Promising to be the best and most powerful GoPro unit yet, the GoPro Hero 5 hopes to re-establish the company’s hold as the most popular action camera manufacturer.
In recent years, such units have grown massively in popularity, enabling active people to use the video cameras to record whatever they’re doing—whether that happens to be cycling, snowboarding, or something completely different.
We take a look at the five most exciting new features for the GoPro Hero 5.
1. It comes with more microphones
One problem with the microphone on older GoPros is that it tends to pick up noise and other background distractions. The GoPro Hero 5 offers three microphones with an advanced wind/noise reduction system boosting their quality. It’ll automatically pick up which two microphones are best to use, circumventing any issues caused by wind or background noises.
The microphones themselves are updated, offering a superior stereo quality. It’ll make a huge difference to your recordings, especially when used in conjunction with the next most exciting new feature.
2. There’s built-in waterproofing
Want to record footage while diving or swimming? That’s now an option thanks to the GoPro Hero 5 being waterproof for up to 33ft/10m. Its built-in waterproofing mean there’s no need for additional external casing, ensuring you get a sleeker experience but with more options open to you.
The GoPro Hero 4 offered waterproofing via a separate protective case, but being free of this need is a big game changer. Is 33 feet still not enough for you? You can always buy an external casing to extend that. Odds are the built-in waterproofing will be plenty for the majority of users, and will lend itself in particular to avid watersports fans.
3. You can control it with your voice
The GoPro Hero 5 offers one touch controls which simplify recording footage, as well as a two-inch touchscreen, but it’s even easier if you use your voice. Using one of ten simple phrases, you can get the unit to begin recording, take a photo, or simply ‘highlight tag’ a particularly great clip. Want to yell ‘that was sick’ at it? That’ll also tag a clip. Burst clips can be just as easily activated, being particularly useful when trying to snap an awkward subject—i.e. children or animals.
The voice control system will recognize seven different languages too, including English, German, Italian, and Spanish.
4. Recording footage just got better
The GoPro Hero 4 already offered 4K recording capabilities, but the GoPro Hero 5 builds upon that and makes it even better. With a new HDR mode for dynamic shots, as well as a new field of view option called Linear, you can remove fisheye effects and generally enjoy better quality footage.
A video stabilization engine further adds to the image improvements, smoothing out footage as and when needed. Those who prefer static images will appreciate the ability to snap 12-megapixel RAW images for the first time, adding to the options available.
5. Built-in GPS makes everything better
The GoPro Hero 5 now offers a built-in GPS—something that users have been anticipating for a while now. Automatic location tracking is a huge boon for the active GoPro user, ensuring they’ll always be able to pinpoint beloved occasions. Users you can record their position at all times, with geolocation working for both video footage, as well as static photos.