Travel kit review: GoPro Hero4 Black

GoPro Hero 4 test: A twilight swim at Taupo Bay. Photo / Alex Robertson

GoPro action cameras have set the standard for surfers, skateboards, skiers and adrenalin junkies everywhere who want to capture their crazy antics and post the footage to the web to worry their mothers and make their BFFs jealous.

The Hero4 Black raises the bar again incorporating 4k video at 30FPS or 1080HD at 120FPS making for superb slow-motion segments; professional videographers will want this as much as the amateurs.

And with a range of mounts that can bolt on to the waterproof-to-40m and hard-as-nails case, this really is the go-anywhere, shoot-anything action cam for all adventurous Kiwis.

GoPro Hero 4 test: Making a splash at Taupo Bay. Photo / Alex Robertson

You might want to invest in a spare battery ($35) and a big memory card (up to 64GB), which are not included in the retail price, as the amazing performance of this camera means it will chew through batteries and storage in no time.

The 4k30 produces 8.3MB stills too and allows for 30 frame bursts so you won't miss anything when shooting action shots.

It also comes with Protune allowing for colour, ISO, sharpness and exposure settings and has Night Lapse and Night Photo to capture better quality images in low light.

And with the GoPro app for smartphone or tablet you can shoot remotely without forking out the $120 for a smart remote, although you'll get better control with the accessory.

GoPro Hero 4 test: View from the top of The Duke's Nose, Whangaroa Harbour. Photo / Alex Robertson

The 12MB still images are great quality and can be shot in super wide (15mm equivalent), wide (22mm) and landscape (30mm). With a bit of practice, you can record travel shots ordinary cameras just won't reach. The downside is you can't review pictures as you go unless you get the LCD Touch PacBac which adds another $120 to your spend.

With the Hero4 Black retailing at about $750, this isn't a cheap kit, but it will produce video and stills of the highest quality.

The Go-Pro Hero4 Black
RRP: $749.99