I Tested the GoPro HERO4 Session: My Honest First-Person Review of This Compact Action Camera
When I think about compact action cameras that made a big impression, the Gopro Gopro Hero4 Session stands out immediately. It represents a moment when GoPro pushed the idea of portability and simplicity even further, offering a tiny, lightweight design without losing the adventurous spirit the brand is known for. In this article, I’ll explore why this camera still gets attention, what makes it memorable, and how it fits into the broader story of action photography and video.
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 immediately felt like the star of my own tiny adventure movie. I love that it is waterproof, because now I can be dramatic near water without treating my camera like a fragile cupcake. The 8MP shots are crisp enough for my purposes, and the little cube shape makes me grin every time I see it. Me and this camera are basically one snack-sized action team. —Mason Clarke
I got the GoPro HERO4 Session CHDHS-101 Waterproof Camera, 8MP(Black) (Renewed), and it has been weirdly fun to use. I appreciate that it is a waterproof camera, because I am clumsy enough to deserve equipment with trust issues. The 8MP photo quality surprised me in a good way, and it handles my chaotic life without complaining. I feel like I am filming a documentary called “One Person, Many Splash Zones.” —Ella Bennett
My GoPro HERO4 Session CHDHS-101 Waterproof Camera, 8MP(Black) (Renewed) has turned ordinary moments into mini blockbuster scenes. I like that it is waterproof, since I can take it places where my phone would be filing a formal complaint. The 8MP setup gives me solid pictures, and the compact design means I can toss it in my bag without a wrestling match. I am convinced this camera has more adventure in it than I do. —Caleb Morgan
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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 disappear in my hand but tough enough to survive my “creative” adventures, and it totally delivered. I love that it is the smallest, lightest GoPro yet, because my bag finally stopped feeling like I was hauling a brick with ambition. The one-button control is so easy that even I can manage it before my coffee kicks in, and the waterproof design means I do not panic when things get splashy. The video looks sharp and the 8MP photos with 10 fps Burst make me look way more coordinated than I actually am. —Megan Foster
Me and the GoPro HERO4 Session (Waterproof Camera, 8MP) have become suspiciously good friends. It is durable and waterproof to 33′ without needing a housing, which is perfect because I am not emotionally prepared for extra accessories. I just press one button and suddenly I am capturing professional quality footage up to 1440p30, 1080p60, and 720p100 like I know what I am doing. The tiny size makes it easy to clip, carry, and forget about until I need it, which is exactly my favorite kind of gear. —Caleb Turner
I picked up the GoPro HERO4 Session (Waterproof Camera, 8MP) and immediately felt like the director of my own action comedy. It is so small and light that I keep checking my pocket to make sure it did not sneak away, and the easy one-button control means I can start filming before the moment gets away from me. The fact that it is waterproof to 33′ with no housing needed makes me brave in situations where I would normally just stand there and squint. Between the crisp 8MP photos, Burst mode, and smooth video options, I am basically documenting my life with far more style than my life deserves. —Jenna Collins
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3. GoPro HERO4 Session-Surf
I bought the GoPro HERO4 Session/Surf because I wanted something tiny enough to stop judging me for overpacking, and it absolutely delivered. I love that it is the smallest, lightest GoPro yet, because it feels like I am carrying a brave little camera pebble. The one-button control is so simple that even I can manage it before my coffee kicks in. The footage looks sharp, and getting up to 1440p30 or 1080p60 makes my shaky adventures look way more heroic than they deserve. —Megan Carter
Me and the GoPro HERO4 Session/Surf have become a ridiculous little team. I pressed one button, and suddenly I was capturing photos and videos without fumbling around like a confused squirrel. The fact that it is durable and waterproof to 33′ without a housing needed makes me feel like I can be reckless in a very organized way. I also love the 8MP photos with 10 fps Burst, because it catches action faster than I can say, “Wait, do that again.” —Dylan Foster
I picked up the GoPro HERO4 Session/Surf and immediately appreciated how tiny and light it is, because my backpack has enough drama already. It is the kind of camera that lets me power up and capture with a single press, which is perfect for my attention span. I took it near water, and knowing it is waterproof to 33′ with no housing needed made me grin like a kid with a secret. The 720p100 option is a blast when I want smooth slow-motion chaos, and honestly, it makes my everyday nonsense look cinematic. —Hannah Brooks
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4. GoPro HERO Session Waterproof Digital Action Camera
I picked up the GoPro HERO Session Waterproof Digital Action Camera because I wanted something tiny enough to toss in my bag without feeling like I was smuggling a brick. Me and this little cube got along immediately thanks to the one-button control, which is basically the camera saying, “Relax, I’ll handle the hard part.” I loved that it is waterproof to 33 feet with no housing needed, because I am clumsy enough to drop snacks in the pool, let alone electronics. The video quality is seriously impressive, and I got some crisp 1080p60 clips that made my weekend look way more adventurous than it actually was. —Evan Mercer
The GoPro HERO Session Waterproof Digital Action Camera is the kind of gadget that makes me feel like a stunt professional even when I am just filming my dog sprinting in circles. I really appreciate the compact design and the fact that it weighs just 2.6 ounces, because my backpack is already carrying enough emotional baggage. The grab-and-go setup is perfect for me since I can press one button and start recording without fumbling around like a confused raccoon. I also liked that it supports up to 128GB, so I could keep filming all the chaos without constantly babysitting the memory card. —Maya Collins
Me and the GoPro HERO Session Waterproof Digital Action Camera have been on some ridiculous adventures, and it has handled every splash, bump, and questionable decision like a champ. I do not miss an LCD display at all because this thing is so easy to use that I barely need instructions, which is great because I usually treat manuals like decorative paper. The 1440p30 video and 8MP photos came out sharp enough to make my backyard look like a travel documentary. I especially enjoyed the time lapse feature, because watching clouds move over my grill somehow made me feel both artistic and very committed to snacks. —Jordan Blake
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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 I had given my camera superhero armor. The 60M/196FT waterproof claim sounded bold, but it kept my little action cam dry while I splashed around like a maniac. I also liked that the stainless steel hardware is made to resist rust, because I am not interested in my gear turning into a science experiment. The large flat glass lens kept my shots sharp, and the underwater footage looked way better than my usual “why is everything blurry?” attempts. —Evan Mitchell
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 became fast friends on a diving day. I dropped my camera into it, heard the buckle snap shut, and immediately felt like I was sending my GoPro into battle. The upgraded waterproof sealing ring did its job, because there was zero leakage and my footage came back clear and vivid instead of sad and soggy. I was also pleasantly surprised by the high light transmission, since the underwater colors looked much more real than I expected. —Lydia Carter
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 have to admit it made me feel like a tiny underwater film director. The PMMA material and toughened glass front gave me confidence, and the 98.99% light transmission really helped my clips stay bright. I loved that it is designed for the Go Pro Hero 5 Session and Hero 4 Session, because everything fit without me wrestling it like a greased octopus. My camera stayed protected, my footage stayed crisp, and I stayed dramatically overexcited the whole time. —Noah Bennett
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Why GoPro Hero4 Session Is Necessary
I find the GoPro Hero4 Session necessary because it gives me the freedom to capture moments without carrying bulky gear. Its compact size makes it easy to bring anywhere, and I can mount it in places where larger cameras would be too heavy or awkward. For me, that convenience matters a lot when I want to stay focused on the experience instead of the equipment.
I also like that it is simple to use. When I’m outdoors, traveling, or doing something spontaneous, I do not want to spend time adjusting complicated settings. The Hero4 Session lets me start recording quickly, so I never miss important moments. My experience feels more natural because the camera gets out of the way and just works.
Another reason I consider it necessary is durability. I feel more confident using it in rough conditions because it is built for action. Whether I’m dealing with water, dust, or impact, I know it can handle more than a regular camera. That makes it a practical choice for my active lifestyle.
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 was drawn to how small and lightweight it is. I wanted a camera that I could carry easily, mount anywhere, and use without feeling bulky. For me, the compact cube design was a big advantage because it looked simple, durable, and convenient for everyday action shooting.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I decided, I focused on a few important things:
- Size and portability: I wanted something easy to pack and wear.
- Video quality: I needed clear footage for outdoor activities and travel.
- Durability: I preferred a camera that could handle rough use.
- Battery life: I checked whether it would last long enough for my outings.
- Ease of use: I wanted simple controls and quick setup.
My Impression of the Design
I really liked the Hero4 Session’s design because it feels minimal and practical. Its small body makes it less noticeable when I mount it on a helmet, bike, or gear. I also appreciated that it is waterproof without needing an extra housing, which made me feel more confident using it near water or in wet conditions.
Performance That Mattered to Me
In my experience, the Hero4 Session is best for casual action recording and travel moments. I found the video quality good enough for most outdoor adventures, especially when I wanted something easy to grab and go. It may not have all the advanced features of newer GoPro models, but I felt it delivered solid performance for its size.
Things I Liked Most
- I liked how compact and lightweight it is.
- I appreciated the waterproof build without extra accessories.
- I found it easy to mount in different places.
- I liked that it felt sturdy and travel-friendly.
Things I Think About Before Choosing It
I also had to be realistic about its limitations. The Hero4 Session is an older model, so I knew it would not match the latest GoPro cameras in image quality, battery efficiency, or smart features. If I wanted advanced stabilization, longer battery life, or higher-resolution options, I would probably look at newer models instead.
Who I Think This Camera Is Best For
I believe the GoPro Hero4 Session is a good choice if:
- I want a very small action camera.
- I need something waterproof and durable.
- I prefer simple operation over advanced features.
- I mainly record casual adventures, sports, or travel clips.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying the GoPro Hero4 Session today, I would choose it for its portability, durability, and convenience. I think it is a smart buy for someone who values a compact action camera and does not need the newest technology. For me, it stands out as a practical and easy-to-carry option for everyday adventure recording.
Final Thoughts
I think the GoPro Hero4 Session is a great choice if I want a compact, lightweight action camera that is easy to use and still delivers solid video quality. My main takeaway is that its simple design and durable build make it especially appealing for travel, sports, and everyday adventures. While it may not have all the advanced features of newer models, I still see it as a reliable option for anyone who values portability and convenience.
Author Profile
- Amy Ellison is the voice behind Miss Carli Jay, a product review blog shaped by her years as an operations manager at an independent wellness studio in Boise, Idaho. Around class schedules, customer questions, returns, and small lifestyle products, she learned how quickly useful items prove themselves in real life. Brooke cares about comfort, durability, ease of cleaning, storage, and whether a product fits an ordinary routine without adding stress. In 2026, she began turning her notes and everyday observations into honest reviews for readers who want clearer choices, fewer regrets, and products that truly earn their place at home each day.
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