So all the GoPro Hero 5 Session reviews have been out for quite some time and I just now got my hands on one and figured it’s time I do a review of my own.
Before this summer break hits, I have decided to get into some RC’s with my boys and some type of action camera was definitely in the back of my mind, as this would not only be a great way to spend some awesome time with the kids, but also to get it on camera.
After just the first day with the GoPro Hero 5 Session camera, I got all the information I needed to put this review together for those of you still waiting on hitting the buy now button on an investment that may or may not be in the agenda for some of you.
If you’re wondering if you should buy the GoPro Hero 5 Session, this review will tell you exactly that, so let’s get right into it.
What is the GoPro Hero 5 Session?
The Hero 5 Session is an updated version of the Hero Session, which was actually launched as the Hero 4 Session.
Being only the 2nd model to come out of the Session line from GoPro this would and should be the better version of the guinea pig Hero 4 Session.
With its size of 1.5 x 1.43 x 1.5 inches, the Hero 5 Session is a lot smaller than your regular GoPro, which is what makes all the difference.
Who is the Hero 5 Session For?
Anyone looking to have the smallest yet great quality camera for filming any action type video and in our case a great fit for our RC’s.
For those of you who find the pricing of GoPros to be a little on the pricier side, this is definitely one that might have you owning one even if you didn’t think you could afford it.
Now if you’re looking for the perfect gift for that special someone, this is definitely one to consider if they’re into gizmos and gadgets.
What I Like About the Hero 5 Session
After messing around with this thing, I have found way too many pros that it almost cancelled out the cons that I have found with this product.
From its size all the way to the picture quality, there’s just so much improvement from the first Session which is the biggest reason why I think now is the time to get one.
With such an affordable price, I don’t see it staying that way due to the capabilities of this little guy even if they’ve upped the price from the Session 4, which was going for $149.
That’s just a good indication of what the Hero 5 Session can do, so let me elaborate more on what makes this a great buy.
The GoPro Hero 5 Session is Small, Yet Powerful
For something about the size of a golf ball, the Hero 5 Session is hard to beat in a lot of categories.
Sure you can have smaller, but the quality of the videos created from this are going to be a lot better along with a lighter weight.
With the size and design alone, it’s really hard to not give into the thought that was put into creating such an awesome piece of work.
This is about the size of the Hero 5 Session, so if that’s not small enough for you, I think you might just be asking for too much.
No Waterproof Housing Required For the Hero 5 Session
Huge factor in my decision purchase was the fact that you don’t need a waterproof casing as this bad boy comes ready to throw in the water.
Without the waterproof housing, you can expect the Hero 5 Session to stay at its small size, because there isn’t anything needed to get this going.
You buy, rip it out of the box, and it’s ready to go.
Press and Go Feature
I find that just pressing the capture button and being able to start filming is a must for any type of action cameras and that is exactly what it does.
I remember the first camera we had and how we had to power it on and then press the capture button to start filming.
Not only was that with our first camera, but it is very much the same with most cameras, so once again, GoPro is setting the bar.
No Screen
For those of you that feel the need to see what you’re shooting, this might be the one thing that turned you off on getting a Hero 5 Session, but there’s actually a way around this.
Sure we can have a screen to fit this little thing, but I think GoPro is either holding off on it for maybe the Hero 6 (combining everything) or simply not trying to lose sales on their main product line.
As of right now, there is no screen on the Hero 5 Session, but you can still use the GoPro Quick app to see what the camera sees.
For us, the Hero 5 Session works great with our RC’s as there is no need for us to look at a screen on the camera and it actually works better being able to see it on our smartphones.
What I Didn’t Like About the GoPro Hero 5 Session
For some, you can throw the whole no screen into the cons section as I think it would be better if there was an actual screen on this even with its size.
4k only works great for people watching on 4k resolution, so don’t be getting this for the whole 4k deal as it is not worth it if your tv/computer isn’t 4k compatible.
Pros & Cons of The Hero 5 Session
Pros:
- As portable as it gets
- High quality video
- One button simplicity
- Voice commands
- Can shoot in 4k
- Doesn’t require a waterproof housing
- Is water proof (up to 10 meters)
- Extremely durable
- Very affordable
Cons:
- No screen to view
- Needs an SD card for storage
- No GPS (can’t show your location)
The Price & Where to Buy the GoPro Hero 5 Session
For $299 you can own a Hero 5 Session, but if you do your homework, you might be able to find one at a local store for even lower than that.
Once everyone sees the price go up, I’m sure $299 would be the lowest price for the Hero 5 Session, so I suggest you get one now if you have the money.
After doing some research, I found Amazon to be the best place to buy a Hero 5 Session as you can also get some cheap accessories to have you being a pro GoPro user in no time.
Click Here to see the Current Price on Amazon.com!
Final Opinion of the Hero 5 Session
For the size, durability, and a very affordable price, you can’t go wrong.
I recommend you get one if you have the flow as this thing will actually keep your life very interesting.
After buying the Hero 5 Session, it makes having to carry a camera around that much easier while capturing everything in crisp quality images and videos.
We can and still use our phones, but we love going to the beach and being able to throw this thing around makes life that much easier.
The kids love it and it helps with my work so I give the GoPro Hero 5 Session two thumbs up and is definitely a great buy for anyone who has been wanting a GoPro but couldn’t find a way to get one.
Compared to the Session 4, this has all the upgrades necessary to make me pull out that card to get one.
In the end, this was a great buy and I do recommend you get one for yourself or anyone into this type of stuff but can’t seem to get one.
If you can do without a screen and simply need something a little bit more compact, the GoPro Hero 5 Session is the way to go.
My brother loves small cameras and even though its price is little high it looks great. I will definitely get it for my bro’s birthday…if he deserves it! lol! Thanks for this review John!
Lol, not a problem man!
Hey John thanks for this review of the GoPro Hero 5, I’m really thinking of buying one for my kids. I like the fact that it is very compact!
I was looking at the cons you were stating for this GoPro, and I don’t think it will be a problem for me.
The fact that we could connect the GoPro to our smart phone is good enough for me, and I don’t have the need for a GPS either.
I think my kids will love this little GoPro!
Thanks again John for this review!
Not a problem Jaime!
Very informative article John. Even tho’ I am not into one of these myself, other than the simplicity I can think of a few who might be. It could very well be the perfect gift. Thank you again.
Definitely a great gift Merry, if it’s for someone special, lol.
They are designed for ease-of-use, efficiency and deliver quality videos and photos that are second to none. Unlike most high-end models, they allow you to benefit from their excellent features at more affordable prices.