Choosing the right action camera can be a daunting task, especially when faced with two compelling options from the same trusted brand. If you’re eyeing a compact powerhouse or a feature-rich workhorse, the decision between the GoPro HERO Session 5 and the GoPro HERO 5 Black often comes up.
Both cameras promise to capture your adventures in stunning detail, but they cater to slightly different needs and user preferences. The Session 5 is renowned for its incredibly small form factor and simplicity, making it a go-to for those who prioritize portability and ease of use.
On the other hand, the HERO 5 Black boasts a more traditional design, packed with advanced features and superior imaging capabilities. Understanding the nuances between these two popular GoPro models is key to making an informed choice that perfectly aligns with your filming style and budget.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | session 5 | hero 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Video Resolution | 4K30, 2.7K60, 1080p120 | 4K30, 2.7K60, 1080p120 |
| Video Stabilization | Electronic | Advanced Electronic (HyperSmooth) |
| Photo Resolution | 10MP | 12MP |
| Waterproof Depth | 33ft (10m) built-in | 33ft (10m) built-in |
| Mounting | Integrated mount | Integrated mount |
| Touchscreen | No | Yes |
| Voice Control | Yes | Yes |
| GPS | No | Yes |
| Image Sensor | 1/2.3″ CMOS | 1/2.3″ CMOS |
| Field of View | SuperView, Wide, Linear | SuperView, Wide, Linear |
| Protune | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Type | Removable | Removable |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Video Resolution & Frame Rates
- Session 5: Records up to 4K at 30fps and 1080p at 120fps. Offers good quality for most users but lacks the higher frame rate options at 4K.
- Hero 5: Shoots up to 4K at 60fps and 1080p at 240fps. Provides significantly smoother slow-motion capabilities and higher detail at 4K.
- Winner: hero 5
Image Stabilization
- Session 5: Features electronic image stabilization (EIS). It’s decent for reducing minor shakes but can crop the image and isn’t as effective as newer optical stabilization.
- Hero 5: Includes advanced 5-axis digital image stabilization. This offers much smoother footage, even in very bumpy conditions, with less image cropping.
- Winner: hero 5
Design & Durability
- Session 5: Extremely compact and rugged, with a cube-like design. It’s waterproof without a housing, making it very convenient for action.
- Hero 5: Also rugged and waterproof without a housing, but it’s a more traditional, larger GoPro form factor. It feels robust and ready for adventure.
- Winner: session 5
Battery Life
- Session 5: Has a built-in, non-removable battery. Battery life is generally shorter, especially at higher resolutions, and you can’t swap it out for a fresh one.
- Hero 5: Features a removable battery. This allows for extended shooting by carrying spare batteries, a significant advantage for long days.
- Winner: hero 5
User Interface & Controls
- Session 5: Very simple, with only two buttons and reliance on the GoPro app for advanced settings. This can be limiting for quick adjustments.
- Hero 5: Equipped with a rear touchscreen and voice control. The touchscreen significantly improves ease of use and menu navigation compared to the Session.
- Winner: hero 5
Field of View (FOV) Options
- Session 5: Offers a wide field of view, but it’s less customizable. It primarily uses SuperView and Wide.
- Hero 5: Provides more versatile FOV options, including Wide, Medium, and Narrow, allowing for greater creative control and less distortion when needed.
- Winner: hero 5
Audio Quality
- Session 5: Features improved audio over previous Sessions but still can be somewhat muffled due to its compact design and lack of external mic support.
- Hero 5: Offers better audio capture, including improved wind noise reduction. It also supports external microphones via an adapter, greatly enhancing audio quality.
- Winner: hero 5
Connectivity & GPS
- Session 5: Includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for app connectivity. It lacks GPS tracking capabilities.
- Hero 5: Features Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and built-in GPS. The GPS allows you to tag your footage with location data, adding valuable context.
- Winner: hero 5
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Portability | session 5 |
| Ease of Use (Screen) | hero 5 |
| Advanced Features | hero 5 |
| Value for Money | session 5 |
| Durability | Tie |
| Video Quality | Tie |
| Photo Quality | hero 5 |
| GPS Logging | hero 5 |
What They Have in Common
- Video Quality: Both cameras offer excellent 4K video recording capabilities at up to 30fps, along with 2.7K and 1080p options. This means you’ll get sharp and detailed footage from either device.
- Durability and Waterproofing: A core feature of both the Session 5 and Hero 5 is their inherent ruggedness and waterproof design. You can take them diving up to 33 feet (10 meters) without needing an extra case, making them ideal for water sports and adventures.
- Ease of Use: Both cameras are designed with simplicity in mind. They offer one-button recording and intuitive interfaces, allowing users to quickly capture their experiences without a steep learning curve.
- Voice Control: Hands-free operation is a significant convenience, and both the Session 5 and Hero 5 come equipped with voice control features. This allows you to start and stop recording, take photos, and more, just by speaking commands.
- Mounting Options: They both feature integrated mounting systems, making it easy to attach them to helmets, bikes, or other gear. This versatility ensures you can capture action from a wide range of perspectives.
- Protune Settings: For those who want more control over their footage, both cameras offer Protune settings. This allows for manual adjustments to color, ISO, and exposure, enabling more advanced post-production editing.
Session 5 Vs Hero 5 Buying Guide
Price and Budget Considerations
When deciding between the Session 5 and Hero 5, your budget will likely play a significant role. The Session 5, being the more compact and often more affordable option, is ideal for those who need a capable action camera without breaking the bank. It offers a great entry point into the GoPro ecosystem for casual users or those prioritizing portability over advanced features.
Conversely, the Hero 5, while generally more expensive, represents the flagship model of its generation. If you’re looking for the best possible image quality, a wider range of shooting modes, and more robust build for demanding adventures, the Hero 5 is the clear choice, provided it fits your financial plan. (See Also: Demeyere 5 Plus Vs Atlantis )
Durability and Ruggedness
Both cameras are built to withstand the rigors of action sports and outdoor adventures, but there are subtle differences. The Hero 5 boasts a more substantial, rugged chassis designed for direct immersion without a separate housing, offering excellent shock resistance. This makes it a reliable companion for extreme sports where accidental drops are a concern.
The Session 5, while also durable and waterproof, relies on its smaller, cube-like form factor. While it can handle splashes and submersion, its exposed lens might be more susceptible to scratches in very harsh environments. However, its compact size can make it less likely to snag on obstacles.
Video and Photo Quality
In terms of raw image quality, the Hero 5 generally edges out the Session 5. The Hero 5 captures higher resolution video and still photos, offering more detail and better performance in various lighting conditions. Its advanced sensor and image processing capabilities contribute to a more polished final output, especially for those who plan to edit their footage extensively.
The Session 5 still delivers excellent video and photo quality for its class, more than sufficient for social media sharing and casual viewing. While it may not match the absolute clarity and dynamic range of the Hero 5, its performance is still impressive and provides a great visual experience for most users. (See Also: Nikon 50 1 8 Vs 1 4 )
Features and Functionality
The Hero 5 excels in offering a broader spectrum of features. It typically includes a rear touchscreen for easier framing and menu navigation, voice control for hands-free operation, and advanced stabilization. These additions enhance user experience and provide more creative control during shooting, making it more versatile for a wider range of scenarios.
The Session 5, prioritizing its minimalist design, foregoes a touchscreen and relies on button controls and app connectivity for settings adjustments. While it offers core functionalities like excellent video recording and still image capture, it lacks some of the advanced conveniences found on the Hero 5, making it a more straightforward, albeit less feature-rich, option.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy session 5 If…
- You prioritize a compact and lightweight design for discreet mounting or easy pocketability.
- You don’t need a touchscreen and are comfortable with button controls and the GoPro Quik app for settings.
- Your budget is a primary concern, and you’re looking for a more affordable entry into the GoPro ecosystem.
- You primarily shoot action footage where extreme portability is more important than advanced features.
Buy hero 5 If…
- You value the convenience of a touchscreen for easier navigation and settings adjustments.
- You want the added benefit of GPS logging to record your location data with your footage.
- You prefer a slightly more robust build and don’t mind the larger form factor.
- You’re looking for a more refined and feature-rich GoPro experience that offers a bit more flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference in video resolution between the Session 5 and Hero 5?
The Hero 5 generally offers higher video resolutions, often supporting 4K at higher frame rates compared to the Session 5. While the Session 5 captures excellent footage, the Hero 5 provides more flexibility for cropping and editing, and potentially sharper, more detailed video, especially for those who prioritize professional-looking results.
Is the Hero 5 more durable than the Session 5?
Both cameras are designed for action, but the Hero 5 is typically considered more robust due to its larger, more substantial build and often better shock resistance. While the Session 5 is waterproof and durable, its smaller form factor might make its lens more exposed to potential scratches in extremely rugged conditions compared to the Hero 5’s fortified design. (See Also: Samsung Pro Vs Evo 850 )
Does the Hero 5 have a touchscreen, and does the Session 5?
Yes, the Hero 5 features a built-in rear touchscreen, which significantly simplifies navigation, framing shots, and adjusting settings. The Session 5, in contrast, omits the touchscreen, relying solely on physical buttons and the GoPro mobile app for most of its operational adjustments and settings management.
Which camera is better for beginners?
For absolute beginners who want a simple point-and-shoot experience, the Session 5 can be very appealing due to its compact size and straightforward controls. However, the Hero 5’s touchscreen makes it equally accessible and offers a more intuitive user interface for those who want to explore more advanced settings as they become comfortable.
Can both cameras be used underwater without a housing?
Yes, both the Session 5 and Hero 5 are waterproof and can be used underwater without an additional housing, typically up to a certain depth rating (often 10 meters or 33 feet). This inherent waterproof capability is a key feature for both models, allowing for immediate underwater recording straight out of the box.
Final Verdict
The Session 5 is a fantastic choice for its portability and ease of use, offering great video quality in a compact package. However, the Hero 5 stands out with its superior image quality, advanced features like a touchscreen and voice control, and enhanced durability. For those seeking the ultimate action camera experience with more creative control and better performance, the Hero 5 is the more capable option.
Winner: Hero 5