GoPro Hero 5 Black
Overview:
The main reason for the purchase of this camera was the need for a decent waterproof travel camera. Songkran was fast approaching and I wanted something waterproof out of the box. Since this article was written the GoPro Hero 7 has been released. The Hero 5 is sill used as a secondary.
Previously waterproof work was done by using the GoPro Hero 4 Silver with Waterproof Case, also with the now antiquated Nikon COOLPIX S32.
What Comes in the Box?
- GoPro Hero 5 Camera with single battery.
- Skeleton Mount Bracket
- USB Type C charge/transfer cable
- Quick release clip
- Quick release sticky base curved
- Quick release sticky base flat
What I like about it:
It is waterproof straight out of the box. Unlike the previous model the GoPro Hero 5 Black/Silver, an extra case was required to make the camera waterproof.
It can do 4K video at a decent frame rate 30FPS unlike the Hero 4 Silver that was only capable of doing 4K at 15 FPS. Having the camera capable of doing 4K was very important as allows for many more option in post production.
Zoom in, cropping, shake removal are all possible due the high resolution this camera is capable of recording in.
It has removable batteries, and third party batteries are cheap and readily available.
One of the first add on purchases made with this camera was 3 addidtional batteries. Also a charger that can charge all three at once.
The Skeleton Frame Mount (Pictured above) Is required in order to mount it anywhere. This works well with the GoPro Hero 5 Black because it is waterproof. Previously when using a Skeleton Frame Mount with the GoPro Hero 4 Silver. There was always the concern of the camera getting wet.
What I Do Not Like About the Camera:
The price, just all anything with that has the GoPro logo you are paying a premium.
The WiFi network it creates is not re-nameable and the documentation does not tell you this.
In order to use it with the GoPro Karma Grip the side door needs to be removed. Without the side door the camera is no longer waterproof. The sound is also muffled when a recording is made without the side door present.
Conclusion:
If an out of the box waterproof 4K capable camera is what you are after, then the Hero 5 Black is a good choice.
If you already have invested in GoPro mounts etc this camera will fit right in.
If you have no previous investments. You can probably find something similar that costs less. As everything labeled GoPro comes at a premium cost.
These days the GoPro Hero 7 Black is used.
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