The miniscule-camera manufacturer is “slimming down” its product line with the new GoPro HERO4 Session. Approximately the size and weight of an ice cube (although that’s about where the similarities end), the HERO4 Session is remarkably tiny, yet still able to provide high-quality video up to 1440p resolution at 30 fps (4:3) and 1080p at 60 fps (16:9). To downsize the camera, integrated external controls have been simplified to include only a record Start/Stop button. Other in-depth controls for exposure and access to other modes like Protune, time-lapse, burst-photo, and loop-video have been relegated to the free GoPro App for smart devices or the separately available Smart Remote. What the smaller size brings, with its simplicity, is increased durability. Even without a waterproof housing, the body is submersible to 33' underwater, so it can survive in most water-sport situations right out of the box.
Included with the HERO4 Session Standard come curved and flat adhesive mounts for versatile mounting on sporting equipment, such as helmets and skateboards. Although this is the default configuration, by no means is the functionality of the HERO4 Session limited to the included mounts. With the included standard and low-profile frames, quick-release accessories can be used to mount the HERO4 Session on just about anything; almost like any other GoPro. The frames are also available as separate accessories.
Along with the HERO4 Session, GoPro is also announcing some new accessories.
Great for snorkeling, surfing, wakeboarding and other water activities, the Floaty is a bright orange flotation device for the HERO4 Session, which surrounds the camera and makes it buoyant. Its cushiony padding also protects your camera from bumps and knocks.
Should your HERO4 Session camera’s front glass lens cover become scratched, GoPro now offers a replacement kit with all the components and tools necessary to repair the lens front properly.
The Strap allows any GoPro camera to be secured to your hand, wrist, arm, or leg to capture footage from unique angles.
The Casey accessory case encloses and protects any GoPro model, along with any mounts and accessories you may have, in one case. It’s weather resistant and also features a removable pouch for quick access to batteries, memory cards, thumb screws, and more.
34 Comments
I Just bought my GoPro Session last July in Osaka Japan during a tour... and after a Month i noticed that the recorded sound has a cracking/distorted quality already... Can i still fix this? or Does Gopro have a Service Center here in the Philippines? hope u can help me out... Thank you!
For a sports/action cam like this, the mic is an omni-directional type, and as such they tend to pick up all sorts of sounds and don't always deliver the best audio experience. If you feel the issue is a defect in the built-in mic, then you would need to contact GoPro to discuss having the unit serviced under their warranty. See below for their contact page on their website.
http://gopro.com/help/PKBContactus
Hey is there a microphone for the session? I want to buy one but this is the only thing stopping me from doing so.
The GoPro Hero4 Sessions has a built-in mic, but it does not have an input for an external mic.
Battery life is way too short. Could do with an external battery pack.
How could this be mounted if you want to use it while shooting with a Nikon D810, I want to get some videos at the same time I am shooting images at some locations. Any suggestions on how to combine these two activities?
Hi Wayne -
Add the new "Session" camera to your camera's hot shoe:
The GoPro Cold Shoe (M) Mount from Fantasea Line attaches to any GoPro camera in its waterproof housing, and enables you to mount it onto the standard cold shoe connector on various underwater camera housings. Add a GoPro action camera on top of your larger DSLR, mirrorless or compact digital camera housing to record video while you simultaneously capture still images with the larger camera. Or, record 2 videos at once, using the GoPro to capture parts of the underwater world that are out of your primary camera's frame.
Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: [email protected]
OK...got smaller..big deal....battery life is not good....when compare to the regular gopro with extra batt..that runs over 4 hours...and batts are removable...so you can have extras charged. Another miss....will run off an adapter continuosly....where do they suggest I plug this in while on a trail, on the bycycle?? plug it into a tree????? have a 60 mile extension cord....Duhhhhh..I am supprised GoPro made such a series of blunders....I use my GoPro's in the woods....so two hours of batt time is not any good to me...
How far can it capture clearly?
Hi Meredith -
The lens is a fixed focus type which offers clear and sharp images from about 12 inches to infinity.
Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: [email protected]
One big flaw in an otherwide interesting packaging; non-user replaceable battery. You can run the Session off an external supply which defeats much of the advantage of the small package. Once the battery drains you can't just swap in a fresh battery. You have to either power the camera externaly or charge the internal battery.
Also after a couple of years of use your camera becomes a brick; albeit a small brick.
You CANNOT power the session from an external battery.
Yes you can. I use my car's USB to power mine while I do car vlogs.
Do you carry the "Smart Remote"? and how much?
Hi Asig -
Control your GoPro remotely from distances of up to 600' with the wearable, waterproof GoPro Smart Remote. Perfect for gear-mounted shots, you can power the camera on or off, adjust settings, start/stop recording and capture photos. When used with HERO4 cameras, you can also access the Settings/Tag button to change settings, or use HiLight Tag to mark key moments while recording for faster recall during playback, editing, or sharing.
The Smart Remote enables control of up to 50 cameras at a time, and features 40% increased battery capacity compared to the Wi‑Fi Remote. It is mountable, much like the GoPro cameras, and waterproof to 32'. The remote includes a key ring and wrist strap for wearing the remote or attaching it to your gear.
Note: The Settings/Tag button is compatible with HERO4 cameras only.
Enables control of up to 50 cameras at a time
Delivers full remote control of all camera functions, including shutter, on/off and settings
Built-in LCD mirrors your camera's status screen for quick confirmation of camera functions and settings
Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: [email protected]
What is MSRP? Wondering what is included at that price.
MSRP = Manufactures Suggested Retail Price
Hi -
Please click on this linked text to view the product webpage and our current selling price: GoPro HERO4 Session.
Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: [email protected]
Hi -
Please click on this linked text to view the product webpage and our current selling price: GoPro HERO4 Session.
Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: [email protected]
Hi -
GoPro HERO4 Session
Please click on this linked text to view the product webpage and our current selling price: GoPro HERO4 Session.
Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: [email protected]
Will it be able to record and recharge at the same time? Keeping in plugged in for dashcam use? or running off of an external battery source for longer recording time?
Hi Ryan -
Currently there is no documentation or testing that would support this function.
Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: [email protected]
Does it work in very low light, like from a cavers helmet led lights?
Hi Randy -
GoPro has designed this camera to work in good light. HD footage must have quality lighting for clarity and eye-popping color. That said, bright LED lamps could add enough light at short distances to be useful. Here is an LED flashlight we often sell with GoPro cameras for underwater use:
The BlueRay Radiant Underwater Video Light with Batteries from Fantasea Line has a depth rating of 330'. Three LEDs output a maximum of 1600 lumens at a wide beam angle of 110°. Its 6000K color temperature, which is close to that of daylight, helps color-correct images to eliminate the need for color correction filters. Adjustable power output gives you control over the intensity of the beam in various situations. The light will burn for up to 50 min. at full power, 65 min at 50% power, and 85 min at 30% power. The head is constructed from aluminum and the body from polycarbonate, making the BlueRay a durable light.
At 1.81 x 7.95" and 7.83 oz, it is compact and lightweight for easy transport, handling and use in compact underwater video systems. The light is powered by two included Tenergy 3.7V, 2600mAh 18650 lithium-ion batteries, which feature internal protective circuit boards (PCB) to prevent insufficient or excessive voltage. The included charger features over-voltage, over-current, short circuit and reverse polarity protection, and uses 100-240 VAC power to enable worldwide use. An indicator light around the power switch enables easy monitoring of the battery power. The included hand lanyard helps ensure you don't lose the light. Using the optional BlueRay YS Mount A, you can mount the BlueRay Radiant light onto a Fantasea Flex Arm.
Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: [email protected]
Sound..........................., is there a stereo external mic port?
Hi Ed -
There is no external microphone port available on this camera.
Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: [email protected]
I am interested in a dash mount for the GoPro HERO4, also power required to operate and if a 12VDC cable is available.
It uses standard micro to USB charging according to their website. So it should work with all standard USB chargers and accessories. Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack, 3.8 VDC, 1030 mAh, providing up to 2 Hours per Charge
Hi John -
Here are the power specifications:
Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack, 3.8 VDC, 1030 mAh (non-removable).
Providing up to 2 Hours per Charge
GoPro has not designed this camera for continuous use via USB/12VDC adapters.
Currently there are no adapters dedicated or recommended for this function available.
Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: [email protected]
What's the battery life?
2 hours according to their website. Its internal only so no battery backup.
What happen if the battery is dead ? Can it be replaced ?
Hi Long -
The battery is not user replaceable. A replacement battery is not offered by GoPro as an accessory or part:
Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack, 3.8 VDC, 1030 mAh (non-removable).
Providing up to 2 Hours per Charge
Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: [email protected]
Hi -
The camera powers from an internal battery lasting up to two hours.
Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: [email protected]