[UPDATE: GoPro have released the 5 series of POV action cameras including the Hero 5 Black Edition and the Session 5.]
We’ve known about this for a short while but couldn’t say anything – Today GoPro announced the launched the new Hero4 session. We have one here at Unsponsored for review!
Here is everything you need to know about the new 2015 GoPro Hero4 Session.
The Session marks a shift from the GoPro format that we have been used to since its first arrival many years ago. The Session is a much smaller format and is not dependent on a housing for its 10m (33ft) waterproofing. Gone are the two buttons (only one now) and in is a smart dual microphone system designed for better sound pickup in even the harshest of conditions.
The Session is mounted using a Frame system which works in similar way to the Frame mount released with the Hero4.
Limited to a max of 1440p the new Session isn’t as capable as the Hero 4, but with 8 megapixel still images, a small form factor and a total weight of 74g it will certainly appeal to a wide audience. I can see this being very useful when using smaller drones or when the camera is attached to the top of a helmet.
However a smaller package with a reduced number of features does not make the Session a cheap option at £330 (UPDATE – Now priced at £159.99 making it a really good option).
The Session still has a red LED to let you know when its’ recording and a small screen up top that displays the current settings, but to change the settings you’ll need to use the Smart remote or the phone App. The QR system remains the same so will be compatible with all GoPro mounts including the new Wrist mount shown below.
The battery in the Session is fully integrated so cannot be removed or swapped out. GoPro report that the battery has a continuous video record time of around 2hrs if the Wifi is switched off.
A new Float system has also been introduced specifically for the Session. There are also a number of other alternative floats available.
Micro SD cards are still the order of the day with a max capacity of 64GB for the Session. My thoughts on the best cards for the GoPro Hero4 Session can be found here.
To allow for a fair comparison of all of the GoPro’s available, including discontinued models below.
You are quite right about the finicky operation – I wasn’t impressed at all
I’ve just done a couple of comparison videos with the original Garmin VIRB. I actually found both have strengths and weaknesses. They are summer cycling videos, with a low sun, so lots of variable exposures through the trees.
The VIRB tends to over expose, and lose detail, whilst having an overall better picture quality. The GoPro Sessions, doesnt overexpose nearly as badly, but the picture is always…murky for want of a better phrase.