Hey guys! Ready to dive into the world of action cameras? The GoPro HERO4 Session might be a small cube, but it's packed with features. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get the most out of your HERO4 Session. Let's get started!

Understanding the Basics of GoPro HERO4 Session

Let's kick things off with the basics. The GoPro HERO4 Session is designed to be simple and user-friendly. Its one-button control makes it super easy to start recording. Understanding its key features and how to navigate them is the first step to capturing amazing footage.

First, let's talk about the physical design. The HERO4 Session is a tiny cube, making it incredibly portable and versatile. It's waterproof right out of the box, so you don't need an extra housing for most water activities. This is a huge plus for anyone into surfing, swimming, or just being around water. The camera has a single button on top and a small status screen that displays essential information.

The one-button control is where the magic happens. A single press turns the camera on and starts recording video. Another press stops the recording and turns the camera off. If you want to take photos, just press and hold the button for a few seconds. The camera will beep to let you know it’s taking a photo. Simple, right?

The status screen might be small, but it provides crucial information. It shows the recording mode (video or photo), battery level, and how much storage space you have left on your microSD card. Make sure to keep an eye on this screen, especially during longer shoots, so you don’t run out of battery or storage unexpectedly.

For more advanced settings, you’ll need to use the GoPro app on your smartphone or tablet. The app connects to the camera via Wi-Fi and allows you to change settings like resolution, frame rate, and field of view. We’ll dive deeper into the app later, but for now, just know that it’s your gateway to unlocking the full potential of the HERO4 Session.

Key Features

• Waterproof Design: No extra housing needed for depths up to 33 feet (10 meters).
• One-Button Control: Simple and intuitive operation.
• Compact Size: Easy to mount and carry around.
• Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Connect to the GoPro app for advanced control and sharing.
• Dual Microphone System: Captures enhanced audio, especially in windy conditions.

Initial Setup: Getting Your GoPro HERO4 Session Ready

Before you start filming your epic adventures, you need to set up your GoPro HERO4 Session. This involves inserting a microSD card, charging the battery, and connecting to the GoPro app. Don't worry; it's a straightforward process.

First, you’ll need a microSD card. The HERO4 Session requires a microSD card to store your photos and videos. Make sure it’s a high-quality card from a reputable brand. GoPro recommends using a Class 10 or UHS-I card for best performance. The card slot is located on the side of the camera, behind a small door. Open the door and gently slide the microSD card into the slot until it clicks into place.

Next up, charging the battery. The HERO4 Session has an internal battery that you charge via a USB cable. Plug the cable into the camera and connect it to a USB power source, like your computer or a wall adapter. The status light on the camera will turn red while charging and turn off when fully charged. It usually takes about two hours to fully charge the battery, so plan accordingly.

Now, let's connect to the GoPro app. This is where you can really customize your camera settings. Download the GoPro app from the App Store (for iOS devices) or Google Play Store (for Android devices). Once installed, open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to connect to your HERO4 Session. You’ll need to enable Wi-Fi on your camera and connect to its network using your smartphone or tablet.

Once connected, the app will give you a live preview of what the camera sees. This is super useful for framing your shots and making sure everything looks good. The app also allows you to change settings like resolution, frame rate, field of view, and more. Take some time to explore the different settings and see what works best for your needs.

Pro Tip: Always format your microSD card using the GoPro app before you start recording. This ensures that the card is properly formatted for the camera and can help prevent errors.

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Insert a microSD card (Class 10 or UHS-I recommended).
2. Charge the battery using a USB cable.
3. Download and install the GoPro app on your smartphone or tablet.
4. Connect to the camera via Wi-Fi.
5. Format the microSD card using the GoPro app.

Recording Videos and Taking Photos

The primary function of the GoPro HERO4 Session is, of course, to capture videos and photos. Understanding how to use the one-button control and adjust settings for different scenarios is crucial for getting the best results. Let's break it down.

Recording Videos is incredibly simple. Just press the button on top of the camera once. The camera will turn on and immediately start recording video. The status light will blink red to indicate that it’s recording. To stop the recording, press the button again. The camera will save the video and turn off. That's it!

For taking photos, press and hold the button for a few seconds. The camera will beep to let you know it’s taking a photo. By default, the camera will take a single photo. However, you can change this setting in the GoPro app to take burst photos or time-lapse photos. Burst mode is great for capturing action shots, while time-lapse is perfect for capturing slow-moving events like sunsets or clouds.

Adjusting settings is where the GoPro app comes in handy. Open the app and connect to your camera. You’ll see a range of options for customizing your video and photo settings. For video, you can adjust the resolution (e.g., 1080p, 1440p), frame rate (e.g., 30fps, 60fps), and field of view (FOV). Higher resolutions and frame rates will give you better quality video, but they’ll also take up more storage space.

The field of view determines how much of the scene is captured in the frame. The HERO4 Session offers different FOV options, including Wide, Medium, and Narrow. Wide FOV is great for capturing expansive landscapes or action shots, while Narrow FOV is better for close-ups or reducing distortion.

For photos, you can adjust the resolution, set a timer, and choose between different shooting modes like single, burst, and time-lapse. Experiment with different settings to find what works best for your specific needs.

Pro Tip: Use the GoPro app to frame your shots, especially when mounting the camera in hard-to-reach places. This ensures that you’re capturing the right angle and composition.

Quick Guide to Recording

• Video: Single press to start/stop recording.
• Photo: Press and hold for a few seconds.
• Settings: Adjust resolution, frame rate, and FOV in the GoPro app.

Using the GoPro App for Advanced Control

The GoPro app is your secret weapon for unlocking the full potential of the HERO4 Session. It allows you to control the camera remotely, adjust settings, view and download footage, and even share your adventures with the world. Let's explore its key features.

Remote Control is one of the most useful features of the GoPro app. It allows you to start and stop recording, take photos, and adjust settings from your smartphone or tablet. This is especially handy when the camera is mounted in a hard-to-reach place or when you want to avoid disturbing the action.

The app provides a live preview of what the camera sees, making it easy to frame your shots and ensure you’re capturing the right angle. You can also use the app to zoom in and out, although the HERO4 Session doesn’t have optical zoom, so you’ll be using digital zoom, which can reduce image quality.

Adjusting Settings is another key function of the app. You can change almost every setting on the camera, including resolution, frame rate, field of view, white balance, and more. Take some time to explore the different settings and see what works best for your specific needs. For example, if you’re shooting in low light, you might want to adjust the white balance to improve the color accuracy.

Viewing and Downloading Footage is a breeze with the GoPro app. You can browse through your photos and videos, preview them, and download them to your smartphone or tablet. This is great for quickly sharing your adventures on social media or backing up your footage.

The app also allows you to edit your videos directly on your mobile device. You can trim clips, add music, and apply filters to create professional-looking videos in minutes. While the mobile editing tools are not as powerful as desktop software, they’re perfect for making quick edits on the go.

Sharing Your Adventures is easy with the GoPro app. You can share your photos and videos directly to social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. You can also share them via email or messaging apps. The app even allows you to create highlight reels, which are short videos that showcase your best moments.

Pro Tip: Keep your GoPro app updated to the latest version to ensure you have access to the latest features and bug fixes.

Key App Features

• Remote Control: Start/stop recording, take photos, and adjust settings remotely.
• Live Preview: Frame your shots with a real-time view.
• Adjust Settings: Customize resolution, frame rate, FOV, and more.
• View and Download Footage: Browse, preview, and download your photos and videos.
• Edit Videos: Trim clips, add music, and apply filters.
• Share Adventures: Share your photos and videos on social media.

Mounting Tips and Accessories

The GoPro HERO4 Session's compact size and versatile mounting options make it easy to capture unique perspectives. Whether you're attaching it to your surfboard, helmet, or bike, there's a mount for every situation. Let's explore some essential mounting tips and accessories.

Basic Mounts are the foundation of any GoPro setup. These include adhesive mounts, which stick to flat or curved surfaces, and tripod mounts, which allow you to attach the camera to a standard tripod. Adhesive mounts are great for attaching the camera to helmets, vehicles, or surfboards, while tripod mounts are perfect for stationary shots or time-lapses.

Body Mounts allow you to capture immersive POV footage. These include chest mounts, head mounts, and wrist mounts. Chest mounts are great for activities like hiking, biking, or skiing, while head mounts are perfect for activities where you want to capture what you’re seeing. Wrist mounts are ideal for activities like surfing or kayaking, where you need to keep your hands free.

Specialty Mounts are designed for specific activities. These include bike mounts, which attach to your handlebars or seat post, and suction cup mounts, which attach to smooth surfaces like car windows or windshields. Bike mounts are great for capturing your cycling adventures, while suction cup mounts are perfect for capturing driving footage.

Essential Accessories can enhance your GoPro experience. These include extra batteries, which ensure you never run out of power, and waterproof housings, which provide extra protection in extreme conditions. You might not need a waterproof housing since the HERO4 Session is already waterproof, but if you're planning on diving deeper than 33 feet (10 meters), you’ll need one.

Another useful accessory is a floating hand grip. This allows you to keep your camera afloat if you drop it in the water. This is especially useful for water sports like surfing, kayaking, or snorkeling.

Pro Tip: Always test your mounts before you start recording to ensure they’re secure and positioned correctly. This can save you from losing your camera or capturing unusable footage.

Mounting Ideas

• Helmet Mount: Capture POV footage of your adventures.
• Chest Mount: Get immersive shots while hiking or biking.
• Bike Mount: Record your cycling journeys.
• Suction Cup Mount: Capture driving footage from your car.
• Floating Hand Grip: Keep your camera afloat during water activities.

With these tips and tricks, you'll be well on your way to mastering the GoPro HERO4 Session and capturing some incredible footage. Happy shooting!