GoPro launches compact, single-button Hero4 Session camera with iPhone connectivity

Posted:
in General Discussion edited August 2015
GoPro on Monday announced a new $400 action camera, the Hero4 Session, a cube-shaped device said to be half as big and 40 percent lighter than other Hero4 models, while still offering many of the same features including wireless connectivity to Apple's iPhone.




The Session shoots 1080p60, 720p100, or 1440p30 video, and can also capture 8-megapixel photos in single, burst, or timelapse modes. As with the Hero4 Black and Silver, it offers options like Auto Low Light recording, SuperView wide angles, and stripped-down Protune video for editors who want to do more post-processing.

The camera is waterproof to a depth of 33 feet, and notably doesn't require separate housing to do so, which on other GoPros can muffle audio. To cut down on wind noise, the Session automatically switches between its two microphones.

The device is compatible with existing GoPro mounts and accessories, and comes with a new ball joint buckle mount. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi allow it to connect with a Smart Remote or the GoPro mobile app for iPhone, allowing an expanded number of controls. The Session itself features a single button -- a quick click starts video recording, while holding it down will start timelapse shooting.



The camera costs $399.99, and will go on sale July 12 through the GoPro website and camera retailers such as B&H Photo ($399.99).
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Comments

  • Reply 1 of 21
    monstrositymonstrosity Posts: 2,234member

    That's timely, was looking to replace my version 1 today.

  • Reply 2 of 21
    davendaven Posts: 721member
    Well the color rendition is getting better over the years but GoPro still hasn't dialed in that the new white is not magenta.
  • Reply 3 of 21
    cherrypopcherrypop Posts: 86member
    The Polaroid Cube's doppelganger?
  • Reply 4 of 21
    Just in time for their own Drone, that they're suppose to announce later this year.
  • Reply 5 of 21
    That GoPro $400 1080p camera makes the $1250 DJI Phantom 3 Pro which has a 4K motion stabilized camera and can FLY up to a mile away seem like a fantastic deal.
  • Reply 6 of 21
    radarthekatradarthekat Posts: 3,898moderator

    Battery life, please?

  • Reply 7 of 21
    mstonemstone Posts: 11,510member
    Quote: From the GoPro website


    The battery is built directly into the camera and offers up to two hours of recording time on a full charge. 


  • Reply 8 of 21
    SpamSandwichSpamSandwich Posts: 33,407member

    I don't know if it's just the compression of the video on YouTube, but that allegedly 1080 footage looks as bad as 480 in some spots, especially the ones with lots of high-speed action. Tons of visual artifacts.

  • Reply 9 of 21

    Can't believe GoPro used all the footage of me and my girlfriends doing awesome, extreme stuff without my permission. /s

  • Reply 10 of 21
    seanie248seanie248 Posts: 181member
    anybody know why all these cams look like they are shot with a 'fish-eye' lens?

    anything outside of the centre 30% view is 'bended'
  • Reply 11 of 21

    If a woman has a GoPro is she required to wear a bikini.   

  • Reply 12 of 21
    yojimbo007yojimbo007 Posts: 1,165member
    Coooooooooool video %uD83D%uDC4D%uD83D%uDC4D%uD83D%uDC4D%uD83D%uDC4D
  • Reply 13 of 21
    boltsfan17boltsfan17 Posts: 2,294member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by DaveN View Post



    Well the color rendition is getting better over the years but GoPro still hasn't dialed in that the new white is not magenta.

    I think its always better to shoot with Protune on and white balance native so you can adjust it yourself in editing software. 

  • Reply 14 of 21
    boltsfan17boltsfan17 Posts: 2,294member
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by seanie248 View Post



    anybody know why all these cams look like they are shot with a 'fish-eye' lens?



    anything outside of the centre 30% view is 'bended'

    They are like that since they are action cams. You really want the widest angle possible. When you edit videos in the Gopro software, you can turn the fisheye effect off. 

  • Reply 15 of 21
    libertyforalllibertyforall Posts: 1,418member

    A measly 2 hours battery life?  *rolls eyes*

     

    http://shop.gopro.com/hero4/hero4-session/CHDHS-101.html

  • Reply 16 of 21
    nolamacguynolamacguy Posts: 4,758member
    "no wireless streaming. costs more than an Apple Watch. lame."
  • Reply 17 of 21
    chris_cachris_ca Posts: 2,543member
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by AppleInsider View Post

    The camera is waterproof to a depth of 33 feet, and notably doesn't require separate housing to do so, which on other GoPros can muffle audio.

    Because you really, really, really need to capture that audio while underwater...

    Glub, glub, glub...

  • Reply 18 of 21
    linkmanlinkman Posts: 1,046member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by seanie248 View Post



    anybody know why all these cams look like they are shot with a 'fish-eye' lens?



    anything outside of the centre 30% view is 'bended'

    Also from GoPro's website

     

    http://gopro.com/support/articles/curved-nature-pictures-videos

    Curved Nature of Pictures and Videos

    The reason GoPro videos have a slight fish-eye effect, is due to the wide angle lens on the camera. It's actually called a barrel distortion, which is a result of having the 170 degree lens. This curve/barrel distortion allows for the 170 degree ultra wide angle shots that GoPro is known for.

     

    http://gopro.com/support/articles/what-is-superview

    What does dynamic stretching mean?

    The way it works is that the camera automatically stretches out the sides of the video to fit into the 16:9 frame. The center of the frame is unchanged, only the edges are adjusted.

  • Reply 19 of 21
    mac_128mac_128 Posts: 3,454member
    A true ?Watch "Sport", that's IPX8 water resistant with a high quality front facing FaceTime camera would definitely give GoPro a run for its money for the average user in a few years.
  • Reply 20 of 21
    Take $400 and go to Polaroid. They will give you 3 extra cubes for your loved ones <3 Original Polaroid Cube available at $99
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