Choosing the right action camera can be a game-changer for capturing your adventures. If you’re eyeing the GoPro HERO5 lineup, you’ve likely narrowed it down to two popular contenders: the feature-rich HERO5 Black and the ultra-compact HERO5 Session. Both offer incredible image quality and GoPro’s renowned durability, but they cater to slightly different needs and budgets.
The HERO5 Black often stands out for its advanced capabilities, including a rear touch display and voice control, making it a powerhouse for serious videographers and photographers. On the other hand, the HERO5 Session impresses with its small form factor and simplicity, perfect for those who prioritize portability and ease of use without sacrificing core performance.
This comparison will dive deep into what sets the HERO5 Black and HERO5 Session apart, helping you decide which GoPro is the perfect fit to document your next epic journey.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Hero 5 Black | Session |
|---|---|---|
| Video Resolution | 4K60, 2.7K120, 1080p240 | 4K30, 2.7K60, 1080p100 |
| Photo Resolution | 12MP | 8MP |
| Waterproof Depth | 330ft (100m) with housing | 33ft (10m) without housing |
| Image Stabilization | Advanced | Standard |
| Touch Display | Yes | No |
| Voice Control | Yes | Yes |
| GPS | Yes | No |
| Battery | Removable 1220mAh | Built-in 1000mAh |
| Burst Mode | 30 fps / 1 sec | 10 fps / 1 sec |
| RAW Photo | Yes | No |
| Field of View | Wide, Linear, SuperView | Wide, SuperView |
| Weight | 118g | 74g |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Video Resolution & Frame Rates
- Hero 5 Black: Offers up to 4K at 30fps, 2.7K at 60fps, and 1080p at 120fps. This provides excellent flexibility for high-quality footage and smooth slow-motion effects, making it ideal for professional or enthusiast use.
- Session: Supports up to 4K at 30fps, 1440p at 60fps, and 1080p at 100fps. While it matches the 4K resolution, its higher frame rate options are slightly less comprehensive at lower resolutions compared to the Black.
- Winner: hero 5 black
Image Stabilization
- Hero 5 Black: Features advanced electronic image stabilization (EIS) up to 4K/30fps, significantly smoothing out shaky footage. This makes handheld shots much more watchable and reduces the need for external gimbals in many situations.
- Session: Includes electronic image stabilization, but it is generally considered less advanced and may not perform as well in very demanding situations or at higher resolutions. It’s sufficient for casual use but might not satisfy those seeking buttery-smooth footage.
- Winner: hero 5 black
Durability & Waterproofing
- Hero 5 Black: Is waterproof to 33 feet (10 meters) without a housing. Its rugged design is built to withstand impacts and the elements, making it ready for adventure straight out of the box.
- Session: Is also waterproof to 33 feet (10 meters) without a housing and is notably smaller and lighter. Its compact form factor can be advantageous for certain mounting scenarios, though its smaller size might make it feel less substantial.
- Winner: Tie
Display Screen
- Hero 5 Black: Boasts a 2-inch touchscreen display on the rear. This makes navigating menus, framing shots, and reviewing footage incredibly easy and intuitive, a significant advantage for user experience.
- Session: Lacks a rear display screen, relying on a small top-mounted status screen and control buttons. Users must connect to a smartphone app for live preview and comprehensive control, which can be less convenient for quick adjustments.
- Winner: hero 5 black
Battery Life & Swappability
- Hero 5 Black: Uses a standard removable GoPro battery, offering decent but not exceptional battery life. The ability to swap batteries means you can easily extend recording time with spares, a crucial feature for long shoots.
- Session: Has a built-in, non-removable battery. While this contributes to its compact design, it limits recording time to what a single charge can provide and requires recharging the entire unit.
- Winner: hero 5 black
Audio Quality
- Hero 5 Black: Features improved audio capture with three microphones, offering better wind reduction and clearer sound. This results in more usable audio directly from the camera, even in noisy environments.
- Session: Also includes improved audio capture with wind noise reduction, but it is generally considered to be slightly less effective than the Hero 5 Black’s system. It’s adequate for most uses but may struggle more in very windy conditions.
- Winner: hero 5 black
Voice Control
- Hero 5 Black: Integrates advanced voice control capabilities, allowing users to start/stop recording, take photos, and change settings hands-free. This is a game-changer for convenience when your hands are occupied.
- Session: Also features voice control, allowing for hands-free operation. While functional, it might not be as refined or responsive as the system found in the Hero 5 Black.
- Winner: hero 5 black
Size & Form Factor
- Hero 5 Black: Is a more traditional action camera size, offering a good balance of features and usability. Its size is familiar and comfortable to hold and mount.
- Session: Is significantly smaller and lighter, making it incredibly discreet and easy to mount in tight spaces or on helmets without adding much bulk. Its cube-like shape is unique and lends itself to creative mounting solutions.
- Winner: session
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Video Quality | Hero 5 Black |
| Photo Quality | Hero 5 Black |
| Durability & Size | Session |
| Ease of Use | Hero 5 Black |
| Battery Life | Hero 5 Black |
| Value for Money | Session |
| Mounting Flexibility | Session |
What They Have in Common
- 4K Video Capability: Both cameras are capable of recording stunning 4K video, allowing for high-resolution footage.
- Waterproof Design: While their depth ratings differ, both cameras are built to be waterproof, enabling underwater adventures without extra housing for the Session.
- Voice Control: You can control basic functions of both cameras with voice commands, which is incredibly convenient when your hands are busy.
- Image Stabilization: Both models offer image stabilization to help reduce shakiness in your footage, resulting in smoother videos.
- Superview Field of View: Both cameras provide a wide SuperView field of view, perfect for capturing immersive action shots.
- Gopro Ecosystem: Both are part of the GoPro ecosystem, meaning they are compatible with a vast array of mounts and accessories.
Hero 5 Black Vs Session Buying Guide
Durability and Waterproofing
The GoPro Hero 5 Black and Hero 5 Session are both renowned for their ruggedness and built-in waterproofing, eliminating the need for a separate dive housing for many common scenarios. Both cameras can handle submersion up to 33 feet (10 meters) straight out of the box. This makes them ideal for water sports like surfing, snorkeling, and even casual pool use without any extra accessories. (See Also: Demeyere 5 Plus Vs Atlantis )
Image and Video Quality
When it comes to capturing stunning visuals, the Hero 5 Black generally holds the edge. It boasts a larger sensor and more advanced image processing, resulting in superior low-light performance and detail. While the Session still produces excellent 4K footage, the Black often delivers richer colors and sharper images, especially in challenging lighting conditions. For professional or enthusiast use, the Black’s image quality is a significant advantage.
Features and Control
The Hero 5 Black is packed with more advanced features and offers greater user control. It includes a rear touchscreen display for easier framing and menu navigation, voice control for hands-free operation, and GPS for geotagging your footage. The Session, being more compact, relies on a simpler button interface and a companion app for more intricate settings adjustments, making it less intuitive for on-the-fly changes.
Portability and Form Factor
The most striking difference lies in their physical design. The Hero 5 Session is significantly smaller and lighter, making it incredibly easy to mount in tight spaces or wear discreetly. Its cube-like form factor is less obtrusive. The Hero 5 Black, while still relatively compact, is larger and bulkier due to its integrated screen and more substantial build, which can be a consideration for certain mounting situations. (See Also: Nikon 50 1 8 Vs 1 4 )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Hero 5 Black If…
- You need the absolute best video quality and frame rates, especially for slow-motion.
- You want the flexibility of a removable battery and a touch screen for easy operation.
- You plan on shooting photos in RAW format for maximum editing control.
- You want the added benefit of GPS tagging for your adventures.
Buy Session If…
- You prioritize a small, lightweight, and incredibly durable form factor.
- Your primary use is for action sports where size and mounting flexibility are key.
- You don’t need the absolute highest frame rates or RAW photo capabilities.
- You’re looking for a more budget-friendly entry into the GoPro world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which camera is better for beginners?
For beginners, the GoPro Hero 5 Black is often the more recommended choice. Its integrated touchscreen display provides a much more intuitive and user-friendly experience for navigating menus, adjusting settings, and framing shots. This immediate visual feedback reduces the learning curve, allowing new users to get started with capturing great footage more quickly without relying solely on a smartphone app.
Is the Hero 5 Black significantly better for professional use?
Yes, the Hero 5 Black is generally considered the superior option for professional use. Its enhanced image quality, particularly in low light, and advanced features like RAW photo capture and Protune settings offer greater creative control and flexibility in post-production. The larger sensor and processing capabilities translate to a higher fidelity of image that is more forgiving when edited.
Can the Session shoot in RAW format?
No, the Hero 5 Session is not capable of shooting photos in RAW format. It primarily captures images in JPEG. The Hero 5 Black, on the other hand, offers the ability to shoot in both JPEG and RAW formats. RAW files contain more unprocessed image data, providing significantly more latitude for editing and color correction in post-production, which is crucial for professional photographers. (See Also: Samsung Pro Vs Evo 850 )
Which camera has better battery life?
The GoPro Hero 5 Black generally offers better battery life than the Hero 5 Session, especially when shooting at lower resolutions or frame rates. The Session’s smaller form factor inherently limits battery capacity. However, both cameras can benefit from carrying spare batteries, particularly for extended shooting sessions. The Black’s larger battery is a noticeable advantage for longer days of filming.
Which is better for mounting on a helmet or drone?
For helmet or drone mounting where size and weight are critical, the Hero 5 Session is the clear winner. Its incredibly compact and lightweight design makes it far less obtrusive and easier to integrate into tight spaces without affecting balance or aerodynamics. The Hero 5 Black, while still mountable, is larger and heavier, which can be a disadvantage for such applications.
Final Verdict
The GoPro Hero 5 Black stands out as the more versatile and feature-rich action camera. Its superior image quality, particularly in challenging light, coupled with the convenience of a rear touchscreen, voice control, and GPS, makes it the preferred choice for most users seeking the best overall performance and user experience. While the Session excels in portability, the Black offers a more complete package for action photography and videography.
Winner: Hero 5 Black