The GoPro Hero 5 Session is a waterproof action camera that was launched by GoPro in September 2018. It’s a nice, compact camera for action sports & travel photography. The key features of this camera include a small durable design, 4K video, and 10MP photo capabilities.

But, is the GoPro Hero 5 Session worth buying? We’ll find out in this post by comparing the Hero 5 Session with its closest competitor – the DJI Action 2.

 

GoPro Hero 5 Session: Key Specifications


Here are the key specs of the GoPro Hero 5 Session camera:

  • Dimensions: 1.43 x 1.5 x 1.5 inches
  • Weight: 75 grams
  • Video Capture Resolution: 4K, 2.7K, 1440p, 1080p
  • Photo: 10 MP
  • Waterproof: Yes, down to 33 feet (10meter)
  • Connectivity: USB, WiFi, Bluetooth
  • Image Stabilization: Yes
  • Voice Control: Yes
  • Image Capture Speed: 48 fps (2.7K)
SPECIAL SALE
GoPro Hero5 Session, 1080p
  • The GoPro Hero 5 session includes: Hero5 session camera, standard frame, curved...
  • Make sure your GoPro is charged; To charge your camera, use USB cable and a computer...
  • Additional GoPro Hero5 session features + benefits below on item page; Photos are...

 

Full Comparison With DJI Action 2


Here are the main features of the GoPro Hero 5 Session, and how it compares with the DJI Action 2 on each of these parameters:

Design

The Hero 5 Session is a really simple action camera. It is, literally, a small cube that features just two buttons and one side flap that houses the USB-C port and MicroSD card slot. The shutter button on the top also acts as a power-on switch and will start recording video automatically. It is waterproof to 33 feet (10m) without housing.

The Hero 5 Session weighs 75 grams. In comparison, the DJI Action 2 comes in at a feather-light 57 grams. Design-wise the DJI Action 2 is quite similar to the GoPro Hero 5 Session, but it features a premium, smart modular design. You get one of two additional modules in the box, either a front display with a battery or just the battery. But, please note that while the main unit is waterproof to 10m (just like Hero 5 Session), its modules aren’t water-resistant without a case.

Video Quality

Hero 5 Session tops out at 4K/30fps, which is a huge upgrade over the previous Session’s 1440p/30fps. In 2.7K resolution, the Hero 5 Session is limited to a maximum of 48fps, while at 1440p – it tops out at 60fps. But, when you compare the resolution Hero 5 Session with the DJI Action 2, the former falls short. The DJI Action can record 4K videos at 120fps – which means you can shoot some amazing slow-motion shots at 4K resolution.

As for the quality of the Hero 5 Session’s video, it’s much improved over the old Session, and almost at parity with the Hero 5 Black. The old Session recorded videos at a bitrate of 25Mb/s, while Hero 5 Session now records at 60Mb/s. In comparison, the DJI Action 2’s max video bitrate is way higher at 130 Mb/s.

Photo

In the Hero 5 Session, the photos are captured at 10MPwith a 4:3 aspect ratio, while in the case of DJI Action 2, the photo resolution is 12MP. So, the DJI Action 2 is the clear winner here.

Audio

Onboard the Hero 5 Session, you get two microphones. Therefore, the audio is average. The DJI Action 2, on the other hand, has four microphones on board so you get crystal clear audio for your videos.

Field of View

The Hero 5 Session offers a 150-degree wide FOV while the DJI Action 2 offers a super-wide FOV of 155 degrees. Also, DJI offers this FOV at 4K too, but in the case of Hero 5 Session, you get it at 2.7K max.

 

GoPro Hero 5  Session Battery Life


The GoPro Hero 5 Session sports a built-in 1000 mAh Lithium-ion battery. Here’s the approximate recording time that you’ll achieve when shooting with Hero 5 Session:

  • 4K @ 30fps – 80 minutes
  • 2.7K @ 30fps – 100 minutes
  • 1080p @60fps – 95 minutes
  • 1080p @30fps – 115 minutes
  • 720p @120fps – 120 minutes

Please note that these are just the approximate values of the Hero 5 battery life. The exact battery life of your GoPro on a single charge depends upon various factors. For example, if you have enabled all the features on your Hero 5 Black camera, you probably won’t be able to achieve full 90 minutes of 4K@30fps recording time.

Can GoPro Hero 5 record while charging?

No. When the GoPro Hero 5 camera is recording, its battery won’t charge even if it’s inside the camera and you have connected the camera to a power source.

Can I use GoPro Hero 5 without battery?

Yes. You can run the GoPro Hero 5 without battery, provided it’s connected to an external power source via the USB-C cable. However, without battery, the moment that the AC power to the camera stops, the will turn off immediately.

How to Extend You GoPro Hero 5 Session Battery Life

Here are some tips to extend the GoPro Hero 5 battery life:

5 Tips for Saving and Extending your GoPro Battery Life (HERO 6/7/8/9/10/11/12)

 

 

 

Should You Buy GoPro Hero 5 Session?


Based on the above comparison between the GoPro Hero 5 Session and the latest action camera by DJI – the DJI Action 2, it’s pretty clear that the Hero 5 Session lags behind in almost all aspects, whether it is the resolution, design, or audio performance. And, that’s quite unsurprising, considering the fact that the Hero 5 Session was launched more than three years ago.

To add to this, the Hero 5 Session is discontinued by GoPro. So, you won’t find a new Hero 5 Session on the GoPro official website. On Amazon, it is priced more than its more recent and advanced competitors (including the DJI Action 2).

Therefore, it’s definitely not a great idea to buy a GoPro Hero 5 Session. You have many better options available on the market today, which include: the DJI Action 2 (of course), and the Insta360 ONE R, and the GoPro Hero 11 mini.

Check out the full comparison of GoPro Hero 5 Session and GoPro Hero 11 mini by clicking this link.

Have a look at these cameras below:

DJI Action 2

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DJI Action 2 Dual-Screen Combo (32GB) WITHOUT Magnetic Protective Case, 4K Action Camera with Dual OLED Touchscreens, 155° FOV, Magnetic Attachments, Stabilization, Underwater Camera Ideal
  • Snap Into Your Environment - Action 2's innovative magnetic design allows you to...
  • Action on the Go - The ultra-compact DJI Action 2 takes up next to no room in your...
  • Footage That Speaks for Itself - Record stunningly smooth 4K/120fps [2] video with...

Insta360 ONE R Twin Edition

SPECIAL SALE
Insta360 ONE R Twin Edition – Action Camera & 360 Camera with Interchangeable Lenses, Stabilization, IPX8 Waterproof, Touch Screen, AI Editing
  • 5.7K 360 + 4K Wide Angle: ONE R Twin Edition transforms on the fly from a 360-degree...
  • FlowState Stabilization: FlowState achieves gimbal-like image stabilization without...
  • Super 5.7K: The Dual-Lens 360 Mod raises the bar with Super 5.7K resolution,...

GoPro Hero 11 mini

SPECIAL SALE
GoPro HERO11 Black Mini - Compact Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K60 Ultra HD Video, 24.7MP Frame Grabs, 1/1.9" Image Sensor, Live Streaming, Stabilization
  • The Power of HERO11 Black. Only Smaller plus Lighter: Get the same high-performance...
  • 1-Button Simplicity with Easy plus Pro Controls: HERO11 Black Mini makes capturing...
  • High-Res Video plus Frame Grabs: HERO11 Black Mini’s amazing 5.3K footage gives you...

 

 

Thanks for reading!

I hope this post helped you know whether you should buy the GoPro Hero 5 Session 🙂

 

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