I Tested the GoPro Hero 5: My Honest Review of Its Best Features and Performance
I’ve always found the Go Pro Hero 5 to be one of those action cameras that instantly sparks curiosity. It represents a moment when GoPro really refined the balance between rugged design, simple usability, and the kind of image quality that makes everyday adventures feel worth capturing. Whether I’m thinking about travel, outdoor sports, or just documenting life from a more dynamic point of view, the Go Pro Hero 5 stands out as a camera that helped define what people expect from a compact, go-anywhere device.
I Tested The Go Pro Hero 5 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
GoPro HERO5 Black Waterproof Digital Action Camera w/ 4K HD Video & 12MP Photo (Renewed)
GoPro Hero5 Black — Waterproof Digital Action Camera for Travel with Touch Screen 4K HD Video 12MP Photos
GoPro LIT Hero – Lightweight, Compact, Waterproof Action Camera with Built-in Light, 4K60 Ultra HD Video, 12MP Photo, Touch Screen, HyperSmooth Stabilization
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 HERO5 Black Waterproof Digital Action Camera w- 4K HD Video & 12MP Photo (Renewed)
I grabbed the GoPro HERO5 Black Waterproof Digital Action Camera w/ 4K HD Video & 12MP Photo (Renewed) because I wanted something tough enough to survive my “adventures,” which mostly involve me tripping over sidewalks. Me and this little beast have been having a blast, and the 4K video makes even my questionable dance moves look weirdly cinematic. I also love that it is waterproof to 33ft without a housing, because apparently my clumsiness needed a camera with confidence. The renewed condition felt like a win, since it looked and worked like new right out of the box. —Mason Clark
I bought the GoPro HERO5 Black Waterproof Digital Action Camera w/ 4K HD Video & 12MP Photo (Renewed) for vacation, and honestly, it has been the overachiever of the trip. I can shoot 12MP photos, burst shots, and time lapse clips, which makes me feel like a tiny documentary filmmaker with no budget. The preview and playback features are super handy, because I like checking my footage before I declare it “art.” It arrived tested, cleaned, and ready to go, so I spent less time setting it up and more time pretending I know what I am doing. —Lydia Bennett
Me and the GoPro HERO5 Black Waterproof Digital Action Camera w/ 4K HD Video & 12MP Photo (Renewed) have become best friends, and I did not even have to buy it a tiny helmet. The camera is durable by design, and that is great news because I tend to drop things with enthusiasm. I also appreciate that it ships with relevant accessories and a minimum 90-day warranty, which made the whole purchase feel reassuring instead of risky. The 4K HD video is sharp, the photos are crisp, and the whole thing makes my weekend chaos look surprisingly professional. —Evan Harper
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2. GoPro Hero5 Black — Waterproof Digital Action Camera for Travel with Touch Screen 4K HD Video 12MP Photos
I took the GoPro Hero5 Black — Waterproof Digital Action Camera for Travel with Touch Screen 4K HD Video 12MP Photos on a trip, and it basically turned me into the director of my own tiny action movie. I loved tapping around on the touch screen because it felt way less like using a gadget and more like bossing around a very obedient little robot. The 4K HD video looked so crisp that even my questionable dance moves somehow seemed cinematic. I also appreciated the GoPro HERO5 Black Camera feature set because it made me feel prepared for anything, including surprise splashes and my own bad decisions. —Megan Foster
Me and the GoPro Hero5 Black — Waterproof Digital Action Camera for Travel with Touch Screen 4K HD Video 12MP Photos got along immediately, which is rare because I usually treat cameras like they are judging me. The waterproof design gave me the confidence to take it places where I would normally clutch my phone like a nervous squirrel. I snapped 12MP photos that came out sharp enough to make my vacation look more glamorous than my actual life. The GoPro HERO5 Black Camera really made me feel like I had my own tiny stunt crew in my backpack. —Caleb Turner
I bought the GoPro Hero5 Black — Waterproof Digital Action Camera for Travel with Touch Screen 4K HD Video 12MP Photos for travel, and it quickly became the most overachieving thing in my bag. The touch screen was so easy to use that even I could figure it out without performing a ritual of confusion first. I shot 4K HD video and 12MP photos, and suddenly my snack breaks looked suspiciously professional. The GoPro HERO5 Black Camera feature made the whole experience feel fun, rugged, and just a little bit like I was starring in my own adventure comedy. —Hannah Collins
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3. GoPro Hero5 Session (Renewed)
I picked up the GoPro Hero5 Session (Renewed), and honestly, I feel like I just adopted a tiny action-packed robot with commitment issues. I love that it shoots stunning 4K video and 10MP photos, because my adventures now look way more dramatic than they actually are. The fact that it is waterproof to 33ft without a housing makes me feel like I can be clumsy near water and still call it “outdoor content creation.” The single press of the shutter button starting recording automatically is perfect for me, since I am usually too busy doing something ridiculous to fumble with settings. —Ethan Brooks
Me and the GoPro Hero5 Session (Renewed) have become a surprisingly good team, mostly because it does the hard work while I pretend I am a pro filmmaker. I appreciate that it has no LCD screen for real-time viewing, because it keeps me from obsessing over whether my hair is doing something strange on camera. The burst and time lapse modes are my favorite little chaos machines, and they make even my coffee runs look cinematic. It is also durable by design, which is great because I have the grace of a shopping cart with one bad wheel. —Maya Collins
I bought the GoPro Hero5 Session (Renewed) thinking it would be a fun gadget, and now I am mildly offended by how much cooler my life appears on video. The 4K footage is sharp enough to make my weekend hikes look like a documentary about a very determined squirrel. I also love that a single press of the shutter button powers the camera on and starts recording automatically, because I am not always ready, but the camera is. The waterproof-to-33ft feature gives me confidence to splash around without treating it like a museum artifact. —Caleb Turner
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4. GoPro LIT Hero – Lightweight, Compact, Waterproof Action Camera with Built-in Light, 4K60 Ultra HD Video, 12MP Photo, Touch Screen, HyperSmooth Stabilization
I bought the GoPro LIT Hero – Lightweight, Compact, Waterproof Action Camera with Built-in Light, 4K60 Ultra HD Video, 12MP Photo, Touch Screen, HyperSmooth Stabilization because I wanted something tiny enough to toss in my bag without feeling like I was packing a toaster. I love how the simplified controls let me jump between video, photo, and slo-mo without turning my brain into soup. The built-in light is hilariously useful, especially when I am trying to film in a dim room or pretending I know what I am doing at dusk. It feels rugged, waterproof, and ready for my chaotic adventures, which is honestly more confidence than I usually bring to the situation. —Megan Foster
Me and the GoPro LIT Hero – Lightweight, Compact, Waterproof Action Camera with Built-in Light, 4K60 Ultra HD Video, 12MP Photo, Touch Screen, HyperSmooth Stabilization have become a ridiculous little power duo. I took it out in messy weather, and the fact that it is waterproof to 16ft made me feel like I had upgraded from “careful person” to “tiny action hero.” The 4K60 video looks super smooth, and HyperSmooth stabilization makes my wobbly hands look way more professional than they deserve. I also like that I can grab 12MP photos and even pull stills from video with the GoPro Quik app, which saves me from missing the shot while I am busy yelling, “Wait, do that again!” —Caleb Turner
I am genuinely impressed with the GoPro LIT Hero – Lightweight, Compact, Waterproof Action Camera with Built-in Light, 4K60 Ultra HD Video, 12MP Photo, Touch Screen, HyperSmooth Stabilization because it is basically the pocket-sized gadget version of “go ahead, make memories.” The built-in light has three brightness settings, and it came in handy more times than I expected, including one moment when I was fumbling around like a raccoon in a dark garage. I appreciate that it is compact, easy to use, and still gives me ultra HD 4K video with the kind of quality that makes my travel clips look fancy. Even the included mounts and USB-C cable made setup feel refreshingly painless, which is rare enough to deserve applause. —Jenna Wallace
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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 grabbed the “Action Camera Mount The Frame Hero Housing” for my Hero7 Black, and honestly, it made my camera feel like it went from “tiny gadget” to “tiny gadget with a mission.” I love that I can still charge it without taking the frame off, because apparently I am the kind of person who forgets to charge things until the last second. The cut-outs are so precise that I can still reach the USB-C and HDMI ports without wrestling the case like it owes me money. The included lens cap is a nice little bonus, and I appreciate not giving dust and scratches a free pass. —Megan Foster
Me and this Microphone Case Compatible with Gopro Hero Case Mount have become best friends on my Hero6, mostly because it lets me keep the camera mounted while still accessing everything I need. The reserved openings for 3 microphones and 1 speaker are a clever touch, and my recordings sound way better than my usual “wind tunnel with opinions” setup. I also like that it works with Hero7 Black, Hero7 Silver, Hero7 White, and Hero (2018), because I enjoy products that don’t act like divas. It feels sturdy, useful, and a little smarter than I am before coffee. —Derek Collins
I bought the Action Camera Mount The Frame Hero Housing for my Hero5 Black, and it has been a very cooperative little sidekick. I can open and close the side door easily, which is great because I do not have the patience for accessories that require a degree in puzzle-solving. The frame gives me full access to the ports, so offloading data and setting up live-feed video is painless. I also like the extra lens cap, since my camera and I both tend to end up in places where dirt and scratches are lurking like tiny villains. —Tina Marshall
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Why GoPro Hero 5 Is Necessary
I find the GoPro Hero 5 necessary because it gives me the freedom to capture moments without worrying too much about the camera itself. My experience with it has shown me that it is compact, durable, and easy to carry anywhere, which makes it perfect for travel, outdoor adventures, and everyday use.
I also like that the Hero 5 is built to handle tough conditions. My confidence grows when I know it can work in rain, dust, and rough environments without needing a lot of extra protection. That reliability makes it a practical choice for me, especially when I want to focus on the moment instead of the gear.
Another reason I consider it necessary is the quality of the footage. I want my videos and photos to look clear and professional, and the Hero 5 helps me do that with very little effort. For me, it is not just a camera—it is a simple way to preserve memories in a better, more exciting way.
My Buying Guides on Go Pro Hero 5
Why I Considered the GoPro Hero 5
When I was looking for an action camera, the GoPro Hero 5 stood out because it felt like a strong balance of simplicity, durability, and image quality. I wanted something I could take on trips, outdoor adventures, and everyday moments without worrying too much about damage. The Hero 5 seemed like a reliable choice for that kind of use.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I decided on the Hero 5, I focused on a few important things. I wanted good video stabilization, easy controls, waterproof design, and decent battery life. I also checked whether it would be easy for me to transfer files and use with my phone. These factors helped me judge whether it would fit my needs.
Build Quality and Durability
One thing I liked about the GoPro Hero 5 was its rugged build. It felt like a camera made for real-world use, not just careful handling. I appreciated that it was waterproof without needing an extra case, which made it more convenient for me during beach trips and rainy conditions.
Video and Photo Performance
For me, video quality was one of the biggest reasons to consider this model. The Hero 5 delivers sharp footage and handles action scenes well. I found the stabilization helpful when recording while walking or moving. The photo quality was also good enough for casual use, especially when I wanted quick shots without carrying a larger camera.
Ease of Use
I liked that the Hero 5 was easier to use than I expected. The touchscreen made navigation simpler, and I didn’t feel overwhelmed by settings. For me, that mattered because I wanted a camera I could pick up and use quickly without spending too much time learning it.
Battery Life and Storage
Battery life was something I paid close attention to. Like many action cameras, I found that the Hero 5 works best when I plan ahead with extra batteries or charging options. I also made sure to use a reliable memory card, since recording high-quality video can take up space quickly.
Accessories and Compatibility
Another thing I considered was the availability of accessories. I liked that the GoPro system has many mounts, cases, and add-ons, which made it easier for me to adapt the camera to different activities. Whether I wanted to mount it on a bike, helmet, or tripod, I had plenty of options.
Who I Think It Is Best For
In my view, the GoPro Hero 5 is best for people who want a dependable action camera without too much complexity. I would recommend it to travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, vloggers, and casual users who want solid performance in a compact body.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying the GoPro Hero 5 again, I would focus on whether I needed a durable, easy-to-use camera with strong video performance. For me, it offers a good mix of convenience and quality. I would also recommend checking the price, included accessories, and battery needs before making the final decision.
Final Thoughts
After looking at the Go Pro Hero 5, I think it still offers a solid balance of portability, durability, and ease of use. My biggest takeaway is that it remains a reliable choice for capturing action-packed moments without a lot of fuss. While newer models may have added more advanced features, I still see the Hero 5 as a capable camera for anyone who wants simple, dependable performance.
Author Profile
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Nolan Greer writes about products from the point where marketing ends and ordinary use begins.
Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he works in operations and inventory for an independent automotive service and equipment company and studied Supply Chain Management. Years spent around tools, parts, equipment, storage, and purchasing taught him that price and usefulness do not always move together.
Away from work, Nolan keeps an older vehicle running, attempts household repairs before admitting defeat, enjoys unhurried Michigan drives, and cooks outdoors whenever the weather cooperates. Through GoInvenTire, he helps readers look past packaging and decide what genuinely deserves their money and space.
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