We have both the GoPro Hero5 Black and Hero5 Session here at Unsponsored HQ for review. Since the release of the Session we haven’t used the Unsponsored Hero4 Black edition so I was interested to see how the the new Hero5 compares.

GoPro Hero5 Black

Firstly the Hero5 takes on some of the features of the Session. This includes the lack of case and the use of the frame, one button video/photo and improved sound capabilities. The footage capability of the Hero5 is reportedly not that much different to the Hero4, it does have a better sensor and is supposed to be much better in lowlight so we’ll have a good compare once we have a set of side by side shoots. The biggest improvement has been with image stabilisation and we are looking forwarding to checking that out.

The one thing I have noticed over the years is that as we have moved through different iterations of the GoPro camera the number of accessories (bits &bobs) that come supplied with the camera in the box seem to be reducing.

With the Hero5 Black you receive two mounts (one curved and one flat), a USB-C lead, the frame case and a battery.

GoPro Hero5 Black

Thankfully all other GoPro mount accessories are compatible with the Hero5.

The camera takes on a very similar form factor to the Hero4 and Hero3/3+ series. However the overall look is more of a murdered out grey/black with rounded edges and subtle branding.

The front button has been removed form the camera but the small mono-chrome display is still present. The on/off routine can be initiated with the mode button located on the side of the camera. Holding this button in will switch the camera off. However the Hero5 can be put into action using a single press of the top button. A quick press will start video capture and a slightly longer press will start image capture.

GoPro Hero5 Black

The Hero5 Black has a fully integrated LCD display. Previously this was only found on the Hero4 Silver rather than the higher spec Hero4 Black. All of the menus, settings are easily accessible. It’s also possible to view what you have recorded or use the screen live to help capture the right angles.

The camera does not need a case to be waterproof and the camera will be quite happy to 10 metres. If you did wish to dive further there is a case available as an accessory. With the use of the frame only the lens of the camera is quite vunderable. The protective outer shell for the lens pops off with a little pull and can be easily and cheaply replaced.

The biggest innovation to be added to the Hero5 and Hero5 Session is probably the voice command feature.

GoPro have twelve commands and has been programmed to handle US, UK and Australian accents.

Voice Commands:

GoPro Start Recording
GoPro HiLight
GoPro Take a Photo
GoPro Stop Recording
GoPro Shoot Burst
GoPro Start Timelapse
GoPro Stop Timelapse
GoPro Video Mode
GoPro Photo Mode
GoPro Timelapse Mode
GoPro Burst Mode
GoPro Turn Off

Surprisingly the UK English setting handles my North East accent without issue.

The Hero5 Black also offers built-in stereo sound and wind noise reduction, capture 12MP images (in RAW if required) and GPS location tagging.

The Hero5 Black adds a new field-of-view called Linear Mode. This mode is in addition to the SuperView, Wide, Medium and Narrow field-of-views that were available on older models. Linear Mode does exactly what it suggests – it gives a much more normal/natural perspective that is often hard to capture when using a lens with a 180 degree field of view.

GoPro Hero5 Black

The Hero5 Black has two doors. One on the side for USB/HDMI cable access and one on the bottom for the battery and SD card. The battery on the Hero5 Black does have more capacity than the Hero4 but the batteries are not compatible with different models of cameras. If you have spare Hero4 ones like I have you cannot use them in the Hero5. The bonus of the new battery and the new USB-C connection is that it can be charged much faster than the Hero4. I have been through a few charging cycles and it’s taking around 40-45 minutes to charge fully from flat.

we’ll be giving this camera a good hammering over the next few months and will be trying it out in a range of different settings. Is this the GoPro that we always wanted?