Announced early this morning, the GoPro HERO4 Session is the smallest, lightest, and according to GoPro, their most convenient action camera yet. Unlike the rectangular models that we’ve seen from GoPro since they launched, the HERO4 Session is square, tightening up its footprint so that it is 35% smaller than other cameras in the HERO 4 lineup.
Smaller, lighter, more convenient
For those who like to travel light, the HERO4 Session is going to be a big hit, weighing in at just 74g. That’s 40% lighter than other HERO4 cameras. Part of the reason the Session is so small and light is because it’s super-tough, just on its own. For this model GoPro has gone direct, omitting the traditional waterproof case, instead making the camera itself hardy and waterproof. That means all you need is the Session and your memory card. “What about the battery?” I can hear you asking… with the Session you’ve got the battery built in, with capacity for up to 2 hours of recording. It’s a rechargeable battery, drawing power from a simple USB connection, letting you charge up and go from almost anywhere.
One of the coolest features of the HERO4 Session is how ready for action it is. A single press on the shutter button fires it up and starts recording in one go. It’s great for making sure you’re getting the shot you want without having to fuss with extra settings.
Awesome Image Quality
There are three features that GoPro is famous for. We’ve already talked about how tough the Session is, but image quality and wide-angle recording are the other two hallmarks that every GoPro customer raves about (myself included, as a veteran of the brand since the original GoPro launched!). The HERO4 Session brings a strong image quality game to the table: it can record up to 1440p at 30 frames per second with GoPro’s famous Ultra Wide field of view, as well as recording 1080p at 60 frames per second, or at up to 48 frames per second with their trademarked SuperView 16:9 ratio. Snap photos at 8MP either in single shot or at 10 frames per second, and yes you can still get those awesome GoPro Time Lapse video with intervals between 0.5 and 60 seconds for amazing transitions and awesome action.
Personally, I’m also a huge fan of the connectivity of my GoPro, and the HERO4 Session doesn’t disappoint. It connects to your phone, your tablet, or to the sold-separately smart remote. With my phone I love being able to frame my shots with my phone’s screen, as well as being able to start recording from a distance. The Session keeps pace with the HERO4 line with the same great connectivity features.
Hyper-compatible
On top of it all, the HERO4 Session is fully compatible, working perfectly with GoPro’s editing software AND connecting to a wide range of GoPro-designed mounting solutions.
The HERO4 Session adds great new features and functionality to the GoPro line, in a small, light, and convenient way. Check it out!
now the gorpo hero 5 session camera is also available in the market and it’s best in all aspects .
This is somewhat ridiculous…. half the size of the GoPro with half the features for $400-$450?
Max Sharpness Setting = “Medium”
Max ISO Limit = 1600
8 MP Camera
Even if you’re using this for a simple 1080p video, even the Silver or 3+ Editions will have better video. If this was in the $200 range, I could see it as being a worthwhile investment. But really, you’re paying a LOT more for a lot less.
Looks like a great little camera. Everyone figures smaller means smaller prices. Been involved in photography for over forty years both as a hobby and as a professional. I appreciate the advancements that the folks at GoPro have made over the years. Find that folks are quick to judge and looking for short cuts. Willing to give this latest camera a go. If folks don’t like it provide some constructive solutions and I am quite sure the developers might take a look at positive feedback rather than negative feedback.
The only shortcuts taken were by GoPro. I use these for snowboarding, motorcycles and other sports and have a Hero 3+ Black and Hero 3+ Silver. I’m a huge fan of these camers, but this recent addition falls very short of video quality (check out the CNET review). I do a lot of video editing and playback on larger TVs for family all the time.
As you asked, here are some constructive solutions (if you couldn’t deduce it from my initial post)
– Video Quality shouldn’t be any less sharp than other Hero camers
– Camera should be more than 8MP (phone cameras are smaller and capable of putting out more pixels)
– Higher ISO Limit
PS: GoPro devs don’t visit these sites…. after putting out $200 million in revenue last year, why would they need to?
Just as a side not these days the MP of a camera has very little meaning, it does have its part but there is so many other factors that determine if a camera will take a good picture.
This is just my opinion bases on my own amateur camera usage, I have used cameras ranging from 1MP all the way up to 20 or more MP and some lower MP cameras take a better picture than the higher MP ones (not all but some)
Thanks for the heads up on video quality.
I can understand why a smaller GoPro is coming out for those who need a smaller form size. In the same way some what smaller phones for better portability, some like larger phone screens for readability. If sales are poor, I’m sure GoPro will refocus on the mainstream chassis.
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