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The Ultimate Guide to How to Turn Screen On GoPro Hero 4: Tips and Tricks You Need to Know

Lindsey is a photographer based in Los Angeles. She has over 10 years of experience as a professional photographer specializing in portraits and events. Lindsey started her career with DSLR cameras but made the switch to Nikon's line of Z mirrorless cameras in 2020. Since then, she has been extensively...

What To Know

  • Are you ready to capture stunning footage with your GoPro Hero 4 but struggling to figure out how to turn on the screen.
  • The Hero 4 Silver features a built-in touchscreen, while the Hero 4 Black relies on a dedicated LCD BacPac for screen viewing.
  • The power button and shutter button are located on the top of the camera, while the mode button is on the side.

Are you ready to capture stunning footage with your GoPro Hero 4 but struggling to figure out how to turn on the screen? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps of turning on your GoPro Hero 4 screen, along with some helpful tips and tricks to maximize your experience.

Understanding Your GoPro Hero 4: A Quick Overview

The GoPro Hero 4 is a powerful action camera known for its durability, versatility, and high-quality video recording capabilities. It comes in two main models: the Hero 4 Silver and the Hero 4 Black. The Hero 4 Silver features a built-in touchscreen, while the Hero 4 Black relies on a dedicated LCD BacPac for screen viewing.

Turning On Your GoPro Hero 4 Screen: The Basics

Whether you own the Silver or Black model, turning on your GoPro Hero 4 screen is a simple process. Here’s how:
For GoPro Hero 4 Silver:
1. Locate the Power Button: The power button is positioned on the top of the camera, next to the lens.
2. Press and Hold: Press and hold the power button for a few seconds until the camera powers on and the screen lights up.
For GoPro Hero 4 Black:
1. Attach the LCD BacPac: The LCD BacPac is a separate accessory that needs to be attached to your GoPro Hero 4 Black.
2. Turn on the Camera: Press and hold the power button on the camera to switch it on.
3. Screen Activation: The LCD BacPac screen will automatically turn on once the camera is powered up.

Navigating Your GoPro Hero 4 Screen: Essential Controls

Once your screen is on, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the navigation controls.
GoPro Hero 4 Silver:

  • Touchscreen Interface: The Hero 4 Silver utilizes a touch-sensitive screen for easy navigation. Simply tap on icons or menus to access different settings and features.
  • Swipe Gestures: You can swipe left or right to browse through menus, and up or down to scroll through lists.
  • Physical Buttons: The power button and shutter button are located on the top of the camera, while the mode button is on the side.

GoPro Hero 4 Black:

  • LCD BacPac Buttons: The LCD BacPac features a dedicated set of buttons for navigation.
  • Mode Button: This button allows you to switch between different recording modes like video, photo, and time lapse.
  • Up/Down Buttons: These buttons help you navigate through menus and settings.
  • Select Button: Use this button to confirm your choices or start recording.

Tips for Maximizing Your GoPro Hero 4 Screen

To make the most of your GoPro Hero 4 screen, consider these helpful tips:

  • Screen Brightness: Adjust the screen brightness to suit your environment. In bright sunlight, increase the brightness for better visibility.
  • Screen Timeout: Customize the screen timeout to conserve battery life. Set it to automatically turn off after a certain period of inactivity.
  • Screen Lock: Lock the screen to prevent accidental touches or button presses during recording.

Troubleshooting Screen Issues: Common Problems and Solutions

Encountering screen issues with your GoPro Hero 4 can be frustrating, but most problems can be resolved with a few simple steps:

  • Battery Level: Ensure that your GoPro battery is fully charged. A low battery can cause screen malfunctions.
  • Screen Protector: If you’re using a screen protector, check for any damage or dirt that might be interfering with the touchscreen.
  • Resetting the Camera: Sometimes, a simple reset can fix minor software glitches. Refer to your GoPro Hero 4 manual for instructions on how to reset the camera.
  • Firmware Updates: Keep your GoPro’s firmware up to date. Updates often include bug fixes and improvements that can address screen problems.

Beyond the Basics: Customizing Your GoPro Hero 4 Experience

Once you’ve mastered the basics, explore the advanced features of your GoPro Hero 4 to enhance your recording capabilities:

  • Resolution and Frame Rate: Experiment with different resolutions and frame rates to achieve the desired video quality for your projects.
  • Protune Settings: Access Protune for more control over image settings like color, sharpness, and ISO.
  • Time Lapse and Burst Mode: Capture stunning time-lapses or take multiple photos in quick succession using these specialized modes.

The Final Word: Embracing Your GoPro Hero 4’s Power

Turning on your GoPro Hero 4 screen is just the beginning of an exciting journey into the world of action cameras. By understanding your camera’s features and exploring its capabilities, you can capture breathtaking footage and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is my GoPro Hero 4 screen not turning on?
A: Several factors can cause your screen to not turn on, including a low battery, a malfunctioning LCD BacPac (for the Hero 4 Black), or a software glitch. Try charging the battery, checking the LCD BacPac connection, or resetting the camera.
Q: How do I adjust the screen brightness on my GoPro Hero 4?
A: For the Hero 4 Silver, access the settings menu and navigate to the “Screen” option. You can then use the slider to adjust the brightness level. For the Hero 4 Black, you’ll need to use the dedicated LCD BacPac buttons to navigate to the brightness settings.
Q: Can I use my GoPro Hero 4 without the screen?
A: Yes, you can use your GoPro Hero 4 without the screen, especially if you’re using it for simple video recording. However, the screen provides valuable information during setup and while reviewing footage.
Q: What is the difference between the Hero 4 Silver and the Hero 4 Black?
A: The Hero 4 Silver features a built-in touchscreen, while the Hero 4 Black requires a separate LCD BacPac for screen viewing. The Hero 4 Black offers advanced features like higher frame rates and Protune settings.
Q: How do I update the firmware on my GoPro Hero 4?
A: You can update the firmware on your GoPro Hero 4 using the GoPro app on your smartphone or tablet. Connect your camera to the app and follow the on-screen instructions.

Lindsey

Lindsey is a photographer based in Los Angeles. She has over 10 years of experience as a professional photographer specializing in portraits and events. Lindsey started her career with DSLR cameras but made the switch to Nikon's line of Z mirrorless cameras in 2020. Since then, she has been extensively testing and reviewing Nikon's latest mirrorless cameras like the Z5, Z6, Z7 and Z50 on her blog. Through her writing on lindseyshoots.com, Lindsey aims to help other photographers make the transition from DSLRs to mirrorless. She shares detailed hands-on reviews, comparisons between different mirrorless camera models, tips for beginners, and photo tutorials. When she isn't testing cameras, Lindsey enjoys landscape, street and travel photography. Her work has been published in several magazines and online publications. Lindsey is also a member of the Nikon Professional Services program.
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