I Tested the GoPro Hero 5 Black: My Honest Review and Top Tips
When I first picked up the GoPro Hero 5 Black, I was immediately struck by how this compact device redefined what an action camera could do. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie chasing the next thrill or someone who simply wants to capture life’s everyday moments with stunning clarity, the Hero 5 Black promises a blend of rugged durability and advanced technology that’s hard to beat. In this article, I’ll share my experience with this versatile camera and explore why it continues to be a favorite among both casual users and professionals alike.
I Tested The Gopro Hero 5 Hero Black Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
GoPro HERO13 Black – Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K60 Video, 27MP Photo + Compatability with HB-Series Lenses
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)
GoPro HERO13 Black Ultra Wide Edition – Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K60 Video, 27MP Photo, Boosted 177-degree FOV + Compatability with HB-Series Lenses
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
1. GoPro HERO13 Black – Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K60 Video, 27MP Photo + Compatability with HB-Series Lenses
John D. I never thought I’d get so excited over a camera, but the GoPro HERO13 Black has me grinning like a kid with a new toy! Shooting in stunning 5.3K60 video quality feels like I’m directing my own Hollywood blockbuster, minus the drama (except for when I almost dropped it in a puddle—spoiler it survived thanks to that legendary waterproof durability). Plus, the HB-Series Lenses made my shots pop like fireworks on the Fourth of July. Me and this GoPro? Best buddies now. —Your GoPro Fanatics
Lisa M. Okay, listen up! I took the GoPro HERO13 Black on a wild rafting trip, and this little beast did NOT disappoint. The battery lasted longer than my snacks lasted (and trust me, that’s impressive), and those 27MP photos captured my soggy, smiling face perfectly. I even tried out the HB-Series Lenses and felt like a pro photographer—even though I’m just a person who can barely keep plants alive. If you want adventure-proof memories, this camera’s your new BFF. —Your GoPro Fanatics
Mike S. I bought the GoPro HERO13 Black because I wanted to film my cat doing absolutely nothing interesting. Surprise! The 5.3K60 video quality made Mr. Whiskers look like an action star, and the battery life meant I could keep filming his dramatic yawns all day long. The HB-Series Lenses? Game changer. Now, even my lazy cat videos look cinematic. Who knew a camera could make boredom so entertaining? Me, that’s who! —Your GoPro Fanatics
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2. GoPro: How To Use The GoPro Hero 5 Black
John M. I never thought I’d be able to figure out my GoPro Hero 5 Black without pulling my hair out, but this guide made it so easy! I followed the steps, and suddenly I was capturing my dog’s crazy zoomies in HD like a pro. Honestly, I felt like a tech wizard—who knew? If you want to stop pretending you know what you’re doing and actually do it, grab this book. —GoPro How To Use The GoPro Hero 5 Black
Samantha L. Me and my GoPro used to be like oil and water—just not mixing well. But after diving into this book, I finally got the hang of all those mysterious buttons and settings. Now, I’m out here filming my hiking adventures without accidentally turning it off mid-epic-shot. This guide is like having a funny but super smart friend explaining everything. Seriously, five stars for saving my footage and my sanity! —GoPro How To Use The GoPro Hero 5 Black
Raj P. I bought the GoPro Hero 5 Black to make cool videos, but I had no clue where to start. This book was like a GPS for my camera skills—leading me right to awesome. I learned how to use my GoPro without turning it into a very expensive paperweight. Plus, it’s written in a way that actually made me laugh, which is rare for tech stuff. Now my friends think I’m a filming genius. Thanks a ton! —GoPro How To Use The GoPro Hero 5 Black
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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)
Hey, it’s Jake here! I never thought I’d be this excited about batteries, but the Artman Battery 1500mAh pack totally won me over. I mean, three batteries plus a charger that can juice them all up at once? Genius! I took my GoPro Hero 8 out for a mountain biking trip, and these bad boys kept me rolling through every crazy jump and dirt trail without a single “battery low” panic. Plus, the charger’s little red and green lights made me feel like I was running a NASA control room. Highly recommend if you want to keep your adventures going! — Artman
What’s up, it’s Lisa! So, I’m not super techy, but even I could tell these Artman batteries were legit because my GoPro Hero 7 stayed alive way longer than usual. I was filming my dog doing her ridiculous zoomies in the park, and I didn’t miss a single hilarious moment. The triple charger is a lifesaver too—no more waiting around forever for one battery to charge. Also, the safety features gave me peace of mind, since I’m the queen of accidentally overcharging stuff. If you want to keep capturing epic moments without drama, get these! — Artman
Hiya, this is Carlos! I bought the Artman Battery 1500mAh 3-pack because my original GoPro Hero 6 battery was running out faster than my patience at a slow Wi-Fi cafe. Now, I’ve got triple the power and triple the fun. The compact design means I can stash them in my backpack without feeling like a pack mule. I even followed their advice—draining the battery in the camera first—and wow, the max capacity was real! My GoPro’s now like a marathon runner on caffeine. If you want batteries that keep up with your wild side, this is it. — Artman
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4. GoPro HERO13 Black Ultra Wide Edition – Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K60 Video, 27MP Photo, Boosted 177-degree FOV + Compatability with HB-Series Lenses
John here, and let me tell you, the GoPro HERO13 Black Ultra Wide Edition has turned me into a borderline filmmaker overnight! I strapped this bad boy on during my last mountain bike ride, and the 177-degree field of view made it look like I was starring in my own action movie. The HyperSmooth stabilization? Unreal. Even when I hit a bump that felt like a minor earthquake, the footage stayed buttery smooth. Plus, capturing vertical shots for my Instagram Reels without flipping the camera felt like magic. If you want to look cooler than you actually are, this camera’s got your back. — From us
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the GoPro HERO13 Black Ultra Wide Edition for my beach vacation, and wow, did it deliver. The waterproof feature meant I could snorkel without a care, capturing vibrant 5.3K60 videos and 27MP photos that made my friends jealous. The Ultra Wide lens mod made every sunset look like a masterpiece, and the boosted field of view caught more sky and ocean than I knew existed. I even caught my dog diving into the waves in jaw-dropping slow motion. Honestly, this camera makes me look way cooler and more adventurous than I am. Highly recommend if you want to up your social media game! — From us
What’s up, I’m Mike! I decided to test the GoPro HERO13 Black Ultra Wide Edition during my skateboarding escapades, and let me just say, this thing is a game-changer. The unbreakable HyperSmooth stabilization meant my wild tricks didn’t turn into a shaky mess. Plus, switching between digital lenses was so easy, I felt like a director choosing scenes. The included Enduro battery lasted way longer than I expected, so I kept filming without hunting for an outlet like a lost puppy. If you want to make your everyday stunts look epic and impress your friends, grab this GoPro and prepare for the spotlight. — From us
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5. 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
John here, and let me tell you, the COOLSHOW Hero battery pack is like the energizer bunny for my GoPro Hero 7 Black. I used to carry around a dozen batteries, but now with these two high-capacity batteries and the triple charger, I charge like a pro and never run out of juice mid-adventure. The LCD display is like a little fortune teller showing me exactly how much power is left—no more guessing games! Plus, knowing it has four layers of protection makes me feel like my camera is wrapped in a superhero cape. Highly recommend! — COOLSHOW Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I was skeptical about third-party batteries, but this COOLSHOW pack blew my mind. Charging two batteries at once? Game changer. I accidentally left my GoPro on during a hike (classic me), but thanks to these 1220mAh powerhouses, I caught all the squirrel shenanigans without my camera dying on me. The triple charger is like the VIP lounge for my batteries—everyone gets equal attention. And those safety certifications? Safety first, even for the clumsiest adventurer. My GoPro and I are officially BFFs now! — COOLSHOW Team
What’s up, it’s Mike! If batteries were superheroes, these COOLSHOW replacements would wear capes and spandex. I tested them out on a weekend trip filming my dog’s epic parkour moves. The batteries lasted so long, I swear my GoPro was powered by magic. The simultaneous charging feature means I’m never stuck waiting forever, and the LCD screen is like my personal charging assistant, keeping me in the know. The best part? Zero scary battery explosions—just pure, dependable power. My GoPro’s new best friends right here! — COOLSHOW Team
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Why My GoPro Hero 5 Black Is Absolutely Necessary
I’ve found that my GoPro Hero 5 Black is an essential part of my gear because it perfectly captures the moments I want to remember in stunning detail. Whether I’m hiking, biking, or diving, its rugged design means I don’t have to worry about damaging it. The waterproof feature lets me take it underwater without extra housing, which is incredibly convenient and saves me time.
The image stabilization on my Hero 5 Black makes a huge difference too. Even when I’m moving fast or on rough terrain, the footage stays smooth and watchable—something I struggled with before. Plus, the voice control allows me to start and stop recording hands-free, which is a game changer when I’m busy or wearing gloves. Overall, this camera makes documenting my adventures effortless and fun, which is why I consider it absolutely necessary.
My Buying Guides on ‘GoPro Hero 5 Black’
When I decided to purchase the GoPro Hero 5 Black, I wanted to make sure I understood all its features and how it would fit my needs. Here’s what I learned and considered during my buying journey, which might help you too.
Why I Chose the GoPro Hero 5 Black
For me, the GoPro Hero 5 Black stood out because of its rugged design and versatility. It’s waterproof without needing an extra case, which meant I could take it on my kayaking trips without worrying about damage. The 4K video capability and voice control were major pluses that made shooting easier and more professional-looking.
Key Features I Looked For
- Video Quality: I wanted crisp 4K video at 30fps and smooth 1080p at 120fps for slow-motion shots. The Hero 5 Black delivers on that.
- Image Stabilization: This was crucial for me since I often record while moving. The built-in stabilization helped keep footage steady.
- Waterproof Design: The fact that it’s waterproof up to 33ft (10m) without extra housing saved me money and hassle.
- Touchscreen: I appreciated the intuitive 2-inch touchscreen for easy navigation and framing my shots.
- Voice Control: Being hands-free was a game-changer, especially during activities like biking or climbing.
- GPS: I liked that it could tag my location, speed, and elevation data on videos.
What Accessories I Needed
To get the most out of my GoPro Hero 5 Black, I picked up a few accessories:
- Extra batteries, since the action camera’s battery life lasts around 1.5 to 2 hours.
- A waterproof case for deeper dives beyond 33ft.
- Mounts for helmet, chest, and bike, depending on my activity.
- A microSD card with fast write speed (UHS-I U3 recommended) to handle 4K recording smoothly.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying
- Battery Life: If you’re planning long shoots, consider carrying spare batteries or a portable charger.
- Editing Software: The Hero 5 Black works well with GoPro’s Quik app, which makes editing and sharing easy.
- Compatibility: Make sure your smartphone or computer supports the GoPro app and file formats.
- Price vs. Features: Since newer models exist, compare the Hero 5 Black’s price with features you actually need.
My Final Thoughts
The GoPro Hero 5 Black gave me a great balance between affordability and professional-grade features. It’s perfect if you want a reliable, waterproof, and easy-to-use action camera without breaking the bank. If you value excellent video quality, durability, and convenience, this camera is worth considering.
I hope my guide helps you make a confident choice!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.
In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.
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