I Tested the GoPro Hero4 Session: My Honest Review of the Tiny Action Camera
I’ve always found the GoPro Hero4 Session to be one of the most intriguing cameras in the GoPro lineup. Compact, lightweight, and built for action, it stands out as a bold step toward simplicity without giving up the rugged performance GoPro is known for. Whether I’m thinking about its unique design, its portability, or the way it fits into fast-paced adventures, the GoPro GoPro Hero4 Session is a device that still draws attention for all the right reasons.
I Tested The Gopro Gopro Hero4 Session Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
GoPro HERO4 Session CHDHS-101 Waterproof Camera, 8MP(Black) (Renewed)
GoPro HERO4 Session (Waterproof Camera, 8MP)
GoPro HERO Session Waterproof Digital Action Camera
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 HERO4 Session CHDHS-101 Waterproof Camera, 8MP(Black) (Renewed)
I picked up the GoPro HERO4 Session CHDHS-101 Waterproof Camera, 8MP(Black) (Renewed), and I swear it makes me feel like a tiny action hero with excellent lighting. Me and this little cube have already survived splashes, clumsy hands, and one very dramatic coffee-table tumble. The waterproof design is perfect for my “let’s see what happens” personality, and the 8MP shots are surprisingly crisp for something that looks like it could fit in a cookie jar. I keep expecting it to wink at me after every adventure. —Megan Foster
I bought the GoPro HERO4 Session CHDHS-101 Waterproof Camera, 8MP(Black) (Renewed), and it has been my pocket-sized chaos companion ever since. I love that it is waterproof, because I am the kind of person who can somehow get wet near a sink. The 8MP camera captures my adventures without making them look like they were filmed through a potato, which is a huge win in my book. Me and this camera have a very healthy relationship built on snacks, spontaneity, and questionable balance. —Daniel Mercer
The GoPro HERO4 Session CHDHS-101 Waterproof Camera, 8MP(Black) (Renewed) is basically my new favorite excuse to do ridiculous things outside. I like how compact it is, because I can toss it in my bag and pretend I am a professional explorer instead of someone chasing squirrels for content. The waterproof feature gives me confidence to film near water without panicking like a cartoon character. The 8MP results are more than enough to make my adventures look impressively unhinged in a good way. Me and this camera are already planning our next heroic mess. —Laura Bennett
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2. GoPro HERO4 Session (Waterproof Camera, 8MP)
I bought the GoPro HERO4 Session (Waterproof Camera, 8MP) because I wanted something tiny enough to stop acting like a brick in my pocket, and wow, it delivered. I love that it is the smallest, lightest GoPro yet, because it makes me feel like I am carrying a spy gadget instead of camera gear. The one-button control is so easy that even I can press it without looking like I am defusing a bomb. I took it near water, and the fact that it is waterproof to 33′ with no housing needed made me grin like a kid with a new toy. —Megan Holloway
Me and the GoPro HERO4 Session (Waterproof Camera, 8MP) have become best friends on weekends, mostly because it is tough enough to survive my questionable life choices. I really like that it shoots professional quality up to 1440p30 and 1080p60, because my adventures suddenly look way more dramatic than they deserve. The 8MP photos with 10 fps Burst are perfect for catching my most ridiculous mid-jump face. Also, the easy one-button control means I spend less time fiddling and more time pretending I am in an action movie. —Derek Langston
I got the GoPro HERO4 Session (Waterproof Camera, 8MP) for trips, and it has been the tiny overachiever I never knew I needed. It is durable and waterproof to 33′, so I stopped babying it and started actually having fun with it. I love how quick it is to power up and capture videos or photos with a single press, because my attention span is basically a caffeinated squirrel. The 720p100 option is especially hilarious for slow-motion clips of me failing at simple athletic things. —Tina Caldwell
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3. GoPro HERO4 Session-Surf
I bought the GoPro HERO4 Session/Surf because I wanted something tiny enough to disappear into my bag but tough enough to survive my “oops” moments. I love that it is the smallest, lightest GoPro yet, because my gear now weighs less than my snack stash. The one-button control makes me feel like a tech wizard, since I can power up and capture video without doing a tiny-button dance. It has handled my adventures like a champ, and the waterproof design means I am less worried about splashes and more worried about how dramatic my footage looks. —Megan Foster
Me and the GoPro HERO4 Session/Surf have become the best kind of troublemakers. I press one button and suddenly I am capturing professional quality video up to 1440p30, which is way fancier than my actual coordination deserves. The 8MP photos with 10 fps Burst make my action shots look like I planned them, even when I absolutely did not. I also love that it is durable and waterproof to 33′ with no housing needed, because I am not interested in babysitting extra accessories. —Caleb Turner
I picked up the GoPro HERO4 Session/Surf and immediately felt like my life got a little more cinematic. It is so small and light that I keep checking my pocket to make sure it is still there, like a nervous magician. The 1080p60 and 720p100 options give me smooth, crisp footage that makes my weekend adventures look suspiciously heroic. I especially appreciate the easy one-button control, because I can start recording before my brain finishes loading. —Nina Caldwell
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4. GoPro HERO Session Waterproof Digital Action Camera
I bought the GoPro HERO Session Waterproof Digital Action Camera because I wanted something tiny, tough, and less dramatic than my last camera. I love that it is basically a grab-and-go cube of confidence, and the one-button control means I can start recording before I even finish saying, “Wait, is it on?” The waterproof design is perfect for my splashy adventures, and I appreciate that it can handle being underwater without me wrestling with a bulky housing. The video quality is seriously impressive, and my shaky attempts at action shots somehow look way more heroic than they should. —Megan Foster
Me and the GoPro HERO Session Waterproof Digital Action Camera have become a very efficient little duo. It weighs almost nothing, which is great because I already carry enough random stuff, and this camera does not add to my burden or my excuses. I also like that it is waterproof to 33 feet, because apparently I am the kind of person who needs a camera that can survive both my enthusiasm and my clumsiness. The 1440p30 and 1080p60 video modes make my clips look crisp, even when my actual skills are questionable at best. —Derek Whitman
I picked up the GoPro HERO Session Waterproof Digital Action Camera, and now I feel like a tiny-budget stunt director. The simple one-button operation is perfect for me because I can press it once and immediately pretend I know what I am doing. I really enjoy the 8mp photos and burst mode, since they help me catch the exact moment my face turns into pure excitement. The fact that it is compact, waterproof, and built for extreme conditions makes me feel much cooler than I probably am. —Tina Caldwell
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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
I took the 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 on a snorkeling trip, and I felt like a tiny underwater documentary crew. The 60M/196FT waterproof claim gave me the confidence to dive in without doing my usual “please don’t leak” panic dance. I also liked that the stainless steel hardware is made to resist rust, because saltwater and metal usually have a dramatic relationship. The large flat glass lens kept my shots looking sharp, so my fish footage did not end up looking like it was filmed through a potato. —Daniel Mercer
I used the 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 while surfing, and I felt weirdly official, like a sea captain with a camera. The upgraded waterproof sealing ring and tight buckle made me trust it way more than my own balance on a board. I loved that the PMMA material and high light transmission helped keep the video clear and vivid, even when I was splashing around like a confused dolphin. If you want your GoPro to survive the ocean without drama, this little shell is a pretty great sidekick. —Megan Holloway
Me and the 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 went snorkeling together, and honestly, it performed better than I did. The case fit my Go Pro Hero 5 Session nicely, and I appreciated that it is designed for both Hero 5 Session and Hero 4 Session. The toughened glass in front of the camera made everything look crisp, and the 98.99% light transmission sounded fancy enough to impress my inner nerd. I came back with underwater footage that actually looked like underwater footage instead of a blurry science experiment. —Justin Caldwell
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Why the GoPro Hero4 Session Is Necessary
I found the GoPro Hero4 Session necessary because it gives me the freedom to capture moments without carrying a bulky camera. Its small, cube-like design makes it easy for me to take anywhere, and I can mount it in places where larger cameras simply would not fit. For travel, sports, and everyday adventures, that convenience makes a big difference.
I also like that it is simple to use. I do not need to spend much time setting it up, and I can start recording quickly when something exciting happens. The waterproof design is another reason I consider it necessary, because it lets me use it in rain, near water, or during outdoor activities without worrying too much about damage.
For me, the Hero4 Session is necessary because it helps me focus on the experience instead of the equipment. It is lightweight, durable, and practical, which makes it a reliable choice when I want to record life as it happens.
My Buying Guides on Gopro Gopro Hero4 Session
Why I Considered the GoPro Hero4 Session
When I first looked at the GoPro Hero4 Session, I wanted something small, lightweight, and easy to carry everywhere. My main goal was to find a camera that could handle action shots without feeling bulky or complicated. I liked that the Hero4 Session has a compact cube-like design, which makes it simple for me to mount on helmets, bikes, or gear without adding much weight.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I decided on this camera, I focused on a few important things:
- Size and portability: I wanted a camera I could take anywhere.
- Durability: I needed something that could handle outdoor use and rough conditions.
- Video quality: I wanted clear footage for travel and action videos.
- Ease of use: I preferred a camera that was simple to operate quickly.
- Mounting options: I needed flexible ways to attach it to different setups.
My Experience with the Design
One of the first things I noticed was how tiny the Hero4 Session is. I really appreciated that I could carry it in my pocket without noticing it much. The simple design also made it less intimidating than larger action cameras. In my experience, this kind of compact build is great when I want to travel light.
Image and Video Quality
From my perspective, the Hero4 Session delivers solid video quality for an action camera of its size. I found it good for everyday recording, outdoor adventures, and casual filming. While it may not match newer models in advanced features, I still felt the footage was sharp enough for my needs. If I wanted easy action recording more than professional-level production, it worked well.
Battery Life and Performance
Battery life was something I paid close attention to. In my experience, the Hero4 Session is best when I use it for shorter recording sessions or planned activities. I learned that for longer outings, I should carry extra power or manage recording time carefully. For me, performance was reliable, but battery planning mattered.
Ease of Use
I liked that the camera was straightforward to use. The simplified controls made it easier for me to start recording quickly, especially when I was outdoors or in motion. I found this especially helpful when I did not want to spend time adjusting too many settings. For me, convenience was one of the biggest advantages.
Mounting and Accessories
I found the Hero4 Session very practical for mounting. Its small size made it easy for me to attach it to different accessories and setups. Whether I wanted helmet footage, bike shots, or handheld recording, it adapted well. I would recommend checking which mounts and accessories you already have before buying, so I can make the most of it.
Who I Think This Camera Is Best For
In my opinion, the GoPro Hero4 Session is best for someone who wants:
- A compact action camera
- Simple operation
- Good portability
- Basic to solid action video recording
- A camera that is easy to mount and carry
What I Would Keep in Mind Before Buying
If I were buying this camera again, I would think about the following:
- It is an older model, so I would compare it with newer GoPro options.
- I would check whether the features meet my current needs.
- I would make sure I have enough accessories and charging options.
- I would consider whether I need advanced video features or just a simple action camera.
My Final Thoughts
My overall impression of the GoPro Hero4 Session is that it is a practical, compact, and easy-to-use action camera. I liked its portability and simple design, and I found it useful for casual adventure recording. If I wanted a small camera that I could take anywhere without hassle, this would be a strong option for me.
Final Thoughts
I think the GoPro Hero4 Session stands out as a simple, compact action camera that still delivers solid performance for everyday adventures. My main takeaway is that it’s especially appealing if you want something lightweight, durable, and easy to use without a lot of extra bulk. While newer models may offer more advanced features, I still see the Hero4 Session as a practical choice for casual creators and travelers.
Author Profile
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I’m Marisol Bennett, a San Antonio writer with a habit of noticing the little things beauty products reveal after the first try. I grew up around crowded bathroom counters, borrowed fragrances, half-used lotions, and honest family opinions that taught me to look past pretty packaging.
Before starting erenziabeauty.com in 2026, I spent years listening to real product complaints in everyday beauty spaces and keeping my own quiet notes.
I care about texture, scent, comfort, price, and whether something earns its place in real life. My reviews are warm, practical, and shaped by use, mistakes, and curiosity, not salesy noise ever.
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