 sort of model, came with a serious underwater case. Shortly thereafter they switched to an easier to use case (buttons on the side) but limited to 5m underwater. I never really got that.

I think the better ones are still available? Assuming the same form factor, it might still fit.

Is there a way to quickly turn the wifi on and off?

That's a very cool feature on the new GoPro, so you can use the app to configure the camera and then turn off the wifi to preserve the battery life.

@jaxson
On the GoPro its not as cool and smooth as you would think.
App works fine, the Smart Remote is a big hit and miss

Thanks AFishEye,

I don't have a GoPro wifi remote as I got the Silver Hero 4 and they no loner include it.

I've found the iPhone app to be excellent, so for my requirements the wifi does work well, and is easily turn-off-able.

By contrast I found the Sony was stupid, in that I couldn't turn the wifi back off once I'd framed my shot on the PlayMammaries app. The camera was then locked away in it's case and the wifi used up the battery life.

@jaxson
1. The app works well as long as you are not in extreme environments in which the phone is at risk (near water, under water, rain, you get the idea)
2. The remote can trigger many cameras at once which is very important if you're shooting the same scene from different angles.
Make a long story short, the app is not a replacement for a remote.
After replacing 3 remotes and a camera (all sent to me by GoPro support) and spending ample time with GoPro support I realized that there is an issue with the Smart Remote and the Hero 4 (black in my case) communication. I have seen reports of this issue elsewhere as well.
Most people don't know that the camera has two separate wi-fi modules (per GoPro support): one for the app and one for the remote. It is clear that the remote-camera communication module desperately needs a firmware upgrade. Since they know the issue is there, I have a feeling that this will be a part of the upgrade.
Right now, it's a useless $80 piece of equipment

It will be interesting to see a side by side comparison. Sony has a few great things going for it:
1. In camera stabilization
2. Great CODEC (XAVC S)
3. Time code
4. Embedded GPS

First, the in-camera stabilization does NOT work in 4K. So if you are 4K shooting this is useless (leaving aside how bad for resolution digital stabilization is).

Second, time-lapse is a big deal for these cameras, and the jpegs in time-lapse for the Sony are still only 2 megapixel while they are 12 megapixel for the GoPro. You cannot even make a 4K video from time-lapse with the Sony.

The GoPro has spot and multi-meter modes; the Sony only multi-meter.

The GoPro allows ISO setting and manual shutter speeds for time-lapse, the Sony dos not.
And I am leaving aside Protune on and off (for better grading) and other things.

So which 4k is better-GoPro Hero4 or Sony FDR-X1000V? Does either action cam have IS in 4k?

@Mark041
No disagreements on my end, I do own the Hero 4 Black and, aside from the remote, I am pretty happy with it. I do stand corrected on the IS as I wasn't aware of the fact that Sony's IS was not working at 4K. Timelapse is still something I do with my DSLR but I do realize that it is important to other users.
Last, ProTune and flat color profile are indeed a huge(!!!!!!!) benefit for post but the Sony's CODEC is no slouch

@princecody
GoPro doesn't have IS but IS has its limitations and for a cinematic look of certain types of motion you'll need either a mechanical or electric gimbal based stabilizer. Accessories are a huge thing for POVs; nothing comes close to touching GoPro when it comes to accessories.

@AFishEye Heard alot of NEGATIVE things about the GoPro firmware & remote. Can you comment on these things & any other NEGATIVE things you have ran into.

ps: What does "Protune" actually mean?

@princecody
I have outlined everything related to the remote in details in my last response to jaxson in this thread.
To recap: app works well, Smart Remote doesn't

ProTune, in a simplified manner, would be the semi equivalent to shooting RAW in stills. It delivers a minimally compressed file and gives you latitude in post processing. Add flat color profile in ProTune mode and you preserve much more dynamic range which, yet again, gives you more latitude for editing color/contrast etc in post.

The Nightlapse/control of shutter duration is a big feature that's often overlooked. It's on the silver and black Hero 4 models. Combined with protune on photos, control over ISO limits and 12MP stills, it's a total winner.

It works out at roughly a 14mm lense on a 35mm camera field of view at f2.8 Obviously it's a much smaller sensor but I've achieved awesome results if a 2MP FullHD issue is your final output.

Sounds like the wifi remote is pants, but the ability to turn the cameras wifi mode off from outside the case is a pretty big deal for me. Things may have changed, but the Sony didn't allow you to do this and the battery suffered because of it.

Unlike the GoPro it probably works

Huh?

Maybe they are waiting for an official press release with more details in? Most of the DPR announcements of that kind seem to be the official PR texts rather than ad-hoc reporting.

Sony action cam has standard tripod mount without an adapter.

How many things use a tripod thread?

Answer: more than go pro. (without adapter)

"How many things use a tripod thread?
Answer: more than go pro. (without adapter)"
True for DSLR, not for a POV

^ will there be a drop in IQ and resolution ?

Same as doing any lens profile correction; its either done in the camera or in post. What extreme UWA doesn't have any distortion?

Yes, there is a drop in IQ and resolution. GP needs to offer a different lens.

Yes, it is quite an issue. Been using a protective Aluminum mount that also acts as a heatsink and is quite effective.

Thanks, I had seen those and figured turning the case into a real heat sink would be a good idea.

Have you tried recording audio with the wifi on?
Even with the open back case it's got a terrible audio click thing going on. YouTube it and found examples from others. Very disappointing.

During my wedding events, the Hero4 is either mounted on a hand gimbal on onto my DSLR hotshoe and paired with an external Zoom H1. Had no problem with any audio click when using the built-in mic, which I very rarely use (clipping). Have you checked your settings?