GoPro Hero5 Session User Manual

							2021
CAPTURING TIME LAPSE CONTENT
In Time Lapse  mode, HERO5 Session has three capture modes:
Time Lapse Photo: Captures a series of photos at specified 
intervals. Use this mode to capture photos of any activity, then 
choose the best ones later.
Night Lapse Photo: Captures a series of photos at set intervals 
when the lighting is dark. The shutter remains open longer to let 
in more light in dark environments. 
Time Lapse Video: Creates video from frames captured at 
specific intervals. Time Lapse Video is available only in 4K, 2.7K 
4:3, and 1080p resolutions and is captured without audio
 
CAPTURING TIME LAPSE CONTENT  
The fastest way to capture time lapse content in the capture mode that 
you used last time is to use QuikCapture
 (page 11). But if you want to 
change the time lapse capture mode or settings, follow the steps below.
1.  Press the Menu  button to turn on the status screen. 
2.  Select a capture mode  (Time Lapse Photos, Night Lapse, or Time 
Lapse Video) and settings:
a.  Press the Menu  button repeatedly to move to Camera Settings, 
then press the Shutter  button [
 
 ] to select it.
b.  Press the Shutter  button repeatedly until you get to the Time 
Lapse icon [  
 ]. 
c.  Press the Menu  button to move to the next field, then press the 
Shutter  button repeatedly to select a capture mode.
d.  To change a setting, press the Menu  button to move to the 
setting, then press the Shutter  button repeatedly to display the 
option that you want. e. 
Press the Menu  button to move to the check mark, then press the 
Shutter  button to confirm the selection.
3.  Press the Shutter  button. Your camera beeps once, then beeps once 
for each photo that is captured. The camera status lights blink during 
capture. 
4.  To stop capturing, press the Shutter  button.
CAPTURING TIME LAPSE CONTENT 
						

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CONTROLLING YOUR GOPRO WITH  
YOUR VOICE
You can control your HERO5 Session with your voice using a set of specif\
ic 
commands (see list below). 
Note: Voice Control performance may be impacted by distance, wind, and noisy 
conditions. Keep the product clean and clear of debris.
USING VOICE CONTROL  
Voice Control works best in close proximity to your GoPro. 
Note: When you first turn on your camera, your GoPro allows you to select a voice 
control language. You can change your voice control language later through the   
Capture app. 
1.  Press the Menu  button to turn on the status screen.
2.  Press the Menu  button repeatedly to move to Voice Control, then 
press the Shutter  button [
 
 ] to select it.
3.  Turn on Voice Control:
a.  Press the Shutter  button to select On.
b.  Press the Menu   button to move to the check mark.
c.  Press the Shutter  button to confirm the selection.
4.  Say a command from List of Voice Commands
 (page 23).
5.  Turn off Voice Control:
a.  Press the Shutter button to select Off.
b.  Press the Menu   button to move to the check mark.
c.  Press the Shutter  button to confirm the selection.
PRO TIP: To extend the voice control of your camera in windy and noisy 
environments, use Remo (Waterproof Voice Activated Remote). For detail\
s, 
visit  gopro.com.  
CONTROLLING YOUR GOPRO WITH   
YOUR VOICE
LIST OF VOICE COMMANDS  
Two types of commands are available with Voice Control:  
•  Action commands let you immediately capture video or photos. For 
example, if you just stopped recording video, you can say the command 
to take a photo or begin capturing time lapse—without having to first\
 
change the mode.
•  Mode commands are useful if you want to quickly select a mode and 
then use the Shutter button to capture. 
Your camera does not need to be in a specific mode to capture video or 
photos. You can use the action commands from any mode. Your camera 
captures video or photos based on the settings you previously selected.
Action Command Description
GoPro start recording Starts capturing video
GoPro HiLight  Adds a HiLight Tag to video during 
recording
That was sick Adds a HiLight Tag to video during 
recording
GoPro stop recording Stops capturing video
GoPro take a photo Captures a single photo
GoPro shoot burstCaptures burst photos
GoPro start time lapse Starts capturing time lapse
GoPro stop time lapse Stops capturing time lapse
GoPro turn off Powers off the camera 
						

							2425
Mode CommandDescription
GoPro Video mode Changes the camera mode to Video   
(does not capture video)
GoPro Photo mode Changes the camera mode to Photo 
mode (does not capture photos)
GoPro Burst mode Changes the camera mode to Burst 
mode (does not capture burst photos)
GoPro Time Lapse mode Changes the camera mode to Time 
Lapse (does not capture time lapse 
photos)
For the most updated list of commands, visit gopro.com/help.
PRO TIP :  If you are recording video or time lapse, you must stop recording 
before issuing a new command. 
CONTROLLING YOUR GOPRO WITH   
YOUR VOICE
PLAYING BACK CONTENT ON A COMPUTER  
To play back your video and photos on a computer, you must first offload\
 
these files to a computer. 
1.  Download and install Quik for desktop from gopro.com/apps.
2.  Transfer your files to your computer. For more information, see 
Offloading Your Content
 (page 27).
3.  Use the app to play back the files.
PLAYING BACK CONTENT ON A MOBILE DEVICE 1.  Connect your camera to Capture. For more information, see Accessing 
All Modes and Settings
 (page 28) .
2.  Use the controls on the app to play back your footage on your 
smartphone/tablet.
PRO TIP : While playing back your video on a computer or mobile device, 
you can add HiLight Tags to mark the best moments. In Capture or 
Quik for desktop, tap the HiLight Tag icon.
PLAYING BACK YOUR CONTENT 
						

							2627
OFFLOADING YOUR CONTENTOFFLOADING YOUR CONTENT
OFFLOADING YOUR CONTENT TO A COMPUTER 
To view your video and photos on a computer, you must first transfer the\
se 
files to a computer. Transferring also frees up space on your microSD ca\
rd 
for new content.
1.  Download and install Quik for desktop from gopro.com/apps.
2.  Connect the camera to your computer using the included USB cable. 
3.  Press the Shutter  button [
 
 ] to power on the camera and open the 
importer in the app. 
4.  Follow the on-screen instructions in Quik.
PRO TIP : To offload files to a computer using a card reader (sold 
separately) and your computer’s file explorer, connect the card read\
er to 
the computer, then insert the microSD card. You can then transfer files \
to 
your computer or delete selected files on your card.
UPLOADING YOUR CONTENT TO THE CLOUD  
With a subscription to GoPro Plus, you can upload your content to the 
cloud and then view, edit, and share it from any of your devices. From y\
our 
mobile device, use the Quik
™ app to edit content from the cloud and share 
it with your friends. 
Note: When you upload your content to the cloud, your original files remain on your camera.
1.  Subscribe to GoPro Plus:
a.  Download the Capture app to your mobile device from the Apple® 
App Store© or Google Play™.
b.  Follow the app’s on-screen instructions to connect your camera.
c.  If this is the first time you are connecting to the app, follow the 
on-screen instructions to subscribe to GoPro Plus. Otherwise, tap 
[ 
 ]  next the image of your camera and follow the instructions. 2. 
Connect your camera to a power outlet. When the battery is charged, 
automatic upload to the cloud begins.
Note: Once you set up Auto Upload, you do not need to connect your camera to the 
Capture app to use this feature.
The files in the cloud are optimized for the web, so might not be full 
resolution. To offload files in their full resolution, connect your came\
ra 
to the Quik app for desktop and offload the files to your computer.
3.  To access content in the cloud from your mobile device, connect to the 
Capture app and tap  [ 
 ]  next to the image of your camera.
4.  Download the desired content to your phone, then use the Quik app to 
edit and share.
PRO TIP : After you subscribe to GoPro Plus, you can use Quik for desktop 
to offload your files to your computer. Quik then uploads the files to y\
our 
GoPro Plus account. 
						

							2829
To access all modes and settings, connect your camera to a GoPro 
remote (sold separately) or the Capture app. Settings are saved after \
you 
disconnect the camera.
CONNECTING TO THE CAPTURE APP 
Capture lets you change all modes and camera settings using a smartphone\
 
or tablet. Features include full camera control, live preview, playback \
and 
sharing of content, and camera software updates. To learn more, visit 
gopro.com/apps .
Note: When your camera is connected to the app or remote, it remains on in standby 
mode after capturing video or photos.
1. Download Capture to your mobile device from the Apple© App Store© 
or Google Play™.
2.  Follow the app’s on-screen instructions to connect your camera.
PAIRING WITH THE REMOTE   
The Smart Remote lets you change capture modes and settings, power 
your GoPro on/off, start/stop recording, and add HiLight Tags. 
Note: HERO5 Session is compatible with the Smart Remote and the Wi-Fi Remote.
1.  On the camera, press the Menu  button to turn on the status screen. 
2.  Press the Menu  button repeatedly to move to Connection Settings, 
then press the Shutter  button [
 
 ] to select it. 
3.  Press the Menu  button to move to Connect New Device, then press 
the  Shutter  button to select it.
4.  Press the Shutter  button to display GoPro RC.
5.  Press the Menu  button to move to the check mark, then press the 
Shutter  button to confirm the selection.  The camera automatically 
begins pairing.
6.  Put the remote into pairing mode. For more information, see the user 
manual for your remote at gopro.com/help.
ACCESSING ALL MODES AND SETTINGSACCESSING ALL MODES AND SETTINGS
CONNECTING AFTER PAIRING  
After connecting your camera to the app or remote for the first time, yo\
u 
can connect in the future through the Connection Settings menu. On the 
camera, press the Menu  button to turn on the status screen. 
1.  Press the Menu  button repeatedly to get to Connection Settings, then 
press the Shutter  button [
 
 ] to select it. 
2.  Press the Shutter  button to select Turn On Connection. The Wireless 
icon [ 
 ] appears on the camera status screen.
TURNING OFF WIRELESS FROM THE CAMERA  
When you turn off your camera with the Capture app or a GoPro remote, 
wireless remains on so that you can quickly reconnect. To save battery 
power, turn off wireless when you are finished using it.
1.  Press the Menu  button to turn on the status screen.
2.  Press the Menu  button repeatedly to get to Connection Settings, then 
press the Shutter  button [
 
 ] to select it. 
3.  Press the Shutter  button to select Turn Off Connection. The Wireless 
icon [ 
 ] disappears from the camera status screen. 
						

							3031
VIDEO MODE: CAPTURE MODES
Video mode contains three capture modes: Video, Video + Photo, and 
Looping. Each capture mode has its own settings.
VIDEO 
This capture mode is for traditional video capture. The default settings\
 are 
1080p30 Wide, with Video Stabilization turned on. For more information, 
see these topics:
HERO5 Session Video Resolutions (page 36)
Video Stabilization (page 39)
Interval (Video) (page 40)
Auto Low Light (page 40)
Protune (page 52)
VIDEO + PHOTO  
Video + Photo captures photos at set intervals while you record video. T\
he 
default settings are 1080p30 Wide, with the interval set at 5 photos per\
 
second. Photos are captured at 10MP with a 4:3 aspect ratio. For more 
information, see these topics:
HERO5 Session Video Resolutions (page 36)
Interval (Video) (page 40)
  LOOPING VIDEO
 
Use Looping to you continuously record video, but save only the moments 
that you want. For example, if you select a 5-minute interval, only the 
previous 5 minutes are saved when you press the Shutter button to stop 
recording. If you record for 5 minutes and do not press the Shutter butt\
on 
to stop recording and save, the camera records a new 5-minute interval b\
y 
recording over your previous 5 minutes of footage. 
This capture mode is useful when you are recording events that contain 
long periods of inactivity that you don’t want to save, such as fishi\
ng or 
recording from a car dashboard. 
The default settings for Looping are 1080p30 Wide, with the interval set\
   
at 5 minutes. Looping is not available in 4K, 2.7K, 2.7K 4:3, and 1440p.\
  
For more information, see these topics: 
HERO5 Session Video Resolutions (page 36)
Interval (Video) (page 40)
 
VIDEO MODE: CAPTURE MODES 
						

							3233
VIDEO MODE: SETTINGS
VIDEO RESOLUTION 
Video resolution (RES) refers to the number of horizontal lines in the\
 video. 
For example, 720p means that the video has 720 horizontal lines, each wi\
th 
a width of 1280 pixels. Higher numbers of lines and pixels result in gre\
ater 
detail and clarity. So, a video with resolution of 4K is considered high\
er 
quality than 720p because it consists of 3840 lines, each with a width o\
f 
2160 pixels.  Use this table to help you determine the best resolution for your activi\
ty. 
Also consider the capabilities of your computer or TV to be sure your 
hardware can support the selected resolution.
Video Resolution
Best Use
4K Stunning high-resolution video with professional 
low-light performance. 8MP stills available from 
video. Recommended for tripod or fixed position 
shots.
2.7K 16:9 resolution video downscales to provide 
stunning, cinema-quality results for professional 
productions. 
2.7K 4:3 Recommended for body-mounted, ski-mounted 
or surfboard-mounted shots. Provides large 
viewing area.
1440p Recommended for body-mounted shots. Aspect 
ratio of 4:3 captures a larger vertical viewing 
area, compared to 1080p. High frame rate yield 
the smoothest, most immersive results for high-
action capture. Great for sharing to social media.
1080p Great for all shots and for sharing to social 
media. High resolution and frame rate yield 
stunning results. This resolution is available in all 
FOVs and its high FPS option (90fps) enables 
slow motion during editing.
VIDEO MODE: SETTINGS
4K
2.7K 4:3
2.7K1440p
1080p
960p
720p 
						

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VIDEO MODE: SETTINGS
Video ResolutionBest Use
960p Use for body-mounted shots and when 
 
slow motion is desired. Aspect ratio of 4:3 
provides large viewing area and smooth results 
for high action capture.
720p Good for handheld shots and when slow motion 
is desired.
 
FRAMES PER SECOND (FPS)  
Frames per second (FPS) refers to the number of video frames that are 
captured in each second. 
When selecting a resolution and FPS, consider the activity that you want\
 
to capture. Higher resolutions result in greater detail and clarity, but\
 are 
generally available at lower fps values. Lower resolutions result in les\
s 
detail and clarity, but support higher FPS values, which are important f\
or 
capturing motion. Higher FPS values can also be used to create slow-
motion videos.
ASPECT RATIO  
GoPro video resolutions use two aspect ratios: either 16:9 or 4:3. Stand\
ard 
televisions and editing programs use 16:9. Footage shot in 4:3 is 33% 
taller, but must be cropped to 16:9 for playback on a TV. (If footage i\
s not 
cropped, it appears with black bars on the sides of the image.) FIELD OF VIEW (FOV) 
 
The field of view (FOV) refers to how much of the scene (measured in 
degrees) can be captured through the camera lens. Wide FOV captures the\
 
largest amount of the scene, while Narrow FOV captures the least.
The FOV options that appear are based on the selected resolution and fps\
.
FOV Best Use
SuperView SuperView delivers the world’s most immersive 
field of view. Good for body-or gear-mounted 
shots. More vertical 4:3 content is automatically 
stretched to full-screen 16:9 for stunning wide-
screen playback on your computer or TV.
Wide Large field of view that is good for action shots 
where you want to capture as much as possible 
within the frame. This FOV results in a fisheye 
look, especially around the edge of the scene. 
(You can crop that out during editing, if needed.)
Medium Mid-range field of view that has the effect of 
zooming in on the center of the shot.
Linear Mid-range field of view that removes the 
fisheye effect found in the Wide FOV. Good for 
capturing aerial footage or any other shot where 
you want to remove the distortion.
Narrow Smallest field of view. Good for capturing 
content at a distance. Its most significant effect 
is that it zooms in on the center of the shot.
VIDEO MODE: SETTINGS 
						

							3637
VIDEO MODE: SETTINGS
HERO5 SESSION VIDEO RESOLUTIONS
Video 
Resolution 
(RES)FPS 
(NTSC/
PAL)
1FOV
Screen 
 
Resolution Aspect 
Ratio
4K  30/25Wide 3840x216016:9
2.7K  
48/48
 Medium 2704x152016:9
2.7K 30/25
24/24SuperView, Wide, 
Medium, Linear
2704x1520
16:9
2.7K 4:3 30/25Wide 2704x20284:3
1440p 60/50
 
48/48  
30/25  
24/24 Wide
1920x14404:3
1080p 90/90Wide 1920x108016:9
 1 NTSC and PAL refer to the video format, which depends on your region. For more 
information, see Video Format  (page 57). 
VIDEO MODE: SETTINGS
Video   
Resolution 
(RES) FPS 
(NTSC/
PAL)
FOV
 
Screen   
Resolution Aspect 
Ratio
1080p 60/50SuperView, 
Wide, Linear 1920x1080
16:9
1080p 30/25
 
24/24 SuperView, 
Wide, Medium, 
Linear, Narrow
1920x1080
16:9
960p 100/100
 
60/50  
30/25 Wide
1280x9604:3
720p 120/120Wide 1280x72016:9
720p 60/50
30/25SuperView, 
Wide, Medium
1280x720
16:9
For more information about resolution, FPS, or FOV, see these topics:
Video Resolution (page 32)
Frames per Second (page 34)
Field of View (FOV) (page 35) 
						

							3839
VIDEO MODE: SETTINGS
High Resolutions/High Frame Rates
 
When capturing video at high resolutions or high frame rates in warm 
ambient temperatures, the camera may become warm and use more power.
In addition, lack of airflow around the camera and using the camera with\
 the 
Capture app further increase camera temperature and power consumption, 
and decrease camera recording time.
If the camera gets too hot, a message appears on the screen indicating 
that the camera is shutting down. For details, see Important Messages
 (page 61). 
When recording in high-performance video modes, capture shorter video 
clips when in stationary use, and/or limit your use of features that inc\
rease 
power consumption, such as the GoPro Capture app. To control your 
camera remotely at higher temperatures, use a GoPro remote or Remo 
(Waterproof Voice Activated Remote) (both sold separately) instead   
of Capture.
V I D E O S TA B I L I Z AT I O N
This setting adjusts the footage to offset for motion during capture.  T\
he 
result is smoother footage, especially in activities with relatively sma\
ll but 
fast motion including cycling, motorcycling, and handheld uses. The opti\
ons 
for this setting are On (default) and Off. 
Video Stabilization is not available for 4K or frame rates higher than 6\
0 fps. 
For Wide FOV, the image is cropped 10%. This setting is not available fo\
r 
Video + Photo or Looping video.
PRO TIP:  The more narrow the FOV, the greater the effect of Video 
Stabilization.
VIDEO MODE: SETTINGS