GoPro Hero5 Session Waterproof Action Camera UHD 4K Accessory Bundle Review

The GoPro Hero5 Session Waterproof Action Camera UHD 4K Accessory Bundle delivers stunning 4K video and rugged, waterproof performance without the need for a housing, making it ideal for adventurers. Compact and easy to use, this all-in-one bundle includes essential mounts and accessories for capturing smooth, professional-quality footage in any environment.

Key Takeaways

• Waterproof design: Use it underwater up to 33ft without a housing.
• 4K video: Capture stunning UHD footage for high-quality action shots.
• Compact size: Easily mount it anywhere due to its small, lightweight build.
• Bundle value: Includes essential accessories for immediate, versatile use.
• Voice control: Operate hands-free with simple voice commands in 12 languages.
• Image stabilization: Record smooth footage even during intense movements.

Why the GoPro Hero5 Session Waterproof Action Camera UHD 4K Accessory Bundle Might Be Your Next Adventure Essential

Let’s face it: capturing life’s wildest, most spontaneous moments is hard. Whether you’re shredding powder on a snowboard, diving into a coral reef, or just trying to film your kid’s first bike ride without a wobble, your phone just doesn’t cut it. I remember trying to record a mountain biking trip with my iPhone—half the footage was shaky, the other half was just my thumb. That’s when I decided to try the GoPro Hero5 Session Waterproof Action Camera UHD 4K Accessory Bundle, and honestly? It changed the game.

This compact little cube isn’t just another action cam. It’s a rugged, no-nonsense tool built for adventurers, content creators, and everyday memory-makers. With 4K video, voice control, and a waterproof design, it promises to keep up with your chaos. But does it deliver? And more importantly, is the GoPro Hero5 Session Waterproof Action Camera UHD 4K Accessory Bundle worth the investment? After months of testing—from beach trips to hiking trails—I’m ready to share what works, what doesn’t, and whether it’s the right fit for your next adventure.

Design and Build: Small but Mighty

Compact Cube, Big Personality

The first thing you’ll notice about the GoPro Hero5 Session is its size. At just 1.5 x 1.5 inches, it’s smaller than a golf ball. No bulky housing, no awkward protrusions—just a sleek, cube-shaped camera that fits in your palm. This minimalist design isn’t just cute; it’s practical. I’ve clipped it onto backpack straps, mounted it on a helmet, and even stuck it to a surfboard with zero fuss.

The body is made of durable plastic with a rubberized finish, giving it a grippy, shock-resistant feel. It’s not *indestructible*, but after dropping it off a kayak (oops) and scraping it against rocks during a hike, it survived with only a few minor scuffs. The single-button interface is simple: press once to power on, press again to start recording. No fumbling with menus mid-adventure.

Waterproof Without the Hassle

One of the biggest perks? It’s waterproof up to 33 feet (10 meters) *without* needing a separate housing. That’s a huge win for divers, swimmers, or anyone who’s ever panicked when their phone got wet. I tested this during a snorkeling trip in Hawaii—submerged it for 20 minutes, and it worked flawlessly. No fogging, no leaks. Just crystal-clear 4K footage of sea turtles and coral.

Pro tip: Rinse it with fresh water after saltwater use. The seals are tight, but salt can corrode over time. Also, avoid pressing buttons underwater—they’re designed for air, not pressure.

Accessory Bundle: What’s Included?

The GoPro Hero5 Session Waterproof Action Camera UHD 4K Accessory Bundle includes:

• 1x Hero5 Session Camera
• 1x Standard Frame
• 1x Curved Adhesive Mount
• 1x Flat Adhesive Mount
• 1x Quick-Release Buckle
• 1x Micro-USB Cable
• 1x Mounting Screws

The mounts are sturdy, but the adhesive can lose grip in extreme heat (learned this the hard way in Arizona). For long-term use, consider the “J-Hook” mount (sold separately) for helmets—it’s more secure.

Performance: 4K, Voice Control, and Real-World Testing

4K Video Quality: Crisp, But Not Flawless

The Hero5 Session shoots UHD 4K at 30fps, which is impressive for its size. Colors are vibrant, and the dynamic range handles bright skies and shadowed forests well. Here’s what I noticed:

• Daylight: Footage is sharp, with minimal noise. Great for hiking, biking, or beach days.
• Low Light: Struggles a bit. Indoor or dusk videos get grainy, but it’s still usable for casual vlogging.
• Stabilization: No built-in gimbal, but the 4K mode uses software stabilization. It’s decent for walking shots but shaky on mountain bikes. Pro tip: Use the “Wide” field of view for smoother motion.

Voice Control: Handy, But Not Perfect

“GoPro, start recording!” works… sometimes. It’s great for hands-free use (think: skiing, climbing), but it’s picky about accents and background noise. In a quiet room? Flawless. On a windy mountain? Good luck. I ended up using the button 80% of the time, but it’s a cool feature for quick shots.

Real-World Testing: How It Holds Up

Here’s how the camera performed in different scenarios:

• Surfing: Mounted on a chest harness. 4K footage captured every wave, but the adhesive mount loosened after 2 hours. Switched to a wrist mount—problem solved.
• Family Vacation: Filmed kids at a waterpark. Waterproof design saved it from multiple dives. Voice control let me shout “GoPro, take a photo!” while holding a toddler.
• Hiking: Clipped to a backpack strap. The 1440p/60fps mode (better for motion) handled rocky trails well. Battery lasted 1.5 hours—enough for a half-day trek.

Ease of Use: Simplicity Meets Frustration

Setup: Plug-and-Play (Mostly)

Out of the box, the Hero5 Session is easy to set up. Charge it via Micro-USB (takes ~2 hours), power it on, and you’re ready to go. The GoPro app (iOS/Android) is a must—it lets you adjust settings, preview shots, and transfer files wirelessly. But here’s the catch: The app can be glitchy. It crashed twice during my first sync, and the camera sometimes disconnects mid-transfer. Patience is key.

Menu Navigation: Minimal, But Limited

The single-button design means no complex menus, but it also means you can’t tweak settings without the app. Want to switch from 4K to 1080p? Open the app. Need to adjust exposure? App again. For spontaneous shooters, this is a trade-off: simplicity vs. control.

Battery Life: The Big Limitation

The built-in 1000mAh battery lasts about 1.5 hours in 4K mode (less if you’re using Wi-Fi). That’s fine for short adventures, but for all-day trips, you’ll need spares. The bundle doesn’t include extras, so budget for a third-party battery pack or a portable charger. Pro tip: Turn off Wi-Fi and voice control to save power.

Accessory Compatibility: Expand Your Creative Options

Mounts and Attachments: The Real Power of the Bundle

The included mounts are a solid start, but the Hero5 Session’s real strength is its ecosystem. Here’s what I’ve found useful:

• Floaty Backdoor: Prevents the camera from sinking if it falls in water. A lifesaver for kayakers.
• Handlebar Mount: Perfect for bikes or motorcycles. Vibration is noticeable but manageable.
• Chest Harness: Great for POV footage. The cube shape sits flush against your body.
• Telescoping Pole: For selfies or overhead shots. Works best with the “Narrow” FOV to reduce distortion.

Third-Party Accessories: Worth the Splurge?

While GoPro’s accessories are high-quality, third-party options (like “PolarPro” or “Smatree”) offer similar performance at lower prices. I tested a $20 third-party suction cup mount—it held strong on a car hood at 60 mph. Just avoid cheap adhesives; they’re a gamble.

Storage: SD Card Recommendations

The Hero5 Session supports microSD cards up to 128GB. For 4K, use a Class 10 or UHS-I card (e.g., SanDisk Extreme). I used a 64GB card, which holds ~1 hour of 4K footage. Pro tip: Format the card in the camera before first use—it prevents corruption.

Value and Alternatives: Is the Bundle Worth It?

Price Breakdown: What You’re Paying For

The GoPro Hero5 Session Waterproof Action Camera UHD 4K Accessory Bundle retails for around $250-$300 (prices vary). Here’s how it stacks up:

Feature	Hero5 Session Bundle	DJI Osmo Action (Competitor)
Price	$250-$300	$300-$350
Waterproof	Yes (33ft)	Yes (36ft)
4K Video	30fps	60fps
Battery Life	1.5 hours	2 hours
Voice Control	Yes	No
Accessories Included	6 mounts + cable	1 mount + cable

The bundle’s value shines in its included accessories. If you buy them separately, you’d spend $100+. But if you prioritize longer battery life or higher frame rates, the DJI Osmo Action is a strong alternative.

Who Should Buy It?

• Beginners: The simple design and bundle make it a great starter camera.
• Travelers: Waterproof, compact, and easy to pack.
• Content Creators: 4K quality is good for YouTube, but pros might want more manual controls.

Who should *skip* it? If you need 4K/60fps, advanced stabilization, or swappable batteries, look at newer models (like the Hero10) or competitors.

Final Verdict: A Solid, No-Frills Adventure Companion

After months of real-world testing, the GoPro Hero5 Session Waterproof Action Camera UHD 4K Accessory Bundle earns a solid 4/5 stars. It’s not perfect—the battery life is short, the app can glitch, and low-light performance is middling—but it’s a reliable, user-friendly tool for capturing life’s wild moments.

What I love most? Its simplicity. You don’t need a PhD in tech to use it. Mount it, press the button, and go. The 4K footage is sharp enough for social media, the waterproof design handles rain or waves, and the bundle gives you everything you need to start filming. Plus, that tiny cube fits anywhere—your pocket, your backpack, even your kid’s hand.

The trade-offs are real, though. If you’re a pro videographer or need all-day battery, this isn’t your best bet. But for adventurers, families, or anyone who wants a “set it and forget it” camera, the Hero5 Session delivers. It’s the action cam equivalent of a trusty Swiss Army knife: not the fanciest tool, but one you’ll reach for again and again.

So, is the GoPro Hero5 Session Waterproof Action Camera UHD 4K Accessory Bundle worth it? If you value durability, simplicity, and getting started fast—absolutely. Just pack an extra battery and a backup mount. Your next adventure is waiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the GoPro Hero5 Session Waterproof Action Camera truly waterproof without a housing?

Yes, the GoPro Hero5 Session is waterproof up to 33 feet (10 meters) without any additional housing, making it ideal for snorkeling, swimming, or rainy adventures. However, for deeper dives, a dedicated dive housing is recommended.

What accessories are included in the GoPro Hero5 Session 4K Accessory Bundle?

This bundle typically includes mounts (like a quick-release frame, curved and flat adhesive mounts), a USB cable, a carrying case, and sometimes extra batteries or a 3-way pivot arm. Always verify the specific items in your bundle before purchasing.

Can the GoPro Hero5 Session shoot 4K video at 60fps?

No, the Hero5 Session records UHD 4K video at 30fps. For higher frame rates, it supports 1080p at 60fps or 720p at 120fps, which is great for smooth slow-motion clips.

How does the GoPro Hero5 Session compare to newer GoPro models like the Hero9 or Hero10?

The Hero5 Session is compact and budget-friendly but lacks features like HyperSmooth stabilization, a front-facing screen, or higher-resolution sensors found in newer models. It’s best for casual users or as a secondary camera.

Does the GoPro Hero5 Session have voice control or GPS?

Yes, it supports basic voice commands (e.g., “GoPro start recording”) and includes GPS for tagging location data on your footage. However, GPS can drain the battery faster.

Is the GoPro Hero5 Session compatible with newer GoPro accessories?

Most standard GoPro mounts and accessories (like the Karma Grip or adhesive mounts) work with the Hero5 Session, thanks to its universal mounting system. However, newer modular accessories may require adapters.