GoPro Hero4 Session review

It's hip to be cubed

GoPro Session
More compact than your average action cam

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The GoPro HERO4 Session builds on the success of the HERO series. Its small size, and the ability to use the frame and ball joint bracket to enable low-profile mounting, will appeal to extreme sports enthusiasts. The simple one-button operation is a nice touch, and the small screen showing that video recording has started might be simple, but it's also reassuring.

As with the rest of the HERO range video quality is very good, and the GoPro app gives you plenty of control over settings.

The Session offers a great deal, but it would be good to see some more advanced features, such as 1080p at 120fps in line with the HERO4 Black. With the likes of the TomTom Bandit enabling quick and easy editing and uploads, you're left feeling that the Session good give you a little more for you money.

We liked

The new cube design, frame and ball joint buckle mount make this GoPro the easiest to use and mount yet. Wi-Fi connectivity is easy to set up and use, and video quality is as good as from any action camera on the market.

We disliked

The big issue with the Session is its price, especially when compared to competitors – it's hard to shake the impression that you're paying a hefty premium for the GoPro brand. You're also relying heavily on the app for adjusting key settings.

Final verdict

GoPro is still the dominant force in the action camera market, and with the launch of the Session it shows that the company is willing to innovate to stay at the top.

The Session's small size, box design and simple operation make it an ideal choice for those who want to capture the action with the minimum of fuss.


However that same simplicity of design and operation limits your ability to change settings without the use of the mobile app, and the price makes it hard to justify when compared with stiff competition from the likes of TomTom, Garmin and Veho.

Imaging Lab Manager

Ali Jennings is the imaging lab manager for Future Publishing's Photography portfolio. Using Imatest Master and DxO Analyser he produces the image quality tests for all new cameras and lenses review in TechRadar's cameras channel. Ali has been shooting digital since the early nineties and joined Future's Photography portfolio back in 2003.

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