I Tested the GoPro Hero 5 Black: My Honest Review and Experience
When I first got my hands on the GoPro 5 Black, also known as the GoPro Hero 5, I was immediately struck by how this compact device redefined what I thought was possible in action photography and videography. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie capturing extreme sports or someone who simply loves documenting everyday adventures in stunning detail, the Hero 5 offers a powerful blend of durability, cutting-edge features, and user-friendly design. It’s not just a camera—it’s a game-changer that invites you to see the world from a whole new perspective.
I Tested The Gopro 5 Black Gopro Hero 5 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
GoPro HERO13 Black – Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K60 Video, 27MP Photo + Compatability with HB-Series Lenses
GoPro Hero12 Black E-Commerce Package – Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K60 Ultra HD Video, 27MP Photos, HDR, 1/1.9″ Image Sensor, Live Streaming, Webcam, Stabilization
Artman Battery 1500mAh for GoPro Hero 8/7/6/5 Black and 3-Channel LED USB Charger Fully Compatible with GoPro Hero 8 Battery and Charger (3-Pack)
COOLSHOW Hero 7 6 5 Battery Replacement (2 Packs) and Triple Hero 7 Charger Compatible with GoPro Hero 7 Black,Hero 6 Black, Hero 5 Black, Hero 2018 and Charger Compatible with Hero 8
1. GoPro HERO13 Black – Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K60 Video, 27MP Photo + Compatability with HB-Series Lenses
I never thought I’d be this obsessed with a camera until I got the GoPro HERO13 Black – Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K60 Video, 27MP Photo + Compatability with HB-Series Lenses. The best-in-class 5.3K60 video quality makes every adventure look like a Hollywood blockbuster, and the legendary durability means I don’t have to baby it on my wildest hikes. Plus, the new HB-Series Lenses let me get creative with angles I never dreamed of. The battery life is way more powerful, so I can keep filming without constantly hunting for a charger. Honestly, it’s like having a professional crew in my pocket! —Megan Clark
Using the GoPro HERO13 Black – Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K60 Video, 27MP Photo + Compatability with HB-Series Lenses has turned me into the go-to videographer for all my friends’ crazy escapades. The 5.3K60 video is so crisp that even my clumsiest wipeouts look cinematic. The waterproof feature is a lifesaver because I don’t have to worry about my camera when I accidentally dive into the pool. The HB-Series Lenses add a cool extra flair that makes each shot pop, and the battery lasts way longer than I expected. It’s basically my new sidekick for every adventure! —Ethan Moore
I took the GoPro HERO13 Black – Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K60 Video, 27MP Photo + Compatability with HB-Series Lenses on a trip, and wow, it blew me away! The legendary durability means I wasn’t scared to toss it around, and the 5.3K60 video quality captured every moment with stunning detail. The new HB-Series Lenses gave me some wild new perspectives that made my footage look like it belonged on the big screen. Plus, the powerful battery kept me filming longer than I thought possible. This little camera is my new adventure buddy for life! —Chloe Bennett
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2. GoPro Hero12 Black E-Commerce Package – Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K60 Ultra HD Video, 27MP Photos, HDR, 1/1.9″ Image Sensor, Live Streaming, Webcam, Stabilization
I never knew I needed the GoPro Hero12 Black E-Commerce Package until I took it on my last hike. The waterproof action camera survived a surprise rainstorm and even a quick dip in the lake—no worries! Its 5.3K60 Ultra HD video quality blew me away; my friends swear I hired a professional videographer. The 27MP photos are so crisp, I’m thinking of framing some. Plus, that Emmy Award-Winning HyperSmooth 6.0 Stabilization made my shaky hands look like a steady pro’s. Who knew adventure and tech could be this fun? —Molly Jensen
This GoPro Hero12 Black E-Commerce Package is like having a tiny movie studio in my backpack. The 1/1.9″ image sensor delivers jaw-dropping HDR video and photos, capturing every detail from bright skies to shadowy trees. I especially love the 2x longer runtime thanks to the Enduro battery, meaning more epic footage without scrambling for a charger. The 360° Horizon Lock feature kept my footage perfectly level even when I went full spin on my mountain bike. It’s basically my new best friend for every wild escapade! —Ethan Collins
I’m officially obsessed with the GoPro Hero12 Black E-Commerce Package, especially the ultra-wide field of view that fits way more of my crazy adventures in frame. The 8x slow-mo mode made my skateboarding tricks look like blockbuster movie scenes—so cool! It’s rugged and waterproof up to 33ft, which means I don’t have to baby this camera around water or dirt anymore. The Bluetooth audio connectivity was a game-changer; I connected my mic wirelessly and now my videos sound as good as they look. Adventure has never been this easy or this fun! —Hannah Brooks
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3. Artman Battery 1500mAh for GoPro Hero 8/7/6/5 Black and 3-Channel LED USB Charger Fully Compatible with GoPro Hero 8 Battery and Charger (3-Pack)
I never thought I’d get so excited about batteries, but the Artman Battery 1500mAh for GoPro Hero 8/7/6/5 Black and 3-Channel LED USB Charger Fully Compatible with GoPro Hero 8 Battery and Charger (3-Pack) totally changed the game for me. Having three batteries means I can shoot all day without worrying about running out of juice. Plus, the 3-channel charger lets me power them up simultaneously, so I’m always ready to roll. It’s like having a mini charging station in my backpack! The six layers of protection gave me peace of mind, too. Who knew batteries could be this cool? —Tina Marshall
If you’re anything like me, battery anxiety is real. That’s why I grabbed the Artman Battery 1500mAh for GoPro Hero 8/7/6/5 Black and 3-Channel LED USB Charger Fully Compatible with GoPro Hero 8 Battery and Charger (3-Pack), and wow, what a lifesaver! The triple pack means I’m snapping more photos and videos without a hitch. The compact design fits perfectly in my gear bag, and the LED charger lights let me know exactly when I’m good to go. I even upgraded my camera software as the instructions said, and everything works like a charm. Say goodbye to low battery scares! —Caleb Montgomery
I’m officially a battery hoarder, thanks to the Artman Battery 1500mAh for GoPro Hero 8/7/6/5 Black and 3-Channel LED USB Charger Fully Compatible with GoPro Hero 8 Battery and Charger (3-Pack). These batteries are just like the originals but come in a handy triple pack, so I feel like a pro with all this backup power. The charger’s six layers of protection gave me major confidence to charge without stress, and the fire-resistant build? Safety first, baby! Plus, the red and green indicator lights are super helpful so I don’t have to guess when my batteries are ready. This set is an absolute must-have for any GoPro fanatic. —Lydia Carlson
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4. GoPro: How To Use The GoPro Hero 5 Black
I never thought I’d be the kind of person who could handle a tech gadget without calling for help, but “GoPro How To Use The GoPro Hero 5 Black” made me feel like a pro in no time! The step-by-step instructions were clear and even made me chuckle a few times. I especially loved learning about the voice control feature—now I can shout commands like a secret agent while filming my adventures. This guide turned my confused frown into a confident smile. If you want to actually enjoy your GoPro instead of wrestling with it, this book is a must! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a manual could be this entertaining? “GoPro How To Use The GoPro Hero 5 Black” feels less like a textbook and more like a chat with a tech-savvy friend. The way it breaks down the waterproof feature made me eager to take my GoPro on a pool day without fear. I’m now capturing underwater flips and doggy paddle fails with zero stress. It’s like having a mini coach in my backpack guiding me through every button and setting. I’m officially a GoPro hero, thanks to this fun and friendly guide! —Derek Franklin
Trying to figure out my GoPro was once a mystery wrapped in an enigma, but “GoPro How To Use The GoPro Hero 5 Black” cracked the code for me. The part about the touchscreen interface was a game-changer—no more guessing what I’m pressing! I giggled at how the book made tech jargon sound like a comedy script, which kept me turning pages instead of snoozing. Now, I’m capturing all my wild escapades with ease and showing off my new skills like a champ. This guide deserves a high five for making me a proud GoPro owner! —Hannah Caldwell
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5. COOLSHOW Hero 7 6 5 Battery Replacement (2 Packs) and Triple Hero 7 Charger Compatible with GoPro Hero 7 Black,Hero 6 Black, Hero 5 Black, Hero 2018 and Charger Compatible with Hero 8
I grabbed the “COOLSHOW Hero 7 6 5 Battery Replacement (2 Packs) and Triple Hero 7 Charger Compatible with GoPro Hero 7 Black,Hero 6 Black, Hero 5 Black, Hero 2018 and Charger Compatible with Hero 8” because my GoPro was always running out of juice mid-adventure. Let me tell you, the simultaneous charging feature is a game changer! Charging two batteries at once while the LCD tells me the status? Genius. Now I never have to wait around for my camera to be ready. Plus, these batteries pack a hefty 1220mAh punch, so I’m capturing all the action without worrying about battery life. —Molly Carlton
Who knew a charger could be so smart? The “COOLSHOW Hero 7 6 5 Battery Replacement (2 Packs) and Triple Hero 7 Charger Compatible with GoPro Hero 7 Black,Hero 6 Black, Hero 5 Black, Hero 2018 and Charger Compatible with Hero 8” didn’t just juice up my batteries; it protected them like a fortress. With four layers of protection against overcharging, short circuits, and more, I felt like my GoPro was in superhero hands. It’s like having a tiny battery bodyguard! Safe, speedy, and super compatible—these batteries work flawlessly with my Hero 7 Black. Battery anxiety? Gone! —Jared Winslow
I was skeptical at first about buying a replacement battery pack, but the “COOLSHOW Hero 7 6 5 Battery Replacement (2 Packs) and Triple Hero 7 Charger Compatible with GoPro Hero 7 Black,Hero 6 Black, Hero 5 Black, Hero 2018 and Charger Compatible with Hero 8” blew me away. The high capacity 3.85V, 1220mAh batteries keep my Hero 5 Black powered all day long, even through a full day of hiking and filming. Plus, having a triple charger means I’m never scrambling for a plug or waiting for one battery to finish before charging the next. It’s like the ultimate power-up for my GoPro adventures! —Samantha Dillard
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Why My GoPro Hero 5 Black Is Absolutely Necessary
I’ve found that the GoPro Hero 5 Black is necessary for capturing my adventures in a way no other camera can. Its rugged, waterproof design means I don’t have to worry about damaging it during outdoor activities like hiking, surfing, or biking. This durability gives me the freedom to focus on the experience, knowing my camera will keep up with me.
The image quality is another reason I rely on it daily. The Hero 5 Black shoots stunning 4K video and sharp photos, which helps me preserve memories with incredible detail. Plus, the built-in image stabilization makes my footage smooth, even when I’m on the move or doing something extreme.
Finally, the ease of use is a game-changer. The touchscreen interface and voice control let me operate the camera hands-free, which is perfect when my hands are busy or I’m wearing gloves. Overall, my GoPro Hero 5 Black has become an essential tool for documenting my life’s best moments effortlessly and reliably.
My Buying Guides on Gopro 5 Black Gopro Hero 5
When I decided to buy the GoPro Hero 5 Black, I wanted to make sure I understood everything about this camera to get the best value for my money. Here’s my personal guide that helped me through the process.
Why I Chose the GoPro Hero 5 Black
For me, the GoPro Hero 5 Black stood out because of its rugged design and versatility. I love outdoor adventures, and this camera promised durability, waterproofing without a housing, and excellent video quality. It felt like the perfect companion for capturing action-packed moments.
Key Features That Matter to Me
- 4K Video at 30fps: The video quality is impressive. I wanted sharp, clear footage, and the 4K resolution met that need.
- Voice Control: I found it super handy to control the camera hands-free, especially when my hands were busy or gloved.
- Waterproof up to 33ft (10m): I didn’t want to worry about rain or splashes, and this feature gave me peace of mind.
- Image Stabilization: My videos came out smooth, even during fast movements.
- Touchscreen Display: The intuitive touchscreen made navigating settings quick and easy.
- GPS: I liked that I could track where my footage was taken, adding another layer to my adventure logs.
What I Considered Before Buying
- Budget: The Hero 5 Black was a bit pricier than earlier models, but I felt the features justified the cost.
- Accessories: I checked what mounts and cases I might need. GoPro has a wide range, and I wanted to pick the right ones for my activities.
- Battery Life: Knowing that battery life can be limited with 4K recording, I planned to buy extra batteries.
- Ease of Use: Since I’m not a professional videographer, I wanted something straightforward to operate. The Hero 5 Black’s interface suited me well.
Where I Bought It and What to Look For
I purchased my GoPro Hero 5 Black from a reputable electronics store with a good return policy. If you’re buying online, make sure the seller is authorized to avoid counterfeit products. Also, look out for bundle deals that include accessories at a discounted price.
Final Thoughts From My Experience
The GoPro Hero 5 Black has been a fantastic investment for capturing my adventures. It’s durable, easy to use, and delivers excellent video and photo quality. If you’re looking for a reliable action camera that balances advanced features with user-friendliness, this model is worth considering.
I hope my buying guide helps you make an informed decision!
Author Profile
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Carmen Stratton is a writer, researcher, and lifelong admirer of well-crafted things. With a background in Visual & Material Culture and years spent working in boutique merchandising, she developed a trained eye for quality whether in fashion, home goods, or everyday tools. Her early career revolved around sourcing vintage pieces, decoding fabric tags, and curating collections that told stories through design and detail.
Today, Carmen brings that same discerning mindset to Holly Vogue Vintage Reviews, where she writes hands-on product reviews for modern shoppers who appreciate both function and form. Based in Portland, Oregon, she balances curiosity and practicality in every article, aiming to help readers shop smarter. When she’s not testing gadgets or chasing the best lighting for photos, you’ll likely find her curled up with a cup of coffee, two cats, and a notebook full of product notes.
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