Key Factors
Shooting Performance
The shooting specifications are quite similar.
Shooting Features
Older HERO5 Session excels with stabilization and loop recording features.
Size and Weight Differences
HERO5 Session is smaller and lighter.
Similar Shooting Performance
The HERO (2024) and the HERO5 Session, released in 2016, are quite far apart in terms of generation, yet they share similar shooting capabilities.
Both models have a maximum resolution of 4K at 30fps, and they support frame rates of 60fps or 90fps, which are adequate for standard scenes but somewhat underpowered for action sequences. While it's understandable for the older HERO5 Session, the HERO (2024) could have benefitted from higher specs given its recent release.
In terms of shooting performance alone, there isn’t much difference between them, so either would be a fine choice if that’s the primary consideration.
Differences in Shooting Features
However, there are differences in shooting features.
The most notable distinction is stabilization. The HERO5 Session, while pre-HyperSmooth, has built-in standard stabilization. In contrast, the HERO (2024) relies on app-based post-stabilization. Additionally, the HERO5 Session includes a loop recording feature, which is absent on the HERO (2024).
Though released eight years earlier, the HERO5 Session is more robust in terms of shooting features. However, the HERO (2024) supports a maximum microSD card capacity of 1TB, a significant advantage over the HERO5 Session's 128GB limit, making the HERO (2024) better suited for extended recording.
Differences in Body Size and Design
Both the HERO (2024) and HERO5 Session are compact models without a front display. The HERO5 Session is a near-cube in ultra-compact form, while the HERO (2024) has a small, horizontally elongated design similar to the standard GoPro series. In terms of weight, the HERO5 Session is over 10g lighter.
Overall, the HERO5 Session still holds the advantage in terms of compactness and lightness.
