The HERO Session is the entry-level camera in GoPro’s range. Like the other cameras in the now-discontinued Session line, it has a tiny cube-like form factor, a built-in battery, minimalist on-camera controls, and its shell is waterproof without requiring an external housing.
GoPro Deals
- âž™ HERO11 Black: $399 @ GoPro.com
- âž™ HERO11 Black + Accessories Bundle: $449 @ GoPro.com
- âž™ HERO11 Black Creator Edition: $579 @ GoPro.com
With a maximum video resolution of 1440p, its video capabilities are also more limited than the higher models in the range like the HERO5 Session and HERO8 Black. It can’t shoot 4K video, and it doesn’t have built-in video stabilization. But if you don’t need those higher-end features, it’s still a very capable action cam that can record great footage.
If the HERO Session looks familiar, that’s because it’s a renamed version of the HERO4 Session. It also looks pretty much identical to another camera in the current line-up: the HERO5 Session. But it’s important to note that the HERO Session and the HERO5 Session are not the same camera. While they look very similar indeed, they have different features and capabilities. Basically, the HERO5 Session is a step up from the HERO Session. I have a detailed breakdown of how the HERO Session compares with the HERO5 Session here.
The HERO Session can shoot video, photos, and timelapse. Here’s a rundown of the features available for shooting video.
Video Resolutions on the GoPro HERO Session
Perhaps the most important thing to know about the HERO Session for shooting video is that it doesn’t shoot 4K video (aka UHD video). Its largest video size is HD video of 1440p (1920×1440) and 1080p (1920×1080). If you’re mainly looking to share your video on the web, those resolutions are plenty big enough and also keep the footage to manageable file sizes while you’re editing and saving the files.
Here’s how the resolutions compare relative to each other. You can click on the graphic to open a full-size version.
Aspect Ratios of Video on the GoPro HERO Session
Most of the video modes on the HERO Session shoot in standard 16:9 mode. That’s the wider, flatter format we’ve become used to with computer displays and HD TVs. A few of the Session’s video modes, like the 1440p and the 960p modes, are in the taller 4:3.
Does the GoPro HERO Session have Video Stabilization?
The HERO Session doesn’t have built-in video stabilization. For that feature, you’d need to look at the HERO5, HERO6, HERO7, and HERO8 models.
Video Protune Options on the HERO Session
The HERO Session does have Protune options available in the video mode, although there are fewer options than there are on the higher-end models.
Here’s the full list:
| Protune Setting | Options |
|---|---|
| White Balance | Auto 3000K 5500K 6500K Native |
| Color | GoPro Color Flat |
| ISO Limit | 1600 400 |
| Sharpness | OFF ON |
| EV Comp | -2 to +2 |
Fields of View on the HERO Session
The HERO Session has three fields of view when shooting video. Not all shooting modes have every field of view available. The table below shows which FOVs are available in which shooting modes.
Ultra-Wide is the default Wide mode we’re used to with GoPros (and it’s called Wide in the GoPro mobile app). It has that distinctive fisheye look.
Medium is a more “normal” perspective with less distortion. It’s basically a view that has been digitally zoomed in.
SuperView is an FOV that GoPro calls “the world’s most immersive field of view.” Basically, it’s an even more stretched view, with the 4:3 modes being stretched to 16:9 when you play them back on your computer.
There’s no Linear FOV available on the HERO Session. (Linear FOV greatly reduces the fisheye distortion and straightens the lines and horizons.) For that, you’d need to step up to the HERO5 or HERO6 models.
All Video Modes of the GoPro HERO Session
| Resolution | FPS | FOV | Dimensions | Aspect Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1440p | 30 | Ultra Wide | 1920x1440 | 4:3 |
| 25 | Ultra Wide | 1920x1440 | 4:3 | |
| 1080p SuperView | 48 | Ultra Wide | 1920x1080 | 16:9 |
| 30 | Ultra Wide | 1920x1080 | 16:9 | |
| 25 | Ultra Wide | 1920x1080 | 16:9 | |
| 1080p | 60 | Ultra Wide | 1920x1080 | 16:9 |
| Medium | 1920x1080 | 16:9 | ||
| 50 | Ultra Wide | 1920x1080 | 16:9 | |
| Medium | 1920x1080 | 16:9 | ||
| 30 | Ultra Wide | 1920x1080 | 16:9 | |
| Medium | 1920x1080 | 16:9 | ||
| 25 | Ultra Wide | 1920x1080 | 16:9 | |
| Medium | 1920x1080 | 16:9 | ||
| 960p | 60 | Ultra Wide | 1280x960 | 4:3 |
| 50 | Ultra Wide | 1280x960 | 4:3 | |
| 30 | Ultra Wide | 1280x960 | 4:3 | |
| 25 | Ultra Wide | 1280x960 | 4:3 | |
| 720p SuperView | 60 | Ultra Wide | 1280x720 | 16:9 |
| 50 | Ultra Wide | 1280x720 | 16:9 | |
| 30 | Ultra Wide | 1280x720 | 16:9 | |
| 25 | Ultra Wide | 1280x720 | 16:9 | |
| 720p | 100 | Ultra Wide | 1280x720 | 16:9 |
| Medium | 1280x720 | 16:9 | ||
| 60 | Ultra Wide | 1280x720 | 16:9 | |
| Medium | 1280x720 | 16:9 | ||
| 50 | Ultra Wide | 1280x720 | 16:9 | |
| Medium | 1280x720 | 16:9 | ||
| 30 | Ultra Wide | 1280x720 | 16:9 | |
| Medium | 1280x720 | 16:9 | ||
| 25 | Ultra Wide | 1280x720 | 16:9 | |
| Medium | 1280x720 | 16:9 | ||
| 480p | 120 | Ultra Wide | 848x480 | 16:9 |
| 100 | Ultra Wide | 848x480 | 16:9 |
The Latest Model: GoPro HERO11 Black
Released in the fall of 2022, the HERO11 is GoPro's current model. Well, actually two models.
First, there's the flagship Black that has all the bells and whistles and sets the standard for action cameras.
- Shoot 5.3K60 & 4K120 video at up to 120Mbps bitrate
- Take 27MP photos
- Waterproof to 33ft / 10m without a separate housing
- Built-in mount point
- HyperSmooth 5.0 In-camera Video Stabilization creates smooth video without a gimbal
- Shoot up to 8x slow motion
A couple of months later, they released Black Mini. It's smaller and shares many of the flagship models capabilities, but it's also stripped-down in important ways. For instance, it doesn't have a touchscreen, its battery isn't removable, and it shoots video only (so no photo mode).
- Shoot 5.3K60 & 4K120 video at up to 120Mbps bitrate
- Compact form factor
- Waterproof to 33ft / 10m without a separate housing
- 2x built-in mount point
- HyperSmooth 5.0 in-camera video stabilization
- Shoot up to 8x slow motion @ 2.7K
- Built-in battery
Great info on your page. I’m fairly new at being a Go Pro owner. I have a Hero4 Session and I mainly use it to shoot underwater. My question is this. Every video I take underwater (shooting in south Florida waters, generally very clear, sometimes deal with suspended particulate if the surf is heavy or it’s close to tide change, varying light levels) starts off with a heavy green hue, then it eventually shifts to normal tint. Are you familiar with this issue, and if so, what steps can I take to correct it? The actual image quality is sharp and clear, but the green hue is very distracting. Thank you in advance for your time and help. -JP