Ever tried to capture that epic sunset surf, a cozy campfire story, or the vibrant underwater world with your GoPro Hero 5, only to end up with grainy, dim, or just plain disappointing footage? You’re not alone! While the GoPro Hero 5 is an amazing action camera, its small sensor can struggle in low-light conditions, leaving you wishing for a brighter scene.
But don’t despair! The solution is often simpler than you think: external lighting. Adding a dedicated light source can dramatically improve your video quality, bringing out colors and details that would otherwise be lost in the shadows. We’ve scoured the market to bring you the best lights for GoPro Hero 5 low light situations, ensuring your adventures look as good on screen as they did in real life. Let’s dive into our top picks that will help you conquer any dim environment!
1. Suptig LED Video Light, Portable Photography Compatible for…
This compact and versatile Suptig LED light is a fantastic all-rounder, perfect for boosting your GoPro Hero 5’s performance in various low-light scenarios, from indoor vlogging to outdoor night shoots. What makes it stand out is its adjustable color temperature settings, allowing you to fine-tune the light to match your environment, ensuring natural-looking footage without harsh glares. Its portability means you can easily slip it into any gear bag, making it an ideal companion for spontaneous adventures where extra light is a must.
Key Features:
* Perfect compatibility with a wide range of action cameras and DSLRs, including GoPro Hero 5.
* Adjustable 3 light modes: 2500K (White), 5250K (Natural), 8000K (Warm).
* Adjustable brightness (Hi-light and Low light).
* Built-in 1200mAh Lithium Battery for up to 120 minutes of runtime.
* Can run indefinitely off external USB power.
* Compact size (2.55inch x 2.12inch x 0.59 inch) with an attached GoPro grip/action camera grip.
Pros:
* Highly versatile with adjustable color temperatures.
* Extremely portable and easy to carry.
* Option for continuous external power.
* Broad compatibility with multiple camera types.
Cons:
* Battery runtime might be limited for very long shoots without external power.
* Not explicitly designed for deep underwater use (though useful for general low light).
User Impressions: Users love how small yet powerful this light is, often remarking on its ability to drastically improve the clarity of their videos in dimly lit spaces. The adjustable white balance is a frequently praised feature, offering flexibility that many other small lights lack. It’s seen as a great value for its size and functionality.
2. GoPro Light Mod – Official GoPro Accessory
When it comes to enhancing your GoPro Hero 5’s capabilities, sometimes sticking with the official gear is the way to go. The GoPro Light Mod is specifically designed to integrate seamlessly with newer GoPro models (via the Media Mod), offering a robust and reliable lighting solution. While primarily marketed for newer Hero cameras, its compact design means it can be used standalone with various GoPro mounts, providing a reliable burst of light whether you’re shooting a vlog or an action sequence in challenging light conditions.
Key Features:
* 4 levels of brightness, up to 200 lumens for crisp detail.
* Built tough and waterproof up to 33ft (10m).
* Built-in rechargeable battery with up to 6 hours of runtime.
* Compact design for standalone use or attachment to GoPro Mounts/Accessories.
* Can connect to newer HERO models via Media Mod (sold separately).
Pros:
* Official GoPro product ensures compatibility and quality.
* Excellent waterproofing for diverse shooting environments.
* Good battery life for extended use.
* Durable construction.
Cons:
* Requires Media Mod for seamless integration with newer GoPros (though can be used standalone for older models like Hero 5).
* Lower lumen output compared to some dive-specific lights.
User Impressions: Customers appreciate the durability and integrated design of the GoPro Light Mod, noting its solid performance for everyday low-light shooting and shallow water adventures. The ease of use and the trusted GoPro branding are major selling points.
3. Suptig Diving Light High Power Dimmable Waterproof LED…
For those deep-sea adventures where your GoPro Hero 5’s natural light simply won’t cut it, the Suptig Diving Light is a game-changer. This high-power, dimmable LED light is specifically engineered for underwater environments, ensuring your vibrant marine footage doesn’t get lost in the murk. Its impressive 147ft (45M) waterproof rating means you can confidently explore shipwrecks and coral reefs, capturing stunning visuals even in the most challenging underwater lighting conditions.
Key Features:
* Perfect compatibility with GoPro Hero 5 and other action cameras.
* 147ft (45M) waterproof test rating.
* Wide-angle 500 Lumen Max (5500K-6000K) by 36 LEDs.
* Three light modes: Normal (HI), Power saving (LOW), Flash (SOS).
* Rechargeable 1050mAh battery, compatible with GoPro Hero 3/3+ batteries.
* Runs up to 1.5 hours on high light, 4 hours on low, 6 hours on SOS.
Pros:
* Exceptional waterproof rating for serious diving.
* High lumen output for bright underwater illumination.
* Versatile light modes including SOS.
* Battery compatibility with GoPro Hero 3/3+ for convenience.
Cons:
* Primarily designed for underwater, might be overkill for everyday surface use.
* Battery life on high might be short for very long dives.
User Impressions: Divers rave about this light’s ability to transform their underwater footage, bringing out true colors and details. Its robust build and reliable waterproofing are frequently highlighted, making it a trusted accessory for capturing stunning sub-aquatic scenes.
4. Suptig Diving Light – Waterproof Underwater Light for Gopro…
Another strong contender from Suptig, this specific diving light shares many of the excellent features of its sibling but focuses even more on broad compatibility, making it an excellent choice for any adventurer with a GoPro Hero 5 and beyond. It’s designed to reliably illuminate your underwater shots, ensuring you capture every detail of the aquatic world, whether you’re snorkeling, scuba diving, or just exploring shallow waters. Its consistent waterproof performance makes it a dependable choice for improving your GoPro Hero 5 low light video quality below the surface.
Key Features:
* Great compatibility with GoPro Hero 5, Hero 4, Hero 3+, Hero Session, and many other action cameras.
* 147ft (45M) waterproof test rating.
* Three light modes: Normal (HI), Power saving (LOW), Flash (SOS).
* Rechargeable 1050mAh battery (compatible with GoPro Hero 3/3+ batteries).
* Running time: High light (1.5 hours); Low light (4 hours); SOS (6 hours).
Pros:
* Reliable deep-water waterproofing.
* Versatile lighting modes for different situations.
* Good battery life on power-saving mode.
* Broad compatibility across various action cameras.
Cons:
* Identical battery life as other 1050mAh models, potentially short on highest setting.
* No specific lumen count listed, though generally effective for diving.
User Impressions: Customers love the consistent performance and durable build of this Suptig light for their underwater adventures. Many highlight its ease of use and the significant improvement it makes to their submerged GoPro footage, making dark areas visible and vibrant.
5. Suptig Waterproof High Power Dimmable Dual Battery Fill…
This Suptig diving light takes things up a notch with its dual battery system, designed for extended runtime in those long underwater expeditions or prolonged low-light shooting sessions. If you’re planning a day of multiple dives or an extended night shoot, the increased battery capacity means less worrying about your light dying on you. It’s a fantastic solution for capturing amazing POV underwater videos with your GoPro Hero 5, providing consistent, powerful illumination.
Key Features:
* 147ft (45M) waterproof test rating.
* Three light modes: Normal (HI), Power saving (LOW), Flash (SOS).
* Dual Rechargeable Batteries: 2x1160mAh, compatible with GoPro Hero 4 camera battery.
* Extended running time: High light (3 hours); Low light (8 hours); SOS (12 hours).
* Broad compatibility with GoPro Hero 5 and many other action cameras.
Pros:
* Significantly extended battery life due to dual batteries.
* Excellent waterproof depth for serious diving.
* Compatible with readily available GoPro Hero 4 batteries.
* Provides reliable, high-power fill light.
Cons:
* Slightly larger footprint due to dual batteries.
* May be overkill if short battery life isn’t a primary concern for your use case.
User Impressions: Users frequently praise the extended battery life, stating it makes a huge difference on longer dives or multi-shot sessions. The reliability and brightness for underwater filming are consistently highlighted as strong points, making it a go-to for serious underwater enthusiasts.
6. SOONSUN Rechargeable Diving Light – 450 Lumens High Power…
The SOONSUN Rechargeable Diving Light stands out with its thoughtful design, offering not just high power but also diverse lighting modes and a convenient USB-C charging port. This light is an excellent choice for those seeking versatility and easy recharging for their GoPro Hero 5, whether they’re deep-sea diving or shooting in dimly lit caves. The inclusion of dual rechargeable batteries, compatible with Hero 5/6/7, adds incredible value and extended runtime, making it one of the best lights for GoPro Hero 5 low light capture in various demanding environments.
Key Features:
* 450 Lumens High Power & 3 Dimmable Modes (Spotlight, Fill Light, Mixed Light) with 6 brightness levels (120-450 lumens).
* Waterproof up to 164ft (50M) with durable aluminum alloy shell.
* Dual Rechargeable Batteries (2x AABAT-001) for up to 9 hours of runtime (at 120 lumens).
* Batteries compatible with GoPro HERO 5/6/7 Black and Hero 2018 cameras.
* USB-C Charging Port for direct, hassle-free charging.
* Wide compatibility with GoPro Hero 5, other GoPros, SJCAM, DJI Osmo, etc.
* Includes a cold shoe adapter for DSLR/SLR cameras.
Pros:
* Exceptional waterproof rating (50M).
* Highly versatile with multiple modes and brightness levels.
* Convenient USB-C direct charging.
* Dual batteries offer extended runtime and cross-compatibility.
* Robust aluminum alloy build.
Cons:
* Full 450 lumens only provides shorter runtime.
* Might be slightly heavier than smaller, single-battery units.
User Impressions: Reviewers are impressed by the build quality and the sheer versatility of this light. The USB-C charging is a major plus, as is the extended battery life, making it a reliable choice for long adventures both underwater and on land. Its adaptability to various lighting conditions is frequently praised.
7. Suptig Underwater Light, Waterproof Light, Dimmable…
Rounding out our list is another reliable Suptig option, emphasizing straightforward, dependable illumination for your underwater GoPro Hero 5 adventures. This light is all about getting the job done efficiently, providing a strong, dimmable light source that can withstand considerable depths. It’s a solid, no-frills choice for improving visibility and color accuracy in challenging aquatic environments, ensuring your low-light footage captures all the beauty of the scene.
Key Features:
* Perfectly compatible for GoPro Hero 5 and a wide array of other action cameras.
* 147ft (45M) actual tested waterproof depth.
* Three light modes: Normal (HI), Power saving (LOW), Flash (SOS).
* Rechargeable 1050mAh battery.
* Running time: High light (1.5 hours); Low light (4 hours); SOS (6 hours).
Pros:
* Reliable waterproofing for deep dives.
* Simple and effective three-mode operation.
* Good compatibility with various action cameras.
* Compact and easy to manage underwater.
Cons:
* Standard 1050mAh battery might limit duration on highest setting.
* Does not offer variable color temperature.
User Impressions: Customers appreciate the straightforward functionality and robust waterproofing of this Suptig light. It’s often highlighted as a reliable and effective tool for improving underwater video clarity, delivering consistent performance where natural light is scarce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why does my GoPro Hero 5 struggle so much in low light?
A1: The GoPro Hero 5, like many action cameras, uses a relatively small image sensor. While great for portability and wide-angle shots, smaller sensors have trouble gathering enough light in dim conditions, leading to noisy, grainy, and dark footage. External lights are essential to overcome this limitation.
Q2: Do these lights connect directly to the GoPro Hero 5?
A2: Most of these lights come with standard GoPro mounting systems (like the three-prong mount) or cold shoe adapters, allowing them to be attached to your GoPro frame, various mounts, or even handheld. Some newer GoPro lights might require a Media Mod for seamless integration with newer GoPros, but can often be used standalone with older models like the Hero 5.
Q3: Can I use these lights for both underwater and dry land low-light shooting?
A3: Absolutely! While many of these are designed with high waterproof ratings for diving, their powerful LED illumination makes them equally effective for night vlogging, indoor shooting, or any scenario where your GoPro Hero 5 needs a brightness boost on land. Just check the specific features for non-waterproof modes or adjustable color temperatures.
Q4: Will using an external light drain my GoPro Hero 5’s battery faster?
A4: No, typically these external lights have their own independent rechargeable batteries. They do not draw power from your GoPro Hero 5, so your camera’s battery life won’t be affected by the light. This is a huge advantage for extending your shooting time in low light.
Q5: What does “lumens” mean, and how many do I need?
A5: Lumens are a measure of the total amount of visible light emitted by a source. Higher lumen counts generally mean a brighter light. For general low-light improvements, even 100-200 lumens can make a difference. For serious underwater diving, 400-500 lumens or more are recommended to cut through the water and illuminate distant subjects effectively.
Q6: What other tips can help improve my GoPro Hero 5 low light footage?
A6: Besides adding an external light, consider these:
* Frame Rate: Shoot at a lower frame rate (e.g., 24fps or 30fps) as it allows more light into the sensor per frame.
* Protune Settings: If comfortable, manually adjust ISO (keep it lower, ideally under 800), Shutter Speed (slower allows more light), and White Balance.
* EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization): Turn it off if your GoPro is mounted stably, as it can sometimes introduce softness in low light.
* Post-Production: A little color grading and noise reduction in editing software can work wonders.
Q7: Are the batteries interchangeable with GoPro batteries?
A7: Some third-party lights (like several Suptig models) use batteries that are compatible with older GoPro Hero batteries (e.g., Hero 3/3+ or Hero 4). This can be very convenient if you already own those batteries. Always check the product specifications for exact compatibility.
By equipping your GoPro Hero 5 with one of these fantastic external lights, you’ll dramatically enhance its ability to capture stunning, clear footage even when the sun goes down or you dive deep. Don’t let dim conditions hold you back – illuminate your adventures and capture every moment in brilliant detail!
