The GoPro Hero 5 Black, upon its release, represented a significant leap forward for the company, setting new standards for action cameras by offering novel features and considerable performance improvements. This camera not only delivered outstanding image quality but also provided much greater ease of use for consumers with its waterproof design without needing an external housing, voice control, and a touchscreen display. The Hero 5 Black was GoPro's endeavor to integrate power and simplicity into a small and robust package.
One of the most prominent features of the Hero 5 Black was its waterproof capability down to a depth of 10 meters (33 feet) without requiring any additional protective housing. This not only reduced the camera's weight and bulk but also made it much simpler to use in wet environments and underwater. The body design was also improved, featuring a rubberized coating that provided a better grip and greater resistance to impacts and scratches.
The image quality on the Hero 5 Black was exceptional for its time. This camera was capable of recording video in 4K resolution at 30 frames per second, capturing very high detail and vibrant, natural colors. In addition to 4K, it also offered the ability to record video at lower resolutions such as 2.7K, 1080p (up to 120 fps for slow motion), and 720p (up to 240 fps for super slow motion). For still photography, the Hero 5 Black could capture 12-megapixel images in both JPEG and RAW formats, providing photographers with greater flexibility in post-capture editing.
A key innovation of the Hero 5 Black was the introduction of voice control. This feature allowed users to control the camera using simple voice commands like "GoPro, start recording" or "GoPro, take a photo." This proved particularly useful in situations where accessing buttons or the touchscreen was difficult. The accuracy and responsiveness of this system were acceptable at the time of release and enhanced the user experience.
The 2-inch touchscreen display on the back of the camera was another significant feature of the Hero 5 Black. This screen allowed for live previews of images and videos, browsing recorded content, and easily changing camera settings. The touchscreen interface was intuitively designed and user-friendly, making it simple to navigate menus and various options.
Connectivity options on the Hero 5 Black included Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. These features allowed users to connect the camera to their smartphones and use the GoPro app to change settings, view and edit images and videos, and even wirelessly share content. Additionally, the Hero 5 Black also featured built-in GPS, which allowed for the recording of geographical location along with images and videos. This information could be used in later editing to display speed, distance, and movement paths.
For audio recording, the Hero 5 Black utilized two microphones with wind noise reduction capabilities. While the audio recording quality in noisy environments might not have been ideal, it provided acceptable performance for most action scenarios. There was also the option to connect an external microphone via an adapter for professional users seeking better audio quality.
Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) was another important feature of the Hero 5 Black. This system effectively reduced motion blur and shake, resulting in smoother and more stable videos, especially during high-action activities. However, it's worth noting that EIS was not available at the highest resolution (4K) at the time of release and was usable at lower resolutions.
In terms of battery, the Hero 5 Black used a replaceable 1220mAh lithium-ion battery. Battery life varied depending on recording settings, resolution, frame rate, and the use of features like Wi-Fi and GPS, but it generally provided acceptable performance for most users, and the option to purchase additional batteries for extended use was available.
Ultimately, the GoPro Hero 5 Black, with its combination of excellent image quality, durable and user-friendly design, innovative features like voice control and waterproofness without a housing, and versatile connectivity options, became a popular choice among action sports enthusiasts and video content creators, leaving a powerful legacy for subsequent generations of GoPro cameras.
List of All Features of GoPro Hero 5 Black:
Image Quality:
- Video Resolution: 4K at 30/25/24 fps, 2.7K at 60/50/48/30/25/24 fps, 1440p at 80/60/50/48/30/25/24 fps, 1080p at 120/90/80/60/50/48/30/25/24 fps, 720p at 240/120 fps
- Photo Resolution: 12 Megapixels
- Photo Format: JPEG and RAW
- Photo Modes: Single, Burst (up to 30 fps), Time Lapse
- Lens Field of View (FOV): SuperView, Wide, Linear, Narrow
Design and Build:
- Waterproof: Up to 10 meters (33 feet) without housing
- Touchscreen Display: 2-inch rear touchscreen
- One-Button Control: Power on and start recording with a single press
- Durable Body: Rubberized for impact and scratch resistance
Control and User Interface:
- Voice Control: Supports numerous voice commands
- Touchscreen: For preview, playback, and settings
- GoPro App: Remote control, editing, and sharing via smartphone
Connectivity and Storage:
- Wi-Fi: For connecting to the GoPro app and wireless transfer
- Bluetooth: For connecting to accessories
- GPS: Records location data for videos and photos
- USB-C Port: For charging and data transfer
- microHDMI Port: For video playback on TVs
- microSD Card Slot: Supports microSD cards up to 128GB (Class 10 or UHS-I recommended)
Audio:
- Dual Microphones: With wind noise reduction
- Manual Audio Control: Option to adjust audio levels
- External Microphone Compatibility: Via adapter (sold separately)
Advanced Features:
- Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS): For stabilizing videos (in some resolutions and frame rates)
- Protune: Manual control of ISO, shutter speed, exposure, etc., for photos and videos
- HiLight Tag: Mark key moments during recording for easier editing
- QuickCapture: Power on and start recording with one button press
- Auto Low Light: Automatically adjusts frame rates in low-light conditions
Battery:
- Battery Type: Removable lithium-ion
- Battery Capacity: 1220 mAh
Other Features:
- Software Updates: For performance improvements and new features
- GoPro Accessory Compatibility: Including various mounts, handles, etc.
This list aims to cover all the key aspects and performance features of the GoPro Hero 5 Black camera.
Comparison of GoPro Hero 4 and 5:
Compared to the GoPro Hero 4 Black, the Hero 5 Black offers significant upgrades in ease of use and practical features with its waterproofness up to 10 meters without a housing, a 2-inch touchscreen, voice control, Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS), improved audio quality with dual microphones, built-in GPS, and a USB-C port. While both cameras offer 4K video and 12MP photo quality, the Hero 5 Black provides a more modern user experience and greater flexibility for users with slightly better image processing and the option to shoot RAW photos, although the Hero 4 Black remains a capable and potentially more affordable option for some users.
source: minidvpro