Got a GoPro Hero 5 Black and looking to seriously step up your video game? While the Hero 5 Black was a fantastic camera in its day, technology marches on! Whether you’re aiming to improve your current footage with smart accessories or considering an upgrade to capture even more stunning, buttery-smooth video, you’ve come to the right place. We’re diving deep into the best for GoPro Hero 5 Black video enthusiasts, exploring options that will help you create truly epic content.
From enhancing audio to upgrading to the latest stabilization and resolution, we’ve rounded up some top-tier gear. Let’s explore how you can get the absolute best for GoPro Hero 5 Black video shooting, whether that means a simple add-on or a whole new camera for unparalleled performance.
Why Upgrade or Accessorize Your GoPro Setup?
Even if your Hero 5 Black still works perfectly, today’s action cameras offer mind-blowing advancements in video quality, stabilization, and features like HDR and better low-light performance. Accessories, on the other hand, can instantly improve specific aspects like audio or protection, making your existing Hero 5 footage even better. Choosing the right gear can make all the difference, transforming good footage into truly great, professional-looking content.
The 10 Best Upgrades & Accessories for GoPro Hero 5 Black Video
Here’s our hand-picked list to help you achieve the best for GoPro Hero 5 Black video quality and overall experience:
1. GoPro HERO13 Black – Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K60…
If you’re serious about taking your GoPro video to the next level beyond what your Hero 5 Black can offer, the HERO13 Black is a powerhouse upgrade. It’s designed to deliver the absolute best-in-class video, boasting stunning 5.3K60 resolution that provides incredible detail and cinematic quality. Coupled with its legendary durability and new HB-Series Lenses, it’s truly built for creators who demand the best in action camera performance. This isn’t just an accessory; it’s a complete leap forward for anyone prioritizing top-tier video capture.
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Key Features:
- Best-in-class 5.3K60 video resolution
- Legendary GoPro durability
- Compatible with new HB-Series Lenses
- More powerful battery for extended shooting
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Pros:
- Unmatched video quality and resolution
- Robust and waterproof design
- Enhanced battery life
- Future-proof with new lens compatibility
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Cons:
- Significant investment compared to accessories
- Might be overkill for casual users
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User Impressions: Users rave about the incredible image quality and the noticeable jump in performance. Many find it revolutionizes their content creation, especially appreciating the advanced stabilization and vibrant colors.
2. GoPro HERO11 Black – E-Commerce Packaging – Waterproof…
The HERO11 Black offers a revolutionary new image sensor that expands your field of view like never before on a HERO camera. This means you capture more of your environment – sky, horizon, and all – giving you massive creative flexibility in post-production. With breathtaking 5.3K video resolution and an incredible 27MP photo capability, it elevates your footage with crisp detail and cinematic flair. Its Emmy Award-Winning HyperSmooth Stabilization ensures your action shots are unbelievably smooth, making it a fantastic upgrade for anyone currently using a Hero 5 and wanting significantly better quality video.
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Key Features:
- Revolutionary, larger image sensor for expansive field of view
- Unbelievable 5.3K video (91% more resolution than 4K)
- 27MP photos and 24.7MP stills from video
- Emmy Award-Winning HyperSmooth 5.0 stabilization with Horizon Lock
- Water-repelling lens cover
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Pros:
- Massively improved video and photo quality
- Unmatched stabilization performance
- Versatile aspect ratios and cropping options
- Durable and waterproof design
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Cons:
- Higher price point than basic accessories
- Battery life, though improved, can still be a factor in extreme use
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User Impressions: Customers frequently highlight the amazing stabilization and the wide field of view as game-changers. The ability to grab high-res stills from video is also a popular feature.
3. Taisioner Windslayer Cover Housing Frame Case for GoPro…
For GoPro Hero 5 Black users specifically, this Taisioner Windslayer is an absolute must-have accessory to drastically improve your audio quality. If you’ve ever recorded video outdoors, you know how frustrating wind noise can be. This soft, flexible sponge cover fits over your Hero 5 (when used with a protective housing frame, not a waterproof case) and effectively reduces unwanted wind noise. It’s a simple, affordable solution that ensures your videos capture the sounds you want, not just the wind’s howl.
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Key Features:
- Compatible with GoPro Hero 5, 6, 7 Black (with protective frame)
- Effectively reduces wind noise during video recording
- Made of soft, lightweight, and flexible special sponge material
- Precise hole design doesn’t impact video quality
- Ideal for gale weather and strenuous exercise
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Pros:
- Significantly improves audio quality by reducing wind noise
- Very affordable and easy to install
- Lightweight and portable
- Directly benefits Hero 5 Black video users
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Cons:
- Requires a separate protective frame (cannot be used with waterproof case)
- May slightly muffle other ambient sounds
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User Impressions: Many users report a dramatic improvement in audio clarity, especially when biking, skiing, or filming in windy conditions. It’s often cited as the best budget solution for wind noise.
4. GoPro HERO10 Black- E-Commerce Packaging – Waterproof…
The GoPro HERO10 Black was a game-changer with its revolutionary GP2 processor, offering snappier performance, responsive touch controls, and double the frame rate for unbelievably smooth footage. For anyone coming from a Hero 5, the jump to 23MP photos and 5.3K60 video is phenomenal, providing incredible detail and motion. Its HyperSmooth 4.0 stabilization is also a significant upgrade, delivering silky-smooth shots even in the most challenging scenarios. Plus, features like the water-shedding hydrophobic lens cover ensure your footage is always crystal clear.
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Key Features:
- Revolutionary GP2 processor for enhanced performance
- 5.3K60 video and 23MP photos
- HyperSmooth 4.0 stabilization with improved low-light performance
- Hydrophobic water-shedding lens cover
- Fast and reliable connectivity with Quik app and cloud upload
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Pros:
- Exceptional video and photo quality
- Superb in-camera stabilization
- Fast user interface and file transfers
- Durable and waterproof
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Cons:
- Battery life can be a concern at higher resolutions/frame rates
- A noticeable investment if you already own a Hero 5
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User Impressions: The speed and responsiveness of the GP2 chip are frequently praised, along with the incredibly stable footage, even without a gimbal. Users love the ease of transferring footage too.
5. GoPro HERO13 (Hero 13) Black – Waterproof Action Camera…
This bundle offers the latest GoPro HERO13 Black, delivering a massive leap from the Hero 5 Black with 27MP photos and up to 5.3K60 video. What truly sets it apart is the HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization with AutoBoost and 360° Horizon Lock, ensuring your footage remains perfectly level and smooth no matter how extreme the action. The extended battery life from the 1900mAh Enduro battery, Bluetooth audio connectivity for external mics, and Wi-Fi 6 support make it a dream for serious content creators. This bundle also throws in a 50-in-1 accessory kit and a 64GB microSD card, making it an excellent value package for anyone looking to go beyond the Hero 5.
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Key Features:
- 27MP photos and 5.3K60 video (including 4K120, 2.7K240 for 8x slo-mo)
- HyperSmooth 6.0 with AutoBoost and 360° Horizon Lock
- Extended 1900mAh Enduro battery (up to 1.5 hours of 5.3K video)
- Bluetooth audio connectivity for wireless mics/headphones
- Wi-Fi 6 support for fast transfers
- Bundle includes 50-in-1 accessory kit and 64GB microSDXC card
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Pros:
- Cutting-edge video quality and stabilization
- Excellent battery life
- Enhanced audio options
- Comprehensive bundle for immediate use
- Waterproof without extra housing
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Cons:
- Premium price point for the latest model
- Some users may not need all bundle accessories
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User Impressions: Reviewers are consistently amazed by the stabilization and the crisp, clear video quality. The extended battery life is also a huge plus for longer shooting sessions.
6. GoPro Hero12 Black E-Commerce Package – Waterproof Action…
The HERO12 Black is a testament to GoPro’s continuous innovation, offering significantly longer runtime at high resolutions (up to 70 minutes at 5.3K60) thanks to its improved battery efficiency and the powerful 1720mAh Enduro battery. This means more time capturing incredible 5.3K video and 27MP photos without swapping batteries. Its High Dynamic Range (HDR) for video and photo ensures stunning true-to-life colors and detail in both bright and shadowy scenes, a major step up for anyone aiming for the best for GoPro Hero 5 Black video quality improvement. With HyperSmooth 6.0 and 360° Horizon Lock, your footage will be unbelievably smooth and level.
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Key Features:
- 2x longer runtime (up to 70 mins at 5.3K60) with Enduro battery
- Unbelievable 5.3K video and 27MP photos
- High Dynamic Range (HDR) video & photo
- Emmy Award-Winning HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization with 360° Horizon Lock
- Extra-large field of view
- Bluetooth Audio Connectivity for external mics
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Pros:
- Exceptional battery life at high resolutions
- Stunning HDR video and photo quality
- Industry-leading stabilization
- Expanded field of view options
- Rugged and waterproof
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Cons:
- Still a premium upgrade cost
- Some advanced features might require a learning curve
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User Impressions: Users frequently praise the HERO12 for its fantastic battery performance, especially when compared to older models. The HDR capability is also a big hit, providing more vibrant and detailed footage.
7. GoPro HERO12 (Hero 12) Black – Waterproof Action Camera…
This bundle for the GoPro HERO12 Black takes your existing GoPro experience and elevates it with revolutionary HDR capabilities for video and photos, ensuring every shot bursts with true-to-life colors and intricate details – no more lost details in shadows or blown-out highlights. Paired with the Emmy-winning HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization, your footage will be incredibly smooth, whether you’re biking, skiing, or just chasing your kids. The extended battery life, up to 2.5 hours at FHD, and Bluetooth audio support for AirPods and other headphones make it a versatile choice. The included 50-in-1 accessory kit and 64GB microSD card mean you’re ready to shoot right out of the box, making it an ideal “jump-in” upgrade from a Hero 5.
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Key Features:
- Revolutionary HDR for Videos (5.3K and 4K) and photos
- Award-winning HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization with minimal cropping
- Extended battery life (up to 2.5 hours FHD, 90 mins 5.3K30) with Enduro battery
- Bluetooth Audio Connectivity for wireless mics/headphones
- Bundle includes 50-in-1 accessory kit and 64GB microSDXC card
- Waterproof to 33 feet (10m)
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Pros:
- Superior image quality with HDR
- Outstanding stabilization
- Long-lasting battery performance
- Comprehensive accessory package
- Enhanced audio input options
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Cons:
- Higher upfront cost due to being a bundle
- Some accessories might not be universally useful
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User Impressions: Users love the combination of HDR and HyperSmooth, saying it makes their footage look professional without much effort. The included accessories are often seen as a great bonus, adding significant value.
8. GoPro HERO12 Black – Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K60…
This standalone GoPro HERO12 Black camera emphasizes its core strengths: unparalleled image quality with HDR for both videos (5.3K and 4K) and photos, capturing incredible detail even in challenging light conditions. For those using a Hero 5, the leap in resolution and the clarity of HDR is a game-changer. It also features Emmy Award-Winning HyperSmooth 6.0 Stabilization, which continues to set the bar for smooth footage, minimizing cropping while maximizing stability. Its rugged and waterproof design (down to 33ft) means it’s ready for any adventure, making it a robust upgrade option for anyone serious about elevating their GoPro video.
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Key Features:
- High Dynamic Range (HDR) Video + Photo (5.3K and 4K)
- Unbelievable 5.3K video and 27MP photos
- Emmy Award-Winning HyperSmooth 6.0 Stabilization with AutoBoost
- Rugged and waterproof to 33ft (10m)
- Water-repelling lens cover
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Pros:
- Exceptional image quality with HDR benefits
- Industry-leading video stabilization
- Built to withstand extreme conditions
- Eliminates lens flare with special coating
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Cons:
- No included accessories beyond basic mounts
- Still a premium price for the camera body
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User Impressions: Many users point to the HDR feature as making a significant difference in their footage, especially in high-contrast scenes. The stabilization is consistently praised as being “gimbal-like.”
9. GoPro HERO13 Black Ultra Wide Edition – Waterproof Action…
If immersive, wide-angle footage is your priority, the GoPro HERO13 Black Ultra Wide Edition is a phenomenal choice. It comes with the Ultra Wide Lens Mod already attached, boosting the field of view up to an incredible 177° – significantly wider and taller than standard GoPro footage. This creates a hyper-immersive experience, perfect for POV shots, epic landscapes, and giving your viewers the feeling they’re right in the action. Beyond the ultra-wide capabilities, it still delivers pro-quality 4K60 video and unbreakable HyperSmooth stabilization, making it a unique and compelling upgrade for specific creative visions aiming for the best for GoPro Hero 5 Black video users who want a new perspective.
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Key Features:
- Ultra Wide Lens Mod attached for 177° field of view
- Pro-quality 4K60 video
- Unbreakable HyperSmooth Stabilization with AutoBoost
- Easy vertical capture for social media
- Comes with Ultra Wide Lens Mod, protective caps, microfiber cloth
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Pros:
- Unparalleled immersive wide-angle footage
- Excellent stabilization for dynamic shots
- Optimized for social media content creation
- Ready for extreme action out of the box
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Cons:
- Specific use case (ultra-wide may not be for everyone)
- Higher price point for the specialized edition
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User Impressions: Users absolutely love the unique perspective offered by the ultra-wide lens, finding it perfect for action sports and vlogging where they want to capture more of their surroundings. The vertical capture is also a hit for social media creators.
10. GoPro HERO13 (Hero 13) Black – Waterproof Action Camera…
This comprehensive bundle for the GoPro HERO13 Black is designed to give you everything you need to start capturing professional-grade video right away, making it an excellent all-in-one upgrade for your Hero 5. Beyond the camera’s impressive 5.3K60 video and 27MP raw photos with HDR/HLG, this package includes a SanDisk Extreme 128GB microSDXC card and a vast array of mounts and accessories (chest, head, wrist, suction, floating grip, and more). It highlights the new HB-Series Lens compatibility (lenses sold separately) for future expansion, durable waterproof design, improved 1900mAh Enduro battery, and HyperSmooth 6.0 with AutoBoost and 360° Horizon Lock. It’s a complete solution for anyone serious about the best for GoPro Hero 5 Black video quality and versatility.
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Key Features:
- Comprehensive bundle with SanDisk Extreme 128GB microSDXC card & huge accessory kit
- HB-Series Lens Compatibility (Ultra Wide, Macro, ND filters, Anamorphic Mod)
- Durable and waterproof to 33 feet (10 meters)
- High-Quality HDR/HLG images (5.3K60 video, 27MP raw photos)
- Improved 1900mAh Enduro Battery (up to 1.5 hours 5.3K/4K)
- HyperSmooth 6.0 with AutoBoost and 360° Horizon Lock
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Pros:
- Unbeatable value with extensive accessory bundle
- Top-tier video and photo quality with HDR
- Exceptional stabilization and horizon leveling
- Long-lasting battery performance
- Future-proof with lens mod compatibility
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Cons:
- Higher initial cost due to bundle size
- The sheer number of accessories might be overwhelming for some
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User Impressions: Customers love the “everything you need” aspect of this bundle, especially the included high-capacity SD card and diverse mounting options. The video quality and stabilization are consistently praised as top-tier.
Frequently Asked Questions about GoPro Video
Q1: What’s the biggest advantage of upgrading from a GoPro Hero 5 Black to a newer model for video?
A1: The most significant advantages are vastly improved video resolution (from 4K on Hero 5 to 5.3K on newer models), revolutionary in-camera stabilization (like HyperSmooth 5.0/6.0), much better low-light performance, and features like HDR video. These combine to produce significantly sharper, smoother, and more vibrant footage than what the Hero 5 could capture.
Q2: Can I use accessories designed for newer GoPros with my Hero 5 Black?
A2: It depends on the accessory. General mounts (like tripods, chest straps) are usually universally compatible. However, housing-specific accessories (like the Taisioner Windslayer, which fits Hero 5/6/7 frames) or specialized mods (like lens mods for newer GoPros) are generally not cross-compatible due to differences in camera dimensions and port placements. Always check product compatibility.
Q3: Is the GoPro Hero 5 Black still good enough for casual video?
A3: Absolutely! For casual everyday use, basic vlogging, or sharing quick clips, the Hero 5 Black can still capture decent 4K video. However, if you’re looking for professional-grade stabilization, crisp audio in windy conditions, or stunning detail in diverse lighting, you’ll definitely see benefits from the upgrades and accessories mentioned above.
Q4: How can I improve audio quality for my GoPro Hero 5 Black videos without buying a new camera?
A4: The best way to improve audio for your Hero 5 Black videos is by using a windslayer cover (like the Taisioner Windslayer reviewed above) or, if you’re using the Super Suit housing, the external microphone adapter with a dedicated external microphone. Reducing wind noise is key for clear audio outdoors.
Q5: What’s the most important factor for smooth GoPro footage?
A5: In-camera electronic image stabilization (EIS) like GoPro’s HyperSmooth is the most crucial factor for smooth footage. While gimbals used to be essential, newer GoPros have stabilization so good that gimbals are often unnecessary, even for extreme action. For the Hero 5, external gimbals are still very beneficial for super smooth shots.
Q6: What does “HDR Video” mean and why is it important for my GoPro footage?
A6: HDR (High Dynamic Range) video captures a wider range of light and shadow detail in your footage. This means that bright areas won’t be “blown out” (overexposed) and dark areas won’t be completely black (underexposed). For GoPro users, this is especially important when filming outdoors with bright skies and shadowed foregrounds, resulting in more true-to-life colors and richer, more detailed scenes.
Q7: Is 5.3K video resolution really necessary, or is 4K enough?
A7: While 4K is still excellent, 5.3K offers significantly more resolution (91% more than 4K). This provides greater detail, allows for more cropping and zooming in post-production without losing quality, and results in a more cinematic look. For professional content creators or those who want the absolute best quality, 5.3K is a worthwhile upgrade. For most casual viewers, 4K is still fantastic.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking to significantly upgrade your camera or just add a few key accessories, there are plenty of fantastic options available to enhance your GoPro Hero 5 Black video experience. From dedicated wind reduction accessories that directly boost your Hero 5’s audio, to the latest GoPro models that offer incredible leaps in resolution, stabilization, and overall video quality, the choices are vast. Consider what aspects of your video you want to improve most, and then pick the gear that helps you capture those unforgettable moments in stunning detail. Happy filming!
