Shooting captivating footage with your GoPro Hero 5 at night can feel like trying to catch a ghost in a dark room. The Hero 5, while a fantastic camera in its prime, isn’t always a low-light superstar straight out of the box. But don’t fret! With the right gear and a few smart tricks, you can significantly boost its performance and capture those mesmerizing nocturnal moments.
When you’re looking for the best for GoPro Hero 5 at night, it’s not just about a single magic bullet. It’s often a combination of accessories that empower your camera to see better in the dark, stay powered longer, or simply be mounted securely for those crucial long exposures. Below, we’ve reviewed a mix of products that can either directly assist your Hero 5’s night adventures or represent potential upgrade paths for ultimate low-light performance.
GoPro HERO13 Black – Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K60…
Okay, let’s get one thing straight: the GoPro HERO13 Black isn’t an accessory for your Hero 5. It’s the latest and greatest in the GoPro lineup, offering a significant leap in technology, especially when it comes to low-light and night performance. If you’re hitting a wall with your Hero 5’s night footage and are considering a serious upgrade rather than just enhancing your existing setup, the HERO13 Black is a powerhouse. It boasts best-in-class video quality and incredible durability, making it a dream for capturing everything from starry skies to vibrant cityscapes after dark. It’s definitely not the best for GoPro Hero 5 at night as an accessory, but it sets a new standard if you’re ready to jump to modern low-light capabilities.
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Key Features:
- Best-in-class 5.3K60 video for stunning detail.
- Legendary durability and waterproof design.
- New HB-Series Lenses for enhanced clarity.
- More powerful battery for extended shooting.
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Pros:
- Unparalleled video quality, especially in low light.
- Advanced stabilization for smooth night footage.
- Robust and built for adventure.
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Cons:
- It’s a completely new camera, not an accessory for Hero 5.
- Significant investment compared to accessories.
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User Impressions: Users rave about the HERO13’s cinematic quality and how much easier it makes capturing usable footage in challenging conditions, including very dim environments. Many highlight the improved battery life as a game-changer for long shoots.
GoPro HERO12 Black – Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K60…
Much like its newer sibling, the GoPro HERO12 Black isn’t an accessory designed to enhance your Hero 5. Instead, it’s a phenomenal camera in its own right, pushing the boundaries of action camera image quality. Where the HERO12 truly shines for night photography and videography is its High Dynamic Range (HDR) capabilities for both video and photos. This means it captures incredible detail in areas that are both very dark and very bright in the same shot – perfect for night scenes with streetlights or subtle moonlit landscapes. If you’re looking to upgrade from your Hero 5 to a camera that handles night shooting with much more grace and detail, the HERO12 Black is a fantastic option with its Emmy Award-winning HyperSmooth stabilization and rugged build. It’s a top-tier choice for those seeking superior night performance.
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Key Features:
- High Dynamic Range (HDR) for videos (5.3K and 4K) and photos.
- Unbelievable 5.3K video resolution and 27MP photos.
- Emmy Award-winning HyperSmooth 6.0 Stabilization for silky smooth footage.
- Rugged + Waterproof to 33ft (10m).
- Includes Enduro Rechargeable Battery and mounting accessories.
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Pros:
- HDR significantly improves detail in mixed lighting conditions.
- Exceptional image quality and stabilization.
- Extremely durable and waterproof for any adventure.
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Cons:
- Another full camera purchase, not an add-on for your Hero 5.
- Requires learning a new interface if you’re used to older GoPros.
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User Impressions: Reviewers consistently praise the HERO12 Black for its stunning image quality, especially its HDR performance in tricky lighting. Many are blown away by how smooth the footage is, even handheld, which is a huge bonus for active night shoots.
COOLSHOW Hero 7 6 5 Battery Replacement (2 Packs) and…
When you’re out capturing those epic night time-lapses or long exposure shots, the last thing you want is your battery to die. That’s where the COOLSHOW Hero 7 6 5 Battery Replacement kit comes in as a truly essential pick if you want the best for GoPro Hero 5 at night. This kit provides two high-capacity replacement batteries and a convenient triple charger, ensuring your GoPro Hero 5 (along with Hero 6/7 Black and Hero 2018) stays powered through extended shooting sessions. Night shooting often involves longer exposure times or more power-hungry settings, making reliable and ample power supply non-negotiable. Plus, the simultaneous charging and multiple safety protections give you peace of mind.
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Key Features:
- Two 1220mAh high-capacity batteries.
- Triple charger for simultaneous or individual charging.
- LCD display shows charging status.
- Four-layer protection (over-charging, short-circuit, high-temperature, surge).
- Flawless compatibility with GoPro Hero 5/6/7 Black and Hero 2018.
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Pros:
- Extends shooting time significantly, crucial for night photography.
- Conveniently charges multiple batteries at once.
- Reliable and safe with multiple protection layers.
- Excellent value for money.
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Cons:
- Not an official GoPro brand battery (though often performs similarly).
- Still requires managing multiple batteries on long trips.
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User Impressions: Users love the extended battery life these provide, reporting that they perform comparably to original GoPro batteries. The convenience of the triple charger is a frequent highlight, allowing them to quickly get back to shooting, especially during long trips or night adventures.
Action Camera Mount The Frame Hero Housing…
For any serious GoPro Hero 5 user looking to enhance their night photography or videography, a reliable mounting frame is absolutely crucial. This Action Camera Mount “The Frame” Hero Housing isn’t just about protection; it’s about accessibility. It allows you to attach your Hero 5 to almost any mounting accessory – think tripods for stable night shots, or external lights that are absolutely vital for illuminating your scene in the dark. What makes this frame stand out is its clever design, allowing full-time access to your camera’s USB-C and HDMI ports without removing the frame. This means you can power your camera externally for super long night timelapses or even monitor a live feed, which is a big deal when you’re working in low light. It’s a versatile foundation if you’re building the best for GoPro Hero 5 at night setup.
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Key Features:
- Wide compatibility: GoPro Hero 7 Black, Hero 7 Silver, Hero 7 White, Hero 6, Hero 5, Hero (2018).
- Allows charging camera without removing the frame.
- Full-time access to USB-C and HDMI ports.
- Reserved openings for 3 microphones and 1 speaker for optimal audio.
- Includes a protective lens cap.
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Pros:
- Essential for mounting Hero 5 to tripods, lights, and other accessories.
- Enables external power, perfect for long night shoots.
- Protects the camera while maintaining full functionality.
- Improves audio capture compared to being fully enclosed.
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Cons:
- Offers less overall protection than a fully enclosed waterproof housing.
- Requires separate purchases for actual mounting accessories (e.g., tripod, light).
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User Impressions: Users appreciate the frame’s snug fit and how it makes the Hero 5 much more adaptable for various shooting scenarios. The ability to charge and access ports without taking the camera out is frequently mentioned as a huge convenience, especially for extended use.
Luxebell Accessories Kit for AKASO EK5000 EK7000 4K WiFi…
This Luxebell Accessories Kit is a bit of a wildcard in our list, as it’s primarily designed for AKASO action cameras, not specifically the GoPro Hero 5. However, many components in universal accessory kits like this – such as chest straps, head straps, selfie sticks, and suction cup mounts – can often be adapted for use with your GoPro Hero 5, especially if they use the standard GoPro quick-release buckle system. While we don’t recommend it as a direct “best for GoPro Hero 5 at night” solution due to its AKASO-centric design, it illustrates the type of versatile mounting gear that can open up creative angles for your night footage. A chest strap for a bike ride at dusk, or a tripod-compatible selfie stick for stable long exposures, are certainly useful. Always double-check compatibility for individual pieces before purchasing, especially for critical applications.
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Key Features:
- Adjustable chest strap, head strap, and wrist strap mounts.
- Floating handle grip and mount adapter.
- Selfie stick/extension pole.
- Removable suction cup mount.
- Great travel tripod (flexible design).
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Pros:
- Provides a wide variety of mounting options for different activities.
- Some components use universal action camera mounts.
- Good value for the sheer number of accessories included.
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Cons:
- Primarily designed for AKASO cameras, not guaranteed full compatibility with GoPro Hero 5.
- Might require additional adapters for perfect Hero 5 fit.
- Quality can vary for universal kits.
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User Impressions: AKASO users find this kit incredibly versatile, offering mounts for nearly every scenario. For GoPro users considering it, they often highlight the need to verify specific mount compatibility, but appreciate the range of possibilities some components offer for general action camera use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can the GoPro Hero 5 truly capture good footage at night?
A1: Yes, the GoPro Hero 5 can capture decent footage at night, but it requires specific settings adjustments (like using Protune with lower ISO and slower shutter speed) and often external assistance like strong lighting or a stable tripod. It won’t match newer cameras in automatic low-light performance, but with effort, good results are achievable.
Q2: What are the most important accessories for GoPro Hero 5 night shooting?
A2: For the best for GoPro Hero 5 at night setup, focus on a stable tripod or mount (like the frame reviewed above), external lighting (LED panels or light sticks), and plenty of extra batteries or an external power bank to ensure your camera doesn’t die mid-shoot.
Q3: How can I improve my GoPro Hero 5’s low light performance without buying a new camera?
A3: To improve low-light performance, enable Protune settings. Set ISO to a lower value (e.g., 400-800), use a slower shutter speed (e.g., 1/30 or 1/15), set White Balance to Native or 3000K, and ensure Sharpness is set to Low or Medium. Always use a stable mount to avoid blur from slower shutter speeds.
Q4: Do I need external lighting for my GoPro Hero 5 at night?
A4: For best results, yes, external lighting is highly recommended. The Hero 5’s built-in light sensitivity is limited, and adding even a small, bright LED panel can dramatically improve image quality, reduce graininess, and bring out details in your night shots.
Q5: What’s the best way to stabilize my GoPro Hero 5 for night photography?
A5: A solid tripod is your best friend for night photography with your Hero 5. Since you’ll likely be using slower shutter speeds, any camera shake will result in blurry images. A flexible tripod that can wrap around objects or a compact travel tripod works wonders.
Q6: Is battery life a major concern when shooting with a GoPro Hero 5 at night?
A6: Absolutely! Night shooting often involves longer exposures for photos or extended video capture for time-lapses, both of which drain batteries quickly. Having multiple spare batteries (like the COOLSHOW ones reviewed) or an external power bank connected via the frame mount is essential for extended night sessions.
Q7: Can I use older GoPro accessories with my Hero 5 for night shooting?
A7: Generally, yes! Most GoPro mounting accessories from Hero 3, 4, 6, and 7 are compatible with the Hero 5. This includes tripods, chest mounts, head straps, and frame housings. Always double-check for specific fit, but the core mounting system is quite universal across these generations.
Conclusion
Capturing amazing footage with your GoPro Hero 5 at night might seem daunting, but with the right approach and a few key accessories, it’s entirely within reach. While newer GoPros like the HERO12 and HERO13 Black offer superior built-in night capabilities if you’re looking to upgrade, enhancing your existing Hero 5 setup is a cost-effective way to boost its performance.
Focus on extending your battery life, securing your camera with a reliable frame and tripod, and seriously consider adding external lighting. By combining these tools with smart Protune settings, you’ll be well on your way to getting the best for GoPro Hero 5 at night that your camera can offer, ensuring those dark moments are captured with clarity and detail. Happy shooting!
