GoPro Hero5 Session 4K Action Camera with Accessories Review

The GoPro Hero5 Session 4K Action Camera delivers stunning 4K video and rugged, compact performance in a pocket-sized design, perfect for adventure enthusiasts. With voice control, waterproof housing, and included mounts, this all-in-one bundle offers exceptional versatility and value for capturing high-quality footage on the go. Ideal for vloggers and thrill-seekers alike, it’s a powerful, user-friendly choice in the action cam market.

Key Takeaways

• Compact yet powerful: Delivers 4K video in a tiny, rugged design.
• Easy one-button control: Simplifies operation for quick, hassle-free shooting.
• Waterproof without housing: Dive up to 33ft (10m) right out the box.
• Accessories boost versatility: Mounts and cases expand creative shooting options.
• Voice control convenience: Hands-free operation enhances active filming.
• Stabilization needs work: Consider external solutions for ultra-smooth footage.

The Little Camera That Could: My GoPro Hero5 Session 4K Review

I’ll never forget the first time I took the GoPro Hero5 Session 4K action camera with accessories on a mountain bike ride. I was skeptical. It’s tiny—barely bigger than a matchbox—and I wondered if such a small device could handle the bumps, dust, and sudden drops of an off-road trail. But after just one ride, I was sold. The footage was smooth, the colors vibrant, and the compact design meant I barely noticed it was mounted to my helmet. That’s the magic of the Hero5 Session: it’s small, tough, and surprisingly powerful.

Since then, I’ve used it on hikes, in the rain, at the beach, and even underwater. I’ve paired it with various accessories, from chest mounts to suction cups on car hoods. And through all that, the Hero5 Session has proven itself as more than just a novelty. It’s a capable 4K action camera that punches well above its weight. In this review, I’ll walk you through everything I’ve learned—what works, what doesn’t, and whether it’s worth your hard-earned cash. Whether you’re a casual adventurer, a vlogger on the go, or a parent capturing your kid’s first bike ride, this little cube might just become your favorite gadget.

Compact Design That Doesn’t Compromise on Durability

Let’s start with the most obvious standout feature: the GoPro Hero5 Session 4K action camera with accessories is tiny. At just 1.5 x 1.5 x 1.4 inches and 2.6 ounces, it’s one of the most compact action cameras on the market. But don’t let its size fool you—this thing is built like a tank.

All-in-One, No Housing Needed

Unlike older GoPro models that require a separate waterproof housing, the Hero5 Session is inherently waterproof up to 33 feet (10 meters). That means you can take it snorkeling, in the rain, or even through a splash park without a single extra accessory. I’ve used it in light rain during a trail run, and it handled it like a champ. The sealed design also keeps out dust and dirt—perfect for mountain biking or desert hikes.

One thing to note: while it’s waterproof, it’s not designed for deep diving. If you’re planning scuba adventures, you’ll need a dive housing (sold separately). But for most casual water activities, you’re good to go right out of the box.

No Screen? No Problem (Mostly)

The lack of a built-in screen is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it keeps the camera small and lightweight. On the other, framing your shot without a screen takes some getting used to. I’ve accidentally recorded myself staring at the camera lens more than once. But here’s the trick: use the GoPro app.

The app connects via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and lets you see exactly what the camera sees. It’s not instant—there’s a slight lag—but it’s good enough for framing shots. I use it when mounting the camera on my bike handlebars or on a tripod. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll barely miss the screen. Just remember to charge your phone too—using the app drains both devices’ batteries faster.

Mounting Options: Small but Mighty

The Hero5 Session uses a unique “frame mount” system. You slide the camera into a plastic frame, and then attach that to various mounts. It’s secure and easy to use, but I’ve noticed a few quirks. The frame can feel a bit flimsy if you’re not careful. I once dropped mine on concrete (oops), and the frame cracked. But the camera itself? Unscathed.

GoPro sells a range of mounts—helmet, chest, head strap, suction cup, and more. I’ve used the chest mount for mountain biking and the suction cup for car footage. Both work well, but I recommend investing in the GoPro Hero5 Session 4K action camera with accessories bundle that includes a few mounts. It saves money and gives you more flexibility right away.

4K Video and Photo Quality: What You Actually Get

Let’s talk about the star of the show: the image quality. The Hero5 Session shoots 4K video at 30fps, 1080p at 90fps (great for slow motion), and 720p at 120fps. It also takes 10MP still photos. But specs only tell part of the story—how does it look in real life?

4K Footage: Crisp, but Not Perfect

In good lighting, the 4K footage is impressive. I shot a sunrise hike, and the colors were rich, the details sharp, and the exposure balanced well. The camera uses GoPro’s “SuperView” mode, which stretches the image to a 16:9 aspect ratio, giving you a wider field of view. It’s great for immersive shots, but can make people or objects near the edges look a bit stretched.

Low light is where it struggles. In dim conditions, the footage gets grainy, and colors lose vibrancy. I once tried filming a campfire at night—the flames looked good, but the surrounding area was a noisy mess. If you’re shooting in low light, stick to 1080p. The smaller file size and better noise handling make it a smarter choice.

Stabilization: Good, Not Gimbal-Level

The Hero5 Session uses electronic image stabilization (EIS), which crops the image slightly to smooth out shakes. It works well for most handheld or mounted shots. I’ve used it on a bumpy trail run, and the footage was surprisingly smooth. But it’s not magic. Fast, jerky movements—like jumping off a rock—can still look a bit shaky.

Tip: For the smoothest footage, use a mount that absorbs vibration, like a chest harness or a gimbal (though the Session doesn’t officially support external gimbals). And avoid rapid panning—EIS can’t keep up with sudden turns.

Photo Mode: Decent, But Not a DSLR

The 10MP photos are good for social media or casual use. I’ve taken some great landscape shots and action photos of my dog chasing a ball. But they’re not going to replace your DSLR. The dynamic range is limited, and the camera struggles with high-contrast scenes (like a bright sky and dark foreground).

One neat feature is the “Time Lapse” mode. Set it to take a photo every 0.5 seconds, and you’ve got a hyperlapse video. I used it to capture a sunset, and it turned out beautifully. Just remember: time-lapse photos eat up storage fast, so bring extra microSD cards.

Battery Life and Charging: The Real-World Truth

Battery life is one of the biggest pain points with the Hero5 Session. GoPro claims “up to 2 hours” of 1080p video. In practice, I’ve gotten about 1 hour and 15 minutes of 4K recording. That’s not terrible, but it’s far from great.

What Drains the Battery?

A few things kill battery life fast:

• Wi-Fi or Bluetooth: Using the app or voice commands drains power quickly. I turn them off when I don’t need them.
• 4K recording: It uses more power than 1080p. If you’re on a long shoot, drop to 1080p.
• Cold weather: Like all lithium-ion batteries, cold temps reduce life. I once tried filming in snow and got only 45 minutes.

Charging: Built-In, But Slow

The battery is built into the camera—no removable battery. That means you can’t swap in a spare. You’ll need to charge it via USB (cable included). A full charge takes about 2.5 hours. I recommend carrying a portable power bank for longer trips. Just plug the camera in during breaks, and you’ll extend your shooting time.

Pro tip: Charge the camera fully before every trip. I’ve been caught with a dead battery more than once, and it’s frustrating.

Voice Control and App Experience: Convenience vs. Quirks

The Hero5 Session was one of the first GoPros with voice control. Say “GoPro, start recording,” and it starts. Say “GoPro, take a photo,” and it snaps a picture. It’s cool—but not always reliable.

Voice Control: Hit or Miss

In quiet environments, voice control works well. I’ve used it while skiing—no need to fumble with buttons with gloves on. But in noisy places (like a busy street or a windy mountain), it struggles. The camera often misses commands or mishears them. I once said “GoPro, stop recording,” and it started a time lapse instead.

Tip: Use voice control for simple commands, and keep the app or physical buttons as backups. And if you’re in a noisy area, just press the button.

The GoPro App: Essential, But Flawed

The app is your best friend when using the Session. It lets you:

• Preview and frame shots
• Change settings (resolution, frame rate, etc.)
• Transfer files to your phone
• Edit and share videos

But it’s not perfect. The connection can be spotty, and the app crashes occasionally. I’ve had to restart it mid-transfer more than once. And while the editing tools are decent, they’re basic compared to desktop software.

One thing I love: the app lets you tag highlights during recording. Later, you can export just those clips, saving time in editing.

Accessories: What You Need (and What’s Nice to Have)

The GoPro Hero5 Session 4K action camera with accessories really shines when paired with the right gear. Here’s what I recommend:

Must-Have Accessories

• Extra microSD cards: The camera supports cards up to 128GB. I use a 64GB card for 4K, but bring a second for long trips.
• Portable power bank: For charging on the go. I use a 10,000mAh Anker power bank—it gives me 2–3 full charges.
• Basic mounts (chest, head, suction cup): These let you shoot from different angles. The chest mount is my favorite for biking and hiking.

Nice-to-Have Extras

• Frame mount with built-in battery (sold separately): This adds a small battery pack to the frame, extending life by 30–40%. It’s a bit bulky, but worth it for all-day shoots.
• External mic (via USB adapter): The built-in mic is okay, but it picks up wind noise. An external mic (like the Rode VideoMic) improves sound quality.
• Protective lens cover: The lens is exposed, so a cover helps prevent scratches. I lost mine once and ended up with a scratched lens—lesson learned.
• Floaty backdoor: If you’re using it in water, this bright orange backdoor helps you spot it if it falls off.

Data Table: Recommended Accessories

Accessory	Why I Recommend It	Best For
Extra microSD card	Prevents running out of space mid-trip	Long hikes, vacations
Portable power bank	Charges camera on the go	Backpacking, travel
Chest mount	Stable, immersive POV shots	Biking, skiing
Frame mount with battery	Extends battery life by 30–40%	All-day filming
Floaty backdoor	Keeps camera visible in water	Snorkeling, boating

The Verdict: Who Should Buy the Hero5 Session?

After months of real-world use, I can confidently say the GoPro Hero5 Session 4K action camera with accessories is a solid choice—but with caveats. It’s not the best action camera on the market (that title likely goes to the Hero12), but it’s one of the most convenient.

If you value size, durability, and ease of use, this camera is hard to beat. It fits in your pocket, survives rough conditions, and shoots 4K footage that impresses most casual users. The lack of a screen is a minor annoyance once you get used to the app. And while the battery life isn’t great, it’s manageable with planning and a power bank.

Who should buy it?

• Casual adventurers: Hikers, bikers, beachgoers who want reliable, easy-to-use footage.
• Vloggers on a budget: It’s compact and shoots 4K, perfect for travel vlogs.
• Parents: Mount it on a stroller or helmet to capture your kid’s adventures.

Who should skip it?

• Professional filmmakers: You’ll want better stabilization, audio, and battery life.
• Deep divers: You’ll need a dive housing, which adds bulk and cost.
• Low-light shooters: The camera struggles in dim conditions.

The Hero5 Session isn’t perfect, but it’s a reliable, no-fuss tool that delivers where it counts. Pair it with the right accessories, and you’ve got a setup that can handle almost any adventure. Just don’t expect it to do everything. Use it for what it’s good at—capturing fun, spontaneous moments in high quality—and you’ll be happy with your purchase. After all, the best camera is the one you actually take with you. And this little cube? It’s always in my bag.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the GoPro Hero5 Session 4K Action Camera stand out from other models?

The GoPro Hero5 Session 4K Action Camera combines compact, cube-shaped design with professional-grade 4K video recording and voice control. Unlike bulkier models, its minimalist form factor makes it ideal for mounting in tight spaces while maintaining flagship features like electronic stabilization.

Does the GoPro Hero5 Session 4K Action Camera with accessories include mounts?

Yes, most kits include essential accessories like adhesive mounts, a quick-release frame, and a USB-C cable. These let you securely attach the camera to helmets, bikes, or gear right out of the box.

How does the battery life compare to newer GoPro models?

The built-in 1000mAh battery delivers about 1.5 hours of 4K recording—shorter than newer models but sufficient for most adventures. For extended use, carry a power bank since the battery isn’t removable.

Is the GoPro Hero5 Session 4K waterproof without a housing?

Absolutely! It’s waterproof up to 33ft (10m) without an additional case, making it great for snorkeling or rainy conditions. Just ensure the side door is fully closed before submerging.

Can I use voice commands with the GoPro Hero5 Session?

Yes, the Hero5 Session supports hands-free control via voice commands like “GoPro take a photo” or “Start recording.” This feature works reliably in quiet to moderately loud environments.

What’s the best use case for the GoPro Hero5 Session 4K Action Camera with accessories?

This camera excels for travelers, vloggers, and athletes who need a lightweight, durable 4K action camera. The included accessories make it easy to capture immersive POV footage in any environment.