The GoPro Hero5 Session might be a few years old now, but it remains a beloved action camera for its incredibly compact size and impressive capability. If you own one, you know it’s a little powerhouse, perfect for capturing adventures without bulk. And let’s be real, nobody likes shaky footage, which is why having the best accessories for GoPro Hero5 Session with image stabilization is key to getting smooth, professional-looking videos.
While the Hero5 Session does boast its own internal digital image stabilization, sometimes you need a little extra help, whether it’s through external protection, lens clarity, or even considering an alternative camera that elevates stability to another level. We’ve rounded up 7 top products, including essential gear and even a worthy competitor, to help you make the most of your Hero5 Session and ensure your footage is as buttery smooth as possible.
Let’s dive into our picks!
Suptig Replacement Waterproof Case Protective Housing for GoPro Session Hero 4session/Hero5 Session
If you’re serious about taking your GoPro Hero5 Session underwater, beyond its native 33-foot limit, then the Suptig Replacement Waterproof Case is an absolute must-have. This robust housing doesn’t just push your waterproof capabilities deeper; it also offers a vital layer of extra protection against dust, scratches, and everyday shocks. It’s perfect for those deep dives or extreme sports where your camera needs to be truly safeguarded, ensuring your camera, and its image stabilization, are safe and sound while you capture incredible footage.
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Key Features:
- Waterproof to 196 feet (60 meters) – 6x deeper than native.
- Compatible with GoPro Hero4 Session and Hero5 Session.
- Allows easy operation of shutter/power and select/WIFI buttons while cased.
- Offers extra protection against dust, scratches, and shocks.
- Made with stainless steel for rust prevention in saltwater.
- Toughened glass lens with 98% light transmittance for clear shots.
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Pros:
- Provides extreme waterproof depth for serious diving.
- Excellent additional physical protection for the camera.
- Maintains button accessibility, unlike some other housings.
- Durable construction with rust-proof materials.
- High light transmittance ensures bright, clear underwater video.
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Cons:
- Adds noticeable bulk to the compact Session camera.
- Can sometimes cause slight lens glare in certain lighting conditions if not perfectly clean.
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User Impressions: Users frequently praise this housing for its reliable deep-water protection and durable build. Many feel confident taking their Hero5 Session into challenging environments, noting that the buttons remain easy to press, making it a truly practical accessory for water enthusiasts.
GoPro Hero5 Session (Renewed)
Sometimes the best accessory for your GoPro Hero5 Session with image stabilization is… another GoPro Hero5 Session! This renewed model offers the same fantastic capabilities as a brand-new unit but often at a more attractive price point. It’s the ultimate compact action camera, boasting impressive 4K video and 10MP photos, all within a durable, naturally waterproof design. Its built-in digital image stabilization is a game-changer, helping to smooth out bumps and shakes from your adventures, whether you’re mountain biking or just chasing your kids around the park.
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Key Features:
- Stunning 4K video and 10MP photos (single, burst, time lapse modes).
- Durable and waterproof to 33ft (10M) without a housing.
- No LCD screen for maximum compactness.
- Single press of the shutter button powers on and starts recording automatically.
- Built-in digital image stabilization for smoother footage.
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Pros:
- Extremely compact and lightweight, easy to mount anywhere.
- Excellent video and photo quality for its size.
- Native waterproofing for worry-free use in wet conditions.
- Simple one-button operation is incredibly user-friendly.
- Digital image stabilization significantly reduces shaky video.
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Cons:
- Renewed status might give some buyers pause (though often rigorously tested).
- No LCD screen means relying on the app for framing shots.
- Battery is non-removable, requiring charging via USB.
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User Impressions: Customers love the Hero5 Session’s minimalist design and robust performance. They frequently highlight its portability and the surprising quality of its footage, especially appreciating the convenience of its built-in waterproofing and effective digital stabilization for everyday adventures.
FitStill 196FT/60M Dive Housing Waterproof Diving Case for Go Pro Hero 5 Session
Another excellent choice for deep-sea adventurers, the FitStill Dive Housing takes your GoPro Hero5 Session to depths of up to 60 meters (196 feet). What really makes this housing stand out is its commitment to optical clarity, featuring a large, flat glass lens designed to deliver maximum image sharpness both above and below water. This ensures that while your camera’s internal image stabilization works its magic, the external housing doesn’t compromise the visual fidelity of your breathtaking underwater shots.
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Key Features:
- Specifically designed for GoPro Hero 5 Session and Hero 4 Session.
- Hardware made of stainless steel to prevent rusting in saltwater.
- Waterproof to 60 meters (196 feet) with upgraded sealing and tight buckle.
- Large flat glass lens for maximum image sharpness.
- Excellent PMMA material with 98.99% light transmission rate.
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Pros:
- Superior waterproof capability for serious diving.
- High light transmission and flat lens ensure vivid and clear underwater footage.
- Rust-resistant materials enhance durability.
- Secure sealing provides peace of mind against leaks.
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Cons:
- Similar to other housings, it adds bulk to the camera.
- Ensuring the seal is perfectly clean and closed is crucial before each use.
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User Impressions: Divers and snorkelers rave about the FitStill housing for its reliable performance and exceptional clarity underwater. Users appreciate how well it protects their Hero5 Session, allowing them to capture stunning, well-stabilized visuals of marine life without any distortion.
(Pack of 3) Tempered Glass Screen Protector for Gopro Hero Session Lens
While not directly contributing to image stabilization, protecting your lens is absolutely crucial for maintaining the quality of your footage. The (Pack of 3) Tempered Glass Screen Protector for GoPro Hero Session Lens acts as a vital shield against scratches, bumps, and high-impact drops that could damage your camera’s delicate lens. A pristine lens ensures maximum light transmission and clarity, allowing your Hero5 Session’s built-in image stabilization to capture the best possible, unblemished video.
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Key Features:
- 9H surface hardness tempered glass for maximum protection.
- High transmittance ensures no influence on video shooting effect.
- Super toughness – protector won’t break into small sharp pieces if broken.
- Easy installation process for quick application.
- Package includes 3 lens protectors, wipes, and stickers.
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Pros:
- Provides robust protection against scratches and impacts.
- Maintains optical clarity and light transmission.
- Shatter-proof design adds a layer of safety.
- Easy to apply with included cleaning kit.
- Value pack provides spares.
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Cons:
- Only protects the lens, not the entire camera body (which Session does well on its own).
- Can potentially trap tiny air bubbles if not applied perfectly.
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User Impressions: Customers love the simplicity and effectiveness of these lens protectors. They provide great peace of mind, knowing the most critical part of the camera for image quality is safeguarded. Many note they are almost invisible once applied.
GoPro Hero5 Session, 1080p
This listing specifically highlights the GoPro Hero5 Session’s capabilities when shooting at 1080p, which is still fantastic for many uses, especially when storage space is a concern. As an original GoPro product, it comes with all the expected reliability and a minimalist design. The Hero5 Session’s compact form factor is a huge draw, and its built-in digital image stabilization works diligently to smooth out handheld or mounted footage, making it one of the best options for GoPro Hero5 Session with image stabilization for everyday, active shooting.
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Key Features:
- Includes Hero5 Session camera, standard frame, curved/flat adhesive mounts, mounting buckle, and USB-C cable.
- Waterproof to 33 feet (10 meters) without a housing.
- Photos captured at 10MP with a 4:3 aspect ratio.
- Single press of shutter button powers on and starts recording automatically.
- Comes with essential charging and troubleshooting tips.
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Pros:
- Compact and incredibly portable, fits almost anywhere.
- User-friendly one-button control.
- Native waterproofing for convenience.
- Reliable GoPro quality and built-in digital image stabilization.
- Good for casual shooting and less demanding applications.
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Cons:
- Does not include an SD card.
- 1080p resolution is lower than its 4K capability, but still good.
- Non-removable battery means no quick swaps.
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User Impressions: Users frequently commend this version of the Hero5 Session for its ease of use and surprising durability. They appreciate its grab-and-go simplicity and note that the image stabilization is effective for casual adventures, making it a dependable choice for vlogging or active pursuits.
GoPro CHDHS-501 HERO5 Session
This is another listing for the beloved GoPro Hero5 Session, ensuring you get a brand-new, original unit with all its powerful features intact. The CHDHS-501 model is the standard Hero5 Session, known for its cube-like simplicity and robust performance. For anyone seeking the core GoPro experience in a tiny package that intelligently handles shakes and jitters through its internal digital image stabilization, this is a solid choice. It’s truly among the best devices for GoPro Hero5 Session with image stabilization because it is the device, designed to deliver quality.
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Key Features:
- Brand new in box with all relevant accessories.
- Compact, cube-shaped design.
- 4K video and 10MP photo capabilities.
- Waterproof to 33 feet (10 meters) without a housing.
- Simple one-button control for quick capture.
- Features built-in digital image stabilization.
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Pros:
- Guaranteed new condition for full product lifecycle.
- Incredibly small and versatile for mounting.
- Intuitive operation for instant recording.
- Excellent native waterproofing.
- Reliable digital image stabilization for smoother footage.
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Cons:
- No LCD screen, relying on app for preview.
- Fixed battery can be a limitation on longer trips.
- Older model, so lacks some features of newer GoPros.
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User Impressions: Customers often purchase this for its “brand new” assurance, praising its compact design and the quality of footage it produces despite its size. Many find it perfect as a secondary camera or for specific, tight mounting spots where larger cameras won’t fit, and its stabilization is a frequently appreciated feature.
RunCam 5 4K Action Camera: Small Cube HD Cam for FPV Drones
While not a GoPro, the RunCam 5 is an incredibly compelling alternative, especially if image stabilization is your absolute top priority and you love the Session’s form factor. Weighing a mere 56g, this ultra-light 4K camera is designed with a dedicated Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) chip and a high-performance Sony IMX377 sensor. This combination delivers exceptionally smooth footage, making it perhaps the best alternative for GoPro Hero5 Session with image stabilization for drone pilots and anyone else needing silky-smooth video from a tiny camera. It even uses compatible mounts with the Hero Session 5!
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Key Features:
- Weighs only 56g, compact 38x38x36mm design.
- Compatible with the mount base of Hero Session 5.
- Equipped with electronic image stabilization (EIS) chip and Sony IMX377 12MP sensor.
- Ultra-low power consumption: up to 105 mins 4K recording.
- Special design for FPV (First-Person View) use, with sturdy lens protection.
- High Quality Image: 4K/30fps, 2.7K/50fps, 1080P/120fps, 60fps video, excellent WDR effect.
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Pros:
- Outstanding Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) for super smooth video.
- Extremely lightweight, ideal for drones and weight-sensitive applications.
- Impressive battery life for such a compact 4K camera.
- Compatible with existing Session mounts, easing transition.
- Excellent image quality and wide dynamic range.
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Cons:
- Not natively waterproof; requires external housing for water activities.
- Primarily aimed at the FPV drone market, though versatile for other uses.
- Less mainstream brand than GoPro, potentially fewer accessories.
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User Impressions: FPV drone enthusiasts rave about the RunCam 5’s incredible stabilization and low weight. They often state it’s a game-changer for capturing stable, high-quality aerial footage, and many are surprised by how well its EIS performs, often outshining other small action cameras in terms of smoothness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Does the GoPro Hero5 Session have built-in image stabilization?
A1: Yes, the GoPro Hero5 Session features built-in digital image stabilization (EIS). This technology helps to smooth out footage by correcting for camera shake and vibrations, resulting in more stable and professional-looking videos.
Q2: Why would I need a waterproof housing if my Hero5 Session is already waterproof?
A2: While the GoPro Hero5 Session is waterproof to 33 feet (10 meters) on its own, a dedicated waterproof housing (like the Suptig or FitStill models) extends its capabilities significantly. These housings allow you to dive much deeper (often up to 196 feet or 60 meters) and also provide an extra layer of protection against extreme impacts, dust, and scratches that the naked camera might not withstand.
Q3: What is the difference between digital and optical image stabilization?
A3: Digital Image Stabilization (EIS), found in the Hero5 Session and RunCam 5, processes the image electronically to reduce shakiness. It often involves cropping the image slightly. Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), usually found in higher-end cameras, uses physical lens or sensor movement to counteract shakes before the image even hits the sensor, often providing superior results with no crop. For action cameras, EIS is more common due to their compact size and rugged needs.
Q4: Can I use older GoPro Session accessories with my Hero5 Session?
A4: Generally, yes! The GoPro Hero5 Session shares the same compact cube form factor as the Hero4 Session, meaning many accessories designed for the Hero4 Session, such as frames, mounts, and waterproof housings, will also be compatible with the Hero5 Session.
Q5: How can I maximize the effectiveness of my Hero5 Session’s image stabilization?
A5: To get the smoothest footage:
* Mount it securely: Loose mounts can introduce more wobble.
* Use good lighting: EIS works better with more light.
* Minimize sharp movements: While stabilization helps, smoother camera movements from your end are always better.
* Consider post-production: Even with EIS, software like GoPro Quik or other video editors can further refine stability.
Q6: Is the GoPro Hero5 Session still a good action camera in 2024?
A6: Yes, absolutely! Despite being an older model, the GoPro Hero5 Session remains an excellent choice for its ultra-compact size, built-in waterproofing, and reliable digital image stabilization. It’s perfect for users who prioritize portability and simplicity, or those looking for a capable secondary action camera without breaking the bank.
Q7: What kind of memory card should I use with my GoPro Hero5 Session?
A7: For optimal performance, the GoPro Hero5 Session requires a Class 10 or UHS-I (U1 or U3) microSD card with a capacity up to 128GB. Using a slower card can lead to recording errors or dropped frames, especially when shooting in 4K or using high frame rates.
