Table of Contents
amazon GoPro Hero4 Sessio reviews
Design
Were it not for the fact that the Hero4 Session can be inserted inside a car without looking like a paperweight, it would surely get called that. Shaped like a cube with a side length of about 35mm, it does not weigh over 75g: 50% smaller and more than 40% lighter than its other “brothers” with GoPro.
So tiny and lightweight that numerous journals have called Hero4 Session the smallest and lightest camera in the world. Actually, it is not: not any less than car-mounted cameras or numerous ‘unnamed’ products from China. But one thing is sure: at this same size, there is no camera of good quality with Hero4 Session.
However, this small weight is the one that GoPro intends to bring in with Hero4 Session. All those who have used other cruise cameras once must have found it very awkward buying it among small, narrow corners such as in a helmet, under a car, under a skateboard … Now, that’s completely gone.
Here, credit must be given to that great designer who painstakingly details every little merit that comes with Hero4 Session. The front square glass of the machine is tightened with eight screws that are placed at very solid intervals of 1 cm. Round metallic belt made of very hard material makes sure that the inner glass is secured.
The body material is extremely lightweight and very hard, and of rubber-like sheath. So, Hero4 Session is drowned not even after a deliberate drop from the height of the head.
There are two buttons on the body: a button and a custom button. The main button is at the top; marked with a red circle, it is used to power on the machine. Press it once and the camera will record, press and hold for 3 seconds and the camera will take stills on that occasion. Right below the button is a small screen that shows the status of the machine.
The small yet quite difficult to press custom button at the back is assigned for opening device settings, toggling Wi-Fi, setting up connection to smartphone, tablet, etc. Above it is the GoPro logo and instructions to use the main button as said, which are embossed not printed. Thus ensuring durability with time.
The bottom of the machine nothing. The left side is the microUSB memory card slot and connector, which is covered with a waterproof cap, with the right flap next to it.
The right side is where GoPro prints the Hero4 Session model. It is not stamping like the logo and instructions on the back so it is more likely to get blurred or squashed sooner if it hits.
In fact, even being a design different from the earlier Hero models, Hero4 Session is completely compatible with 100% of GoPro’s ancient accessories.
where can you get a GoPro Hero4 Sessio online
Efficiency
The Hero4 Session’s 8MP sensor and 170-degree wide-angle lens capture 3264×2448 still pictures, which can either be recorded as video 1920×1440 at 30fps and 25fps (4:3 aspect ratio) and 1920×1080 at 60fps, 50fps, 48fps, 30fps, and 25fps (16:9 aspect ratio).
This means that Hero4 Session has just enough recording potential to surpass Hero3 + but left underperformance to Hero4 a lot.
The apparatus is water-resistant for 33 minutes at a depth of 10 m. Heavy impacts like falling from height, rolling wheels, and extreme environmental conditions like seawater, heavy rain, and snow do nothing to harm the Hero4 Session.
The gadget becomes quite hot during use. This is perhaps due to lacking an outer casing for the Heat dissipated can be felt easily. Well, just when one pushes “Launch” that concern will be solved.
Another downside to the Hero4 Session quite annoying to users is the latency. About 3 seconds or so elapsed when pressing the main button before the machine actually starts up. After pressing the custom button for about 2 seconds before the menu pops up. These instances can sometimes steal your time, and the beautiful moments just do not know the meaning of “wait.”
Hero4 Session’s battery life is very awesome, and in compact build, truly stands up with any of the Hero models. 2 hours of video working were kept by the Hero4 continuous test while in a time-lapse mode capturing an image every 10 seconds, it lasts for 3.5 hours (with the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth tests turned on) with confidence in the battery life of this machine from the user’s side.
Hero4 Session holds its own in connectivity through Bluetooth and Wifi, not lesser than for other models. Sensor-sensitive, real-time transmission of images is stable, clear, and sufficient for visual.
Function
Hero4 Session is missing the features which its other cousins in the same lineup possess: SuperView, slow-mo, time-lapse, looping…
Because of the area of the sensor, most GoPro cameras record the highest resolution in 4:3. SuperView will stretch this to fill the 16:9 aspect ratio, meaning the outside is drawn out, while the center remains unchanged. Video is better suited to 16:9. The filmmakers have this ratio because it allows a broader viewing angle from 4:3. Any images taken must then be cropped from 4:3 to 16:9, meaning that some of the image captured will be discarded. The SuperView within the Hero camcorders will do this while maximizing the output image actually filled by what the sensor recorded.
As for slow-motion video, Hero4 Session can record HD 720p at 100fps and 480p SD at 120fps-not really impressive.
The user can set time for each panel from 0.5 sec to 60 sec in time lapse mode; the camera snaps in burst mode at rates of up to 10 fps.
Another available feature in the units is Looping mode. The camera records in a loop until the user presses Stop. It simply keeps overwriting new clips on the memory card, even when full.
Camera and Image Quality
Video Resolution
The Hero4 Session offers assorted options in video resolutions that can fulfill different needs and preferences. The camera can record at the following standard resolution:
• 1440p @ 30 fps;
• 1080p @ 60 fps;
• 960p @ 60 fps;
• 720p @ 100 fps.
The 1080p at 60 fps is especially preferred for being a concession between high resolution and smooth frame rate, perfect for catching fast-moving actions. 720p at 100 fps is perfect for slowing things down in video while enabling you to capture finer details in the activities being performed.
Image Quality
The Hero4 Session produces high-quality images with 8 megapixels. The digital photos are sharp and vibrant, with good color accuracy and detail. There is a burst mode, allowing for a few photos to be taken almost consecutively, and a time-lapse mode which is very useful in capturing events over long periods and condensing it to a few minutes.
**Low-Light Performance**
The Hero4 Session, while delivering outstanding results in bright situations, does not hold such great stead in low light due to a smaller sensor size in comparison to other GoPro models. Here, more noise and lesser detail would be evident in the footage. Nevertheless, the wide-dynamic-range (WDR) action of the camera brings in an added advantage of managing exposure with preserving details in tough lighting conditions.
Features and Functionality
Protune for Advanced Control
The Hero4 Session offers the Protune option, which exposes detailed control over video and photo settings. For Protune, you get to change the white balance color profile, ISO limit, and exposure, giving you leeway for editing in post-production. It would work for pros and others who would want to customize their footage.
Auto Image Rotation
The Hero4 Session also offers an auto image rotation function, which is helpful for switching orientation according to how the camera was pointed. This is helpful when mounting it in an upside-down or weird angle kind of setup.
Dual Microphones
Leveraging dual mics for better audio capture in any situation, Hero4 Session is equipped with a front mic and a rear back mic. The camera intelligently switches between the microphones to cut down on wind noise while improving sound clarity. This is handy especially for capturing good audio in action.
WiFi and Bluetooth are integrated.
The Hero4 Session contains built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, which allows it to connect to the GoPro App application on a compatible smartphone or tablet for controlling the camera remotely, previewing and viewing footage, and sharing the content on social media. The application also enables access to other settings and updates that improve the camera usability.
QuikCapture.
QuikCapture has it all in one button press: camera fires up- begins shooting. This is especially helpful in cases where you would miss an important shot or when you just have to grab a quick shot of an occurrence. With QuikCapture, you can even start time-lapse photography with one button press.
Performance
Battery Life
The Hero4 Session has a built-in, non-removable battery that offers at least 2 hours of continuous recording under 1080p/30fps. This is good enough for a tiny action camera, but even with complete good rating, it will most likely be insuffient for intense shooting runs. Still, it can record while charging via USB, so it is also possible to keep using the camera while topping up through a portable power bank when the batter runs out.
Heat Management
Heat management, particularly in long record durations, is the biggest problem with little action cams. Even with very long recordings, the Hero4 Session manages heat exceedingly well and exhibits the most minimal risk of overheating symptoms. Its design should ensure that heat buildup does not exceed levels that prevent the camera working for extended periods of time.
Storage and File Management
The device uses microSD cards for storage, where from two hundred to 128GB can be loaded into one. Using Class 10 or UHS-I microSD cards should ensure smooth recording and playback. It also has a loop recording option, which rewrites the oldest files when the memory card is full to guarantee your continuance in recording without manual interactions.
User Experience
Easily Used
Hero4 Session is probably within reach of any user, even a beginner, because of its simple one-button use and very easy interface. There is no touch display, which some people might think is a drawback. However, the adjustments can be done directly through the GoPro App. This makes the small, very lightweight camera easy to pack in and into all positions, adding to its versatility.
Mounting Options
The Hero4 Session is mountable to pretty much everything you would want to by using GoPro’s huge range of mounts and accessories. From helmets to handlebars, surfboards, and so on- the camera can clip onto just about anything. It comes with a standard frame mount, which grips the camera securely while still allowing access to buttons and ports. So you have the versatility of attaching the Hero4 Session to wear while doing pretty much everything.
Firmware Upgrades
GoPro regularly offers updates to its camera firmware with new features, improvement of existing features, and bug fixes. The Hero4 Session can easily be updated via the GoPro App, which ensures you will always have the new features and enhancements. Such support increases camera lifespan and performance over any given time duration.
Price and Value for Money
At launch, the GoPro Hero4 Session was priced higher than other entry-level compact action cameras owing to its advanced features and construction quality. Now, due to a successive reduction in pricing, it becomes very affordable for the buyer looking for a portable and multipurpose action camera. Considering performance, features relative to the use, and quality of construction, the Hero4 Session gives fantastic value for money.
Competition
GoPro Hero5 Session
The Hero5 Session, being the successor to the Hero4 Session, came with loads of improvement and added features. First off, it can shoot in 4K, but it can also use voice commands, has electronic image stabilization, and performs better in low-light scenarios than its predecessor. So while the Hero5 Session is an upgraded model, it comes with a heftier price tag compared to the Hero4 Session, which is still a great camera for anyone not requiring the extra features offered by the latter.
Sony HDR-AS50
One more compact action camera that stands in competition with Hero4 Session is the Sony HDR-AS50. This camera is capable of similar video resolution options that include 1080p at 60fps and employs a Zeiss lens for superior optical quality. This also offers some electronic image stabilization and remote monitor capabilities. In every respect of adverse conditions, this give some additional advantages over the Hero4 Session, which is water-resistant in design.
Garmin VIRB Ultra 30
The Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 is a feature-laden action camera with video recording capabilities of up to 4K, voice control, and built-in GPS. It is fitted with advanced sensors, providing data on parameters such as speed, altitude, and G-force. While the price of the Hero4 Session is lower than that of the VIRB Ultra 30, the latter offers many features suitable for anyone interested in an advanced-performance action camera that tracks the data.
Conclusions
The GoPro Hero4 Session is a compact, tough, and versatile action camera that incorporates a wide range of advanced features and video recording capabilities. An absolute charm when it comes to easy control with its single-button operation, rugged build, and perfect quality is this one with which to capture all your action-filled adventures. While low-light capability may not be as good as bigger models, the Hero4 Session shines in daylight or well-lit conditions, capturing clean and sharp animations.
It also has the benefit of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth with the GoPro App, making the camera even more functional and easier to use. Other features including Protune, auto image rotation, dual microphones, and QuikCapture just add to its almost limitless versatility.
As far as performance, features, and cost go, Hero4 Session represents great value for money. Whether you are a professional-looking for a secondary camera you can trust or a recreational user looking for a high-quality action camera for your weekend adventures, the GoPro Hero4 Session is a sturdy workhorse that does what it promises.