GoPro Hero5 Black, Hero5 Session Announced; Both Feature 4K Video Recording, Voice Control

On Monday, GoPro founder and CEO Nick Woodman officially unveiled the Hero5 Black and Hero5 Session, both of which are capable of 4K video recording. The Hero5 Black takes all of the Hero4 Black’s best features while adding a rear display and voice control functionality.

One of the biggest gripes about the GoPro Hero4 Black was its lack of a rear display despite being the flagship model. The mid-range Hero4 Silver had a screen, so its absence on the Hero4 Black was just mind-boggling. With the Hero5 Black, GoPro didn’t make the same mistake. The new Hero5 Black now comes with a two-inch touch display on the back and users will be delighted to see that it has simplified controls, according to WIRED.

Speaking of controls, the Hero5 Black is the first action camera from GoPro to come with voice control functionality. The feature is similar to the one that’s found on the Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 action camera. A user will be able to give out simple voice commands by addressing the camera by name, according to Gizmodo. For example, a user will only have to say “GoPro start video” and the Hero5 will start video recording. The Hero5 Black is also capable of understanding seven languages.

The great thing about the voice control feature is that it can handle simultaneous commands. For example, while the Hero5 Black is recording video, a users can ask it to take a still image. The voice command feature also works for turning the camera on or off.

As for video recording, the GoPro Hero5 Black is able to record 4k videos at 30fps or 1080p full HD up to 120fps for slow-motion. It can also record 2k videos at 60fps. The camera also has image stabilization for smoother video recording and GPS for geotagging locations.

Like the Hero4 Session, the Hero5 Black is also waterproof up to 33 feet without a housing or case. Perhaps GoPro decided to do this so that voice commands will be heard easily. After all, audio input can easily be blocked off or muffled when an action camera is inside a case.

GoPro also announced the Hero5 Session, the successor to the Hero4 Session. Unlike its predecessor, GoPro’s smallest and newest Hero5 Session is capable of recording 4k videos instead of just 1080p full HD. Like the Hero5 Black, the Hero5 Session comes with the same waterproof body and voice command features. The only things that are absent on the smaller action camera are GPS connectivity and a touchscreen display.

The GoPro Hero5 Black will sell for $399, while the GoPro Hero5 Session will sell for $299. Both models will be available starting Oct. 2, according to CNET.

Additionally, GoPro also announced GoPro Plus, a service where users can upload all their footage to the cloud and have access to all of it on their mobile devices. GoPro Plus requires a GoPro account and a monthly subscription fee of $5.