I use this camera for fishing, boating, and most often paintball. I've written the review below specifically regarding using this camera for recording tournament paintball:
The GoPro Hero4 Session is the best action camera I've come across yet for paintball. I personally use the camera with a Grizzly Mounts Pole Mount ($20 on Amazon). The mount is similar to other pole mounts, but that it is made of a really tough rubber. This means it won't scratch your barrel and also doesn't crack when you tighten it down or take a dive. Definitely a recommended accessory for the Hero4 Session that is useful for paintball as well as limitless other activities. I've broken down the camera review into the features of the camera that make it an excellent option for paintball players.
One-Touch Operation
The Hero4 Session is unique in the GoPro line in that it features one-touch operation. This means that the camera is powered off at all times unless the user is adjusting settings or recording. Simply press the record button, and after a couple second delay, the camera is powered up and begins to record. When finished, press the button again and the camera finishes recording and powers down. This has a couple of advantages on the paintball field.
First, it allows a single battery to last an entire day for tournament paintball. The Hero4 Session's battery is rated for about 2 hours of recording, and does not drain when the camera is not recording since the unit powers itself off. By pressing the record button before the start of each point, and pressing it again after the flag is hung, a player's entire tournament worth of play can be captured on a single charge.
The other advantage to the one-touch operation of the Hero4 Session is the simplicity of use. With previous GoPro models, the user would have to press and hold the power button, wait for the camera to power on, then cycle through the operation modes until “Video Recording” is selecting, and then finally press the record button. All of this is taken care of in one press of a button with the Hero4 Session, which is saves a ton of time while practicing, but is priceless during an XBall match where every second in the pits or walking out to the start box is precious. One touch of the button and within seconds you'll be recording.
Size and Design
The GoPro Hero4 Session is the smallest GoPro as of the time of its release. The shaved down dimensions are very noticeable when mounted on your barrel, especially if you choose to mount it upright, on top of the barrel. Previous GoPro cameras were significantly wider, which meant more of your vision was blocked when looking down the barrel while playing. The Hero4 Session is also narrow enough that it does not hit the ground when sliding and crawling with your marker sideways against the turf/grass. Maybe the most important aspect of its smaller size is the smaller target that the Session provides for your opponents.
The Hero4 Session also features a centered lens in its design. In other GoPro models and many other action cameras, the lens is placed off-center on the camera. The Session's centered lens affords the camera an unobstructed view when snap shooting on both sides of a bunker, as well as viewing straight down the barrel instead of on a slight angle. The Session captures paint streams better than ever before because of this one easily overlooked feature.
Automatic Image Rotation
The GoPro Hero4 Session features Automatic Image Rotation. This means that when the camera begins a recording while it is upside-down, it will automatically correct the video to right-side-up. This saves quite a bit of time that would otherwise be spent manually rotating the videos in computer software or changing the camera's orientation settings on other action cameras. This is an important feature for when the camera is mounted hanging below the barrel, allowing the player better vision down their barrel from above.
Exposed Microphone
One of the most important features of the GoPro Hero4 session are its exposed microphone and case-less waterproof features. Since the camera is waterproof and shockproof without a fully enclosed plastic shell, the microphone remains exposed to open air. This results in superior sound clarity that was never able to be captured with previous generation GoPro cameras. Instead of just the muffled sounds of the marker firing, the Session records the voice of the player behind the camera as well as his/her teammates on the field. This feature alone puts the Hero4 Session above other action cameras.
Price Point
The GoPro Hero4 Session comes in at a price point of $199. Compared to the other cameras in the Hero4 line, it is the most affordable below the Silver at $399 and the Black and $499. At the lowest price point, this camera still packs in features that the others do not that are essential to recording first-person paintball.
There is a newer model of this item:
GoPro Hero5 Black — Waterproof Digital Action Camera for Travel with Touch Screen 4K HD Video 12MP Photos
$398.00
(4,818)
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
$398.00
(4,818)
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
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- GoPro Hero - Compact Waterproof Action Camera with 4K Ultra HD Video, 12MP Photo, Touch ScreenAmazon's Choicein Sports & Action Video Cameras
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This Item  GoPro HERO Session Waterproof Digital Action Camera | Recommendations  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | $169.99 | -18% $203.99 Typical: $249.00 | $34.59 | -5% $349.00 Typical: $369.00 | $283.00 | $398.00 |
| Delivery | Get it as soon as Saturday, Dec 7 | Get it as soon as Sunday, Dec 8 | Get it as soon as Monday, Dec 2 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Dec 10 | Get it Dec 16 - 17 | — |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Sold By | Best Of Bargains (We Record Serial Numbers) | TTP Retail | Richer-R | Flex Panther | Port Hole Renewed | Acute Tek (We Record SN) |
| model name | GoPro HERO Session | GoPro-Hero11-Ecomm- | — | hero4 | — | GoPro |
| display size | 2 inches | — | 2 inches | 2 inches | 2 inches | 2 inches |
| optical zoom | 1 multiplier x | — | — | 1 multiplier x | 0.01 multiplier x | 1 multiplier x |
| video resolution | 1080p | 5.7K | 1080p | 1440p30 / 1080p60 / 720p100 fps | 1440p | 4K30, 2.7K60, 1080p120 Video |
| connectivity tech | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | Wireless | Wi-Fi, USB | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB |
| shooting modes | Easy | Time Lapse | [Presumed shooting modes: Outdoor, Vlogging, Travel, Sports] | Time Lapse | Time Lapse | Easy, Manual |
| lens type | Zoom | Zoom | Zoom | Zoom | Zoom | Zoom |
| optical sensor tech | CCD | — | — | CCD | MOS | CCD |
| flash memory type | Micro SD | Micro SD | Micro SD | Micro SD | Micro SD | ;;; |
| form factor | Compact | Compact, handheld, action camera design with front and rear LCD screens | Compact | Durable | Compact | Handheld |
| image stabilization | Digital | Digital | ✗ | ✗ | — | Digital |
From the manufacturer
So Small, So Simple.
HERO Session packs the power of GoPro into a convenient, grab-and-go, everyday camera. Perfect for the first-time GoPro user, or as a second camera, HERO Session is simple and easy to use. A single button powers on the camera and starts recording automatically, then when you stop recording, the camera automatically powers itself off. With 1080p60 video and 8MP photo capture, HERO Session delivers the stunning image quality that has made GoPro famous, and its rugged, waterproof design eliminates the need for a separate housing. So small, so simple, HERO Session is perfect to take on any adventure.
Features + Benefits
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High Performance Video and PhotoHigh resolution of 1440 pixels per inch delivers sharp, professional video. Frame rates up to 100 frames per second creates smooth slow-motion playback. |
Compact MountingSleek and compact, HERO Session captures amazing new perspectives. |
Time Lapse + Burst PhotosSet Time Lapse at intervals from 0.5 to 60 seconds. HERO Session can also take a burst of photos up to 10 frames per second. |
Bluetooth + WiFi.Bluetooth and WiFi make it easy to stay connected with GoPro apps, accessories and more. |
Features + Benefits
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Simple One-Button ControlA single press of the shutter button powers the camera on and starts recording automatically. |
Rugged And Waterproof.Durable by design, HERO Session is waterproof to 33 feet (10m) without a housing. |
Wear it. Mount it. Love it.Capture life in a whole new way with 30+ GoPro mounts and accessories, including Karma Grip, 3-Way, Chesty and more. |
Access + Share From Anywhere.With a GoPro Plus subscription, HERO Session can automatically upload photos and videos directly to the cloud for easy viewing, editing and sharing on the go. |
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| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now | |
| Customer Reviews |
6,462
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1,666
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1,746
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| Price | $258.00 | $241.00 | $169.99 |
| Photo | 10 MP (With WDR) | 10 MP | 10 MP |
| Video | 4K30 | 1080p60 | 1440p30 /1080p60 |
| Rugged + Waterproof | Down to 33ft (10m) | Down to 33ft (10m) | Down to 33ft (10m) |
| Intuitive Touch Screen | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Voice Control | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ | |
| GPS Performance Stickers | ✓ | ||
| Live Streaming | |||
| TimeWarp Video | |||
| Connects to Phone via Wi-Fi + Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Great little camera with good quality videos and photos
Bought this for my 12 year old to use on a trip to Hawaii. Initially I was concerned that it would be too hard to use but being the tech guy he is, he was able to figure it out and didn't have any problems on our vacation. He spent hours on end in the ocean taking pictures. He had no problems with water leaking in or switching between photo/video modes. I also purchased one for my 9 year old but it was a little too difficult for her to use. I ended up returning hers and buying her a traditional under water camera and kept the other for my son. If your child is younger he/she may have trouble figuring it out, then again maybe it was just her lack of patience that prevented her from understanding how to use it. Overall this was a fantastic purchase for my son. He has really enjoyed it.
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Top reviews from other countries
Benoit
Great little camera!
Reviewed in Canada on July 7, 2019Color: BlackSize: One SizeVerified Purchase
Rafael
Cámara ideal para iniciar en el mundo GoPro
Reviewed in Mexico on June 21, 2017Color: BlackSize: One SizeVerified Purchase
Kirubha
A sufficient sport camera for a first time enthusiast
Reviewed in India on July 25, 2018Color: BlackSize: One SizeVerified Purchase
James K
my Daughter uses it all the time loves it absolutely ...
Reviewed in Canada on February 18, 2018Color: BlackSize: One SizeVerified Purchase
Enrique
Buena cámara de acción a precio accesible
Reviewed in Mexico on May 1, 2017Color: BlackSize: One SizeVerified Purchase
