GoPro Hero5 Action Camera Black for Canada Cost Review

The GoPro Hero5 Black delivers professional-grade 4K video and rugged, waterproof performance at a competitive price point in Canada. With built-in voice control, touch display, and advanced stabilization, it’s a top choice for action enthusiasts seeking reliability and high-quality footage. While prices vary by retailer, Canadian buyers can expect solid value, especially during seasonal sales and bundle deals.

Key Takeaways

• Affordable pricing: Best value under CAD $300 for rugged 4K performance.
• Waterproof design: Dive up to 33ft without extra housing required.
• Voice control: Hands-free operation ideal for fast-paced Canadian adventures.
• Stabilization: Advanced EIS ensures smooth footage in rough conditions.
• Local availability: Widely stocked at major retailers like Best Buy Canada.
• Battery life: Lasts 90 mins recording; carry spares for long shoots.

Why the GoPro Hero5 Black Still Holds Up in Canada

If you’ve ever found yourself skiing down a snowy slope in Whistler, chasing waves in Tofino, or hiking the rugged trails of Banff, you know how special those moments can be. Capturing them in stunning quality? Even better. That’s where action cameras come in. And if you’re shopping for a reliable, rugged, and feature-packed option—especially one that’s been around long enough to prove its worth—the GoPro Hero5 Action Camera Black for Canada cost might just be on your radar.

The GoPro Hero5 Black launched back in 2016, but don’t let its age fool you. It’s still a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts, travelers, and content creators across Canada. Why? Because it strikes a sweet balance between performance, durability, and affordability in today’s secondhand and refurbished market. Whether you’re a beginner dipping your toes into action videography or a seasoned adventurer looking for a dependable backup cam, this model delivers more than you might expect for its current price point. In this review, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about the GoPro Hero5 Black’s real-world performance, how it stacks up today, and—most importantly—what it actually costs in Canadian dollars.

How Much Does the GoPro Hero5 Black Really Cost in Canada?

Let’s get straight to the point: the GoPro Hero5 Action Camera Black for Canada cost has changed dramatically since its original $499 CAD launch price. Today, it’s no longer sold as a brand-new retail item by most major Canadian retailers like Best Buy, The Source, or Amazon Canada. Instead, it lives on through certified refurbished units, open-box deals, and secondhand marketplaces. That’s great news for your wallet—but it also means you need to know where to look and what to watch out for.

New vs. Refurbished vs. Used: What’s the Real Price Difference?

When shopping in Canada, you’ll typically find three categories:

• Certified Refurbished (Best Value): $170–$230 CAD. Sold by GoPro directly or authorized resellers like Amazon Warehouse, Best Buy Outlet, or Newegg Canada. These units are tested, cleaned, and come with a 1-year warranty.
• Open-Box / Returned Items: $190–$260 CAD. Often found at Best Buy, The Source, or Staples. These are usually unused or lightly used and may include original accessories.
• Used (Marketplaces): $100–$180 CAD. Listed on Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or eBay Canada. Prices vary widely based on condition, included accessories, and seller reputation.

For example, I picked up a certified refurbished Hero5 Black from GoPro’s Canadian website during a Black Friday sale for $189 CAD. It came with a 90-day warranty, a charging cable, and a basic frame mount—everything I needed to get started. That’s less than half the original price, and honestly, it looked and worked like new.

Where to Buy in Canada (And What to Watch For)

Here’s a quick rundown of the best places to buy in Canada, along with a few tips:

• GoPro Canada (gopro.com/ca): Offers certified refurbished units with warranty. Look for seasonal sales (e.g., Boxing Week, summer promo). Shipping is free over $100.
• Amazon Canada: Search for “GoPro Hero5 Black Refurbished” and filter by “Amazon Renewed.” These come with a 90-day warranty and are often priced competitively.
• Best Buy Canada Outlet: Great for open-box deals. I found one once for $175 with a battery and case—still in the original box.
• Kijiji / Facebook Marketplace: Ideal for budget shoppers. Always ask for photos, test the camera in person if possible, and avoid units with cracked housings or water damage signs.

Pro Tip: Check the serial number on GoPro’s support site. It’ll tell you if the camera is still under warranty or if it was previously registered. I once passed on a “like new” unit because the serial showed it was already two years old and out of warranty.

Hidden Costs: Accessories and Add-Ons

The base price isn’t the full story. Most used or refurbished units don’t include everything you’ll need. Here’s what to budget for:

• MicroSD Card: $15–$30 CAD (64GB U3 recommended for 4K video)
• Extra Batteries: $25–$40 CAD each (original GoPro batteries last ~1.5 hours in 1080p)
• Charging Kit: $30 CAD (dual battery charger + USB-C cable)
• Mounts & Cases: $20–$50 CAD (chesty, head strap, suction cup, etc.)

So, if you buy a $180 used camera and add a $25 battery and $20 SD card, your total is $225. Still a steal compared to newer models.

Performance & Features: Does It Still Deliver in 2024?

You might be thinking: “Okay, it’s cheap now, but is it actually good?” Let’s talk specs and real-world use. The Hero5 Black was a game-changer when it launched, and many of its features still hold up—especially for casual users and hobbyists.

Video Quality: 4K at 30fps (And Why That’s Enough)

The Hero5 shoots 4K video at 30 frames per second (fps), 1080p at up to 120fps (for smooth slow-mo), and 720p at 240fps. That might not match the 5.3K of the Hero11, but for most Canadian outdoor adventures, it’s more than sufficient.

I used mine to film a mountain biking trip in the Rockies. The 4K footage looked crisp and vibrant, especially in sunny conditions. The wide dynamic range handled bright skies and shadowy trails well. The only time I noticed a limitation? In low light—like a sunset hike. The image got grainy around dusk, but that’s true of most action cams in this price range.

Tip: Use 1080p/60fps for general use. It saves battery, reduces file size, and still looks great on YouTube or social media.

Audio: Built-In Mic vs. External Options

The Hero5 has three built-in mics with automatic gain control. It does a surprisingly good job of reducing wind noise—much better than older models. I tested it while snowboarding at Blue Mountain, and even at high speeds, the audio was clear enough to hear my friend yelling, “Dude, that jump was sick!”

That said, it’s not studio quality. If you’re doing vlogs or interviews, consider a GoPro Media Mod (~$100 CAD used) or an external mic. But for action footage, the built-in audio is totally usable.

Voice Control: Hands-Free Operation

One feature I love? Voice control. You can say “GoPro, start recording” or “GoPro, take a photo” without touching the camera. This is huge when you’re wearing gloves, skiing, or riding a bike.

It works 80% of the time in quiet environments. In windy or noisy places (like a busy trail), it struggles. But when it works, it’s magical. I used it during a kayaking trip on Lake Louise—just said “GoPro, stop recording” when we reached the shore. No fumbling with buttons in wet gloves.

Durability & Waterproofing: Built for Canadian Weather

The Hero5 is waterproof up to 10 meters (33 feet) without a case. That means you can use it in rain, snow, or shallow water—perfect for Canadian winters and spring thaws.

I’ve dropped mine in slush, snow, and even a shallow creek during a hike. No issues. The rubberized body and metal lens ring add real durability. Just avoid deep diving or high-pressure water (like jet skiing). For those, you’ll need the optional dive housing (~$50 CAD).

Ease of Use: Is the Hero5 Beginner-Friendly?

One of the biggest reasons the Hero5 remains popular is how easy it is to use—especially for first-time action cam owners. No confusing menus, no steep learning curve.

Simple Touchscreen & One-Button Design

The 2-inch touchscreen is responsive and intuitive. Swipe up for settings, down for playback, left/right to switch modes. Even my 10-year-old nephew figured it out in five minutes.

The single shutter button on top makes it easy to start/stop recording or take photos with one hand. No need to navigate menus mid-adventure.

Quick Capture Mode: Never Miss a Shot

Hold the shutter button for 2 seconds, and the camera turns on and starts recording. This saved me during a moose sighting in Jasper. I didn’t have time to power on and adjust—just grabbed the camera and held the button. Got the whole encounter on video.

GoPro App Integration: Wireless Control & Editing

The GoPro app (iOS/Android) lets you control the camera remotely, preview shots, and transfer videos to your phone. It’s not as fast as newer models (Wi-Fi is a bit laggy), but it works.

I used the app to set up the camera on a selfie stick during a hike. I could see the framing on my phone and start recording without touching the camera. Super handy.

The app also has basic editing tools—trim clips, add music, and share directly to Instagram or YouTube. Not professional-grade, but great for quick social posts.

Comparing the Hero5 Black to Newer Models

Let’s be honest: the GoPro Hero5 is old. But that doesn’t mean it’s obsolete. Here’s how it stacks up against newer models in the Canadian market.

Hero5 Black vs. Hero9/10/11: What Do You Lose?

• Higher Resolutions: Hero9+ shoots 5K. Hero5 maxes at 4K/30fps.
• Front Screen: Newer models have a front-facing screen for vlogging. Hero5 doesn’t.
• HyperSmooth Stabilization: Hero9+ has much better stabilization. Hero5 has basic stabilization (good for walking, not for mountain biking).
• Battery Life: Hero5 battery lasts ~1.5 hours. Hero9+ batteries last ~2 hours and are removable (Hero5 battery is built-in).
• Touchscreen: Hero5 has a smaller, less responsive screen than newer models.

But—and this is a big but—you can buy a Hero5 Black and a full accessory kit for less than the price of a new Hero9. For many people, that’s worth the trade-off.

Hero5 Black vs. Hero7 White: A Budget Battle

The Hero7 White is often priced similarly to the Hero5 Black (~$150–$200 CAD used). But the Hero5 has key advantages:

• 4K video (Hero7 White is 1080p only)
• Waterproof without a case (Hero7 White needs housing for water)
• Voice control (Hero7 White lacks this)
• Touchscreen (Hero7 White has no screen)

Unless you’re on a super tight budget, the Hero5 is the better buy.

Real-World Use Cases: Where the Hero5 Shines (And Struggles)

Let’s talk about how this camera performs in real Canadian adventures—because specs don’t tell the whole story.

Winter Sports: Skiing, Snowboarding, Ice Fishing

The Hero5 handles cold weather well. I used it at -15°C in Quebec and had no battery or performance issues. The touchscreen works with thin gloves, and the voice control is a lifesaver when you’re bundled up.

Just remember: extreme cold drains batteries faster. Keep a spare in your inner pocket.

Hiking & Camping

Lightweight and durable, it’s perfect for capturing scenic hikes in Algonquin or the Cabot Trail. I mounted it on my backpack strap and got some amazing POV shots.

Downside: no GPS (newer models have it), so you can’t tag locations on your footage. But you can add that later in editing.

Water Adventures: Canoeing, Kayaking, Swimming

With no housing needed for shallow water, it’s great for lakes and rivers. I used it during a canoe trip on the Bow River—dunked it a few times, no leaks.

For snorkeling or diving deeper than 10m, get the dive housing. The image quality underwater is decent, but colors shift without a red filter.

Urban & Daily Use

It’s also great for vlogging, biking in the city, or capturing everyday moments. I used mine to film a bike commute in Toronto. The stabilization handled potholes and traffic well.

Just don’t expect cinematic quality. It’s an action cam, not a cinema rig.

Data Table: GoPro Hero5 Black – Key Specs & Canadian Pricing

Feature	Specification	Canadian Price (CAD)
Video Resolution	4K at 30fps, 1080p at 120fps, 720p at 240fps	$100–$230 (Used/Refurbished)
Photo Resolution	12MP
Waterproof	10m (33ft) without housing
Battery Life	~1.5 hours (1080p/30fps)
Stabilization	Basic (EIS)
Audio	3 mics with wind noise reduction
Voice Control	Yes (7 languages)
Touchscreen	2-inch LCD
Wi-Fi/Bluetooth	Yes (for app control)
Accessories Included	Varies (usually USB-C cable, frame mount)

Final Thoughts: Is the GoPro Hero5 Black Worth It in Canada?

So, after months of using the GoPro Hero5 Black across Canadian landscapes—from icy trails to sunny lakes—I can say this: it’s still a fantastic camera, especially for the current GoPro Hero5 Action Camera Black for Canada cost.

It’s not perfect. The battery life is short, the low-light performance is average, and it lacks the advanced features of newer models. But it’s rugged, easy to use, and delivers solid 4K video for a fraction of the price. If you’re a beginner, a budget-conscious traveler, or someone who just wants to capture adventures without breaking the bank, it’s a no-brainer.

Think of it like a trusted winter jacket. It’s not the flashiest, but it keeps you warm, handles the elements, and never lets you down. That’s the Hero5 Black in a nutshell.

And with refurbished units widely available in Canada, you can get a reliable, warranty-backed camera for under $200. Pair it with a few accessories, and you’ve got a full action cam setup for less than the price of a mid-range smartphone.

So, is it worth it? For most Canadians, absolutely. It’s not about having the latest tech—it’s about capturing the moments that matter. And the Hero5 still does that better than many newer, pricier cameras.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost of the GoPro Hero5 Action Camera Black in Canada?

The GoPro Hero5 Action Camera Black typically ranges between $300–$400 CAD in Canada, depending on the retailer, bundle deals, and seasonal discounts. Prices may vary for new, refurbished, or open-box units.

Where can I find the best deal on a GoPro Hero5 in Canada?

Check major Canadian retailers like Best Buy, Amazon Canada, and The Source, as well as GoPro’s official website for promotions. Comparing prices and looking for bundle deals with mounts or memory cards can help maximize value.

Is the GoPro Hero5 Action Camera Black still worth buying in Canada?

While newer models exist, the Hero5 remains a solid budget-friendly option for casual users, offering 4K video, voice control, and rugged waterproof design. It’s ideal for those seeking reliable performance without paying for premium features.

Does the GoPro Hero5 come with free shipping in Canada?

Many online retailers, including Amazon Canada and GoPro’s official store, offer free shipping on the Hero5 within Canada, especially for orders over a minimum threshold. Always check the seller’s shipping policy before purchasing.

What accessories are included with the GoPro Hero5 Action Camera Black in Canada?

The standard Canadian bundle includes the camera, rechargeable battery, mounting frame, curved and flat adhesive mounts, and a USB cable. Some retailers may offer exclusive bundles with extra batteries or cases.

Is the GoPro Hero5 compatible with Canadian warranty and support?

Yes, units purchased from authorized Canadian retailers come with a 1-year manufacturer warranty and access to GoPro’s Canadian customer support. Verify warranty terms when buying refurbished or from third-party sellers.