I Tested the GoPro Hero 5 Black: My Honest Review and Hands-On Experience

When I first picked up the GoPro Hero 5 Black, I knew I was holding something special—a compact powerhouse designed to capture life’s most thrilling moments with stunning clarity and ease. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie chasing the next adventure or someone who simply wants to document everyday experiences in vibrant detail, this camera promises to be a game-changer. The GoPro Hero 5 Black isn’t just another action camera; it’s a versatile companion that blends rugged durability with sleek design, inviting you to see the world from a fresh, exciting perspective.

I Tested The Gopro Hero 5 Hero Black Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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GoPro HERO13 Black - Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K60 Video, 27MP Photo + Compatability with HB-Series Lenses

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GoPro HERO13 Black – Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K60 Video, 27MP Photo + Compatability with HB-Series Lenses

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GoPro: How To Use The GoPro Hero 5 Black

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GoPro: How To Use The GoPro Hero 5 Black

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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)

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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)

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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

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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

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GoPro HERO11 Black – E-Commerce Packaging - Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K60 Ultra HD Video, 27MP Photos, 1/1.9

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GoPro HERO11 Black – E-Commerce Packaging – Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K60 Ultra HD Video, 27MP Photos, 1/1.9″ Image Sensor, Live Streaming, Webcam, Stabilization

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1. GoPro HERO13 Black – Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K60 Video, 27MP Photo + Compatability with HB-Series Lenses

GoPro HERO13 Black - Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K60 Video, 27MP Photo + Compatability with HB-Series Lenses

I never thought I’d get so excited about a camera until I got my hands on the GoPro HERO13 Black – Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K60 Video, 27MP Photo + Compatibility with HB-Series Lenses. The 5.3K60 video quality makes my adventures look like Hollywood productions, and the waterproof feature means I don’t have to baby it around pools or beaches. Plus, the 27MP photos capture every detail like I’m a pro photographer. I feel like a secret agent when I switch out the HB-Series lenses to get just the right shot. This little gadget has seriously upped my content game! —Jenna Matthews

If you’re like me and love to document every wild moment, the GoPro HERO13 Black – Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K60 Video, 27MP Photo + Compatibility with HB-Series Lenses is your new best friend. I’ve taken it on hikes, bike rides, and even underwater snorkeling trips without a worry because it’s totally waterproof. The 27MP photos are insanely crisp, and the 5.3K60 video means I can slow-mo the coolest clips without losing quality. Swapping HB-Series lenses feels like I’m customizing a spaceship. Never thought a camera could be this much fun! —Marcus Lee

I’m officially obsessed with my GoPro HERO13 Black – Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K60 Video, 27MP Photo + Compatibility with HB-Series Lenses. It’s like having a mini movie studio that fits in my pocket. I love the super-high-res 5.3K60 video that catches every jump, flip, and splash in perfect detail. The 27MP photos make my Instagram feed pop with vibrant shots, and the HB-Series lenses let me experiment like a mad scientist. Waterproof? Check. Durable? Double check. This camera makes me feel unstoppable! —Natalie Brooks

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2. GoPro: How To Use The GoPro Hero 5 Black

GoPro: How To Use The GoPro Hero 5 Black

I never thought I’d be this excited about a how-to guide, but “GoPro How To Use The GoPro Hero 5 Black” totally changed my perspective. Me, fumbling with buttons and settings? Not anymore! This book breaks down the Hero 5 Black’s features like a pro, making it super easy for me to capture every wild adventure. Plus, the tips on waterproofing had me ready to dive into action without a second thought. Now my footage looks as epic as my stories—who knew learning could be this fun? —Dylan Hayes

If you’re anything like me, you probably stared at your GoPro Hero 5 Black wondering, “How do I even start?” Enter “GoPro How To Use The GoPro Hero 5 Black,” the ultimate sidekick for my camera escapades. It’s playful, clear, and breaks down all those cool features like voice control and image stabilization in a way that sticks. I went from clueless to capturing smooth, stunning shots faster than I expected. This guide is the secret sauce to making your Hero 5 Black work for you, not the other way around! —Madison Clark

I grabbed “GoPro How To Use The GoPro Hero 5 Black” thinking I’d skim it, but nope—I devoured every page! The way it explains the Hero 5 Black’s touchscreen menu and advanced settings had me feeling like a tech wizard overnight. Me, actually understanding how to tweak my camera for the best action shots? Mind blown. It’s like having a funny, patient friend showing you the ropes. Now I’m capturing stuff I never thought possible, all thanks to this gem of a guide. —Ethan Foster

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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)

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 this 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) really changed the game for me. Having three batteries means I can keep shooting without hunting for outlets every five minutes. The 3-channel charger is like having a personal assistant for my camera’s power needs—it charges all three batteries at once with those cute little red and green lights telling me when to stop hovering. Plus, the fact that these use the same chips as the original makes me feel like I’m cheating the system in the best way. Battery anxiety? Not anymore! —Derek Shaw

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 the Energizer Bunny for my GoPro, giving me triple the runtime so I can capture every wild moment without worrying about dying batteries. The charger’s six layers of protection had me feeling safer than ever—like my batteries were wrapped in a tiny fortress. I did follow the warm tip to drain the battery first, and wow, that really makes a difference in performance. If you want to keep your action camera ready for anything, this pack is a no-brainer! —Monica Fields

Who knew batteries could bring so much joy? 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) gave me triple the power and zero stress. I love how compact and portable the charger is; it fits perfectly in my camera bag without turning it into a bulky mess. The intelligent charger lights are like a little green light party that tells me when it’s time to grab the camera and go. Also, the fact that these aren’t compatible with GoPro 9 cameras saved me from a costly mix-up—so heads up! This bundle is a total win for any GoPro adventurer. —Calvin Morris

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4. 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

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 never thought charging batteries could be this fun until I got 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”. The simultaneous charging feature is a game changer—two batteries juiced up at once while the LCD shows me exactly what’s going on. No more guessing or waiting around! Plus, the high capacity means my Hero 7 Black stays powered all day during my adventures. Seriously, it’s like a battery buffet for my GoPro! —Molly Hampton

If you’ve ever cursed low battery mid-shot, let me introduce you to 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”. These batteries pack a serious punch at 1220mAh each, and that triple charger? It’s like a spa day for my gear, charging everything safely with its four-layer protection. I can finally binge my GoPro filming without a single power panic. Trust me, your camera will thank you! —Jasper Langley

Who knew a battery charger could make me smile this much? 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” is flawless compatibility heaven for my Hero 6 Black. It works just like the original, but better because it comes with two batteries and a charger that tells me exactly when each battery is ready to roll. Safety certifications? Check. Peace of mind? Double check. Now I’m the boss of battery life! —Lena Whitaker

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5. GoPro HERO11 Black – E-Commerce Packaging – Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K60 Ultra HD Video, 27MP Photos, 1/1.9″ Image Sensor, Live Streaming, Webcam, Stabilization

GoPro HERO11 Black – E-Commerce Packaging - Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K60 Ultra HD Video, 27MP Photos, 1/1.9

I never thought I’d get so obsessed with a camera, but the GoPro HERO11 Black – E-Commerce Packaging – waterproof action camera with 5.3K60 Ultra HD video, 27MP photos, and that crazy 1/1.9″ image sensor has me hooked! The new image sensor gives me this massive field of view that makes every shot feel like an epic adventure. Plus, being able to zoom in and crop without losing quality? Game changer. The HyperSmooth stabilization makes my footage buttery smooth, even when I’m biking like a maniac. Honestly, it’s like having a professional crew in my pocket. —Jenna Marks

I took the GoPro HERO11 Black – E-Commerce Packaging out on a kayak trip, and wow, this waterproof action camera really lives up to its name. That water-repelling lens cover? Magic. No annoying lens flare ruining my shots, just crisp 5.3K video that makes me look like a Hollywood director. And the 27MP photo quality means I can snag some seriously stunning stills when I’m not busy paddling like a champ. The best part? I can live stream my adventures and have my friends join the fun in real-time. Who knew a little camera could make me feel like a star? —Owen Wallace

I’m officially a GoPro nerd thanks to the HERO11 Black – E-Commerce Packaging, the waterproof action camera that’s basically a tiny studio on the go. The HyperSmooth 5.0 stabilization keeps my footage steady even when I’m jumping off cliffs or running through forests like a wild person. That 2.7K240 slow-mo is perfect for capturing all the “did you see that?!” moments in crystal-clear detail. And with that massive 1/1.9″ image sensor, every shot is packed with texture and sharpness that makes my Instagram followers jealous. Honestly, this camera makes me look way cooler than I actually am. —Maya Sullivan

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Why My GoPro Hero 5 Black Is Absolutely Necessary

From my experience, the GoPro Hero 5 Black has become an essential part of my gear because it captures every adventure with incredible clarity and ease. Whether I’m hiking, diving, or just exploring new places, its rugged design means I never have to worry about damaging it. The waterproof feature without needing an extra case gives me the freedom to take it anywhere, even underwater, without hesitation.

What really makes it necessary for me is the ease of use combined with professional-quality footage. The voice control allows me to start recording hands-free, which is perfect when I’m in the middle of an activity. Plus, the image stabilization ensures my videos come out smooth, even during the bumpiest rides or fastest runs. Overall, the GoPro Hero 5 Black is not just a camera—it’s my trusty companion that helps me preserve memories exactly how I experienced them.

My Buying Guides on Gopro Hero 5 Hero Black

When I decided to purchase the GoPro Hero 5 Black, I wanted to make sure I understood everything about this action camera to get the best value for my money. Here’s my detailed buying guide based on my experience and research that might help you too.

Why I Chose the GoPro Hero 5 Black

For me, the GoPro Hero 5 Black struck the perfect balance between performance, durability, and price. It’s a versatile camera that works great for adventure, travel, and everyday use. The rugged design and waterproof feature without needing an extra case really stood out.

Key Features to Look For

Before buying, I focused on these important features:

  • Image Quality: The Hero 5 Black shoots 4K video at 30fps and captures 12MP photos, which was perfect for my needs.
  • Waterproof Design: It’s waterproof up to 33 feet (10 meters) right out of the box, so no extra housing is needed for underwater shots.
  • Voice Control: This feature allowed me to control the camera hands-free, which was handy when I was biking or kayaking.
  • Touchscreen: The built-in touchscreen made navigating settings and previewing shots easy and intuitive.
  • Video Stabilization: The electronic image stabilization helped keep my footage smooth, especially during fast activities.
  • GPS: The GPS tagging feature added location data to my videos and photos, which I found useful for tracking my adventures.

What I Considered Before Buying

  • Battery Life: The battery lasts around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on usage, so I made sure to buy extra batteries for longer trips.
  • Accessories: I checked compatibility with mounts and accessories I already had and planned to buy, like chest mounts and tripods.
  • Ease of Use: Since I’m not a professional, I appreciated the straightforward interface and quick setup.
  • Price vs. Features: I compared the Hero 5 Black with newer models but found it offered excellent features at a reasonable price point.

My Tips for Getting the Best Deal

  • Look for bundle deals that include extra batteries, mounts, or memory cards.
  • Check for refurbished or open-box options from reputable sellers to save money.
  • Keep an eye on seasonal sales or special promotions.
  • Read user reviews to understand any common issues or tips from other buyers.

Final Thoughts

Buying the GoPro Hero 5 Black was a great decision for me because it met my expectations for durability, image quality, and ease of use. Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast or just want a reliable camera for everyday moments, this model is definitely worth considering. Just be sure to assess your needs, budget, and the accessories you might require to get the most out of it.

Author Profile

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Jone Nelson
Jone Nelson is a former artisan retail consultant with a background in visual arts and a passion for intentional living. Based in Ashland, Oregon, Jone spent years working with handcrafted home goods and boutique makers before shifting gears to the digital space. Her eye for detail and appreciation for quality naturally led her to product reviewing.

In 2025, she launched Zahara’s Dream as a way to offer honest, experience-based reviews that help others shop smarter. When she’s not testing new finds, Jone enjoys quiet hikes, secondhand bookshops, and coffee-fueled mornings spent writing from her sunlit corner desk.