Introduction

Welcome to our comprehensive review of the GoPro Hero5, the latest addition to the renowned lineup of action cameras from GoPro. In this article, we will delve into the key features, performance, and overall value of the Hero5 to help you determine if it’s the right fit for your adventurous needs.

As a leader in the action camera industry, GoPro has consistently delivered high-quality devices that capture stunning footage in extreme environments. With the Hero5, GoPro has once again raised the bar by introducing a range of new features and improvements.

Designed to be compact, rugged, and user-friendly, the Hero5 is an ideal companion for adrenaline junkies, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone looking to document their adventures in stunning detail. Whether you’re a surfer, skier, biker, or traveler, the Hero5 promises to capture your experiences in the most immersive way possible.

With features like 4K video recording, voice control, and waterproof capabilities, the Hero5 offers unparalleled versatility. The camera is equipped with a powerful sensor, advanced image stabilization, and enhanced low-light performance, ensuring that your footage is crystal clear and vivid, no matter the conditions.

Additionally, the Hero5 sports a redesigned user interface, making it easier than ever to navigate through settings and capture the perfect shot. With the option to control the camera hands-free through voice commands, you can focus on the action without fumbling with buttons or menus.

In terms of connectivity, the Hero5 offers seamless integration with your smartphone or tablet via the GoPro app. This allows you to preview, edit, and share your photos and videos instantly, giving you the freedom to showcase your adventures in real-time.

Overall, the GoPro Hero5 is a powerful and feature-packed action camera that caters to the needs of both professionals and casual users alike. In the following sections, we will explore the specific features, design, performance, and value of the Hero5 to help you make an informed decision about this highly regarded device.

 

Key Features of GoPro Hero5

The GoPro Hero5 is packed with a plethora of impressive features that make it a standout choice in the action camera market. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key features that set the Hero5 apart from its competitors:

1. 4K Video and Stunning Image Quality: The Hero5 boasts the ability to shoot in stunning 4K resolution, allowing you to capture breathtakingly sharp and detailed footage. Additionally, the camera’s 12-megapixel sensor produces vibrant and true-to-life images.
2. Waterproof and Durable: The Hero5 comes with a waterproof housing that is capable of withstanding depths of up to 33 feet (10 meters) without the need for an external case. This rugged design ensures that your camera remains protected even in the most demanding environments.
3. Voice Control: With built-in voice control, the Hero5 allows you to focus on the action while still being able to control the camera effortlessly. Simply say “GoPro, start recording” or “GoPro, take a photo” and let the camera do the rest.
4. Advanced Stabilization: The Hero5 features advanced electronic image stabilization, which helps eliminate shaky footage and delivers smooth and professional-looking videos. This is especially useful in high-action scenarios where vibrations are common.
5. GPS and Location Capture: The Hero5 includes integrated GPS, enabling you to track and record your location, speed, and elevation during your adventures. This feature is a great addition for outdoor enthusiasts who want to add an extra level of detail to their footage.
6. Touchscreen Display: The Hero5 is equipped with a 2-inch touchscreen display that provides a user-friendly interface for easy navigation and control. The responsive touchscreen allows you to preview and review your shots in real-time, ensuring you capture the perfect moment.
7. Wireless Connectivity: Seamlessly connect your Hero5 to your smartphone or tablet using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology. This enables you to control the camera remotely, view your content, and share your adventures directly to social media.
8. Compatible with GoPro Mounts and Accessories: The Hero5 is fully compatible with a wide range of GoPro mounts and accessories, allowing you to customize your camera setup to suit your specific needs. Whether you’re mounting it on a helmet, bike, or chest harness, the Hero5 offers endless possibilities.

These are just a few of the standout features that make the GoPro Hero5 an exceptional action camera. Whether you’re a professional videographer or a weekend adventurer, the Hero5’s impressive capabilities and versatility are sure to enhance your filming experience and capture your most thrilling moments with unmatched clarity and precision.

 

Design and Build Quality

The design and build quality of the GoPro Hero5 are a testament to the brand’s commitment to durability and user convenience. The Hero5 features a compact and sturdy construction that can withstand the rigors of any adventure, making it an ideal companion for outdoor enthusiasts.

The camera itself is built with a rugged and waterproof housing, allowing you to take it underwater or expose it to harsh weather conditions without the need for additional protective cases. The Hero5 is waterproof up to 33 feet (10 meters), providing peace of mind and eliminating the worry of water damage.

The compactness of the Hero5 makes it highly portable and easy to carry, whether you’re skiing, mountain biking, or traveling. Its lightweight design ensures that it won’t weigh you down and won’t hinder your movements during intense activities.

One notable design element of the Hero5 is the inclusion of a 2-inch touchscreen display. This intuitive interface allows for easy navigation through settings, mode selection, and quick playback of recorded footage. The touchscreen is responsive and provides a user-friendly experience, ensuring that capturing the perfect shot is a breeze even in fast-paced situations.

In terms of buttons and controls, the Hero5 keeps it minimal. On the top of the camera, there is a Power/Mode button that can be used to turn on the device and switch between video, photo, and time-lapse modes. The shutter button is conveniently placed on the top as well, allowing for quick and easy access to start and stop recording or take photos.

At the bottom of the Hero5, you’ll find the battery compartment and microSD card slot, both easily accessible. The camera also features a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, ensuring faster and more efficient connectivity.

Overall, the GoPro Hero5 is designed with both functionality and durability in mind. Its compact form factor, waterproof housing, and user-friendly touchscreen display make it incredibly versatile, allowing users to capture stunning footage in any environment. Whether you’re diving into the depths of the ocean or conquering a mountain peak, the Hero5 is built to withstand the toughest conditions and deliver outstanding performance.

 

Performance and Image Quality

The GoPro Hero5 excels in both performance and image quality, making it a top choice for capturing action-packed moments in stunning detail. This camera is equipped with advanced features that ensure exceptional performance in various environments and lighting conditions.

One of the standout features of the Hero5 is its ability to record 4K video at a smooth 30 frames per second. This high-resolution capability allows for incredibly sharp and detailed footage, bringing your adventures to life with unparalleled clarity. Additionally, the camera supports various video modes, including 1080p at 120 frames per second for slow-motion shots and 2.7K for a balance of resolution and frame rate.

When it comes to image quality, the Hero5’s 12-megapixel sensor produces vibrant and true-to-life photos. The camera boasts impressive dynamic range, capturing both highlights and shadows with precision, resulting in stunningly well-balanced images. Whether you’re shooting landscapes, portraits, or action shots, the Hero5 delivers exceptional image quality that will impress both amateurs and professionals alike.

In terms of low-light performance, the Hero5 shines. The camera’s enhanced low-light capabilities allow for clearer and brighter footage in dimly lit or night-time settings. This is achieved through improved sensor sensitivity and advanced noise reduction algorithms, enabling you to capture memorable moments even when the lighting conditions are challenging.

The Hero5 also features advanced electronic image stabilization (EIS), which greatly reduces camera shake and produces smooth and stable videos. This is particularly beneficial during high-action activities such as skiing, biking, or running. With EIS enabled, your footage will remain steady and professional-looking, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Furthermore, the Hero5 offers a wide range of shooting modes and settings, allowing you to customize your footage according to your creative vision. Whether you want to capture a time-lapse, take burst photos, or use the convenient QuikCapture feature to start recording with a single press of a button, the Hero5 gives you the flexibility to experiment and create captivating content.

With its powerful performance and exceptional image quality, the GoPro Hero5 is a reliable and versatile tool for content creators, adventurers, and anyone seeking to document their experiences with uncompromising precision. Whether you’re capturing the thrill of extreme sports, recording memorable travel moments, or simply documenting your everyday life, the Hero5 is guaranteed to exceed your expectations.

 

Advanced Features and Functionality

The GoPro Hero5 is not only known for its impressive image and video quality, but also for its advanced features and functionality. This action camera is packed with innovative tools that enhance your shooting experience, giving you more control and creative possibilities.

One of the standout features of the Hero5 is its built-in voice control. With simple voice commands, you can control your camera hands-free, allowing you to focus on the action without having to reach for buttons or navigate menus. Whether you want to start or stop recording, take a photo, or switch between modes, voice control makes it effortless and convenient.

The Hero5 also introduces the intuitive and user-friendly touchscreen display. This 2-inch touchscreen allows for easy navigation through settings, mode selection, and quick playback of recorded footage. With just a few taps and swipes, you can adjust various parameters and preview your shots, ensuring that you capture the perfect moment.

In addition to voice control and touchscreen functionality, the Hero5 offers advanced connectivity options. With integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, you can easily connect your Hero5 to your smartphone or tablet using the GoPro app. This allows for seamless and instant transfer of photos and videos to your device, giving you the flexibility to edit and share your content on the go.

Another notable feature of the Hero5 is its robust GPS functionality. The camera is capable of tracking and recording your location, speed, and elevation during your adventures. This information can be overlayed onto your footage, providing a visual representation of your route and adding an extra layer of context to your videos.

Furthermore, the Hero5 is compatible with a wide range of GoPro mounts and accessories, giving you endless possibilities for capturing unique and dynamic shots. From helmet mounts to chest harnesses and handheld gimbals, the Hero5 can be easily customized to suit your specific needs and shooting style.

Additionally, the Hero5 offers advanced imaging modes such as time-lapse and night-lapse photography. With these modes, you can capture stunning time-lapse sequences or create mesmerizing star trails and light painting effects. These features add a creative twist to your footage and allow you to experiment with different techniques.

Overall, the GoPro Hero5’s advanced features and functionality provide users with a wide range of tools to enhance their shooting experience. Whether you’re a beginner looking for simplicity or an experienced videographer seeking more control and creative freedom, the Hero5 delivers the features and capabilities to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

 

Pros and Cons

Every product has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and the GoPro Hero5 is no exception. Let’s explore the pros and cons of this popular action camera:

Pros:

• Superb image and video quality, with 4K recording capability delivering stunning detail and clarity.
• Rugged and waterproof design, allowing for use in extreme environments without the need for additional casing.
• Advanced electronic image stabilization (EIS) ensures smooth and stable footage, even during high-action activities.
• Voice control functionality enables hands-free operation, providing convenience and ease of use.
• Intuitive touchscreen display makes navigation and control simple and user-friendly.
• Wide range of shooting modes and settings, giving users the flexibility to capture their desired footage.
• Wireless connectivity allows for seamless transfer of content to smartphones and tablets via the GoPro app.
• GPS functionality tracks and records location, speed, and elevation, providing valuable data for adventure enthusiasts.
• Compatible with a vast selection of GoPro mounts and accessories, offering versatility in capturing unique angles and perspectives.

Cons:

• Relatively shorter battery life compared to some other action camera models, requiring frequent charging during extended use.
• Some users have reported issues with the touchscreen responsiveness and occasional lag in menu navigation.
• Built-in microphone quality may not be as high as external microphones, which could result in audio quality limitations.
• Higher price point compared to entry-level action cameras, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious consumers.

While the GoPro Hero5 offers an impressive array of features and functionality, it is essential to consider both the pros and cons before making a purchase decision. The Hero5’s exceptional image quality, durability, and advanced features make it a top choice for action camera enthusiasts and professionals. However, factors such as battery life, touchscreen performance, and price should be taken into account based on personal preferences and individual shooting requirements.

 

Comparison with Previous GoPro Models

The GoPro Hero5 represents a significant leap forward in terms of features and functionality compared to its predecessors. Here’s a comparison with previous GoPro models to help you understand the key differences:

GoPro Hero4: The Hero4 was a popular action camera known for its excellent image and video quality. However, compared to the Hero5, it lacked some of the advanced features such as voice control, touchscreen display, and built-in waterproofing. The Hero5’s 4K video recording capability and improved image stabilization are significant upgrades over the Hero4, making it a more compelling option for capturing high-quality footage.

GoPro Hero3+: The Hero3+ was another highly regarded GoPro model, offering good image and video quality. However, it lacked the 4K video capability and advanced stabilization that the Hero5 offers. The Hero5 also features a more rugged and waterproof design, as well as improved battery life compared to the Hero3+.

GoPro Hero8: The Hero8 is a more recent model that shares some similarities with the Hero5. Both cameras offer 4K video recording and advanced image stabilization, ensuring smooth and professional-looking footage. However, the Hero8 introduces additional features such as HyperSmooth 2.0 stabilization, improved low-light performance, and more advanced connectivity options. The Hero8 also has a smaller and more streamlined design compared to the Hero5.

Overall, the GoPro Hero5 stands out from previous models due to its advanced features, 4K recording capability, and improved image stabilization. While older GoPro models still deliver good performance, the Hero5’s enhancements in image quality, durability, and user-friendly features make it a more versatile and appealing option for capturing stunning action footage.

 

Is GoPro Hero5 Worth the Investment?

Whether or not the GoPro Hero5 is worth the investment depends on your specific needs and preferences as an action camera user. Consider the following factors when making your decision:

Image and Video Quality: The Hero5 offers exceptional image and video quality, with 4K recording capability that captures stunning detail and clarity. If you prioritize high-resolution footage, the Hero5 is a worthy investment.

Advanced Features and Functionality: The Hero5 is packed with advanced features like voice control, a touchscreen display, electronic image stabilization, GPS functionality, and wireless connectivity. If these features align with your shooting requirements and add value to your filming experience, the Hero5 is a great choice.

Rugged and Waterproof Design: The Hero5’s durable and waterproof housing makes it ideal for outdoor adventures. If you engage in adventurous activities where the camera could be exposed to extreme environments, the Hero5’s rugged design is a valuable feature.

Compatibility with Mounts and Accessories: The Hero5 is compatible with a wide range of GoPro mounts and accessories, providing versatility in capturing unique angles and perspectives. If you value customization and experimentation with different shooting setups, the Hero5’s compatibility is a significant advantage.

Budget Considerations: The Hero5 is a premium action camera, so it comes with a higher price tag compared to entry-level models. If you have a restricted budget, it might be worth considering other options that offer a better balance between features and affordability.

Ultimately, the decision to invest in the GoPro Hero5 should be based on how well it aligns with your specific needs and budget. If you prioritize excellent image and video quality, advanced features, durability, and compatibility with accessories, the Hero5 is likely worth the investment for capturing breathtaking action footage. However, if you have more budget constraints or have less demanding filming needs, you may find other models that provide suitable features at a more affordable price point. Evaluate your requirements and weigh the pros and cons before making your final decision.

 

Conclusion

The GoPro Hero5 is a highly capable action camera that offers impressive image and video quality, advanced features, and rugged durability. With its 4K recording capability, advanced electronic image stabilization, voice control, and waterproof design, the Hero5 is a standout choice for capturing stunning action footage in any environment.

The Hero5’s compact and user-friendly design, touchscreen display, and wireless connectivity provide convenience and ease of use for both amateurs and professionals. Its compatibility with a wide range of mounts and accessories further enhances its versatility and allows for creative filming possibilities.

However, it’s important to consider factors such as budget and specific shooting requirements when deciding if the Hero5 is the right investment for you. While the Hero5 offers a range of advanced features and exceptional performance, it does come with a higher price tag compared to entry-level action cameras.

In conclusion, if you prioritize exceptional image and video quality, rugged durability, advanced features, and customization options, the GoPro Hero5 is unquestionably worth the investment. Its ability to capture stunning footage in the most demanding environments, along with its user-friendly interface, make it an excellent choice for adventurers and content creators alike.

However, if budget is a concern or you have more modest filming needs, there are alternative options available that may better suit your requirements without sacrificing too much in terms of image and video quality.

Ultimately, the GoPro Hero5 offers an excellent combination of durability, performance, and advanced features, making it a top contender in the action camera market. It’s a reliable and versatile tool that is sure to capture your adventures in breathtaking detail, allowing you to relive and share those moments for years to come.