Having been a GoPro user for years, I was very happy to see that the new Hero 5 Black would be waterproof on its own, without the cumbersome external case system. Happy, that is, until the reality of just how poorly designed the water-resistance feature of the camera really is.
15 minutes into my first snorkeling trip on my family's recent trip-of-a-lifetime to Hawaii, the camera inexplicably shut itself down without warning or explanation. Assuming it was the battery, I got back on the boat, dried it off, replaced the battery and tried again. Nothing. Further investigation showed that my brand-spanking-new "waterproof to 10 meters" GoPro Hero 5 wasn't so waterproof after all. The inside of the battery compartment was *soaked* and both batteries were ruined as a result. The camera was used 100% according to the manufacturer's instructions, and all due care was taken when closing and seating doors to make sure the seal was good. It's just poorly designed. A quick Google search shows that the Internet is littered with owners having the same kind of trouble.
Aside from the obvious disappointment of the camera's failure and its effect on ruining countless photo and video opportunities for me and my family, GoPro's response when I contacted them about the failure has possibly been even worse. After my initial contact and their requests for photos of the camera, batteries and receipt, it took them FOUR DAYS to get back to me. When they finally did, they sent a GROUND shipping label for a return from New York to California (a week in transit) and made no mention of the batteries that their defective product also ruined. They also said nothing about how long I would be without the camera.
I responded to that message and have AGAIN not heard back with any additional information. And I even purchased the GoPro Care package when I purchased the camera! Rediculous. My only thought is that they are having such trouble with the waterproofing on their new Hero 5 Black cameras that they are overwhelmed.
The bottom line is that if you are planning to use your action camera in the water (as so many of us are), you should spare yourself from the flawed Hero 5 black and, even more, from GoPro's terrible service. How the once mighty have fallen. Caveat emptor.
---UPDATE---
I *finally* received my replacement GoPro Hero 5 Black after two weeks, three follow-up phone calls and promises to send it second-day air so I would have it for my next trip. Instead, they sent it ground shipping and it arrived the day after I had already left. I was not surprised.
Overall, my disappointment in the failure of the camera remains and my disappointment in GoPro as a company has grown. Since I have invested in GoPro mounts and accessories, I will continue using this camera until it fails (again), but I will look elsewhere for future action camera needs and will not patronize GoPro in the future. Moreover, I would recommend *against* any of GoPro's add-ons like GoPro Care or GoPro Plus since the company clearly sees them as nothing more than a revenue enhancement and does not actually follow-through on the coverage.
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3 Year Camera Accident Protection Plan
from Asurion, LLC
$33.99
- No deductibles or added costs. Parts, labor and shipping included.
- Drops, spills and cracked screens covered from day one.
- Other breakdowns covered after the manufacturer's warranty expires.
- Includes 24/7 tech support. File a claim online or by phone 24/7.
- If we can't repair it, we'll replace it or reimburse the purchase price with an Amazon e-gift card.
GoPro HERO5 Black — Waterproof Digital Action Camera for Travel with Touch Screen 4K HD Video 12MP Photos
by
GoPro
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for "gopro hero 5"
| List Price: | $399.00 |
| Price: | & FREE Shipping. Details |
| You Save: | $129.01 (32%) |
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- Make sure this fits by entering your model number.
- Stunning 4K video and 12MP photos in Single, Burst and Time Lapse modes Charger not included
- Durable by design, HERO5 Black is waterproof to 33ft (10m) without a housing
- Additional GoPro HERO5 Black Features + Benefits below on item page Time Lapse Photo Intervals: 05, 1, 2, 5, 10, 30, 60 seconds
- Preview and playback your shots, change settings and trim your footage, all on your GoPro
- NOTE: Check User Manual on Technical Specification and Instruction video available before use
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From the manufacturer
GoPro HERO5 Black
HERO5 Black is a balance of performance and convenience thanks to its 4K video, voice control, easy-to-use touch display and waterproof design. Now with QuikStories, HERO5 Black automatically sends your footage to your phone where it transforms into an awesome edited video. Combined with stabilized video, pro-quality photos and auto upload to the cloud with GoPro Plus, HERO5 Black gives you the power to tell your story.
Footnotes: (1) Requires the GoPro and Quik mobile apps. (2) GoPro Plus is a subscription service available in select territories. Cancel anytime. Auto upload to the cloud requires connection to an AC power plug (not included), full battery charge and GoPro Plus membership.
Actual product specifications may vary, and all features, functionality and other product specifications are subject to change without notice or obligation. GoPro, HERO, Session, Karma and their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of GoPro, Inc. in the United States and other countries.
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QuikStories EnabledHERO5 Black sends your footage to your phone where the app transforms it into an awesome edited video - automatically. |
4K Video + 12 MP PhotoStunning 4K video and 12MP photos in single, burst and time lapse modes. |
Rugged + WaterproofDurable by design, HERO5 Black is waterproof to 33ft (10m) without a housing. |
2-Inch Touch DisplayPreview and play back your shots, change settings and trim your footage, all on your GoPro. |
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Voice ControlEnjoy hands-free control of your GoPro using simple voice commands. |
Simple One-Button ControlA single press of the Shutter button powers the camera on and starts recording automatically. |
Video StabilizationHERO5 Black captures stunningly smooth video, whether it's handheld or mounted to your gear. |
Access + Share From AnywhereWith an optional GoPro Plus subscription, HERO5 Black can auto upload footage directly to the cloud for easy access on the go. |
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| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now | |
| Photo | 12MP (With SuperPhoto) | 12MP | 10MP |
| Video | 4K60 | 4K30 | 1080p60 |
| Rugged + Waterproof | Down to 33ft (10m) | Down to 33ft (10m) | Down to 33ft (10m) |
| Intuitive Touch Screen | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Voice Control | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization | HyperSmooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| GPS Performance Stickers | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Live Streaming | ✓ | ||
| TimeWarp Video | ✓ | ||
| Connects to Phone via Wi-Fi + Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
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Product description
Style:GoPro
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Configuration:w/o GoPro Plus
Capture different with HERO5 Black. Share immersive 4K perspectives that make you feel like you’re there. HERO5 Black makes it easy with its one-button simplicity, convenient touch display and ready-to-go waterproof design. Smooth, stabilized video, crystal-clear audio, and pro-quality photo capture combine with voice control and GPS to make HERO5 Black the most impressive GoPro ever. And when it’s time to edit and share, HERO5 Black automatically uploads footage to your GoPro Plus cloud account to provide easy access on any device. Then, create amazing videos automatically with Quick, the GoPro mobile editing app. Your life as you’ve never seen it-HERO5 Black.
Whats Included:
HERO5 Black Camera
The Frame (HERO5 Black)
Rechargeable Battery (HERO5 Black)
Curved Adhesive Mount
Flat Adhesive Mount
Mounting Buckle
USB-C Cable
Customer Questions & Answers
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