GoPro Hero5 Black Action Camera Review: Focus on Features. GoPro HERO5 Black review

Action cameras have long ceased to be accessories exclusively for extreme sports enthusiasts and are widely used in everyday life ordinary people. Some people run a video blog, others create a family video library. The action camera is not afraid of water and shocks, it is convenient to take it on trips and on vacation. It is always better to use a specialized device for shooting.

Manufacturers are responding to the trend, making action cameras simpler and more understandable. Marketing is also being adjusted. Photos of skiers and skydivers on HERO5 promo pages now share space with characters far from extreme sports who capture ordinary moments in life.

The HERO5 Black that arrived to the editorial office is an excellent example of a universal device “for everyone and for every day” with the easiest and most intuitive controls.

We examined the new GoPro and found its strengths and weaknesses.

Fifth generation GoPro HERO

The HERO5 line is represented by only two devices: the flagship Black at a price of 31,990 rubles and the simpler Session at a price of 24,990 rubles. Given GoPro's desire to make cameras suitable for everyone, the reduction in the model range seems quite logical.

Pay attention to the cost of HERO4 Black in major retail networks and official stores. Now the average price of the previous generation flagship on Yandex.Market is 35,990 rubles, but in fact the new product is only a couple of thousand more expensive than its predecessor. Thus, the question of choosing between “newer, but more expensive” and “older, but cheaper” disappears.

In terms of resolutions and frames per second, HERO5 Black didn't make any revolutionary breakthroughs. Hopes for the appearance of a 4K mode at 60 frames per second were not justified; the maximum bitrate is 60 Mb/s. Depending on the selected resolution, the user has access to various shooting angles, from standard to ultra-wide, as well as a mode that eliminates the fish-eye effect.

Here is the full list of supported video recording resolutions:

4K @ 30 fps;
2.7K @ 60 fps;
2.7K 4:3 @ 30 fps;
1 440p @ 80 fps;
1 080p @ 120 fps;
960p @ 120 fps;
720p @ 240 fps;
480p @ 240 fps.

You can see the camera working in basic modes in the video below.

Why buy the HERO5 Black when it shoots almost exactly like the previous generation camera?

If this is your first flagship GoPro, then the main reason is the almost identical cost and unconditional technological superiority over the older model.

If you have HERO4 Black, then the set of various large and small innovations and improvements could be the reason. Individually, each of them may not seem all that impressive, but together they create a camera on a completely different level.

Video stabilization

A very useful innovation for amateurs, which allows them to get much higher quality videos without professional accessories, but it is far from ideally implemented. In addition to the inevitable reduction of the filmed area by 10%, stabilization does not work at frame rates above 60 per second, and is not provided for 4K video at all.

Yes, of course, only a few still have 4K monitors and the most popular format is still 1080p @ 60 fps video, but since stabilization is stated in the device description, it should work in all modes.

RAW photos and WDR

HERO4 Black takes 8-megapixel photos in JPG only, while the new HERO5 Black can take 12-megapixel photos in RAW. Further proof that GoPro wants to make its devices as versatile as possible and suitable for everyone, including photographers for whom the ability to perform high-quality post-processing of images is critical.

To further enhance photos and videos, there's a WDR mode that lets you capture more detail in poor lighting conditions.

One button or voice control + built-in touch display

We are accustomed to the fact that one button is enough to take photos and videos on a smartphone. HERO5 Black is built the same way. Pressing the large button on top automatically turns on the camera and begins recording. Pressing it again ends recording and turns off the camera.

In theory, HERO5 Black can be controlled remotely using your voice, but in practice it's not so simple. For correct voice recognition of commands, relative silence in the surrounding area and knowledge of English are required, because the Russian language is not supported.

Selecting a shooting mode, viewing and managing footage, as well as other settings are carried out using an additional button and a built-in 2-inch touch display on the back of the camera.

The small size negatively affects the ease of operation, but there are no complaints about the accuracy and speed of recognition, as well as the quality of the picture.

Waterproof case

Perhaps one of the most important innovations of HERO5 Black, it also has reverse side. Indeed, the new generation of GoPro cameras can operate in depths of up to 10 meters without any additional accessories. The battery and memory card compartments, micro-HDMI and USB-C ports are reliably protected by sealed plugs, but that transparent case protected HERO4 Black not only from water.

By getting rid of the additional shell layer, the designers jeopardized the camera body itself and the lens in particular. Don't forget about the touch screen on the back side, as well as the front monochrome display. All these elements are unlikely to withstand serious mechanical stress, and the included bumper case with mount does not provide complete protection.

HERO5 Black can be tucked into an optional case, but the accessory is not included and will lighten your wallet by another $55 or €55 depending on where you order it.

Other Features

Despite the more powerful hardware, the HERO5 Black's battery life is the same as the previous generation camera, thanks to a slightly increased battery capacity of 1,220 mAh versus 1,160 mAh in the HERO4 Black.
HERO5 Black has built-in GPS, which is a big plus for those who like to organize their media libraries at the location where they were filming.
Unlike the previous generation, HERO5 records sound in stereo.
For an additional fee, you can purchase a GoPro Plus subscription - a personal cloud storage with a built-in editor, where captured photos and videos will be automatically uploaded. However, for this system to work, the camera must be connected to power from an adapter, which is not included in the package.

Total

GoPro HERO5 Black turned out to be controversial, but the positive aspects clearly outweigh.

The HERO5 Black will be criticized mainly by hardcore people who use the camera to shoot real footage in the most extreme conditions. They have the right to swear at the manufacturer for not having a full-fledged case in the box, but these same pros know that GoPro is not just a device for filming, but an entire ecosystem with a huge range of accessories. Whatever game they come up with, GoPro will probably have a gadget to make it happen.

The lack of stabilization and 60 fps in 4K is the fault of technological progress in general. The performance of processors will certainly increase in the near future, and then fans of quality will get what they want.

Otherwise, the HERO5 Black is a great camera. The best GoPro in history and a great advanced smartphone replacement for taking photos and videos. The manufacturer wanted to make a device that is convenient and understandable for ordinary person, and he succeeded.

All that remains is to ask advanced GoPro users. What do you think of HERO5 and the Black model in particular? Is it worth taking and why? What pros and cons have you already discovered that were not covered in the review? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Gopro HERO5 Black can record 4K video at 30 frames per second; when the resolution is lowered to 2K, the frequency can be increased to 60 fps, and with Full HD it reaches 120 fps. A built-in GPS module has appeared, and to control camera settings it is not necessary to connect to a smartphone - the 2-inch display is now touch-sensitive. The case can withstand immersion to a depth of 10 meters. The camera allows you to take 12-megapixel photos (including RAW). Using voice control, you can turn the camera on and off, activate video recording with a command, or end shooting. The manufacturer promises support for 7 languages at launch and plans to expand this list in the future.

Features and what's new in the camera:

Redesigned user interface (more convenient and quicker changing modes and camera characteristics, possible both from the screen and using buttons on the camera)
- Waterproof without underwater housing up to 10 m
- Image stabilization system
- Voice control function
- Built-in GPS module
- Built-in LCD touch screen

Ability to take photos in RAW mode
- 3 microphones + different sound modes such as wind noise suppression
- Faster and more stable Wi-fi connection with mobile devices
- More capacious 1220Mah battery
- Super fast USB Type-C port

The kit includes:

The Gopro Hero 5 camera itself
- TO The Frame
- Battery for HERO5 Black (1220mah)
- Quick release "Latch" mount
- Flat adhesive platform
- Spherical adhesive platform
- Long screw
- Mini USB cable

Specifications:

Model: GoPro HERO5 Black;

Color: gray;
- Matrix type: CMOS;
- Number of matrices: 1 piece;

- Video resolution - 4K - 30/24 fps; 2.7K - 60/48/30/24 fps; 1440p - 80/60/48/30/24 fps; 1080p - 120/90/60/48/30/24 fps; 960p - 120/60 fps; 720p - 240/120/100/60/30 fps; 480p - 240 fps.
- Maximum photo resolution: 12 MP;
- Image stabilizer: yes;
- Optics used: GoPro;
- Battery type: Li-Ion;
- Battery capacity: 1220 mAh;
- GPS module: yes;
- Built-in Bluetooth module: yes;
- Built-in Wi-Fi module: yes;
- Remote shooting via Wi-Fi: yes;
- Smartphone as a remote control: supported;
- OS support: Android, iOS;
- LCD display: yes;
- Display diagonal: 2";
- Touch display: yes;
- Case material: plastic;
- Waterproof class: IPX8 (up to 10 m);
- Memory card types: microSD, microSDHC, microSDXC
- Maximum memory card capacity: 128 GB;
- Sound: 3 microphones, noise reduction, compressor, stereo;
- JPEG compression algorithm: yes;
- MPEG4 compression algorithm: yes;
- H.264 compression algorithm: yes;
- RAW compression algorithm: yes;
- Voice control: yes;

Night shooting: yes;
- Continuous shooting: 30 fps;
- Ports: micro HDMI output, USB Type-C;

Instructions in Russian: HERO5Black_UM_RU_REVA_Web.pdf

Discussion of the camera on the gopro-club.ru forum: http://www.gopro-club.ru/forum/forum/140-kamera-gopro-hero-5/

Video:

1. Main technical characteristics
2. Packaging and accessories
3. Appearance
4. Ergonomics
5. Application
6. Test results
7. Where can I buy it?
8. Conclusion
9. Video review GoPro Hero 5 Session

The new Hero 5 line from GoPro, compared to the previous Hero 4, has received many quite serious improvements. The new product is presented in two versions - Session and Black, the differences between which are in size and functionality. At the same time, the GoPro 5 Black is considered the flagship, while the Session price is more affordable.

In our review of the GoPro Hero 5 Session, we will compare the camera with the older model in the line and summarize after testing the device.

Main technical characteristics

Camera module: CMOS, wide-angle lens;
Video recording: WVGA (240fps) to 4K (30fps);
Codecs: H.264;
Photography: up to 10 MP;
Storage memory: microSD/SDHC/SDXC (up to 128 GB);
Wireless interfaces: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth;
Battery: 1000 mAh;
Dimensions: 38 x 38 x 36 mm;
Weight: 88 g.

Packaging and equipment

The Session box is practically no different in appearance from other products in the Hero 5 line. It is a regular cardboard package with a plastic box on top through which the camera can be seen.

A USB Type-C cable and two mounts are packed under the camera. The package does not include a protective box, so for underwater photography you will have to fork out a few tens of dollars more.

Appearance

The Hero 5 Session has a different form factor from traditional GoPros. The camera body is made in the form of a cube. It is more compact than the Hero 5 Black, weighs less and does not cause much aerodynamic drag at high speeds.

Compared to the previous version of Session, the device still gained a few extra millimeters in size, but there is no significant difference between the two devices. Also, the location of the functional elements has not changed. The activation button and tiny display are located on the top end.

At the bottom there is a button to activate wireless communication via Wi-Fi, next to it is a microphone.

To connect via USB Type-C or change the memory card, you will have to open the waterproof flap on the left.

The camera lens is hidden behind protective glass on the front panel. A little higher in the corner there is a perforation for another microphone and an LED status indicator. If something goes wrong and the glass cracks, it won’t be possible to replace the protection. special labor. The necessary components for repair are sold in many online stores.

The sides of the Hero 5 Session feature a rubberized, grooved coating. It makes the camera very comfortable to hold in your hands.

Ergonomics

The main advantage of Session is its water resistance. For filming in a humid environment and at a depth of up to 10 meters underwater, you can do without a protective box. This solution has a positive effect on the quality of sound recording. Now it is louder and clearer due to the absence of external barriers in the form of glass protection.

In fact, you don’t even need the protection itself. The Hero 5 Session is designed to withstand drops, bumps, and other hazards that come with action camera life.

Along with the camera, the package includes a universal mount that allows you to connect the device with a huge number of types of accessories. The device also fits perfectly with GoPro's Karma drone.

In Hero 5 Session, microphones not only record sound, but also “understand” it. The voice control function has thirteen commands. True, there is no Russian among the available languages, so you need to pronounce phrases in English. For example, “GoPro take a photo” or “GoPro start recording”, after which the camera will immediately perform the required action.

However, this control model does not work in noisy environments. Sometimes microphones can simply ignore a command that is drowned out among many other sounds. To solve this problem, it is recommended to purchase an additional control module on the wristband.

Application

Hero 5 Session is equipped with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi wireless interfaces for synchronizing with the GoPro Capture App on your smartphone or tablet. The application provides a picture from the camera in real time and full remote control over the device.

Among the innovations is the function of automatically uploading footage to the cloud through the GoPro Plus service. The process occurs when synchronizing with a smartphone. This is a great way to avoid accidentally losing the day's footage. True, you will have to pay for this opportunity.

The Quik app allows you to quickly and easily edit videos. GoPro desktop software performs the same functions. To work with it, you do not need special knowledge in installation; the design of the program is intuitive and extremely simple. However, the editor is limited in its functionality. For more advanced installation, it is recommended to use third-party solutions.

In general, there are no complaints about Session regarding remote control. The connection is stable. There is a slight delay when broadcasting live video to a smartphone, but it is not critical. The wireless connection of the GoPro Hero 5 Black works similarly. There are no differences between the cameras here.

Test results

During the test, “ headache» Session line - a critical inconvenience of control without a smartphone. Remembering combinations of button presses to switch between modes is very difficult at first. In principle, there is no particular need for this; most users shoot videos in conjunction with the application anyway.

The tiny LCD display shows only the bare minimum: approximate battery charge, wireless connection status, shooting mode and recording time. The decision not to use a large screen is due to the camera positioning. First of all, it is designed for first-person shooting.

The main difference from the more expensive Hero 5 Black is the frame rate per second. Both cameras shoot in 4K at 30fps, while the Black can use SuperView field (an expanded frame to 16:9 with a base aspect ratio of 4:3). Session does not provide such a function.

At lower resolutions the differences between devices only become larger. The 2.7K Session is limited to 48fps and medium viewing angles, while the Black can shoot at 60fps without any restrictions. The same goes for Full HD. Here Session lags by 40 frames per second.

When it comes to shooting quality, the cameras here are almost equal. There is a significant increase compared to the previous generation. Here Black has an advantage only in low light due to less noise. Session has software frame stabilization, which doesn't work in 4K. Sound recording is carried out by three microphones in stereo mode. The noise reduction system works very effectively, but in strong winds the camera is unlikely to understand your voice commands.

Video examples:

In terms of photography, the camera is also slightly behind the older model in the line. This is a result of the lack of a display; Session is physically impossible to position perfectly to capture a good frame. The device also lags behind in maximum photo resolution – 10 megapixels versus 12 for the Black.

The battery was completely drained after one hour of shooting in 4K. FullHD operation doubles battery life. The battery is non-removable, so it is better to buy a portable charger. The device charges in about an hour via USB Type-C.

Where can I buy

Conclusion

Convenient compact body;
Moisture protection;
Voice control;
Electronic stabilizer;
Availability of 4K resolution.

Inconvenient control without a smartphone;
Frame stabilization is not possible in 4K.

The improvement over previous models makes the GoPro Hero 5 Session a serious alternative to the older camera in the line. The instance can offer compactness and convenience with good performance.

However, the Hero 5 Black is still slightly better in terms of shooting quality and more convenient to control. If you are looking good camera For first-person shooting, Session is more suitable for you due to its smaller dimensions and weight.

Among products from other brands, we can highlight the Sony FDR-X1000V. The competitor's main advantage is ZEISS optics, wide viewing angle, advanced functionality, and the presence of GPS and NFC modules. All this in the same compact package. However, for this camera you will have to pay almost twice as much - $550.

Video review of GoPro Hero 5 Session

The fifth “hero” from GoPro has been updated both externally and internally: the camcorder for active shooting has received a more rounded rubberized body and acquired an electronic image stabilization system, previously unavailable in the model range of the trendsetter in the production of action cameras.

Security

The redesigned body of the model has dust and moisture protection according to the IPX8 standard, withstanding immersion under water to a depth of 10 m. This is probably why the manufacturer decided not to include an underwater housing in the delivery package, which at the same time acts as a shock protection for the camera. If necessary, it can be purchased separately.

Control

The action camera is controlled using both a 2-inch touch screen located on the back of the body and wireless Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth. And if you can’t free your hands, they will come to the rescue voice commands - out of the box the camcorder supports 7 language packs.

Filming

The fact that the action camera belongs to the top segment is fully confirmed by its video capabilities. The credit for the sharp, clear and rich picture lies on the shoulders of a 1/2.3-inch sensor with a resolution of 12 MP, which allows you to shoot video in 4K resolution at up to 30 fps or FullHD at recording speeds up to 120 fps. To obtain a wider dynamic range, you can activate the WDR function (analogous to HDR for photos). By the way, photos are recorded on a memory card in JPG or RAW formats.

Fashion trends

Current fashion trends have translated into the use of a USB Type-C port for charging. The battery capacity has also increased (up to 1220 mAh), on one charge of which the action camera is capable of recording about 2 hours of video in FullHD resolution or 1 hour in 4K shooting format. True, the included GPS module tends to eat up the battery charge and reduce the duration of video shooting.

Functionality

GoPro HERO 5 will allow you to capture moments of outdoor activities or extreme sports in ultra-high definition with high detail and smooth footage. And the camcorder's excellent functionality makes it one of the most competitive models on the action camera market.

The box, made in the classic GoPro style, contains rather meager equipment. In addition to the Hero 5 Black itself, the kit includes a charging cable (the new USB-C standard), a camera mount, a frame and two Velcro strips.

Anyone familiar with GoPro will miss the variety of additional tools that came with the Hero 3 kit.

However, the existing set deserves close attention. When you pick up the Hero 5 Black for the first time, you will notice a useful innovation, which is the rubber latch for mounting the camera.

A small but elegant addition that enhances the safety of using the gadget.

On this mount there is a new frame, which is not fully waterproof. The old fully enclosed GoPro cases made the sound simply terrible, but since one of the stated “features” of the Hero 5 is amazing noise reduction, it became clear why the usual box was replaced by a frame.

A system of three microphones independently selects the best quality sound source, while simultaneously suppressing unnecessary external noise. This was sorely lacking in previous versions of GoPro.

Frame

Generally appearance the device has undergone quite a lot significant changes, and the camera body has become noticeably stronger.

Characteristics

Size, weight: 62x33x45, 118 g
Video: 4K - 30 fps, 1080p - 120 fps, 720p - 240 fps
Photo: 12 MP with RAW format support, electronic stabilization when shooting
Battery: 1,220 mAh
Connectors: USB Type-C and microHDMI, microSD slot
Additionally: wind noise reduction system, voice control support, water immersion without protective equipment up to 10 meters
Connection: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS

The GoPro no longer needs an additional case to be submersible in water; it is now waterproof on its own. The stated diving capability without third-party equipment is 10 meters. This is a huge plus in favor of the new product.   Just like the previous model (Hero 4 Silver), the camera has a touch display, making it easier to interact with.

At the same time, the lack of a navigation button on the front side of the device is disappointing. It was quite convenient to work with her even in the most difficult weather conditions, which cannot be said about the sensor.  

IN home environment and in dry weather it copes with its function 100%, but as soon as the slightest moisture appears on your hands, basic navigation actions in the menu begin to slow down.

The front monochrome display with such important information as battery level, free memory and shooting parameters remains in its usual place.

Black and gray matte rubberized plastic is not only beautiful, but also very pleasant to the touch. Its strength is also impressive.

Video and photo

The Hero 5 Black can record videos in 4K resolution. The GoPro fan community was waiting for a breakthrough shooting speed of 60 frames per second, but, unfortunately, 30 fps is the ceiling for an UltraHD camera.

Photos taken with the Hero 5 Black are very bright and rich. This effect is achieved thanks to a 12 megapixel sensor.

The ability to save images in raw RAW format has been added. Professionals prefer to work with such files containing raw data, since the format provides more opportunities for photo editing.

The new GoPro model also features electronic image stabilization, which significantly improves video quality, but this is achieved by cropping the edges of the frame.

Thus, wide-format shooting suffered. To achieve effective stabilization, it is better to use Karma Grip.

Without a button, but with a voice

The decision to add a touch screen and at the same time remove the navigation button looks dubious. The concept of an action camera is that the device must withstand enormous loads and at the same time provide full functionality.

A screen + button combination would be much more successful, when the sensor is made for easy navigation in the menu, and the button is made for “hardcore” navigation.

Of course, basic actions like choosing to take photos or videos can still be done via the side key, but that's another story.

But, to the disappointment of many Russian users, control commands will have to be spoken either in English or in any other language from the seven preset ones. The camera does not yet understand Russian speech.

GoPro has promised to add support for other languages in the future. So perhaps the “high and mighty” will still appear in the Hero 5 Black arsenal.

Battery and memory

The camera is equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless modules. Using a proprietary smartphone application, you can get full access to the functionality of the gadget. The developers have also added the ability to place geo-tags when shooting thanks to the built-in GPS.

With screen brightness turned on to maximum + Wi-Fi + Bluetooth + app for controlling the camera from a smartphone + 4K shooting at 30 fps, your Hero 5 Black will drain in 1 hour 15 minutes.

In gentle mode, with medium settings, the battery will last a little more than two hours.

GoPro Supercharger allows you to charge your device 20% faster. But only if you have the “correct” adapter with two connectors.

The camera supports microSD cards, and the new cloud service GoPro Plus for $5 per month will allow you to store 35 hours of video in Full HD format and up to 62.5 thousand photos in maximum resolution.

Files are uploaded to the cloud automatically as soon as the device connects to the network.

Bottom line

If you are the owner of a previous Hero model, then there is no need to rush to change to a new one. Yes, the camera has noticeably evolved, it has become more elegant, more convenient and more interesting, but there has been no breakthrough.

Hero 4 still looks decent compared to its older model. However, if you are thinking about buying an action camera for the first time, then the GoPro Hero 5 Black is exactly what you need.

Recently, GoPro has begun to change its marketing strategy. The developers have significantly expanded the audience of potential users. If earlier in promotional videos and advertising campaigns We only saw the tricks of professional athletes and stuntmen, but now the manufacturer is also targeting fans of noisy parties with jumping into the pool with a selfie stick.

This is probably the right one marketing ploy, since action cameras have long been used not only by extreme sports enthusiasts, but also by video bloggers and filmmakers. For example, the acclaimed film by the Russian director “Hardcore” was shot entirely in first person using a GoPro.