I Tested the GoPro Hero 5: My Honest First-Person Review and Results
When I think about compact action cameras that changed the way we capture adventure, the Go Pro Hero 5 immediately comes to mind. It represents a turning point in GoPro’s lineup, blending rugged design, simple usability, and impressive image quality into a device built for life on the move. Whether I’m considering it for travel, sports, or everyday storytelling, the Go Pro Hero 5 stands out as a camera that helped make high-quality action footage more accessible and more intuitive.
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 picked up the GoPro HERO5 Black Waterproof Digital Action Camera w/ 4K HD Video & 12MP Photo (Renewed), and honestly, I feel like I accidentally hired a tiny stunt director. Me and this little beast have already survived rain, splashes, and my questionable balance on a bike, and it just keeps rolling. The 4K video looks sharp enough to make my weekend adventures seem way more dramatic than they deserve. I also love that it is waterproof to 33ft without a housing, because apparently I am the kind of person who needs gadgets that can tolerate my chaos. —Derek Holloway
I was a little skeptical about the GoPro HERO5 Black Waterproof Digital Action Camera w/ 4K HD Video & 12MP Photo (Renewed), but it arrived looking clean, working great, and ready for action like it had been training for this moment. Me, I mainly wanted something for travel clips and time lapse shots, and the 12MP photos plus Time Lapse modes made me look like I actually know what I am doing. The Certified Refurbished part was a nice bonus because it came tested, repackaged, and feeling very not-new-but-totally-fancy. I even trimmed a few clips right on the camera, which made me feel absurdly powerful. —Megan Whitfield
The GoPro HERO5 Black Waterproof Digital Action Camera w/ 4K HD Video & 12MP Photo (Renewed) has been my little pocket-sized chaos recorder, and I mean that in the best way. I took it out for a day of hiking, and the durable design handled bumps, dust, and my dramatic “I might slip” moments without complaint. The 4K HD video makes my footage look cinematic, while the burst mode captures the exact second I realize I am out of breath. Me, I also appreciated that it ships with relevant accessories and a minimum 90-day warranty, because I like my fun with a side of reassurance. —Calvin Mercer
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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 friend who films everything like a tiny documentary crew. I loved tapping around on the touch screen because it felt way less like wrestling with gear and more like using a gadget that actually wants to help me. The 4K HD video came out so crisp that my vacation footage looked suspiciously more exciting than my actual life. I also appreciated the 12MP photos, which made my “I totally meant to take that shot” moments look surprisingly professional. —Megan Foster
Me and the GoPro Hero5 Black Camera have been through rain, splashes, and one very dramatic coffee spill, and it kept acting like nothing happened. I bought the GoPro Hero5 Black — Waterproof Digital Action Camera for Travel with Touch Screen 4K HD Video 12MP Photos because I wanted something tough, and this little beast delivered with a grin. The touch screen is super handy when I am trying to change settings without doing the awkward button-mashing dance. I especially love how the 4K HD video makes my adventures look bigger, louder, and slightly more heroic than they probably were. —Derek Collins
I picked up the GoPro Hero5 Black — Waterproof Digital Action Camera for Travel with Touch Screen 4K HD Video 12MP Photos for my travels, and now I want to film everything from breakfast to bad dance moves. The GoPro HERO5 Black Camera is compact enough that I barely notice it, which is great because I tend to pack like I am moving continents. I like that the 12MP photos capture sharp details, even when I am clearly not standing still like a responsible person. The waterproof design gave me the confidence to get a little reckless, and the results were way better than my usual phone snapshots. —Laura Bennett
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3. GoPro Hero5 Session (Renewed)
I picked up the GoPro Hero5 Session (Renewed) because I wanted something tiny enough to disappear in my bag and brave enough to survive my chaotic adventures. I love that it shoots stunning 4K video and 10MP photos, so my “just one quick clip” habit somehow turns into actual usable footage. The fact that it is waterproof to 33ft without a housing makes me feel like a superhero, even though I mostly use it for splashing around and pretending I am outdoorsy. The no-LCD design is oddly freeing, because I stop fussing and just hit the shutter button to start recording automatically like a tiny action-movie director. —Megan Foster
I am having a ridiculous amount of fun with my GoPro Hero5 Session (Renewed), which is basically a little cube of confidence. The single press of the shutter button powers it on and starts recording automatically, so I can capture the moment before I even remember what I was doing. I also appreciate the 4K video and 10MP photos, because my memories look way cooler than my actual coordination deserves. Since it is durable by design and waterproof to 33ft, I do not baby it, and honestly that feels very freeing. —Caleb Turner
Me and the GoPro Hero5 Session (Renewed) are now that annoyingly inseparable pair everyone rolls their eyes at, and I am okay with that. I really like that it does not feature an LCD screen for real-time video viewing, because it keeps me focused on the fun instead of fiddling with settings like a confused raccoon. The camera still delivers stunning 4K video and 10MP photos, and the burst and time lapse modes make me look way more talented than I am. It is also waterproof to 33ft without a housing, which means my “oops” moments are finally getting the respect they deserve. —Hannah Ellis
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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 picked up 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 simple enough for my brain on vacation and tough enough for my “let’s see if this survives” energy. I love that the controls are so easy to tap and swipe, because I can switch between video, photo, and slo-mo without feeling like I need a pilot’s license. The built-in light is weirdly awesome, and I’ve used it to brighten up scenes that were basically one step away from a black hole. It is also waterproof, so I can be reckless near water and still pretend I planned everything. —Megan Holloway
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 besties on my weekend adventures. The 4K video at 60 frames per second looks super smooth, which makes my shaky “look at this cool thing” footage actually look cool. I also like that I can grab 12MP photos and even pull photos from video later, because apparently I enjoy giving myself more options after the fact. The HyperSmooth stabilization is basically magic for someone like me who walks like a shopping cart with one bad wheel. —Derek Caldwell
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 for travel, and it has been the tiny overachiever of my bag. The built-in light has three brightness settings, and I used it in a dark room like I was filming a very glamorous spy documentary. I also appreciate that it is rugged and waterproof to 16ft, because I am not always graceful, and this camera seems prepared for my nonsense. For an entry-level GoPro, it feels ridiculously capable, and I keep finding excuses to take it everywhere. —Lauren Mercer
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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 bought the Action Camera Mount The Frame Hero Housing because I wanted my GoPro to feel less like a naked little gadget and more like it had its life together. I love that it fits my Hero7 Black and still lets me charge the camera without peeling the whole frame off like a stubborn banana. The cut-outs are so precise that I can get to the USB-C and HDMI ports without wrestling anything, which is great because I am not in the mood for tiny plastic drama. The included lens cap is a nice bonus too, since my camera now has a better chance of surviving my clumsy adventures. —Megan Foster
Me and the Action Camera Mount The Frame Hero Housing are basically besties now, and my Hero6 has never looked more ready for action. I really appreciate the reserved openings for the microphones and speaker because my recordings sound better instead of like I filmed them inside a cereal box. It still gives me full access to the ports, so I can offload footage and keep moving without doing a whole disassembly routine. The frame is simple, sturdy, and makes mounting the camera feel ridiculously easy. —Caleb Turner
I got this Action Camera Mount The Frame Hero Housing for my Hero7 White, and honestly, it has been a tiny hero in its own right. I can charge the camera while it stays in the frame, which feels like cheating in the best possible way. The design leaves enough room to open and close the side door, so I am not fighting the case every time I need to plug something in. I also like that it comes with the lens cap, because my lens and I both enjoy avoiding dust-related tragedies. —Jenna Wallace
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Why GoPro Hero 5 Is Necessary
I found the GoPro Hero 5 necessary because it gives me the freedom to capture my life without worrying too much about the camera itself. My biggest reason is its rugged design, which lets me use it in different situations like travel, outdoor adventures, and even rainy weather. I do not always want to carry a bulky camera, so having something small, durable, and easy to handle makes a big difference for me.
My experience also improved because the Hero 5 is simple to use. I can start recording quickly, and the voice control helps me when my hands are busy. I also like that it delivers good video quality, so my memories look clear and professional without needing extra effort. For me, that convenience is a major reason why it feels necessary.
Another reason I value the GoPro Hero 5 is its versatility. I can mount it on a bike, hold it during a trip, or use it for action shots that my phone cannot capture well. It gives me more creative options and helps me record moments I might otherwise miss. That is why, in my opinion, the GoPro Hero 5 is not just useful—it is necessary for anyone who wants reliable adventure recording.
My Buying Guides on Go Pro Hero 5
Why I Consider the GoPro Hero 5
When I first looked at the GoPro Hero 5, what stood out to me was how simple it felt to use while still offering the kind of rugged performance I wanted for travel, sports, and everyday adventures. I liked that it was built to handle rough conditions without needing a bulky case, and that made it feel more practical for my kind of use.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I decided on the Hero 5, I paid attention to a few important things. I wanted good video quality, reliable stabilization, waterproof design, and easy controls. I also checked whether the camera would fit my style of shooting, especially since I prefer something compact and quick to set up.
Video and Photo Quality
For me, image quality was a major factor. The GoPro Hero 5 delivers sharp 4K video and solid still photos, which made it appealing for action shots and travel clips. I found that it performs well in bright outdoor settings, and the results looked clean enough for casual content creation and personal memories.
Ease of Use
I appreciated that the Hero 5 is designed to be user-friendly. The touchscreen made navigation easier for me, and the voice control feature was a nice bonus when my hands were busy. I felt that the camera was approachable even if someone was not very experienced with action cameras.
Durability and Waterproofing
One of the biggest reasons I leaned toward the Hero 5 was its rugged build. I liked knowing I could take it near water, on hikes, or during outdoor activities without worrying too much. Since it is waterproof without an extra housing, it gave me more confidence and saved me from carrying extra accessories.
Battery Life and Storage
Battery life was something I kept in mind because action cameras can drain quickly. In my experience, it is important to carry an extra battery if I plan to shoot for long periods. I also made sure to use a reliable memory card, since high-resolution video needs enough storage space to avoid interruptions.
Accessories I Found Useful
I realized that the Hero 5 becomes even better with the right accessories. Mounts, extra batteries, a protective case, and a tripod helped me get more out of the camera. Depending on how I planned to use it, I could customize the setup for biking, vlogging, travel, or underwater shots.
Who I Think It Is Best For
In my opinion, the GoPro Hero 5 is a good choice for travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who wants a durable camera for action footage. I would especially recommend it to people who want a compact camera that is easy to carry and quick to use.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing the GoPro Hero 5 today, I would look for a good price, check the condition carefully if buying used, and make sure it includes the accessories I need. For me, it is a practical action camera that balances portability, toughness, and decent video quality. If those are the things I value most, the Hero 5 is still worth considering.
Final Thoughts
I think the GoPro Hero 5 still stands out as a solid action camera for anyone who wants reliable performance in a compact, durable design. My main takeaway is that it offers a great balance of ease of use, image quality, and rugged features that make it ideal for travel, sports, and everyday adventures. While newer models may have added more advanced features, I still see the Hero 5 as a dependable choice for capturing quality footage without overcomplicating things.
Author Profile
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I’m Owen Calder, an Animal Science graduate and Companion Animal Supplies Buyer based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. My work has taught me that a long feature list means very little if a dog refuses to use the bed or a cat prefers the box it arrived in.
Years of shelter volunteering, along with life with my older dog Milo and tabby cat Pip, have made me especially interested in how products fit real animals and real homes. At Cathedral Dog & Cat, I compare everyday pet gear with comfort, practicality, cleaning, durability, value, and ordinary routines firmly in mind.
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