Action cameras changed how we capture adventure. The GoPro Hero 5 Black stands as one of those cameras that made waves when it launched. This camera brought features that turned heads and made filming your adventures easier than ever before.
You might wonder if this older model still holds up today. We tested the Hero 5 Black to help you decide if it meets your needs. Whether you film extreme sports or simple family trips, this review covers everything you need to know about this popular action camera.
Key Takeaways
What makes the GoPro Hero 5 Black special? This camera delivers solid 4K video quality and waterproof protection without needing an extra case. The built-in touchscreen makes it easy to control and review your footage on the go.
Is it beginner friendly? Yes, the voice control feature lets you operate the camera hands-free, which works great when you’re busy with activities. The simple interface means you can start filming quickly.
How does it handle water? The Hero 5 Black goes underwater up to 33 feet without any housing needed. This makes it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and water sports.
What about image quality? You get 4K video at 30fps and 12MP photos with good color and detail. The wide-angle lens captures more of your surroundings in every shot.
Battery life concerns? The battery lasts around 1 to 1.5 hours of continuous 4K recording, which is standard for action cameras. Carrying spare batteries helps for longer filming sessions.
Understanding the GoPro Hero 5 Black
The GoPro Hero 5 Black marked a turning point for action cameras. This model arrived in 2016 and brought features that earlier GoPros lacked. The camera measures just 2.4 x 1.7 x 1.3 inches and weighs only 4.2 ounces. You can slip it into your pocket without feeling weighed down.
GoPro built this camera differently from previous models. The Hero 5 Black removed the need for a waterproof housing. You simply take it underwater as is. The rubberized exterior protects against drops and bumps. Two small screens sit on the camera. The front has a tiny status screen. The back features a 2-inch color touchscreen that responds well to your taps.
The Hero 5 Black uses a single button on the side for power and mode selection. This keeps things simple when you wear gloves or when your hands get wet. The battery door opens to reveal slots for the battery and microSD card. GoPro included mounting brackets right on the camera body. This means you attach mounts directly without extra frames.
Video Recording Capabilities
Video quality matters most in any action camera. The Hero 5 Black shoots 4K video at 30 frames per second. This resolution captures sharp footage with plenty of detail. You can also record at lower resolutions for longer battery life. The camera offers 2.7K at 60fps, 1080p at 120fps, and 720p at 240fps.
The higher frame rates let you create smooth slow-motion footage. Filming at 120fps in 1080p gives you great slow-mo without losing too much quality. The 240fps option at 720p creates even more dramatic slow motion, though the resolution drops.
GoPro added video stabilization to the Hero 5 Black. This feature smooths out shaky footage while you move. The stabilization works best at 1080p and 2.7K resolutions. It helps reduce camera shake when you bike, run, or ski. The system uses digital stabilization, which crops the image slightly. You still get usable footage even during bumpy activities.
The camera captures video in the MP4 format. This makes files easy to edit on any computer. You can adjust settings like exposure compensation, white balance, and ISO limits. These controls give you more creative options. The color reproduction looks natural with good contrast. Videos maintain detail in both bright and shadowed areas.
Photo Quality and Features
The Hero 5 Black takes 12-megapixel photos. The camera offers several shooting modes. Single photo mode captures one image per button press. Burst mode fires off multiple shots in quick succession. You get options for 30 photos in 1 second, 10 in 1 second, 10 in 2 seconds, and 10 in 3 seconds. Burst mode helps capture fast action where timing matters.
Time lapse mode automatically takes photos at set intervals. You choose from intervals ranging from 0.5 seconds to 60 seconds. This feature creates those cool sequences where clouds race across the sky or crowds flow through streets. Night lapse mode works like time lapse but optimizes settings for low light. You set exposures from 2 seconds to 30 seconds.
The camera captures photos in JPEG format by default. You can also shoot in RAW format for more editing flexibility. RAW files store more image data, which helps when you adjust exposure or colors later. The wide-angle lens captures a 170-degree field of view. This ultra-wide perspective fits more scenery into each frame.
Photo quality looks good in bright light. Colors appear vibrant and accurate. Details stay sharp across most of the frame. The edges show some distortion, which is normal for ultra-wide lenses. Low-light photos work okay but show more noise. The small sensor struggles in dim conditions compared to larger cameras.
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Waterproof Design Without Housing
Previous GoPro models needed separate waterproof cases. The Hero 5 Black changed this. GoPro built waterproofing directly into the camera body. You take it underwater without adding any case. The camera works in water down to 33 feet or 10 meters deep.
The sealed design keeps water, dust, and sand out. Rubber covers protect the battery door and USB port. These covers create tight seals when closed. You should check these covers before entering water. The camera lens sits behind a flat glass window. This design reduces distortion compared to curved housings.
Swimming pools, beaches, and snorkeling trips become simple. You just turn on the camera and start filming. The touchscreen works underwater, though it responds less reliably when wet. Voice commands become your best friend in water since touch control gets tricky.
You need to rinse the camera with fresh water after salt water use. Salt can corrode the seals over time. Let the camera dry completely before opening the battery door. This prevents water from entering the internal components. The waterproof design adds durability for everyday use too. Rain and splashes don’t pose any threat.
Voice Control Functionality
The Hero 5 Black introduced voice commands to the GoPro lineup. You speak simple commands, and the camera responds. This feature works great when your hands stay busy with other tasks. The camera recognizes 15 different voice commands in seven languages.
You say “GoPro start recording” to begin filming. “GoPro stop recording” ends the video. “GoPro take a photo” captures a still image. “GoPro burst mode” switches to burst photography. Other commands control time lapse, video modes, and camera power.
Voice control shines during activities where reaching the camera proves difficult. When you ski, surf, or climb, touching buttons becomes awkward. You simply speak your command. The microphones pick up your voice even in noisy environments. Wind noise can sometimes interfere with voice recognition. The camera might not hear you during very loud activities.
The voice control feature needs to be enabled in settings. You choose your preferred language. The camera listens for the wake words “GoPro” or “Hey GoPro.” You must say these words before your command. The system works without internet connection since processing happens in the camera.
Touchscreen Interface and Usability
The 2-inch color touchscreen sits on the camera back. This screen displays your shooting settings and previews your footage. You swipe and tap to navigate menus. The interface follows smartphone logic, which makes it feel familiar. Most people figure out the controls within minutes.
Swiping down from the top reveals quick settings. You adjust resolution, frame rate, and field of view without diving into full menus. Swiping up shows your media gallery. You can review photos and videos right on the camera. Pinch to zoom works for examining footage details. Swiping left and right switches between shooting modes.
The touchscreen responds well in most conditions. Wet screens become less responsive, which happens with all touchscreens. Gloves reduce accuracy. The small screen size means buttons appear tiny. People with larger fingers might find precise tapping challenging.
The front status screen shows recording time, battery level, and current mode. This small display helps when you mount the camera where you can’t see the rear screen. You know the camera status at a glance. The front screen doesn’t touch respond. It only displays information.
Video Stabilization Technology
Shaky footage ruins otherwise great videos. The Hero 5 Black includes electronic image stabilization or EIS. This technology reduces camera shake and smooths your footage. The stabilization system analyzes each frame and compensates for unwanted movement.
EIS works at resolutions up to 2.7K. You don’t get stabilization at full 4K resolution. This limitation comes from processing power constraints. The system crops the image slightly to allow for frame adjustment. You lose a small portion of your field of view with stabilization enabled.
The stabilization performs well during walking, running, and biking. Your footage looks much smoother than raw unstabilized video. Fast movements or very rough terrain can overwhelm the system. You might still see some shake during extreme activities. The stabilization helps most during moderate movement.
You turn stabilization on or off in the settings menu. Disabling it gives you the full field of view and works at 4K. Some users prefer to stabilize footage during editing for more control. The built-in stabilization offers convenience and saves editing time. It works best when you maintain relatively steady movement.
GPS and Data Overlay Features
The Hero 5 Black contains built-in GPS. The camera tracks your location, speed, and elevation during recording. This data gets embedded in your video files. You can overlay this information on your footage later. The GPS data adds context to your adventures.
GoPro Quik software reads the GPS data from your videos. The program creates graphics showing your speed, elevation changes, and route path. You place these overlays on your footage during editing. Seeing your speed during a ski run or bike ride adds excitement to the final video.
The GPS feature requires clear sky view to work accurately. Dense forests or urban canyons with tall buildings can block GPS signals. The camera might not capture location data in these environments. Battery drain increases slightly when GPS runs. The impact stays minimal for most users.
You can disable GPS if you don’t need it. Some people prefer to preserve battery life. Others want to keep their location data private. The GPS toggles on or off in the settings menu. The feature adds value for travelers and athletes who want to document their journeys with precise data.
Battery Life Performance
Battery life affects how long you can film. The Hero 5 Black uses a 1220mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery. This capacity provides around 1 to 1.5 hours of continuous 4K recording. Your actual runtime varies based on settings and conditions.
Cold weather reduces battery performance significantly. Batteries drain faster in freezing temperatures. You might get only 30 to 45 minutes in snow or winter sports. Keeping spare batteries in an inner pocket helps. Body heat keeps backup batteries warm and ready.
Higher resolutions and frame rates consume more power. Recording at 4K 30fps drains the battery faster than 1080p 30fps. Using the touchscreen, GPS, and WiFi also increases power consumption. Turning off features you don’t need extends runtime.
The battery charges through the camera USB-C port. A full charge takes about 2 hours with the standard charger. You can charge the battery while recording if you have power available. Carrying extra batteries becomes essential for full day filming. The Hero 5 Black batteries remain relatively affordable and easy to find.
Audio Quality and Microphone Setup
Good audio completes your videos. The Hero 5 Black features three microphones. These microphones provide better sound quality than earlier GoPro models. The three-mic array helps reduce wind noise. The system picks the clearest audio from the available microphones.
Wind noise remains the biggest challenge for action camera audio. Fast movement creates airflow over the microphones. The Hero 5 Black handles wind better than its predecessors, but loud wind still affects recordings. Using a foam windscreen accessory helps in very windy conditions.
The camera records stereo audio at high quality. Voices come through clearly during normal conditions. Background noise gets captured along with your main audio. The small microphones can’t match the quality of dedicated audio recorders. Audio quality works well for most action footage needs.
You can connect an external microphone through the USB-C port using an adapter. This option gives you professional audio quality. External mics help during vlogging or narrative filming. You might want better audio for specific projects. The USB-C adapter costs extra but enables versatility.
Low Light Performance
Small camera sensors struggle in dim lighting. The Hero 5 Black has a 1/2.3-inch sensor. This sensor size matches most action cameras but remains much smaller than phones or dedicated cameras. Sensor size directly affects low-light performance.
Videos shot in bright daylight look excellent. The camera captures sharp details with accurate colors. Image quality drops noticeably as light levels decrease. Indoor lighting produces acceptable results with some visible noise. Very dim conditions show significant noise and loss of detail.
The camera offers manual controls for low light. You can increase ISO sensitivity up to 6400. Higher ISO values amplify available light but also amplify noise. You get brighter footage with more grain. Adjusting shutter speed helps in some situations. Slower shutter speeds gather more light but can create motion blur.
Night photography requires the night lapse or night photo modes. These modes use longer exposures to capture more light. You need to mount the camera on something stable. Any movement during long exposures creates blur. Stars, cityscapes, and northern lights work well with these modes. Moving subjects become challenging in low light.
Connectivity Options
The Hero 5 Black connects to other devices wirelessly and through cables. Built-in WiFi and Bluetooth enable smartphone pairing. You download the GoPro app on your phone. The app connects to your camera. This connection lets you control the camera remotely and preview shots on your phone screen.
The app provides full camera control from your phone. You adjust settings, start recording, and capture photos. Remote control proves useful when you mount the camera in hard-to-reach places. You see exactly what the camera sees through the app preview. This feature eliminates guesswork when framing shots.
WiFi also enables content transfer. You select photos and videos in the app. The files transfer wirelessly to your phone. You can share content immediately on social media. Transfer speeds work okay for small files. Large 4K videos take considerable time to move wirelessly.
The USB-C port handles charging and data transfer. You plug the camera into your computer to download files. Wired transfer moves large files much faster than WiFi. The USB-C port also supports external microphones with the proper adapter. GoPro moved to USB-C earlier than many manufacturers. This forward-thinking choice made the Hero 5 Black more future-proof.
Mounting and Accessories Compatibility
GoPro established the standard for action camera mounts. The Hero 5 Black works with hundreds of mounting options. The camera comes with a frame mount. You attach the frame to various mounting accessories. The system uses folding fingers that lock mounts securely.
Chest mounts, head straps, handlebar clamps, suction cups, and adhesive mounts all work with the Hero 5 Black. You can mount this camera almost anywhere. The modular mounting system lets you switch between different mounts quickly. This flexibility helps you capture unique angles.
Third-party manufacturers make GoPro-compatible mounts. You find mounts for specific activities like diving, cycling, or motorcycling. Many of these accessories cost less than official GoPro mounts. Quality varies among third-party options. Some work perfectly while others might not hold securely.
The Hero 5 Black includes a frame mount but no other accessories in the basic package. You need to buy mounts separately based on your activities. GoPro sells bundles that include common accessories at lower prices than buying items individually. Consider your intended uses before purchasing mounts. Start with versatile options like the chest mount or handlebar mount.
Storage and File Management
The Hero 5 Black uses microSD cards for storage. The camera supports cards up to 128GB capacity. You need fast cards to handle 4K video recording. GoPro recommends Class 10 or UHS-I rated cards. Slower cards can cause recording errors or dropped frames.
A 64GB card stores roughly 2 hours of 4K footage at high quality settings. Lower resolutions and frame rates require less space. You can record more footage at 1080p on the same card. Carrying multiple cards lets you swap when one fills up. Keep empty cards in a protective case.
The camera creates folders automatically. Video files, photos, and time lapses go into separate folders. Files use sequential numbering. This organization makes finding specific content easier. The GoPro app helps you identify files by showing thumbnails and previews.
File transfer happens through WiFi or cable connection. WiFi transfers suit quick sharing of single files. Cable transfer works better for moving entire shooting sessions. Some computers can read microSD cards directly with an adapter. This method provides the fastest transfer speeds. Back up your files regularly to avoid losing footage.
Comparing with Earlier GoPro Models
The Hero 5 Black improved significantly over the Hero 4 Black. Waterproofing without a case marked the biggest change. You gained convenience and saved money on housing. The touchscreen replaced button navigation. This made the camera much easier to use.
Video quality remained similar between Hero 4 and Hero 5 at 4K 30fps. The Hero 5 added better audio with three microphones. Voice control and GPS were brand new features. These additions made the Hero 5 more versatile and user-friendly.
Image stabilization came to the Hero 5 Black. Earlier models lacked any built-in stabilization. This feature alone made a huge difference for action footage. The simplified design removed one port and streamlined the camera body.
The Hero 4 Black required more accessories to match Hero 5 capabilities. You needed to buy a touchscreen back, waterproof housing, and frame mount separately. The Hero 5 Black included these features built-in. The value proposition strongly favored the Hero 5 when it launched.
Software and Editing Tools
GoPro provides free editing software called GoPro Quik. This program works on computers and phones. Quik automatically analyzes your footage and creates edited videos. The software picks highlights and syncs clips to music. You can customize the automatic edits or create videos manually.
Quik makes editing accessible for beginners. You don’t need advanced editing skills to create shareable videos. The program handles common tasks like trimming clips, adding titles, and adjusting color. The automatic editing feature saves significant time.
The desktop version offers more control than the mobile app. You access advanced features like GPS data overlay, speed adjustments, and multi-clip timelines. The interface stays simple despite these additional options. GoPro designed Quik specifically for action camera footage.
You can use any video editing software with Hero 5 footage. The MP4 files work in programs like Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, or DaVinci Resolve. Professional editors might prefer their usual tools. The GoPro footage imports and edits like any other video source. The standard format ensures compatibility across platforms.
Durability and Build Quality
The Hero 5 Black feels solid in your hands. GoPro built this camera to survive rough treatment. The rubberized exterior absorbs impacts. The camera survives drops from reasonable heights onto hard surfaces. You should still handle it carefully, but it tolerates accidents.
The sealed design protects against water, dust, and sand. Beach days don’t threaten the camera. Desert riding won’t clog the internals with dust. Rain becomes a non-issue for outdoor filming. The robust construction inspires confidence during activities.
The lens glass uses hardened material resistant to scratches. Small impacts don’t crack the lens easily. Screen protectors add extra protection for the touchscreen. The LCD screen represents the most vulnerable part. A hard hit directly on the screen can crack it.
Camera longevity depends on care and usage intensity. Many users report their Hero 5 Black working well after years of use. Others experience issues with battery door seals or button failures. Regular maintenance helps. Rinsing after salt water exposure extends seal life. Letting the camera dry before closing doors prevents moisture damage.
User Experience and Learning Curve
Most people find the Hero 5 Black easy to learn and operate. The touchscreen interface follows familiar patterns from smartphones. You swipe to navigate and tap to select options. Basic operation takes just minutes to understand. Starting recording requires pressing one button or saying a voice command.
Advanced features require more time to master. Understanding resolution and frame rate tradeoffs takes experience. Learning which settings work best for different activities improves your results. The camera offers enough automatic modes that beginners get good footage immediately.
The GoPro community provides helpful resources. YouTube tutorials cover every aspect of Hero 5 operation. Forums answer specific questions. This community support accelerates learning. You find solutions to problems and tips for better footage quickly.
Some features feel less intuitive. Finding specific settings can require menu diving. The small screen makes reading text challenging. Voice control eliminates many interface frustrations. You change modes and control recording without touching the screen. This hands-free operation suits action camera use perfectly.
Price and Value Assessment
The Hero 5 Black originally retailed for $399. Current prices vary significantly as newer models have replaced it. You find used Hero 5 Black cameras for $100 to $200 depending on condition. Some retailers sell refurbished units with warranties.
The value equation depends on your needs and budget. The Hero 5 Black delivers solid performance at a lower cost than new flagship models. You sacrifice some features and improvements from newer cameras. The 4K video quality remains excellent. The waterproof design still works perfectly.
Newer GoPro models offer better stabilization, longer battery life, and improved low-light performance. They cost two to three times more. The Hero 5 Black makes sense for casual users who film occasionally. Budget-conscious buyers get capable performance without the premium price.
Consider the cost of accessories when budgeting. You might spend $50 to $150 on mounts and spare batteries. Memory cards add another $20 to $50. The total investment for a complete setup ranges from $170 to $400. This still costs less than a new entry-level GoPro with accessories.
Common Issues and Limitations
Battery life remains the most common complaint. Users want longer recording times. The 1 to 1.5 hours of runtime feels limiting during day-long adventures. Carrying multiple batteries solves this issue but adds cost and hassle.
The touchscreen becomes less responsive when wet. This frustrates users during water activities. Voice control helps, but you need clear audio for the camera to hear commands. Very noisy environments prevent voice recognition from working reliably.
No 4K stabilization disappoints some users. The stabilization only works at 2.7K and lower resolutions. This forces a choice between maximum resolution and smooth footage. Newer cameras resolved this limitation, but the Hero 5 Black cannot add this feature through updates.
Low-light performance shows the camera age. Modern action cameras capture significantly better footage in dim conditions. The Hero 5 Black produces noisy, less detailed video and photos when light levels drop. Bright daylight shooting remains excellent, but evening or indoor footage suffers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the GoPro Hero 5 Black shoot in 4K resolution?
Yes, the Hero 5 Black records 4K video at 30 frames per second. This resolution provides excellent detail and quality for most uses. You can choose lower resolutions for higher frame rates if you need slow motion footage. The 4K option delivers sharp, professional-looking videos when lighting conditions are good.
How deep can you take the GoPro Hero 5 Black underwater?
The camera works underwater down to 33 feet or 10 meters without any housing. This depth suits swimming, snorkeling, and shallow diving perfectly. You need a separate dive housing if you plan deeper diving. Always check the battery door seal before entering water to prevent leaks.
Does the Hero 5 Black work with older GoPro mounts?
Yes, the Hero 5 Black uses the same mounting system as previous GoPro models. Your existing mounts and accessories remain compatible. This saves money if you already own GoPro mounting gear. The camera comes with a frame mount that attaches to standard GoPro mounting accessories.
Can you live stream with the GoPro Hero 5 Black?
Yes, the Hero 5 Black supports live streaming through the GoPro app. You need a smartphone with data connection and the GoPro app installed. The camera connects to your phone via WiFi. You can stream to Facebook Live and other platforms. Video quality depends on your internet connection speed.
What microSD card size works best with the Hero 5 Black?
The camera supports microSD cards up to 128GB capacity. A 64GB card provides enough space for most shooting sessions. You need Class 10 or UHS-I rated cards for reliable 4K recording. Slower cards cause recording errors. Stick with reputable brands like SanDisk, Samsung, or Lexar for best results.
Is the GoPro Hero 5 Black good for vlogging?
The Hero 5 Black can work for vlogging but has limitations. The ultra-wide lens captures too much background. You appear small in the frame unless you hold the camera very close. Audio quality with the built-in microphones works okay. Adding an external microphone through the USB-C port improves sound significantly for vlog content.
How long does the battery take to fully charge?
A complete charge takes approximately 2 hours using the standard USB charger. You can charge faster with a higher-output USB adapter. The camera charges through its USB-C port. You can record while charging if you have power available. Carry a portable battery pack for charging batteries in the field.
Can you replace the lens on the Hero 5 Black?
No, the Hero 5 Black has a fixed lens that you cannot replace. You can add accessory lenses that attach to the front of the camera with special adapters. These modify the field of view or add filters. The integrated waterproof design prevents lens swapping like interchangeable lens cameras offer.
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