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Verdict
The video and image quality captured by the smallest camera in the GoPro range certainly belie its pocket-sized packaging. Clips appear vibrant and smooth, while stills imagery is crisp enough to feature on websites and social media with little or no enhancement.
A lack of a raw file option does reduce the scope for tweaking still images, but at the highest 10MP resolution shots are detailed enough to take into post-production software and print at a decent size.
The footage from the Hero5 Session is at the very top of the action camera quality spectrum, with excellent color definition, top-quality audio and a bunch of professional features that see this model creeping up on its larger and more expensive Hero5 Black model.
Granted, for those wanting full control over their video and the best image quality possible, the Hero5 Black or new Hero6 Black are the GoPros to go for, but the Hero5 Session is lighter and more portable than those cameras, and almost as good at capturing the moment.
As an action camera to pack for your travels it's very difficult to ignore, and as a back-up to support the Hero5 Black or Hero6 Black on larger shoots, and for capturing tricky shots where only a small and easily mounted camera can get the job done, it's perfect.
The lack of rear screen can be frustrating, the battery life is pretty poor and GoPro's voice command system is a little erratic, but the lack of such features is reflected in the price – and what you do get for your money is pretty impressive.
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