GoPro has gone big with its tiny action cam this time around, adding 30fps 4K Ultra HD (UHD) capture to its new flagship Hero4 Black camcorder and raising the price by $100.

Of course, the Hero4 Black ($499) does more than UHD. It shoots in a 2.7K format at up to 50fps, in a 1440p format at up to 80fps, and in 1080p at up to 120fps. The mid-tier Hero4 Silver ($399) can manage UHD at the same paltry 15fps as its predecessor, the Hero3+ Black, but capably records 1080p at up to 60fps, and can record 2.7K at 30fps. It also introduces a color touchscreen interface on the back of the camera that the more expensive Hero4 Black does not have.

GoPro Hero4 Specs
  Hero4 Black Hero4 Silver
4K frame rates 30/25/24 15/12.5
2.7K frame rates 50/48/30/25/24 30/25/24
1440p frame rates 80/60/50/48/30/25/24 48/30/25/24
1080p frame rates 120/90/80/60/50/48/30/25/24 60/50/48/30/25/24
Still image resolution 12 Megapixels
Touch-screen display? N Y
MSRP $499 $399

In case you're relying on in-camera audio for some reason, GoPro said the new Hero4 cameras have "nearly 2x the dynamic range" compared to their predecessors when recording via the integrated mic. Other improvements include new night-mode options for low-light shooting, including time-lapses with exposure lengths of up to 30 seconds, an on-camera "HiLight Tag" button that places a marker in footage that can be seen when editing video with GoPro Studio software, and the ability to power on and begin recording with one button-press (press-and-hold starts a time-lapse capture).

Moving downmarket, GoPro also announced the GoPro Hero, a $129 HD-only unit that shoots 1080p at up to 30fps and 720p at up to 60fps.

How does the footage look? Well, for $500, it looks pretty great. Sample it in GoPro's official launch video, below.

It's hard to imagine a pro user opting for anything but the top-of-the-line Hero4 Black, given its relative affordability. Then again, if a special project comes calling that requires the purchase of a large number of crash cams, you could realize significant savings by making do with an arsenal of the less-expensive models.

Also debuting with the new cameras are the optional Smart Remote ($79.99; pictured at right) for wireless control from up to 600 feet, a new handgrip called The Handler ($29.99), and other accessories including a detachable LCD touchscreen ($79.99), an extended battery ($49.99), and a dual battery charger and battery ($49.99). Rechargeable batteries for the Hero4 cameras (no, they're not backward-compatible) are $19.99.

The new GoPros are set to go on sale October 5.

GoPro: gopro.com