The fact that, when properly sealed, the device records usable audio is its best feature for me. Choose the HERO4 Black if you require a modern picture but are unwilling to transcribe sound and can spare the extra 15K. Positives are listed below: This camera has all you need to capture thrilling action, and then some. Once the firmware has been updated, any and all settings can be modified without touching the phone. Some drawbacks: Why take out the battery if you're not going to use it? I, too, own a HERO3+ Black and have used it for quite some time without ever having to swap out the battery. My copy only has one major flaw, and that is that only connects to the phone after two or three tries.