GoPro Hero5 Black vs Hero5 Session vs Hero Session, How Are They Different?

After more than a year and a half of waiting, GoPro fans - including myself - can finally celebrate as the American tech giant has just formally announced the update to its very popular Hero action cameras!

Yesterday, the company unveiled three new devices under this line.

We have the flagship GoPro Hero5 Black:

And then, there's the pocket-friendly, cube-shaped GoPro Hero5 Session as well as its look-alike, GoPro Hero Session:

So how are these models different from each other, exactly?

Let's start with the more expensive GoPro Hero5 Black.

This action cam combines the strengths of its predecessors - the Hero4 Black and Silver - and incorporates a slew of new features to further enhance video quality and user experience.

Previously, consumers had to choose between higher video resolution and touch display with the two earlier models. Now, they won't have to.

The Hero5 Black can record 4K videos at 30 frames per second and shoot 12MP RAW photos on top of also featuring a 2-inch touchscreen.

But apart from that, it now has a waterproof construction protecting it from water ingress when submerged in up to 10 meters of liquid (so you won't need that transparent plastic enclosure that came with the Hero4 variants), a GPS receiver for capturing location data, advanced wind noise reduction, improved video stabilization, and voice control that lets you start or stop recording clips just by talking to the device.

GoPro Hero5 Black dons an SRP of $399.99 USD (or Php 19,100 with current conversion) and is now available in some key markets around the world.

Looking at its specs-sheet, it's clear that the $299.99 (Php 14,350) Hero5 Session is but a smaller Hero5 Black that lacks a touchscreen, GPS receiver, and RAW photo shooting capability.

The Waterproof GoPro Hero5 Session can also record 4K videos at 30fps (as well as 2K at 60fps and FullHD at 90fps) and is likewise equipped with advanced wind noise reduction, enhanced video stabilization, and voice control support.

$399.99 GoPro Hero5 Black and $299.99 GoPro Hero5 Session the new GoPro Plus online storage service that automatically backs-up or uploads photos and videos taken using the device to the cloud while they are being charged.

That's one feature that owners of the $199.99 GoPro Hero Session won't be able to enjoy.

The most affordable member of this series also lacks 'improved video stabilization', 4K video recording capability - maxing out at only 2K resolution at 30 frames per second (on top of FullHD 60fps) - and can only shoot 8 MegaPixel shots instead of 10MP stills resolution of the more expensive Session.

Nonetheless, this version is also waterproof - not requiring a separate shell when being submerged to a depth of up to 33 feet or 10 meters - and has advanced wind noise reduction.

With every new set of products, GoPro aims to help everyone capture and share their lives’ most meaningful experiences with others -- so they can celebrate these moments together, making life more fun.