Everyone loves a GoPro camera, and no doubt it'll be a top seller this holiday season. But this year there are even more GoPro models to choose from than last year! So we put together this quick guide and comparison table to showcase the differences between the new GoPro Hero6 and Fusion versus the older Hero5, Hero5 Session, and Hero Session. This should help you make an informed buying decision and find the best GoPro for your needs (and budget).
Compare GoPro Camera Models: Fusion, Hero6, Hero5, Hero5 Session, & Session
GoPro Hero6 In Review
The new GoPro Hero6 is this year's top of the line (full sized, non-VR) GoPro camera with 2x the performance of the Hero5, improved image stabilization, enhanced QuickStories, Touch Zoom, and 3x faster offload for transferring your photos and video via the 5GHz band. As far as improvements to image and video quality go, the Hero6 can record at up to 4k60 video resolution and take photos at 12 megapixels and 30 frames per second. It has improved color accuracy and exposure to retain more image details and preserve real-world color, as well as better low-light performance with a higher ISO than previous models (which also helps to reduce blurred shots). The Hero6 now supports exposures of up to 10 seconds in automatic mode, where the Hero5 was limited to 2 seconds. And the Hero6 has a faster frame rate of image processing, so it's able to shift from dark to bright regions significantly faster. Last but not least, the Hero6 boasts improvements to Auto White Balance capabilities for more accurate automatic scene detection and a new feature that enables automatic detection of underwater scenes (you can take down to 33 feet). Although it looks almost identical to the Hero5 (probably a good thing because you can share accessories), the Hero6 comes packed with enhancements to its photo and video capabilities – which is where it matters – and still comes with features you expect like Wifi, Bluetooth, voice control, a touch display. And of course it's waterproof up to 33ft.
- HERO6 black automatically sends your footage to your phone where the app turns it into a quik story...
- With 4k60 and 1080p240 video, HERO6 black delivers 2x the performance compared to HERO5 black with...
- With our most advanced video stabilization yet, HERO6 black captures super smooth footage, whether...
- Now featuring touch zoom and an updated UI, the 2 inch display makes it easy to frame shots, change...
- Featuring 5 GHZ Wi-Fi, you can copy photos and videos over to your phone 3x faster than with HERO5...
GoPro Hero5 In Review
The GoPro Hero5 boasts a 12MP camera and up to 4K resolution video. Although outperformed by it's Hero6 big brother, this camera is still a great buy with its built-in waterproof capabilities (no case needed), one button controls, Wifi + Bluetooth auto-upload capabilities, wind reduction, voice control, video stabilization, touch display, location capture, and the ability to capture RAW + WDR Photos. The Hero5 was the premiere version of the GoPro last year and still a great buy this year too.
- Stunning 4k video and 12MP photos in single, burst and time lapse modes charger not included
- Durable by design, Hero5 black is waterproof to 33 feet (10 meter) without a housing
- Additional GoPro Hero5 black features + benefits below on item page time lapse photo intervals: 05,...
- Preview and playback your shots, change settings and trim your footage, all on your GoPro
- Note: Check user manual on technical specification and instruction video available before use; audio...
GoPro Hero5 Session In Review
The Hero5 Session is almost identical to the Hero 5 in specs, except in a smaller and more compact form – which may be a big plus if size matters to you. The Session only offers a 10MP camera (instead of a 12MP on the Hero 5), but like it's big brother, handles up to 4K video. Other than camera resolution, what you're sacrificing for a more compact size is a touch display, location capture, and ability to capture RAW + WDR Photos. Also note that if you're looking for compatibility with the GoPro Karma Drone, you'll need to go with the Hero5 or Hero6 because the Sessions are too small.
- The GoPro Hero 5 session includes: Hero5 session camera, standard frame, curved adhesive mount, flat...
- Make sure your GoPro is charged; To charge your camera, use USB cable and a computer or charge...
- Additional GoPro Hero5 session features + benefits below on item page; Photos are captured at 10 mp...
- A single press of the shutter button powers the camera on and starts recording automatically
- Refer user manual and installation manual below for software update instructions; Operating system...
GoPro Hero Session In Review
With the Hero Session you still get the benefit of a smaller and more compact camera compared to the Hero 5/6 and traditional GoPro models, but you lose a few key features like voice control, video stabilization, and the ability to auto-upload to the cloud. Additionally the Hero Session only offers an 8MP camera (as opposed to 10MP on the Hero 5 Session) and 10 frames per second burst mode (as opposed to 30 FPS). For the smaller price tag, you're also sacrificing 4k video, as the Hero Session only records up to 1440P30 video resolution.
- Simple, grab and go operation with a compact, waterproof design and weight of just 2.6 ounce (74...
- Easy one button control press the button once to power on the camera and begin capturing video or...
- Designed to withstand extreme environments and conditions, Hero session is waterproof to 33 feet (10...
- Additional GoPro Hero session features + benefits below on item page; Hero session camera supports...
- Stunning GoPro video quality records stunning 1440p30, 1080p60 and 720p100 video; powerful photo...
Coming Soon: GoPro Fusion
Right now you can Pre-Order the Fusion and it's expected to ship on or before Nov 30th. We will update this article when the Fusion is available for sale to the public.
Are GoPro cameras too expensive?
GoPro is as much a lifestyle brand at this point as it is an action camera, and some travelers are just looking for a quality and affordable sports & action camera and can sacrifice the GoPro name for a less expensive price tag. For that reason, I've also created this list of Best (And Cheaper) GoPro Camera Alternatives which you should check out to see some comparable action cameras that are less than half the price of a GoPro.
Questions? Suggestions? Drop a comment below and let us know your experience with your GoPro or which action camera you prefer instead.
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Last update on 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API