Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

If you're like me when I was shopping for a GoPro, I had three main questions: 1. Is it worth upgrading from the 3 to the 4? Short answer: for certain features, if you need them. Long answer: see below. 2. Which version of the 4 should I get? Short: Are you a pro? Black. Otherwise, the HERO or 4 Silver. 3. What else do I need? Short: a good microSD (sometimes you can get it bundled with the camera!) Long: probably some extra batteries ==ONE== If you're coming from a 3 or 3+ Black, the only upgrade that would make sense is the 4 Black (the 4 Silver is the performance equivalent of the old 3+ Black). If you're coming from a 3 Silver or White, it /might/ be worth the upgrade if you have a good use case for the 4 Silver's new touch screen back. That being said, having used GoPros a fair amount...a screen on the back really isn't as useful as it sounds. The reason you're using a GoPro to begin with is to stick it in a tough spot - where the back is almost always inaccessible. You aren't going to be adjusting your shot mid ski-slope or dirtbike-ride, after all. ==TWO== If you do decide to upgrade (or this is your first GoPro), you have three good options BESIDES the 4 Silver: The $130 barebones HERO: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NIYNUXO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00NIYNUXO&linkCode=as2&tag=todmedblo-20&linkId=6RGQWHRXFRZSLFPY The $300 HERO3+ Silver: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F3F0EIU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00F3F0EIU&linkCode=as2&tag=todmedblo-20&linkId=74K5GFVCEONUONTG The $500 HERO4 Black: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NIYNUF2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00NIYNUF2&linkCode=as2&tag=todmedblo-20&linkId=ETJT2IDPFGFYVA6W The GoPro website has a huge spreadsheet comparing all their features... but here's how I think about it: If you're using the GoPro to just capture memories, save your money for the memories and get the HERO. If you /think/ you're interested in using your GoPro to make more serious footage (but don't have any experience yet), pick the version of the Silver that best suites your budget. Note that the 4 Silver has a touchscreen back to help you frame your shots - that alone is worth the $100 if you can afford it. And if you're already a heavy GoPro user (or filmmaker in general) with paying customers or past successes, get the Black. If you have a once in a lifetime trip approaching and deep pockets, you might also consider the Black - but, for a lot of people, there are more meaningful things you can do with that extra money :) ==THREE== If you aren't going to be filming in 4K, you can get pretty much any decent memory card and you'll be fine. If you want to do 4K Protune on the Black, well...you're going to want a fast one! I've been using this SanDisk without issue: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00M55BS8G/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00M55BS8G&linkCode=as2&tag=todmedblo-20&linkId=UVLMTWAPOPKC6RT3 It also gobbles through batteries. I seem to get about an hour of battery life, and that's only filming about half the time. Thankfully, Wasabi once again has our back with a dual battery set w/charger for just $24: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OAAUZO2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00OAAUZO2&linkCode=as2&tag=todmedblo-20&linkId=O67BCZ56CZ4ABYS2