GoPro HERO5 thumbnail

Stabilization and voice control support

GoPro HERO5

The GoPro HERO5 series introduced significant functional updates, including stabilization for the first time in the GoPro lineup, setting the foundation for future models.

⚖️ Comparison with Latest Model
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Product Lineup

  • GoPro HERO5 Black thumbnail

    GoPro HERO5 Black

    Supported Formats

    • 4K30fps
    • 2.7K60fps
    • 1440p80fps
    • 1080p120fps
    • 12.00MP

    Camera Specifications

    Released Date
    2016/10/8
    Chipset
    Image Sensor Size
    1/2.3”
    Aperture
    f/2.8
    Stabilization
    Standard
    10 Bit Color
    x
    Loop Recording
    Live Streaming
    x
    Waterproof
    10m
    Max Storage Size
    128GB
    Body Size
    62 * 44 * 24 mm
    Battery Capacity
    1,220 mAh (Removable)
    Weight
    118g

    HERO6 Black thumbnail

    Successor Model GoPro HERO6 Black

Features

Long-Awaited Image Stabilization and Added Voice Control

The biggest highlights of the GoPro HERO5 are the introduction of electronic image stabilization (EIS) and the addition of voice control (GoPro Voice Control Commands).

The most significant improvement is the image stabilization, which allows for capturing action scenes more clearly. Previously, one of the criticisms of GoPro compared to competing action cameras was the lack of effective stabilization. However, the image stabilization in the HERO5 received high praise, leading GoPro to include even more advanced stabilization in subsequent models.

Voice control is a groundbreaking feature for GoPro, especially useful in action scenes where pressing the start button can be challenging. Being able to operate the camera by voice makes it a must-have feature for users.

While these may seem like small features, they are essential additions that significantly enhance the GoPro experience.

10m Waterproof Without a Case

Another major highlight of the GoPro HERO5 is its ability to be waterproof up to 10 meters without an external case.

Until the HERO4 series, except for some waterproof models, using a case was necessary for underwater use. From the HERO5 onward, the camera can be submerged without a case.

With 10m waterproofing, it's advisable to use an additional waterproof case for serious underwater activities like scuba diving. However, for activities around water or light swimming, the HERO5 can be used without a waterproof case.

HERO5 Black's Shooting Performance Matches HERO4 Black, Session Supports 4K for the First Time

While the HERO5 features several advancements, the shooting performance of the HERO5 Black is equivalent to that of the HERO4 Black. However, considering the addition of the aforementioned image stabilization, even with the same image quality, the quality of the footage captured will be vastly improved.

On the other hand, the compact model HERO5 Session supports 4K resolution for the first time, which the previous HERO4 Session did not. Although the frame rate is lower compared to the HERO5 Black, it still offers a very practical specification for users.

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GoPro HERO5 Battery: Compatibility & Battery Life

The HERO5 series includes the standard Black and the compact Session. The Black features a removable 1,220mAh battery (AJBAT-001), making it easy to swap in spares for longer shoots. Meanwhile, the cube-shaped Session is ultra-compact with a built-in battery that cannot be removed. For extended use with the Session, you'll need to rely on USB power from a portable power bank.

🔄 HERO5 Battery Compatibility List

Camera ModelGen 4AGBAT-001 (2,150 mAh)AEBAT-001 (1,900 mAh)Gen 3ADBAT-011 (1,720 mAh)ADBAT-001 (1,720 mAh)Gen 2AJBAT-001 (1,220 mAh)AABAT-001-AS (1,220 mAh)Gen 1AHDBT-401 (1,160 mAh)AHDBT-301 (1,180 mAh)AHDBT-201 (1,180 mAh)
HERO5 Black ---
HERO5 Session 🔒 Built-in Battery (1,000 mAh / Non-removable)
HERO 13 Black Current---
LIT HERO Current 🔒 Built-in Battery (1,255 mAh / Non-removable)

⏱️ Maximum Battery Recording Time (Battery Life)

⚠️ Continuous recording times are only displayed for models officially specified by GoPro.
Camera Model8K / 5.3K / 5K4K2.7K1080p
HERO5 Black ----
HERO5 Session ----
HERO 13 Black Current1h 30m
1h 30m
-2h 30m
LIT HERO Current-1h 49m
--
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microSD Card for GoPro HERO5: Max Capacity & Recording Time

Both the Black and Session support microSD cards up to 128GB. Whether you're swapping batteries multiple times in the Black or maxing out a single charge on the Session, 128GB ensures you can capture high-quality footage without worrying about running out of space.

🔄 Supported SD Card Max Capacity & Compatibility

Camera Model1TB512GB256GB128GB64GB
HERO5 Black
Class 10 / UHS-I or higher
---
HERO5 Session
Class 10 / UHS-I or higher
---
HERO 13 Black Current
A2 V30 / U3 or higher
LIT HERO Current
A2 V30 / U3 or higher

⏱️ Maximum Recording Time by microSD Card Capacity & Resolution

⚠️ Estimated time using the maximum supported microSD card capacity for each model.
fpsHERO5 Black HERO5 Session HERO 13 Black CurrentLIT HERO Current
240fps--16h-
120fps--16h-
100fps--16h-
90fps--16h-
80fps--16h-
60fps--16h-
48fps--16h-
30fps--21h 20m-
fpsHERO5 Black HERO5 Session HERO 13 Black CurrentLIT HERO Current
240fps--16h16h
120fps--16h16h
100fps--16h16h
90fps--16h16h
80fps--16h16h
60fps--24h24h
48fps--24h24h
30fps4h4h32h32h
fpsHERO5 Black HERO5 Session HERO 13 Black CurrentLIT HERO Current
240fps--16h-
120fps--24h-
100fps----
90fps----
80fps----
60fps4h---
48fps4h4h--
30fps5h5h--
fpsHERO5 Black HERO5 Session HERO 13 Black CurrentLIT HERO Current
240fps--24h-
120fps4h-32h-
100fps--32h-
90fps4h4h32h-
80fps4h-32h-
60fps5h 20m5h 20m42h 40m42h 40m
48fps5h 20m-42h 40m-
30fps6h 40m6h 40m53h 20m53h 20m
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Comparisons

Comparing the GoPro HERO5 with Other GoPro Models