If you’re still rocking a trusty GoPro Hero 5, you’re in great company! This classic action camera remains a popular choice for its solid performance and rugged design. But even the best gear can be enhanced or eventually upgraded. Whether you’re looking to extend your Hero 5’s capabilities, boost its battery life, or considering a leap to the latest and greatest, finding the best for GoPro Hero 5 e (where “e” stands for “enthusiast” or “edition”) means exploring both essential accessories and powerful newer models.
In this guide, we’ll dive into some top products that can either supercharge your existing Hero 5 or provide a compelling reason to upgrade. We’ve hand-picked items that truly offer the best for GoPro Hero 5 e users, focusing on value, performance, and improving your adventure capture experience.
GoPro Hero12 Black E-Commerce Package – Waterproof Action Camera
If you’re a GoPro Hero 5 owner eyeing a significant jump in performance, the GoPro Hero12 Black is a powerhouse upgrade. This isn’t just a camera; it’s a complete package designed to capture your adventures in breathtaking detail and clarity that your Hero 5 could only dream of. What truly sets it apart is the combination of its market-leading video quality, incredible stabilization, and vastly improved battery life, making it the ultimate tool for serious creators and adventurers.
-
Key Features:
- Hero12 Black Camera, Enduro battery, USB-C cable, curved adhesive mount, mounting buckle, thumb screw included.
- Rugged & Waterproof to 33ft (10m) without extra housing.
- Up to 70 minutes continuous recording at 5.3K60 with dramatically improved battery efficiency.
- Unbelievable 5.3K Video & 27MP Photos with 91% more resolution than 4K.
- High Dynamic Range (HDR) Video & Photo for true-to-life colors.
- Emmy Award-Winning HyperSmooth 6.0 Stabilization for silky smooth footage.
- 360° Horizon Lock keeps footage level even with camera rotation.
- Extra-Large Field of View for immersive POV footage.
- Up to 8x Slo-Mo at 2.7K for epic slow-motion captures.
- Bluetooth Audio Connectivity for external mics/earbuds.
-
Pros:
- Massive upgrade in video resolution (5.3K) and photo quality.
- HyperSmooth 6.0 is industry-leading stabilization.
- Enduro battery offers significantly longer runtimes.
- Bluetooth audio expands professional audio options.
- Durable and waterproof out of the box.
-
Cons:
- Premium price point.
- File sizes can be very large due to high resolution.
- Might be overkill for casual users.
-
User Impressions: Users rave about the Hero12’s incredible image quality and the smoothness of its stabilization. Many highlight the extended battery life as a game-changer, allowing them to record longer without swapping batteries. The HDR feature also gets high praise for capturing details in challenging light.
GoPro HERO11 Black – E-Commerce Packaging – Waterproof
For Hero 5 users looking for a substantial upgrade without necessarily needing the absolute latest model, the GoPro HERO11 Black offers an exceptional balance of features and value. Its revolutionary new image sensor captures an incredibly expansive field of view, giving you more creative freedom to crop, zoom, and adjust your shots in post-production. It’s a fantastic step up, delivering cinematic quality and advanced stabilization that will make your old Hero 5 footage look quaint.
-
Key Features:
- Revolutionary New Image Sensor for an expansive field of view.
- Unbelievable 5.3K video quality (91% more resolution than 4K).
- High-Res 27MP photos, with 24.7MP stills from video.
- 2.7K240 video for stunning 8x slo-mo.
- Emmy Award-Winning HyperSmooth 5.0 Stabilization with Horizon Lock and AutoBoost.
- Water-repelling lens cover helps eliminate flare.
- Includes HERO11 Black Camera, Enduro Battery, Curved Adhesive Mount, Mounting Buckle + Thumb Screw, USB-C Cable.
-
Pros:
- Excellent video and photo quality.
- Expansive field of view for versatile framing.
- HyperSmooth 5.0 delivers incredibly stable footage.
- Good battery life with the included Enduro battery.
- A strong upgrade at a potentially more accessible price than the Hero12.
-
Cons:
- Still a significant investment.
- Minor improvements over Hero10, but a major leap from Hero 5.
-
User Impressions: Customers love the Hero11’s improved low-light performance and the versatility of the new sensor. The HyperSmooth 5.0 is consistently praised for making shaky footage usable, and the ability to pull high-res stills from video is a popular feature.
COOLSHOW Hero 7 6 5 Battery Replacement (2 Packs) and Triple Charger
Keeping your GoPro Hero 5 running through those long adventure days is crucial, and that’s where the COOLSHOW battery replacement kit shines. This isn’t just about having spare batteries; it’s about reliable power and efficient charging. What makes this kit stand out is its ability to charge two batteries simultaneously while providing clear charging status via an LCD display, all backed by robust safety features. It’s an essential accessory for any Hero 5 user who doesn’t want their adventure cut short.
-
Key Features:
- Charges 2 batteries simultaneously or individually with LCD display.
- High Capacity: Each 1220mAh battery rated at 3.85V.
- Dependable Protection: Four-layer protection (over-charging, short-circuit, high-temperature, surge) with FCC, CE, RoHS certification.
- Flawless Compatibility with GoPro Hero 5/6/7 Black, Hero 2018 camera (including specific firmware versions).
- What you get: 2 packs 1220 mAh HERO7/6/5 Batteries, 1 Triple Charger, 1 USB Cord.
- Includes 30 Days Free Refund & 12 Months Warranty.
-
Pros:
- Extends shooting time significantly with two spare batteries.
- Dual charging capability saves time.
- Comprehensive safety features offer peace of mind.
- Excellent value for money.
- Perfect compatibility with Hero 5 Black.
-
Cons:
- Not Enduro batteries, so performance might not match latest GoPro brand batteries in extreme cold.
-
User Impressions: Users frequently commend the COOLSHOW kit for its convenience and reliability. The simultaneous charging and clear LCD screen are often highlighted as big advantages. Many note that the batteries perform just as well as the original GoPro Hero 5 battery.
FitStill 148FT/45M Waterproof Housing for Go Pro Hero 7 6 5
For GoPro Hero 5 owners who love to take their camera deep underwater, the FitStill Waterproof Housing is an absolute must-have. While your Hero 5 is waterproof to 33ft on its own, this housing dramatically extends its capabilities, allowing you to capture stunning footage up to 148 feet deep. Its robust construction and enlarged flat glass lens ensure maximum image sharpness both above and below the surface, making it the best for GoPro Hero 5 e users passionate about diving, snorkeling, or surfing.
-
Key Features:
- Specifically Designed For Go Pro Hero 7 Black / Hero 6 Black / Hero 5 Black / Hero HD (2018).
- NOT applicable to Go Pro Hero 7 Silver / White Edition.
- 0.4″ Bigger and 35% Thicker than standard housing for enhanced strength.
- Large Flat Glass Lens delivers maximum image sharpness above and below water.
- Excellent PMMA material for durability.
- Waterproof up to 148FT/45M, ideal for deep-water activities.
- Upgraded waterproof sealing ring and tight buckle to prevent leaks effectively.
-
Pros:
- Extends Hero 5’s waterproof depth significantly.
- Provides superior protection against impacts and scratches.
- Flat glass lens ensures clear, undistorted underwater footage.
- Durable and reliable construction.
- Essential for serious water sports enthusiasts.
-
Cons:
- Adds bulk to the camera.
- Not compatible with Hero 7 Silver/White editions.
-
User Impressions: Divers and snorkelers universally praise this housing for its reliability and ability to protect their Hero 5. The clear lens quality is often mentioned, ensuring vibrant underwater shots. Many feel it’s a vital piece of kit for any aquatic adventure.
GoPro HERO13 Black Ultra Wide Edition – Waterproof Action Camera
If you’re a GoPro Hero 5 user who constantly wishes for a wider, more immersive perspective in your footage, then the GoPro HERO13 Black Ultra Wide Edition is the ultimate upgrade. This camera comes with the Ultra Wide Lens Mod already attached, offering an unparalleled field of view that literally captures more of your world. It’s the perfect choice for POV footage, sweeping landscapes, or creating content for social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels, thanks to its easy vertical capture.
-
Key Features:
- Ultra Wide Lens Mod pre-attached for hyper-immersive 177° field of view.
- Pro-Quality 4K60 Video with five digital lenses (Linear, Wide, Ultra Wide, Ultra SuperView, Ultra HyperView).
- Unbreakable HyperSmooth Stabilization in every resolution.
- HyperSmooth AutoBoost for widest stabilized footage.
- Easy Vertical Capture for social media content.
- Includes HERO13 Black Camera, Ultra Wide Lens Mod, Standard Lens Cover, Lens Caps, Microfiber Cloth, Enduro Battery, Curved Adhesive Mount, Mounting Buckle + Thumb Screw, USB-C Cable, Camera Case.
-
Pros:
- Industry-leading ultra-wide field of view for immersive shots.
- Top-tier 4K60 video quality.
- Unbreakable stabilization for buttery-smooth footage.
- Built-in vertical capture simplifies social media workflows.
- A comprehensive package with essential accessories.
-
Cons:
- Premium price tag.
- Ultra-wide perspective might not be for everyone in all scenarios.
- Latest model, so potentially higher cost.
-
User Impressions: Early adopters are blown away by the HERO13’s immersive perspective and the sheer stability of its footage. Content creators specifically love the vertical capture feature for its convenience. The overall image quality is consistently hailed as outstanding.
Frequently Asked Questions about GoPro Hero 5 and Upgrades
Q1: Is the GoPro Hero 5 still a good camera in 2024?
A1: Yes, absolutely! While newer models offer advanced features like higher resolutions and better stabilization, the GoPro Hero 5 Black remains a perfectly capable action camera for most users. It captures good quality 4K video, is waterproof, and has a user-friendly interface. For casual adventures or as a secondary camera, it still offers great value.
Q2: What’s the main benefit of upgrading from a GoPro Hero 5 to a newer model like the Hero12?
A2: The biggest benefits are vastly improved video resolution (5.3K vs. 4K), significantly better HyperSmooth video stabilization, longer battery life (especially with Enduro batteries), and more advanced features like HDR video, improved low-light performance, and Bluetooth audio connectivity. The newer image sensors also offer more flexibility in post-production.
Q3: Can I use older GoPro accessories with a newer GoPro camera?
A3: Many accessories, especially mounts and frames, are cross-compatible across different GoPro generations due to their standardized mounting finger design. However, specific accessories like batteries, waterproof housings, and some lens mods are model-specific. Always check compatibility before purchasing.
Q4: How can I improve my GoPro Hero 5’s battery life?
A4: The best way to improve your Hero 5’s battery life is to carry spare batteries, like the COOLSHOW replacement packs mentioned above. Additionally, optimize settings by turning off Wi-Fi/Bluetooth when not in use, reducing screen brightness, and filming at lower resolutions/frame rates if possible. Extreme cold also significantly impacts battery performance.
Q5: Is a waterproof housing necessary for my GoPro Hero 5 if it’s already waterproof?
A5: The GoPro Hero 5 is waterproof up to 33 feet (10 meters) without a housing. However, for deeper dives (like the 148ft offered by the FitStill housing), prolonged water exposure, or extra protection against impacts and scratches, a dedicated waterproof housing is highly recommended. It also often provides a flat lens for clearer underwater visuals.
Q6: What are LSI keywords and why are they important for SEO?
A6: LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) keywords are words and phrases that are semantically related to your main keyword. For example, if your main keyword is “best for GoPro Hero 5 e,” LSI keywords would include “GoPro accessories,” “action camera battery,” “underwater housing,” “video stabilization,” “GoPro upgrades,” and “cinematic footage.” They help search engines understand the full context and topic of your article, improving its relevance and ranking potential without resorting to keyword stuffing.
Q7: Beyond the listed products, what other general accessories are great for a GoPro Hero 5?
A7: Essential general accessories include a good quality microSD card (UHS-I Speed Class 3/V30 recommended), various mounts (chest, head, wrist, helmet), a floating hand grip for water sports, a protective case for transport, and lens protectors. A tripod or monopod can also be very useful for stable shots and vlogging.
