The GoPro HERO5 Black is a robust sports camera, celebrated for its ability to record stunning, high-resolution footage in challenging environments.
Numerous user manuals and quick start guides are readily available, assisting both amateur and professional users in maximizing its capabilities.
Detailed documentation, including PDF manuals, covers everything from initial setup to advanced settings, ensuring a seamless user experience.
What is the GoPro HERO5 Black?
The GoPro HERO5 Black represents a significant leap in action camera technology, designed for capturing immersive and high-quality video and photos. It’s a popular choice amongst sports enthusiasts and professionals alike, due to its durability and performance in harsh conditions.
The user manual details its core functionality, explaining how to navigate the interface and utilize various shooting modes. Accessing the quick start guide provides immediate assistance with initial setup and operation. Numerous PDF manuals are available online, offering comprehensive instructions for all skill levels.
Essentially, it’s a compact, waterproof camera engineered to document adventures, offering a blend of simplicity and advanced features, all thoroughly explained within its accompanying documentation.
Key Features and Benefits
The GoPro HERO5 Black’s key features, detailed in the user manual, include 4K video recording, image stabilization, and a waterproof design. Benefits extend to its ease of use, facilitated by the intuitive touchscreen interface and readily available quick start guide.
PDF manuals highlight advanced settings like Protune for professional-grade control. Users benefit from versatile mounting options and seamless integration with the GoPro app. The camera’s robustness ensures reliability in extreme environments, while the documentation provides clear guidance on maximizing its potential.
Ultimately, it delivers exceptional image quality and user-friendly operation.

Getting Started with Your HERO5 Black
The user manual guides initial setup, covering unboxing, charging, and microSD card insertion. Quick start guides simplify the process for immediate use.
Refer to the PDF manual for detailed instructions and troubleshooting tips to ensure a smooth start.
Unboxing and Components
Upon opening your GoPro HERO5 Black, carefully inspect the contents against the user manual’s component list. You should find the HERO5 Black camera itself, a built-in battery (non-removable), a USB-C cable for charging and data transfer, and a standard mounting buckle.
Additionally, a trifold insert provides basic instructions. The manual details each component’s function and proper usage. Verify all items are present and undamaged. Retain the packaging for potential warranty claims or returns, as outlined in the comprehensive user guide available for download.
Charging the Camera
To charge your GoPro HERO5 Black, connect the included USB-C cable to the camera’s USB-C port and a USB power source, as detailed in the user manual. A red LED indicator will illuminate, signifying charging is in progress.
The manual notes that a full charge typically takes approximately 2.5 hours. The LED will turn off when charging is complete. Avoid using damaged USB cables or power adapters. GoPro recommends using a 5V/1A power source for optimal charging, as outlined in the official guide.
Inserting and Formatting the MicroSD Card
The GoPro HERO5 Black requires a microSD card to store photos and videos, as explained in the user manual. Open the camera’s side door and insert a microSD card (sold separately) label side up. Ensure the card clicks into place.
The manual advises formatting the card within the camera’s menu for optimal performance. Navigate to Settings > Format SD Card. Formatting erases all data, so back up important files beforehand. GoPro recommends using a UHS-I/U3 microSD card for 4K recording, per the guide.

Camera Controls and Interface
The HERO5 Black features intuitive button controls and a responsive LCD touchscreen, detailed in the user manual.
Navigation is straightforward, allowing quick access to settings and shooting modes for a streamlined user experience.
Button Functions and Navigation
The GoPro HERO5 Black’s controls are designed for easy operation, even with gloves. The user manual details each button’s function: the Mode button cycles through shooting modes, while the Shutter/Record button starts and stops recording.
A dedicated power button activates the camera. Navigation through menus is achieved via swipes and taps on the LCD touchscreen, offering a responsive and intuitive interface. Understanding these controls, as outlined in the documentation, is crucial for efficient operation and accessing all camera features.
Understanding the LCD Touchscreen
The HERO5 Black features a responsive LCD touchscreen, central to camera control. User manuals explain its functions: swipe left/right to cycle through modes, tap to select, and pinch-to-zoom for framing.
Settings adjustments and previewing footage are also managed via the touchscreen. The interface is designed for intuitive navigation, but consulting the documentation clarifies advanced features. Mastering touchscreen gestures unlocks the full potential of the GoPro, streamlining operation and enhancing the user experience.
Menu System Overview
The GoPro HERO5 Black’s menu system, detailed in the user manual, is logically organized into sections: Capture, Settings, and Playback. Capture controls video and photo modes, while Settings adjust camera preferences like resolution and stabilization.
Playback allows reviewing recorded content. Navigating via the touchscreen or buttons, users can customize the camera to their needs. The manual provides a comprehensive guide to each menu option, ensuring users can fully utilize the camera’s capabilities.

Shooting Modes: Video
The HERO5 Black offers diverse video modes – Standard, Protune, TimeLapse, and Slow Motion – detailed in the user manual.
Protune provides manual control, while TimeLapse captures footage at intervals, and Slow Motion records at high frame rates.
Standard Video Mode
Standard Video Mode on the GoPro HERO5 Black is designed for simplicity and ease of use, making it ideal for capturing everyday moments without complex settings. The user manual details how to quickly begin recording high-quality video with automatic adjustments for exposure and white balance.
Users can select from various resolutions, including 1080p and 4K, and frame rates like 30fps and 60fps, directly within the camera interface. This mode prioritizes convenience, allowing users to focus on the action rather than intricate camera configurations. It’s a great starting point for those new to GoPro or seeking a straightforward shooting experience.
Protune Video Settings
Protune Video Settings unlock the GoPro HERO5 Black’s full potential for experienced users, offering granular control over image parameters. The user manual extensively covers these advanced options, including color profiles, white balance, ISO limits, and sharpness adjustments.
Protune allows for shooting in a flat color profile (GoPro Color™) for greater flexibility in post-production color grading. Manual audio control and adjustable bitrates are also available. Mastering Protune requires understanding video principles, but yields professional-quality results.
TimeLapse Video
TimeLapse Video on the GoPro HERO5 Black condenses long durations into short, visually compelling videos. The user manual details how to set the interval – the time between each captured frame – ranging from frequent to infrequent intervals.
Users can select resolutions and frame rates for the final TimeLapse video. This mode is ideal for capturing sunsets, cloud movements, or any slow-changing event. The camera automatically stitches the photos together, creating a dynamic TimeLapse.
Slow Motion Video
Slow Motion Video capabilities on the GoPro HERO5 Black allow users to capture and replay action at dramatically reduced speeds. The user manual explains how to select from various frame rates – 1080p at 60fps or higher – to achieve the desired slow-motion effect.
Higher frame rates result in smoother, more detailed slow-motion footage. This mode is perfect for analyzing sports techniques or highlighting fast-paced events. Remember to consider lighting conditions for optimal results when shooting in slow motion.

Shooting Modes: Photo
The HERO5 Black offers diverse photo modes, including Single Photo, Burst, and TimeLapse. User manuals detail settings for SuperView and wide-angle perspectives.
These modes cater to various shooting scenarios, allowing users to capture stunning still images with ease and precision.
Single Photo Mode
Single Photo Mode on the GoPro HERO5 Black allows capturing individual still images with a simple tap of the shutter button. User manuals explain how to adjust settings like resolution, aspect ratio, and white balance for optimal image quality.
Users can select from various photo formats, including JPEG and RAW, offering flexibility in post-processing. The camera’s intuitive interface provides easy access to these settings, ensuring quick adjustments in the field. Detailed guides within the manual illustrate how to frame shots effectively and utilize the camera’s advanced features for stunning results.
Burst Mode
Burst Mode on the GoPro HERO5 Black enables capturing a rapid sequence of photos by holding down the shutter button. User manuals detail how to configure the burst rate – the number of photos taken per second – to suit various action scenarios.
This mode is ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects or critical moments where timing is crucial. The manual explains how to review and select the best images from the burst, ensuring you never miss the perfect shot. Adjusting settings like resolution impacts the number of photos captured.
TimeLapse Photo
TimeLapse Photo mode, as explained in the GoPro HERO5 Black user manual, automatically captures photos at pre-defined intervals, creating a condensed view of events unfolding over time. Users can customize the interval – from seconds to hours – to control the speed of the resulting time-lapse.
The manual details how to set the capture interval and resolution. This feature is perfect for documenting slow processes like cloud movement or plant growth, transforming lengthy events into captivating short videos.
SuperView and Wide Angle Settings
The GoPro HERO5 Black user manual details the SuperView and Wide Angle settings, crucial for capturing expansive scenes. SuperView offers an incredibly wide, immersive field of view, ideal for action sports. The Wide Angle setting provides a broader perspective than the standard view.
The manual explains how these settings impact image distortion and recommends adjusting them based on the shooting environment. Understanding these options allows users to maximize the camera’s potential for capturing dynamic and visually striking footage.

Advanced Camera Settings
The HERO5 Black user manual unlocks Protune, video stabilization, auto low light, and manual audio control.
These settings allow experienced users to fine-tune image quality and audio for professional-level results.
Video Resolution and Frame Rates
The GoPro HERO5 Black user manual details a comprehensive range of video resolutions and frame rates. Users can select from 4K at 30fps, 2.7K at up to 60fps, 1080p at up to 60fps, and 720p at up to 240fps.
These options cater to diverse shooting needs, from cinematic footage to high-speed action capture. The manual explains how each setting impacts file size and playback smoothness. Understanding these choices is crucial for optimizing video quality and storage space, ensuring the best possible results for every adventure.
Video Stabilization Options
The GoPro HERO5 Black user manual highlights its advanced video stabilization capabilities. It offers several modes, including Hypersmooth, designed to dramatically reduce camera shake and produce smooth, professional-looking footage even during intense activity.
The manual explains the differences between stabilization levels and their impact on field of view. Users can choose the optimal setting based on their activity and desired aesthetic, ensuring stable videos regardless of the shooting conditions. Proper understanding enhances footage quality.
Auto Low Light Settings
The GoPro HERO5 Black user manual details the Auto Low Light feature, intelligently adjusting frame rates based on available light. This ensures optimal video quality in varying conditions, automatically switching between 60fps and 30fps to maximize detail and minimize noise.
The manual clarifies how this setting impacts battery life and provides guidance on when to manually override it for specific creative effects. Understanding this feature is crucial for capturing clear footage in challenging lighting scenarios.
Manual Audio Control
The GoPro HERO5 Black user manual explains how to bypass automatic audio adjustments and gain precise control over sound recording. Users can adjust microphone sensitivity, enabling clearer audio capture in windy or noisy environments.
The manual details how to connect external microphones for professional-quality sound. Understanding these settings is vital for content creators prioritizing audio fidelity, ensuring crisp and clear sound alongside stunning visuals.

Connectivity and Data Transfer
The HERO5 Black user manual details seamless data transfer via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB.
It explains GoPro App integration for remote control and easy content sharing, streamlining workflow for users.
Wi-Fi Connectivity
The GoPro HERO5 Black user manual comprehensively explains Wi-Fi setup and utilization. Connecting to a 2.4GHz or 5GHz Wi-Fi network allows for wireless data transfer to smartphones and tablets using the GoPro App.
This connectivity enables remote camera control, live previewing, and instant sharing of captured content. The manual details troubleshooting steps for connection issues, including password verification and network compatibility.
Furthermore, it outlines how to manage Wi-Fi settings within the camera’s menu system, optimizing performance and battery life during wireless operation.
Bluetooth Connectivity
The GoPro HERO5 Black user manual details Bluetooth pairing with compatible devices, primarily for connecting to GoPro remotes and Bluetooth headphones. This connection facilitates wireless remote control of the camera, enabling start/stop recording and settings adjustments from a distance.
The manual guides users through the pairing process, troubleshooting potential connection problems, and managing paired devices within the camera’s settings.
Bluetooth also supports audio input from compatible headphones, enhancing audio recording quality. It explains how to optimize Bluetooth range and minimize interference for a reliable connection.
GoPro App Integration
The GoPro HERO5 Black user manual extensively covers integration with the GoPro App, available for iOS and Android. This app enables wireless camera control, live preview, and easy transfer of photos and videos to your smartphone or tablet.
The manual details how to connect via Wi-Fi, navigate the app’s interface, and utilize features like Quik Stories for automatic video editing.
It also explains remote settings adjustments, firmware updates, and content sharing directly from the app, streamlining the post-production workflow.
USB Data Transfer
The GoPro HERO5 Black user manual details the process of transferring files to a computer via USB. Connecting the camera with the provided USB-C cable allows it to appear as a removable drive on your system.
The manual explains how to access photos and videos, manage storage, and safely eject the camera after transfer.
It also addresses potential troubleshooting steps for connection issues, ensuring a smooth and reliable data transfer experience, allowing users to quickly back up and edit their content.
Mounting and Accessories
The HERO5 Black user manual showcases a wide range of standard mounts and housing options for versatile capture.
It details remote control usage, enhancing convenience and control during action-packed activities.
Standard Mounts
The GoPro HERO5 Black user manual extensively details the various standard mounts included and compatible with the camera. These mounts allow for incredibly versatile attachment options, enabling users to capture footage from a multitude of perspectives.
Commonly featured mounts include the adhesive curved mount, ideal for attaching to helmets or smooth surfaces, and the flat mount, suitable for planar areas. The manual provides clear instructions on proper mounting techniques to ensure secure and stable footage.
It also highlights compatibility with GoPro’s broader ecosystem of mounts, expanding creative possibilities for diverse shooting scenarios.
Housing Options
The GoPro HERO5 Black user manual thoroughly explains the available housing options designed to protect the camera and extend its capabilities. While the HERO5 Black is inherently waterproof, housings offer enhanced protection for extreme conditions and deeper dives.
The manual details the standard GoPro housing, enabling underwater filming up to a specified depth. It also discusses aftermarket housing solutions offering greater depth ratings and specialized features like backdoors for improved audio capture.
Proper housing installation and maintenance are emphasized to ensure optimal performance and prevent water damage.
Remote Control Usage
The GoPro HERO5 Black user manual provides comprehensive instructions on utilizing the GoPro Remote, a valuable accessory for convenient camera control. The manual details pairing the remote with your HERO5 Black via Bluetooth, enabling wireless operation from a distance.
It explains how to navigate the camera’s menu, start/stop recording, capture photos, and adjust settings using the remote’s buttons. Troubleshooting tips for connection issues and battery management are also included.
Mastering remote control enhances usability, especially during action sports.

Troubleshooting Common Issues
The HERO5 Black user manual offers solutions for frequent problems like freezing, poor battery life, Wi-Fi connectivity, and sound recording difficulties.
Detailed guides assist users in diagnosing and resolving these issues for optimal performance.
Camera Freezing or Crashing
If your GoPro HERO5 Black freezes or crashes, the user manual recommends a simple restart as the first troubleshooting step. Forcefully shutting down the camera by removing and reinserting the battery often resolves temporary glitches.
Ensure the microSD card is properly seated and not corrupted, as this can cause instability. If issues persist, consider a factory reset, but remember this will erase all settings. Regularly updating the camera’s firmware, as detailed in the manual, can also prevent crashes and improve overall performance.
Battery Life Problems
Addressing battery life concerns on your GoPro HERO5 Black, the user manual suggests several optimizations; Lowering the video resolution and frame rate significantly extends recording time. Disabling Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when not in use conserves power.
Cold temperatures reduce battery performance; keep the camera warm. Utilizing the Auto Low Light feature sparingly also helps. If problems continue, ensure you’re using a genuine GoPro battery, as detailed in the manual’s accessories section.
Wi-Fi Connection Issues
Troubleshooting Wi-Fi connectivity on the GoPro HERO5 Black, the user manual recommends verifying the password and ensuring the network is 2.4GHz compatible. Restarting both the camera and your mobile device often resolves connection problems.
Confirm the GoPro App is updated to the latest version. Interference from other devices can disrupt the signal; move away from potential sources. If issues persist, a factory reset, as outlined in the manual, may be necessary.
Sound Recording Problems
Addressing sound issues on the GoPro HERO5 Black, the user manual suggests checking the microphone isn’t obstructed and that wind noise reduction is enabled in windy conditions. Verify the audio input device is correctly selected within the camera settings.
Ensure the volume levels aren’t set too low. If using an external microphone, confirm its compatibility and proper connection. A factory reset, detailed in the manual, can resolve software-related audio glitches.
Maintenance and Care
The user manual advises cleaning the GoPro HERO5 Black after use, especially after exposure to water or harsh conditions, to maintain optimal performance;
Proper storage and careful handling are crucial for longevity, as detailed in the provided documentation.
Cleaning the Camera
The GoPro HERO5 Black user manual emphasizes regular cleaning to ensure optimal performance and longevity. After saltwater exposure, thoroughly rinse the camera housing with fresh water.
Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe the lens and body, avoiding abrasive cleaners. For stubborn dirt, a mild soap solution can be used, but ensure complete rinsing afterward.
Pay attention to the ports and seams, removing any debris. Never use compressed air, as it can damage internal components. Proper cleaning, as outlined in the manual, preserves image quality and prevents corrosion.
Storage and Transportation
The GoPro HERO5 Black user manual recommends storing the camera in a clean, dry location, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. When transporting, utilize the provided housing or a protective case to prevent damage.
Avoid storing the camera with wet accessories, as this can lead to corrosion. Remove the battery for extended storage periods to prevent potential leakage.
Proper storage and careful transportation, as detailed in the manual, safeguard your investment and ensure the camera remains ready for your next adventure.
Waterproof Considerations
The GoPro HERO5 Black user manual details its inherent waterproof capabilities, but emphasizes the importance of checking seals and ensuring proper housing closure before submersion.
While the camera is waterproof to a certain depth, using the provided housing extends this limit and offers additional protection. Rinse the camera with fresh water after saltwater exposure.
Regularly inspect the housing for cracks or damage, as outlined in the manual, to maintain waterproof integrity and prevent potential water ingress during aquatic activities.

Specifications
The HERO5 Black user manual provides comprehensive technical specifications, including dimensions, weight, and detailed information on video resolutions and frame rates.
Users can find precise details regarding sensor size, lens characteristics, and supported microSD card capacities within the documentation.
Technical Specifications
The GoPro HERO5 Black user manual details key specifications, including its 12MP sensor for capturing high-resolution photos and videos. It records up to 4K video at 30fps, and 1080p at up to 60fps.
The manual outlines supported video codecs (H.264 and H.265), and various photo modes like TimeLapse and Burst. It specifies the camera’s waterproof depth (up to 33ft/10m with housing), and details the microSD card compatibility (up to 64GB).
Furthermore, the manual lists connectivity options like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and provides information on battery life and charging specifications.
Dimensions and Weight
The GoPro HERO5 Black user manual precisely outlines the camera’s physical attributes. Its dimensions are 62.1mm x 48.2mm x 31.3mm (2.44in x 1.90in x 1.23in), making it compact and portable for action recording.
The manual states the camera’s weight as 116g (4.1oz) with the battery installed; This lightweight design contributes to its versatility when mounted on various accessories.
Understanding these measurements is crucial for compatibility with housings, mounts, and ensuring optimal placement during filming, as detailed within the manual’s accessory guide.

Safety Information
The HERO5 Black user manual emphasizes crucial safety precautions. Always handle the battery with care, avoid extreme temperatures, and follow all warnings.
Proper usage, as detailed in the manual, ensures safe operation and prevents potential hazards during adventurous filming.
Important Safety Precautions
The GoPro HERO5 Black user manual stresses several vital safety measures. Always inspect the camera and housing for damage before each use, ensuring a watertight seal if submerged.
Never disassemble the camera beyond what’s outlined in the manual, as this could compromise its waterproof integrity and void the warranty. Exercise caution when mounting the camera, securing it firmly to prevent detachment during activity.
Be mindful of your surroundings while operating the camera, and avoid filming in hazardous conditions. Properly dispose of batteries according to local regulations, and avoid exposing the camera to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight for extended periods.