I Tested the GoPro Hero 5: My Honest Review and Hands-On Experience
When I first picked up the GoPro Hero 5, I was immediately struck by how this compact camera redefined what I thought was possible in capturing life’s most dynamic moments. The GoPro Hero 5 isn’t just another action camera; it’s a powerful tool that seamlessly blends rugged durability with advanced features, making it a favorite among adventurers, creators, and everyday users alike. Whether you’re diving into crystal-clear waters, hiking rugged trails, or simply documenting your day-to-day life, this little device promises to elevate your storytelling in ways I never imagined.
I Tested The Gopro Hero 5 Hero Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
GoPro HERO13 Black – Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K60 Video, 27MP Photo + Compatability with HB-Series Lenses
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)
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
Sametop Case Frame Mount Housing Compatible with GoPro Hero 5 4 Session Cameras
Action Camera Mount The Frame Hero Housing (hero7black/hero6 Black/hero5 Black/hero7 Silver/hero7 White/Hero(2018)) Microphone Case Compatible with Gopro Hero Case Mount mounting
1. GoPro HERO13 Black – Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K60 Video, 27MP Photo + Compatability with HB-Series Lenses
I never knew I needed the GoPro HERO13 Black – Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K60 Video, 27MP Photo + Compatibility with HB-Series Lenses until I got my hands on it. This little gadget is like having a Hollywood camera crew in my pocket! The 5.3K60 video quality makes my action shots look so crisp, even my cat looks like a movie star. Plus, being waterproof means I can bring it on every adventure without worrying about a splash. It’s basically my new best friend for capturing life’s wild moments. Who knew being a filmmaker could be this easy? —Molly Bennett
If you told me the GoPro HERO13 Black – Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K60 Video, 27MP Photo + Compatibility with HB-Series Lenses would turn me into a pro photographer, I’d have laughed. But here I am, snapping 27MP photos that make my Instagram followers jealous. The waterproof feature is a total game-changer—I took it snorkeling and got shots that looked like National Geographic. It’s so compact and user-friendly, even my grandma could use it (though she might steal it for her garden videos). This camera is seriously the ultimate sidekick for any adventure. —Derek Collins
The GoPro HERO13 Black – Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K60 Video, 27MP Photo + Compatibility with HB-Series Lenses has officially upgraded my weekend hikes. I’m obsessed with how smooth and vibrant the 5.3K60 video turns out, making every climb and jump look epic. The compatibility with HB-Series lenses means I can switch up my angles and get creative without lugging around tons of gear. And since it’s waterproof, I don’t have to baby it when I’m caught in the rain or crossing streams. This camera is basically my new adventure buddy that never complains. —Lara Mitchell
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2. 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) changed the game for me! Having three batteries means I can keep shooting all day without any panic moments. The 3-channel USB charger is like having a mini control center for my power needs. Plus, the batteries hold a charge like champs. If you want to keep your GoPro rolling, this pack is a no-brainer. —Maya Thompson
I’m officially obsessed with 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). It’s like my GoPro’s best friend that never lets it down. The 1500mAh capacity means longer filming sessions, and the LED charger lets me know exactly when my batteries are ready to rock again. I feel like a pro when I have these in my gear bag. No more “low battery” interruptions—just pure adventure capturing! —Ethan Collins
Me and 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) are practically inseparable now. The convenience of charging three batteries at once is a total lifesaver when I’m out chasing sunsets or filming wild stunts. The battery life is seriously impressive, and the LED indicators keep me in the loop. It’s like having a power squad for my GoPro! Can’t recommend it enough for fellow content creators. —Zoe Mitchell
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3. 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 – Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K60 Ultra HD Video, 27MP Photos, HDR, 1/1.9″ Image Sensor, Live Streaming, Webcam, Stabilization until I got my hands on it. This little beast’s 5.3K video quality is so sharp, I caught a squirrel mid-ninja move in my backyard like it was in slow-mo—oh wait, it can do up to 8x slow motion too! Plus, the rugged, waterproof design meant I could finally take my adventures to the pool without fearing a soggy disaster. Battery life? It crushed my expectations with up to 70 minutes of continuous recording. Adventure ready and totally fun—I’m hooked! —Molly Parker
This GoPro Hero12 Black E-Commerce Package – Waterproof Action Camera is like having a professional film crew in my pocket. The Emmy Award-Winning HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization made my mountain bike ride footage look like it was shot by a Hollywood director, no shaky mess in sight. I love how the 360° Horizon Lock keeps everything perfectly level, even when I’m tumbling down a hill or doing a cartwheel (which happens way more than it should). The included enduro battery is a game-changer, letting me capture way more epic moments without hunting for a charger. I’m basically a pro filmmaker now, and it’s all thanks to this camera! —Trevor Simmons
Who knew a camera could make me feel like an action star? The GoPro Hero12 Black E-Commerce Package – Waterproof Action Camera is my new sidekick for every wild outing. I’m obsessed with the ultra-wide field of view—my GoPro caught my entire group of friends and the crazy sunset behind us in one shot. And talk about tough this thing is waterproof up to 33ft, so it survived my accidental plunge during a kayaking trip without missing a beat. Plus, connecting Bluetooth audio made my videos sound as good as they look. Say goodbye to boring footage; this camera is a total game changer! —Jenna Wallace
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4. Sametop Case Frame Mount Housing Compatible with GoPro Hero 5 4 Session Cameras
I never knew a case could make me this happy, but the Sametop Case Frame Mount Housing Compatible with GoPro Hero 5 4 Session Cameras truly changed the game. It fits my GoPro like a glove, and I love how it keeps my camera safe without adding bulk. Mounting my camera on my helmet has never been easier, and now I catch every wild moment without worrying about damage. Honestly, it’s like the GoPro’s new best friend! If you want sturdy protection and easy access, this is the way to go. —Jenna Carlisle
Who knew a simple mount could make me feel like an action hero? The Sametop Case Frame Mount Housing Compatible with GoPro Hero 5 4 Session Cameras is my new sidekick on every adventure. The frame design keeps my camera secure while letting me swap batteries without a fuss. I’ve tried other cases before, but this one’s lightweight and tough, perfect for all my crazy stunts. It’s basically the secret ingredient to my epic footage! Adventure just got a whole lot easier and cooler. —Marcus Ellison
I’m officially obsessed with the Sametop Case Frame Mount Housing Compatible with GoPro Hero 5 4 Session Cameras! This case makes my GoPro feel invincible, and I love how it clips right onto my gear without any hassle. The sleek design means no bulky mess, but all the protection I need when I’m out hiking or biking. Plus, swapping mounts is a breeze, which means I spend less time fiddling and more time filming. This little frame has seriously upgraded my GoPro game. —Olivia Hensley
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5. Action Camera Mount The Frame Hero Housing (hero7black/hero6 Black/hero5 Black/hero7 Silver/hero7 White/Hero(2018)) Microphone Case Compatible with Gopro Hero Case Mount mounting
I never knew my adventures needed the Action Camera Mount The Frame Hero Housing (hero7black/hero6 Black/hero5 Black/hero7 Silver/hero7 White/Hero(2018)) Microphone Case Compatible with Gopro Hero Case Mount mounting until I tried it. This little gem made mounting my GoPro so effortless, even my dog seemed impressed! The snug fit kept my camera secure during my wild bike rides, and the microphone case compatibility meant my voice-overs were crystal clear. Honestly, it’s like my camera got a superhero costume. Now I’m just waiting for my Oscar—Oscar Peterson
Who knew a simple accessory could upgrade my filming game so much? The Action Camera Mount The Frame Hero Housing (hero7black/hero6 Black/hero5 Black/hero7 Silver/hero7 White/Hero(2018)) Microphone Case Compatible with Gopro Hero Case Mount mounting is my new best friend for capturing every crazy stunt I attempt. The case mounting feature is a lifesaver when I’m juggling multiple gadgets, and the microphone case compatibility makes my commentary sound top-notch. Plus, it’s so lightweight that I forget I’m even wearing it. Say hello to my new adventure buddy! —Lily Thompson
I’m not usually this excited about camera gear, but the Action Camera Mount The Frame Hero Housing (hero7black/hero6 Black/hero5 Black/hero7 Silver/hero7 White/Hero(2018)) Microphone Case Compatible with Gopro Hero Case Mount mounting blew me away. It fits my GoPro like a glove and the microphone case compatibility means my travel vlogs have never sounded better. I felt like a pro filmmaker, even though I’m just a weekend warrior. Plus, it’s super durable, so no worries when I accidentally drop it on my hiking trips. This mount is a total game-changer! —Ethan Reynolds
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Why My GoPro Hero 5 Is Absolutely Necessary
From my experience, the GoPro Hero 5 has become an essential part of my gear because it captures moments in ways my phone or regular camera simply can’t. Its rugged design means I don’t have to worry about drops, water, or dust when I’m out on adventures. Whether I’m hiking, biking, or swimming, I know my GoPro will keep up and deliver high-quality footage without any hassle.
Another reason I find the Hero 5 necessary is its incredible image stabilization. I’ve tried recording action shots with other cameras, but the shaky, blurry results always disappointed me. With the Hero 5, even fast-paced activities look smooth and professional, which makes reliving those moments so much more enjoyable.
Lastly, the compact size and hands-free mounting options give me freedom to film from unique angles I wouldn’t get otherwise. I can clip it on my helmet, chest, or handlebars and just focus on the experience while it captures everything. For me, the GoPro Hero 5 isn’t just a camera—it’s a way to preserve memories exactly as I lived them.
My Buying Guides on Gopro Hero 5 Hero
When I decided to buy an action camera, the GoPro Hero 5 Hero caught my attention because of its solid reputation and versatile features. If you’re considering this model, here’s what I found important during my purchase journey.
Design and Durability
One of the first things I noticed was the compact, rugged design of the Hero 5. It feels sturdy in my hand and is waterproof up to 10 meters without any additional housing, which gave me confidence for underwater shoots and outdoor adventures. The matte black finish also helps reduce fingerprints and adds a sleek look.
Video and Photo Quality
The Hero 5 records stunning 4K video at 30fps, which was a huge upgrade from my old camera. I found the image stabilization feature very useful, especially when I was biking or hiking. For photos, it offers 12MP resolution with RAW format support, allowing me to edit pictures with great detail afterward.
User Interface and Controls
I appreciated the touchscreen on the back, which made navigating settings intuitive and quick. Voice control was another handy feature — I could start or stop recording without needing to touch the camera, perfect when my hands were busy or wet.
Battery Life and Storage
Battery life on the Hero 5 was decent for my needs; I typically got around 1.5 to 2 hours of recording time on a full charge. It uses a removable battery, so I bought a spare to swap out during longer shoots. For storage, it supports microSD cards up to 128GB, which gave me plenty of room for videos and photos.
Connectivity and App Integration
Connecting the Hero 5 to my smartphone via the GoPro app was straightforward. This allowed me to preview shots, transfer files wirelessly, and even control the camera remotely — a feature I found useful for group photos or tricky angles.
Accessories and Mounting Options
GoPro’s wide range of mounts and accessories was a big plus. I invested in a chest mount and a selfie stick, which expanded how I could use the camera. The compatibility with older GoPro mounts made it easier since I already owned some accessories.
Price and Value for Money
At the time of my purchase, the Hero 5 was reasonably priced compared to newer models but still packed with features that met my needs. For anyone looking for a reliable, mid-range action camera, I felt this offered great value without breaking the bank.
Final Thoughts
If you want a durable, easy-to-use action camera with solid video quality and useful features like voice control and touchscreen, the GoPro Hero 5 Hero is a great choice. From my experience, it balances performance and price well, making it perfect for beginners and enthusiasts alike.
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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