GoPro HERO5 Black Review

The GoPro HERO5 Black marked a significant step forward for the brand when it launched in 2016, introducing voice control and eliminating the need for a separate waterproof housing. With native waterproofing to 10 meters, a 2-inch touchscreen, and built-in GPS, it addressed many of the pain points of earlier models. The addition of raw photo support and wide dynamic range mode gave creators more flexibility in post-production, while 4K30 and 1080p120 frame rates covered the core action-camera use cases.

Reviewers praised the image quality in good lighting and the convenience of the all-in-one design. The voice control feature worked well for hands-free operation, and the simplified interface made it easier to navigate settings on the fly. However, low-light performance was a common complaint, with several reviewers noting that photos could turn out noisy unless ISO was manually capped to 400 or lower. Battery life also fell short for longer shooting sessions, a recurring issue across GoPro's lineup at the time.

For its era, the HERO5 Black was a compelling flagship that consolidated features and improved usability. It remains a capable option for those who don't need the latest sensor tech or stabilization algorithms and can find it at a discount.