My GoPro Hero4 Session ready for business today.
My new GoPro showed up yesterday. I upgraded from the Hero2 to the Hero4 Session. I've had my Hero2 since 2012, so an upgrade was due. My Hero2 worked perfectly, but I like the more compact and lighter version that is the Hero4, along with its built in wireless capability making it able to connect through the GoPro app on my phone to upload to Instagram and Facebook.
I took it out for its first ride today on our conditioning ride (gallops). Here's a clip from that ride:
I have to say, I haven't found a con with it yet, and don't forsee finding any. This has been a perfect upgrade. The things I like the most are 1) the weight, and 2) the way you start recording.
It is noticeably lighter. The Hero2 would take a couple minutes to get used to because it was a noticeable difference. The Session, no adjustment needed. I really couldn't tell anything was on my helmet.
With the Hero2 I would have to turn the camera on then hope that it was recording video and not taking burst photos. When you turned the Hero2 on it would turn on in video mode. If you held the power button on just one second longer than necessary it would turn on and sometimes end up on burst. The only way to make sure you were on video mode was to take your helmet off and visually check to make sure you were recording video. Kind of annoying.
With the Session it is one click. You press the record button and the camera turns on in video mode and begins recording. When you're ready to stop recording you hit the button and the camera stops that video and powers off. If you do want burst or time lapse photos you set the camera into either mode and when you power it on it powers on in that mode. It is SO much better with this set up. I will never have to guess if it's recording, or hear a second beep and KNOW it's not in video mode after you've already left the start box, went in the ring, etc... This design is fail safe.
Like every other GoPro, the Session is waterproof up to 10 meters. Good to know for when we go to the beach and get in the ocean. The Session requires no waterproof case, the unit itself is waterproof. Pretty awesome. I also like that this camera is black. It blends in with my helmet better.
Overall, I'm extremely happy with my upgrade and would recommend it to anyone in the market for a helmet cam.
I totally understand what you are talking about. With my Hero2 I have to take off my helmet to check the screen to see if it is in the right mode and activated. I turned off all the sounds because they sent my dog into a tizzy. The buttons are stiff through the case, so I never really know if I pushed them hard enough to get a response, yet not too hard to change the mode. It makes sense to just power on and off while activating whatever mode you want to save battery life. Also, I have to keep adjusting my helmet strap and the case because they get loose and the camera rattles around when I ride.
ReplyDeleteI've been itching for a helmet cam more and more as time goes on. Thank you for this review! Major note taken! :D
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review! Like Saiph, I have been coveting a helmet cam, but was unsure which one to get.
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