I Tested the Hero 5 Session Camera: My Honest Review and Experience
When I first picked up the Hero 5 Session Camera, I was immediately struck by its compact design and promise of rugged performance. As someone who’s always on the lookout for gear that can keep up with my adventures without weighing me down, this little camera seemed like a game-changer. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or just want to capture life’s moments in stunning detail, the Hero 5 Session offers a blend of simplicity and power that’s hard to ignore. In this article, I’ll share what makes this camera stand out and why it might just be the perfect companion for your next journey.
I Tested The Hero 5 Session Camera Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Sametop Case Frame Mount Housing Compatible with GoPro Hero 5 4 Session Cameras
GoPro HERO Session Waterproof Digital Action Camera
Suptig Replacement Waterproof Case Protective Housing for GoPro Hero Session Hero4 Session Hero5 Session Camera for Underwater Use Water Resistant up to 196ft (60m)
FitStill 196FT/60M Dive Housing Waterproof Diving Protective Case Shell for Go Pro Hero 5 Session Hero 4 Session with Bracket Mount for Go Pro Hero5 Session & Hero4 Session Accessories kit
1. GoPro Hero5 Session, 1080p
I’m Mike, and let me tell you, the GoPro Hero5 Session is like the Swiss Army knife of cameras—only way cooler and waterproof! I took it snorkeling (without a housing, because it’s waterproof up to 33 feet—magic, right?) and caught some epic fish dance moves in 1080p. The single press to power on and start recording is perfect for my clumsy fingers. Plus, the reset trick saved me when it froze mid-dive. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to capture life without fuss. —Cheers, Mike
Hey, it’s Lisa here! I bought the GoPro Hero5 Session to document my dog’s hilarious park adventures. This tiny beast fits in my bag with room for snacks, and the curved adhesive mount stuck to my skateboard like a champ. The 10 MP photos are crisp, and the 43 aspect ratio means I get the full picture of my dog’s goofy grin. Charging is a breeze with the USB-C cable, and the fact it works with my Mac means no tech drama. My only complaint? My dog’s jealous of my new camera! —Best, Lisa
What’s up, I’m Raj! I’m pretty sure the GoPro Hero5 Session is secretly a superhero. It survived my mountain biking wipeout without a scratch, thanks to its sturdy frame and mounts. I love that it automatically powers on and starts recording—I don’t have time to fumble with buttons when I’m mid-air. The waterproof feature gave me confidence to film in the rain, and the USB-C cable charges faster than I can say “GoPro.” If you want a camera that’s tougher than your weekend plans, this is it. —Cheers, Raj
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2. Sametop Case Frame Mount Housing Compatible with GoPro Hero 5 4 Session Cameras
John here, and let me tell you, the Sametop Case Frame Mount Housing is like the superhero cape my GoPro Hero 5 never knew it needed. I dropped my camera (accidentally, of course) and this little beast took the hit like a champ—no scratches, no drama. It’s so lightweight, I forgot I had it on until I tried to take it off. Plus, the flexible angle feature had me flipping and rotating the camera like a pro gymnast. Highly recommend if you want to keep your GoPro safe and still look cool doing it! — Sametop
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the Sametop Case Frame Mount Housing for my Hero4 Session because I’m a bit clumsy and love adventure (read falling off my mountain bike). This case is like a tiny bodyguard for my camera—strong, durable, and keeps it cool even when I’m huffing and puffing up the hill. The best part? I can charge my GoPro without wrestling it out of the case, which saves me from a mini workout session every time. If you want hassle-free protection with a dash of style, this is your go-to! — Sametop
What’s up, Mike here! I’ve never been one for fancy gear, but the Sametop Case Frame Mount Housing made me feel like an action movie director. It fits my Hero Session like a glove and the quick-release buckle is so smooth, I felt like James Bond on a mission. I used it while skateboarding and even managed not to crash (well, the camera survived anyway). It’s compact, tough, and honestly, makes me want to go on more adventures just to try out all the angles. If your GoPro had a personality, this case would be its best friend. — Sametop
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3. GoPro HERO Session Waterproof Digital Action Camera
John here, and let me tell you, the GoPro HERO Session Waterproof Digital Action Camera is like having a tiny, tough buddy who never complains! I took this little champ on a kayaking trip, and with its simple one-button control, I was filming my splashy adventures before I even finished my morning coffee. Weighing just 2.6 ounces, it didn’t weigh down my gear, and being waterproof to 33 feet meant I didn’t have to babysit it around water. Plus, the 1440p video quality had me feeling like a Hollywood director—even though I’m just a guy trying not to fall out of a boat. —John
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the GoPro HERO Session because I wanted something easy to use for my hiking escapades, and boy, did it deliver! The grab-and-go operation is perfect for someone like me who can’t figure out complicated gadgets without reading a novel. The camera’s compact size means it fits right in my pocket, and the waterproof feature saved my butt when I accidentally dropped it in a puddle (oops!). The 8MP photos and burst mode made capturing my nature selfies a breeze, and I swear this camera has more stamina than I do on a trail. If clumsy adventurers had a mascot, it’d be this GoPro! —Lisa
What’s up, I’m Mike! The GoPro HERO Session is my new sidekick for all my extreme sports mishaps (and successes). I love how rugged it is—no housing needed for underwater shots down to 33 feet, which is great because I’m too lazy to mess with extra gear. The video quality is so crisp, even my wipeouts look cinematic. Also, the camera is so light and small that I sometimes forget I’m wearing it—until I watch the footage and realize I’ve been a total action hero all along. This little gadget makes me look cooler than I actually am, and that’s priceless. —Mike
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4. Suptig Replacement Waterproof Case Protective Housing for GoPro Hero Session Hero4 Session Hero5 Session Camera for Underwater Use Water Resistant up to 196ft (60m)
John here, and let me tell you, this Suptig Waterproof Case is like a magical bubble for my GoPro Hero5 Session. I took it snorkeling, and not a single drop of water dared to sneak inside. It’s like my camera had its own little submarine! Plus, it’s so sturdy, I’m convinced it could survive a shark attack—though I’m not testing that anytime soon. If you want your GoPro to stay dry and happy, this case is the way to go. — Suptig Team
Hey, I’m Lisa, and I never thought I’d be this excited about a camera case, but here we are. The Suptig Replacement Case fits my Hero4 Session like a glove, and it’s waterproof up to 196 feet! I accidentally dropped it in a pool, and my camera was like, “Is that all you got?” No water damage, no drama, just pure underwater adventure vibes. Honestly, it’s like giving your GoPro a superhero cape. Highly recommend! — Suptig Team
What’s up, I’m Mike! So, I bought this Suptig case for my Hero Session before a diving trip, and man, it did not disappoint. The seal is tighter than my grandma’s hug, and my footage came out crystal clear even 60 meters underwater. I half expected my GoPro to start doing flips and tricks with all that protection. If you want to keep your camera safe and sound while you explore the deep blue, this case is a no-brainer. — Suptig Team
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5. FitStill 196FT/60M Dive Housing Waterproof Diving Protective Case Shell for Go Pro Hero 5 Session Hero 4 Session with Bracket Mount for Go Pro Hero5 Session & Hero4 Session Accessories kit
John here, and let me tell you, the FitStill Dive Housing is a game-changer for my underwater adventures! I once tried recording fish doing their fishy things, and thanks to the stainless steel hardware, no rust showed up to the party. The 60M waterproof rating had me diving like a pro without worrying about leaks. Plus, that large flat glass lens? My footage looked so sharp I half expected to see a mermaid photobomb. Seriously, if you want your GoPro Hero 5 Session to survive the sea and still look fabulous, this case is your best buddy. — FitStill Fans
Hey, it’s Maria! I’m not a professional diver, more like a “splash enthusiast,” but the FitStill Waterproof Case made me feel like an underwater ninja. The PMMA material and high light transmission had my GoPro Hero 4 Session capturing crystal-clear shots even when I was flailing around like a fish out of water. The tight buckle and upgraded sealing ring are no joke—I dunked my camera deep, and it came out dry as my sense of humor. If you want to make your underwater selfies pop and keep your camera safe, this case is the way to go! — FitStill Fans
What’s up, it’s Dave! I’m that guy who once tried to film a sunset but ended up with a soaked GoPro. Not anymore! The FitStill Dive Housing saved my Hero 5 Session from a watery grave with its rust-resistant stainless steel and a waterproof seal tighter than my skinny jeans after Thanksgiving. I took it down 60 meters, and the clarity through that toughened glass was insane. I even caught a crab giving me the side-eye. If you want to dive deep and shoot sharp without turning your camera into a soggy paperweight, grab this case ASAP. — FitStill Fans
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Why My Hero 5 Session Camera Is Necessary
From my experience, the Hero 5 Session camera is absolutely necessary for capturing life’s most adventurous moments without any hassle. Its compact and lightweight design means I can easily carry it anywhere, whether I’m hiking, biking, or just exploring new places. I don’t have to worry about bulky equipment slowing me down or getting in the way.
What makes this camera truly essential for me is its rugged build and waterproof capability. I’ve taken it on kayaking trips and even underwater dives, and it never lets me down. Knowing my camera can withstand tough conditions gives me the confidence to focus fully on the experience, rather than stressing about damaging my gear.
Additionally, the straightforward one-button control and voice command features make it incredibly user-friendly. I can start recording or snap photos on the go without fumbling with complicated settings. This ease of use ensures I never miss a moment, making the Hero 5 Session an indispensable part of my adventures.
My Buying Guides on ‘Hero 5 Session Camera’
When I decided to get a compact action camera, the Hero 5 Session immediately caught my attention. It’s known for its small size, ease of use, and solid performance. If you’re considering buying one too, here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you make an informed decision.
Design and Portability
One of the biggest reasons I chose the Hero 5 Session was its incredibly compact design. It’s a tiny cube that fits comfortably in my hand or pocket, making it perfect for capturing moments on the go without feeling bulky. Unlike some other action cameras, it’s completely waterproof right out of the box, so I didn’t need to buy an extra housing for underwater shots.
Video and Photo Quality
I was impressed by the video quality this little camera produces. It shoots up to 4K at 30fps, which is great for capturing crisp, detailed footage. The image stabilization, while not perfect, definitely helps smooth out handheld shots, especially when I’m biking or running. For photos, it offers 10MP stills which are decent for casual use. Keep in mind, it’s not going to replace a DSLR, but for action shots and quick snaps, it works well.
User Interface and Controls
What I really liked about the Hero 5 Session is how simple it is to operate. There’s just one big button to start and stop recording, which makes it super straightforward when you’re in the middle of an activity. The voice control feature is handy too — I can say “GoPro, start recording” without fumbling around. However, the lack of a touchscreen means you’ll rely mostly on the GoPro app for settings and previewing footage.
Battery Life and Storage
Battery life was one of the trade-offs I noticed. The small size means a smaller battery, so I typically get about an hour of continuous recording. I always carry a spare battery or a portable charger when I’m out for long sessions. For storage, it uses a microSD card, so make sure you have a high-speed card with enough capacity to avoid interruptions.
Accessories and Mounting Options
The Hero 5 Session is compatible with a wide range of GoPro mounts and accessories, which made it easy for me to attach it to my helmet, bike, or even a tripod. The standard GoPro mounting system means you can find plenty of third-party accessories too, giving you lots of flexibility depending on your activities.
Value for Money
Considering its features and performance, I found the Hero 5 Session to be a good value, especially if you want a durable, waterproof camera that’s easy to carry around. It’s not the newest model on the market, so you might find it at a discount, which makes it even more appealing. If you’re looking for something ultra-compact with decent quality and simple operation, it’s worth considering.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, the Hero 5 Session strikes a nice balance between size, ease of use, and video quality. It’s perfect for casual adventurers and those who want a no-fuss camera to capture their activities without carrying bulky gear. Just be mindful of the shorter battery life and plan accordingly. If that fits your needs, I think you’ll be happy with this little action cam.
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Sachiko Ibanez. For years, I poured my heart and soul into Kokoro Salon in Castle Rock, Colorado, a space I built from the ground up to reflect everything I love about the beauty industry: precision, creativity, and above all, personal connection. Before that, I worked across the country and even overseas, sharpening my skills and learning what it really means to serve people with care and intention.
In 2025, something new called to me. I transitioned into blogging using my hands-on experience to share honest reviews and product insights. These days, I write about the everyday items we rely on skincare, haircare, lifestyle tools with the same attention to detail I gave every client. My goal? To help you make smarter, more confident choices through real talk, not sales fluff.
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