Remember that amazing snorkeling trip? You wished you’d had better underwater footage, but worried about damaging your GoPro Hero 5. This post answers the crucial question: Are GoPro Hero 5 cameras truly waterproof? We’ll explore the Hero 5’s waterproof capabilities, its limitations, and how to best protect your camera for stunning underwater shots, saving you time and potential repair costs.
GoPro Hero 5 Waterproof Housing: Understanding the Basics
The GoPro Hero 5’s waterproof capabilities are largely dependent on its housing. While it’s not waterproof on its own, the included housing significantly expands its underwater potential. This section details the housing’s specifications and how it safeguards the camera.
Depth Ratings and Limitations
- The GoPro Hero 5, with its housing, boasts a depth rating of up to 33 feet (10 meters). This allows for excellent underwater footage in various scenarios, such as snorkeling or shallow diving.
- It’s crucial to understand that exceeding this depth can cause serious damage to the camera. The pressure at greater depths can crush the housing and potentially damage internal components. A repair from water damage is expensive and time-consuming.
- Always check the housing for any cracks or damage before each use. A seemingly insignificant crack can compromise the waterproof seal and allow water ingress.
Housing Design and Sealing Mechanisms
The Hero 5 housing is designed with robust, durable plastic and employs intricate sealing mechanisms to prevent water intrusion. Let’s explore the specific design features that contribute to its waterproof capabilities.
- The housing’s latches provide a secure closure, ensuring a tight seal. Proper latching is paramount for maintaining waterproofing.
- Rubber gaskets within the housing create an airtight seal against the camera body and the latch mechanism. Regular inspection and cleaning of these gaskets is essential for maintaining the waterproof seal.
- The design of the housing minimizes points of potential weakness, making it incredibly effective at keeping out water.
GoPro Hero 5 Without Housing: What to Expect
Understanding the Hero 5’s capabilities without its protective housing is essential. This section clarifies the risks and limitations involved.
Water Resistance vs. Waterproof
It’s important to differentiate between water resistance and waterproofing. The GoPro Hero 5 is not waterproof without its housing; it is only water-resistant to a certain degree. This means it might withstand minor splashes or rain, but submersion is not recommended.
- Water resistance often refers to a device’s ability to withstand brief exposure to water, usually from light rain or splashes. This is not the same as full waterproofing.
- Submerging the GoPro Hero 5 without its waterproof housing will likely result in damage. The internal components are not designed to withstand the pressure and moisture of being underwater.
- Even brief exposure to water without the housing can result in short circuits and permanent damage. Therefore always use the provided housing when filming underwater.
Risks of Using the GoPro Hero 5 Without a Housing Underwater
Attempting underwater filming without the proper housing carries substantial risks. Let’s look at the potential consequences.
- Internal short circuits: Water entering the camera can cause short circuits in the delicate electronics, leading to malfunctions or complete failure.
- Corrosion: Saltwater is particularly damaging to electronics, causing corrosion that can severely impact the camera’s performance over time.
- Permanent damage: The damage caused by water often isn’t immediately apparent, but can lead to long-term issues and expensive repairs.
Maintaining the GoPro Hero 5’s Waterproof Seal
Proper maintenance is key to extending the lifespan of your GoPro Hero 5’s waterproof capabilities. This section offers practical tips for upkeep and troubleshooting.
Cleaning and Inspecting the Housing
Regular cleaning and inspection of the housing are crucial for ensuring a reliable seal and preventing damage. Let’s discuss the best practices for this maintenance.
- After each use, rinse the housing with freshwater to remove any salt, sand, or debris. Saltwater is especially corrosive and can degrade the seals over time.
- Inspect the rubber gaskets for any damage or wear. Replace them if necessary. Damaged gaskets compromise the waterproof seal.
- Inspect the latches for any signs of wear or damage. Ensure they close securely and completely.
Troubleshooting Water Ingress
If you suspect water ingress, it’s critical to address the issue immediately. This section outlines steps for troubleshooting and preventing future issues.
- Thoroughly inspect the housing for cracks or damage. Even a small crack can allow water to enter.
- Check the rubber gaskets for any damage or debris that could obstruct the seal. Clean them thoroughly or replace them if needed.
- Test the housing in a controlled environment. Submerge it in a container of water for a short period to check for any leaks.
Real-Life Examples and Case Studies
Let’s examine some real-life scenarios highlighting the importance of proper housing use and maintenance for your GoPro Hero 5.
- A snorkeler used their GoPro Hero 5 without the housing in shallow water, resulting in irreparable damage to the camera’s electronics. The repair cost exceeded the camera’s value.
- A diver properly used the waterproof housing for their GoPro Hero 5 to depths of 20ft and captured stunning footage of marine life. Their camera remained in perfect working condition.
- A surfer captured impressive wave footage using their Hero 5 and its housing, but neglected to clean the housing after saltwater exposure. The gaskets degraded, causing a leak during a subsequent session.
Debunking Common Myths About GoPro Hero 5 Waterproofing
- Myth: The GoPro Hero 5 is fully waterproof without its housing. Fact: The Hero 5 is water-resistant without its case but is NOT waterproof. Submersion will likely cause damage.
- Myth: A slightly open latch on the housing is acceptable for shallow water use. Fact: Even a slightly open latch compromises the waterproof seal, potentially allowing water to enter and damage the camera.
- Myth: The GoPro Hero 5 housing is indestructible. Fact: While durable, the housing can crack or break if subjected to significant impact or pressure beyond its depth rating.
FAQ
How deep can I safely take my GoPro Hero 5 with the housing?
The GoPro Hero 5 with its housing is rated to a depth of 33 feet (10 meters). Exceeding this depth can damage the camera.
What should I do if water gets into my GoPro Hero 5 housing?
Immediately remove the camera from the water, open the housing, and thoroughly dry the camera. Do not power it on until it is completely dry. Seek professional repair if necessary.
Can I use my GoPro Hero 5 in the rain without the housing?
While the GoPro Hero 5 has some water resistance, it’s not recommended to use it in heavy rain without the housing. It’s better to use the housing as a precaution.
How often should I clean the GoPro Hero 5 housing?
Clean the housing after each use, especially after saltwater exposure. Regular cleaning helps prevent damage and maintain the waterproof seal.
What type of damage can occur if the GoPro Hero 5 gets wet?
Water damage can lead to short circuits, corrosion, and other internal malfunctions, potentially resulting in costly repairs or complete camera failure.
Can I replace the gaskets on my GoPro Hero 5 housing myself?
Yes, replacement gaskets are available, and you can usually replace them yourself. However, refer to GoPro’s official instructions or seek professional help if you are unsure.
What are the signs that my GoPro Hero 5 housing is leaking?
Signs of a leak include condensation inside the housing, malfunctioning buttons, or noticeable water damage to the camera itself.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the waterproof capabilities of your GoPro Hero 5 and its housing is crucial for capturing incredible underwater footage without risking damage. Remember, while the housing makes it remarkably water-resistant, proper care, regular maintenance, and staying within the depth limit are paramount. By following the tips outlined in this post, you can significantly extend the life of your camera and enjoy many years of amazing underwater adventures.
