GoPro Hero 4 session User manual

QUICK START GUIDE
This Quick Start Guide will show you
the basics of capturing life’s most
incredible moments with your GoPro.
To download the full User Manual,
visit gopro.com/getstarted
CONGRATULATIONS
on your
new

SETUP
Open the side door and
insert a microSD card.
(Requires at least a Class 10 or UHS-I
microSD card up to 64GB, sold separately.)
Charge using the included
USB cable. The red status
light turns off when fully
charged.
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POWERING ON
+ RECORDING
RECORDING VIDEO
To power on the camera and
record video, short press the
Shutter/Select [ ] button.
SHOOTING TIME LAPSE PHOTOS
To power on the camera and
shoot Time Lapse photos, press
and hold the Shutter/Select [ ]
button until recording begins.
STOPPING + POWERING OFF
Short press the Shutter/Select
[ ] button. The camera stops
recording and powers off.
INFO/WIRELESS BUTTON
Get status info for battery,
microSD card and wireless,
and connect to the GoPro
App or the Smart Remote.

CONNECTING TO THE
GOPRO APP FREE
1. Download and open the
GoPro App on your phone
or tablet.
2. Follow the app’s on-screen
instructions.
(If needed, the default password for your
camera is goprohero.)
For complete pairing
instructions, visit
gopro.com/support.
MODES
DEFAULT MODES AND
SETTINGS
VIDEO:
Record video at
1080p30
TIME LAPSE:
Shoot a photo every
0.5 second
VIDEO RESOLUTIONS AND
FRAME RATES:
1080p60, 960p60, 720p100
and more
ACCESS ADDITIONAL MODES
WITH THE GOPRO APP FREE
OR SMART REMOTE*
PHOTO MODES:
Single, Time Lapse and Burst
SETTINGS:
Adjust additional camera
settings
* Sold Separately

MOUNTING TIPS
LOWPROFILE FRAME
Examples:
Helmet Mounting
STANDARD FRAME
Examples:
Vertical Surface Mounting
HERO4 Session comes with two frames that allow you to
attach the camera to any GoPro mount.
Chesty (Chest Harness)
Sold separately
SECURING THE
CAMERA IN THE
FRAME
1. Open the latch and
slide the camera
into the frame.
(The back of the frame has
a raised edge. Be sure the
back of the camera sits flush
against it.)
2. Close the latch.
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2

GOPRO APP FREE
Use the GoPro App to view
your photos and videos and
share your favorites via text,
email and social networks.
GOPRO STUDIO FREE
GoPro Studio soware is the
best way to import, play back
and edit your GoPro videos.
You can download it for free at
gopro.com/getstarted.
VIEWING, EDITING
AND SHARING
VARIABLE ORIENTATION
Position the camera with the
Shutter/Select [ ] button in
either the up or down position.
BALL JOINT BUCKLE
Use the included Ball Joint Buckle
to easily change capture angles.
FLEXIBLE
MOUNTING
TIP: During water activities, tether the frame to the mount for added
security, and use a Floaty to keep your camera afloat (sold separately).

UPDATE YOUR CAMERA
Get the most out of your GoPro
with updated features and
performance.
CREATE A GOPRO ACCOUNT
Receive updates, enter contests
and more.
DOWNLOAD THE USER
MANUAL
Find detailed info on settings,
modes and more.
WATCH TUTORIAL VIDEOS
Learn tips + tricks from the pros.
CONTACT CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Get help and find answers to
frequently asked questions.
HELP AND
RESOURCES
• HERO4 Session is waterproof
to 33’ (10m). Be sure that the
side door is securely closed
before using the camera in or
around water.
• Keep the lens clean 
avoid fingerprints.
• Before opening the side door,
be sure the camera is clean
and dry.
• Shake the camera or blow on
the mic to remove water and
debris from the mic holes. If
needed, rinse the camera with
water and dry it with a cloth.
HELPFUL TIPS
VISIT
GOPRO.COM/
GETSTARTED

130-09748-000 REVD
JOIN THE GOPRO
MOVEMENT
Find inspiration in the millions of GoPro photos and videos shared
by our customers around the world. Then share yours...and join
the movement.
Before using your GoPro camera, please read all of the precautions in
the Important Product + Safety Information included with your camera.
To see the complete list of country certifications, refer to the Important Product + Safety
Information included with your camera.

USER MANUAL

2 3
/ Join the GoPro Movement
twitter.com/GoPro
facebook.com/GoPro youtube.com/GoPro
instagram.com/GoPro
To download this user manual in a different language, visit gopro.com/support.
Pour télécharger ce manuel de l’utilisateur dans une autre langue, rendez-vous
sur gopro.com/support.
Wenn Sie dieses Benutzerhandbuch in einer anderen Sprache herunterladen
möchten, besuchen Sie gopro.com/support.
Per scaricare questo manuale utente in un’altra lingua, visita gopro.com/support.
Para descargar este manual de usuario en otro idioma, visite gopro.com/support.
Para baixar este manual do usuário em outro idioma, acesse gopro.com/support.
このユーザーマニュアルの他言語版をダウンロードするには、
gopro.com/supportに アクセ スしてくだ さ い 。 
若要下載其他語言版本的使用說明書，請前往：gopro.com/support。
如需下载本用户手册的其他语言版本，请访问gopro.com/support。
Чтобы загрузить это руководство пользователя на другом языке, посетите
страницу gopro.com/support.

4 5
The Basics 6
Getting Started 7
Capturing Video and Time Lapse Photos 16
Accessing Camera Settings 20
Camera Icons 25
Video Mode 27
Photo Mode 42
Multi-Shot Mode 45
Setup Mode 53
Protune™ 66
Transferring Files to a Computer 70
Playing Back Video and Photos 72
Important Messages 74
The Frames 77
Mounting Your Camera 80
Battery 90
Troubleshooting 95
Customer Support 101
Regulatory Information 101
/ Table of Contents / Table of Contents

6 7
CHARGING THE BATTERY
The integrated battery comes partially charged. No damage occurs
to the camera or battery if used before being fully charged.
To Charge the Battery:
1. Open the side door. 2. Charge the battery using the
included USB cable.
Note: The battery cannot be removed from the camera.
/ The Basics
1. Camera Status Screen
2. Shutter/Select Button [ ]
3. Microphone
4. Camera Status Light (red) /
Wireless Status Light (blue)
5. Micro-USB Port
6. microSD Card Slot
7. Info/Wireless Button
/ Getting Started
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/ Getting Started
The camera status lights (red) turn on during charging and turn
off when charging is complete. When charging the camera with a
computer, be sure that the computer is connected to a power source.
If the camera status lights do not turn on to indicate charging, use a
different USB port.
WARNING: Using a wall charger other than a GoPro Wall Charger
can damage the GoPro camera battery and could result in fire or
leakage. Only use chargers marked: Output 5V 1A. If you do not
know the voltage and current of your charger, use the included
USB cable to charge the camera from your computer.
/ Getting Started
For more battery information, see Battery (page 90).
WARNING: Use caution when using your GoPro as part of your
active lifestyle. Always be aware of your surroundings to avoid
injury to yourself and others.
Abide by all local laws when using your GoPro and related
mounts and accessories, including all privacy laws, which may
restrict recording in certain areas.

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INSERTING + REMOVING MEMORY CARDS
Insert the SD card at a downward angle with the label facing down.
Use brand name memory cards
(sold separately) that meet these
requirements:
• microSD, microSDHC,
or microSDXC
• Class 10 or UHS-I rating
• Capacity up to 64GB
For a list of the recommended microSD cards, visit gopro.com/support.
/ Getting Started
NOTICE: Use care when handling memory cards. Avoid liquids, dust,
and debris. As a precaution, power off the camera before inserting or
removing the card. Check manufacturer guidelines regarding use in
acceptable temperature ranges.
CAMERA SOFTWARE UPDATES
To get the latest features and best performance from your
HERO4 Session camera, make sure you are using the most current
camera soware. You can update your camera soware with the
GoPro App, GoPro Studio, or at gopro.com/getstarted.
/ Getting Started

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/ Getting Started
POWERING ON + OFF
HERO4 Session automatically powers on when
you press the Shutter/Select button [ ] to begin
capturing video or Time Lapse photos. When you
press the Shutter/Select button [ ] again to stop
recording, the camera automatically powers off to
conserve battery power.
PRO TIP: When carrying your camera in a bag or pocket, place the
camera upside down in a frame (with the Shutter/Select button [ ]
covered) to protect the camera from accidentally capturing video or
Time Lapse photos. To prevent the frame from marking the surface of
the camera, leave the latch on the frame open.
/ Getting Started
DISPLAYING STATUS INFO
Short press the Info/Wireless button to display status information
about your camera. The screen cycles through the information below,
then automatically turns off.
Note: To exit these screens sooner, press and hold the Info/Wireless button for three seconds.
• Video resolution/FPS/FOV
• Time Lapse photo resolution/
FOV/interval
• Remaining microSD card
memory for each mode
• Protune status
• Spot Meter status
• Wireless status
• Battery status

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/ Getting Started
HELPFUL TIPS
Follow these guidelines to get the best performance from
your camera:
• The camera is waterproof to 33’ (10m)—no housing needed.
Ensure that the side door is closed before using the camera in
or around water, dirt, or sand.
• Before closing the side door, be sure the seal is free of debris.
• Before opening the side door, be sure the camera is free of water or
debris. If needed, rinse the camera with water and dry it with a cloth.
• If sand or debris hardens around the side door, soak the camera
in warm tap water for 15 minutes and then rinse thoroughly to
remove the debris before opening the door.
• For best audio performance, shake the camera or blow on the mic
to remove water and debris from the microphone holes.
• Aer every use in salt water, rinse the camera with fresh water,
and dry with a so cloth.
• If the camera lens becomes foggy, let it sit with the door open until
it dries.
PRO TIP: During water activities, tether your camera for added
security and use a Floaty to keep your camera afloat (sold separately).
For more information, visit gopro.com.
/ Getting Started

16 17
When your camera is not connected to the remote (sold separately)
or the GoPro App, two capture modes are available: Video and Time
Lapse. To access more modes or change camera settings, see
Accessing Camera Settings (page 20).
CAPTURING VIDEO
The default video resolution is 1080p30.
To Start Recording Video:
Short press the Shutter/Select button [ ]. Your camera
automatically powers on, emits three beeps, and begins recording
video. The camera status lights blink while the camera is recording.
/ Capturing Video and Time Lapse Photos / Capturing Video and Time Lapse Photos
If the memory card is full or the battery is out of power, your
camera automatically stops recording and saves the video before
powering off.
To Stop Recording:
Short press the Shutter/Select button [ ]. The camera
automatically stops recording, beeps once, and powers off to
maximize battery life.
PRO TIP: You can turn off the camera status lights and your camera’s
sound. For more information, see Setup Mode (page 53).

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HILIGHT TAGGING
You can mark specific moments in your video as
they happen with HiLight Tags. HiLight Tags make
it easy to find the best moments to share.
Note: HiLight Tags are visible during playback on the GoPro App or in
GoPro Studio.
To Add HiLight Tags During Recording:
Short press the Info/Wireless button.
PRO TIP: You can also add HiLight Tags during recording with the
GoPro App or the Smart Remote.
/ Capturing Video and Time Lapse Photos / Capturing Video and Time Lapse Photos
CAPTURING TIME LAPSE PHOTOS
The default interval for Time Lapse photos is 0.5 second.
To Start Capturing Time Lapse Photos:
Press and hold the Shutter/Select button [ ] for about two seconds
until the Time Lapse photo icon [ ] appears on the camera status
screen. Your camera automatically powers on, emits two beeps, and
begins capturing Time Lapse photos. The camera status lights blink
while the camera is capturing photos.
To Stop Recording:
Short press the Shutter/Select button [ ]. The camera automatically
stops recording, beeps once, and powers off to maximize battery life.

20 21
/ Accessing Camera Settings
To access more modes or adjust camera settings, connect your
camera to the remote (sold separately) or the GoPro App.
VIDEO
Record video
TIME LAPSE PHOTOS
Shoot photos at
time intervals
LOOPING VIDEO
Record continuously
BURST PHOTO
Capture 10 photos in
1 second
PHOTO
Capture a single photo
SETTINGS
Adjust all camera settings
All modes and settings that you select are saved aer you disconnect
the camera. However, only Video and Time Lapse modes can be
accessed when the camera is not connected to the remote or the app.
CONNECTING TO THE GOPRO APP
The GoPro App lets you adjust modes and camera settings using
a smartphone or tablet. Features include full camera control, live
preview, playback and sharing of content, and camera soware
updates. To learn more about the app, see gopro.com/getstarted.
/ Accessing Camera Settings

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/ Accessing Camera Settings / Accessing Camera Settings
To Connect to the GoPro App:
1. Download the GoPro App to your smartphone/tablet from the
Apple®App Store, Google Play, or Windows®Phone store.
2. Open the app.
3. Follow the app’s on-screen instructions to connect your camera.
Note: If needed, the default password for your camera is goprohero.
For complete pairing instructions, visit gopro.com/support .
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: HERO4 Session is compatible with the Smart Remote and the Wi-Fi Remote.
To Pair with the Remote:
1. On the camera, short press the Info/Wireless button to display the
status screen.
2. Short press the Info/Wireless button repeatedly to cycle to RC,
then short press the Shutter/Select button [ ] to select it. The
camera automatically begins pairing.
Note: If you already paired your HERO4 Session with the GoPro App or a GoPro remote, cycle to
Add New instead of RC. For details, see the user manual for your remote.
3. Put the remote into pairing mode. For more information, see the
user manual for your remote at gopro.com/getstarted.

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CONNECTING AFTER PAIRING
Aer connecting your camera to the GoPro App or the remote for the
first time, you can connect in the future through the wireless menu.
To Connect Your Camera aer Pairing:
1. On the camera, short press the Info/Wireless button to display
the status screen, then short press it repeatedly until you get to the
setting that you want (App, RC, or App & RC).
2. Short press the Shutter/Select button [ ] to select it.
Note: App & RC appears only if your smartphone/tablet uses Bluetooth®LE. This option lets you
connect your camera to either the remote or the app.
The wireless status lights (blue) blink when wireless is on and the
camera is not recording.
/ Accessing Camera Settings / Camera Icons
Beeps
Burst Photos
Date/Time
Default Mode
Delete
Field of View
Frames Per Second
Interval
LEDs
Looping Video
Low Light
Megapixels
Multi-Shot Mode
Orientation