Comparison of actual units and image quality after upgrading from GoPro HERO5 to HERO10

Table of Contents

• Appearance
• Display and Usability
• Image Quality Comparison Test
• Good Points of HERO5
• Good Points of HERO10
• Spec Comparison

Appearance

First, let's compare their appearances.

Front

The HERO10 is about one, or even two, sizes larger.

The HERO5 cannot be mounted without its frame,

and this is what it looks like with the frame attached.

Even in this state, the HERO10 is about 5mm wider.

Including the battery and SD card, the
HERO5 weighs 121g (146g with the frame attached)
and the HERO10 weighs 157g.

While the HERO5 was already quite heavy, the HERO10 feels even heavier.

Rear Display

The rear display of the HERO10 is just slightly larger.

Bottom

The HERO5 has covers for the battery and SD card.

The HERO10 has foldable mounting fingers.

Right Side

The HERO5 has a power button.

On the HERO10, opening the cover reveals the battery, SD card, and USB-C port, all concentrated in one place.

Therefore, some ingenuity is required to shoot with the HERO10 while charging.

This article explains it in detail.

Left Side

On the HERO5, opening the cover reveals a micro HDMI and a USB-C port.

The HERO10 has a power button.

I often used the HERO5 while connected to a charger, so I usually left this cover open.

Also, there's a part below the HERO10's power button that looks like it might open, but it doesn't.

From Top-Diagonal

The record button is on the top for both.

This is what it looks like with the charging cable connected.

The orientation of the USB-C port is 90° different.

The batteries are not compatible.

Display and Usability

Main Screen Comparison

The resolution and color reproduction of both LCDs are equally beautiful.

The HERO10 allows you to register several recording setting presets and switch between them according to the situation.

Additionally, up to four shortcuts to specific settings can be registered on the main screen, allowing you to jump to the settings screen with a single tap. (These are also linked to presets)

I think this aspect of the HERO10 is quite convenient.

Settings Screen

Starting with this screen, the interfaces are completely different.

The HERO10 has more settings, and they seem to be organized using icons.

Once you get used to it, there are no issues.

Front Display

The HERO5 has a monochrome display that is always on.

The HERO10 has a color display that can be set to stay on or turn off after a certain period.

Also, the display content can be chosen from three options: Off, Status (recording time, etc.), and Live Preview of recorded footage (selfie mode).

Personally, I often used it as a dashcam, so I preferred the HERO5's style, as it seemed to consume less power and allowed me to check at a glance if it was recording.

PR

Image Quality Comparison Test

I attached both cameras to my helmet and recorded some footage.

The settings were as follows for two patterns:

1. 1080p / 60FPS / ISO3200 / SuperView
2. 2.7K / 60FPS / ISO3200 / Wide (since Wide is the limit for HERO5)

As expected, the HERO10 is overwhelmingly clearer, especially at night.

The image stabilization is also very effective.

I thought the HERO5 was quite good when I bought it...

Regarding sound, the HERO5 seems to have less wind noise, perhaps because of its frame.

Though it could also be interpreted as muffled.

Good Points of HERO5

Specifically,

are these!

This is specifically for motorcycle use, but when stopping and walking around, the detachable frame made it easier to remove the GoPro.

Also, I want to keep the front display on to check if it's recording via the side mirror... But a monochrome display seems like it would last longer than a color LCD. I can't verify this, though.

Quiet beep sound (in a good way)

This makes quite a difference. (Though it's possible the HERO5's speaker is just worn out from extensive use)

The HERO10's beep sound is quite loud; even on 'low,' it's slightly louder than the HERO5's 'high.'

For reference, here are the sounds of each at 'low' volume.

HERO5

HERO10

Good Points of HERO10

Specifically,

are these!

I'll omit discussing the obvious improvements in image quality and usability here, but

the ability to register recording setting presets is very convenient for those who switch between several scenes.

Also, the ability to preview recorded footage on the front display is an advantage for those who take selfies.

Spec Comparison

I've focused mainly on resolution and field of view, with some excerpts.

Please also refer to the official sources.

Video Resolutions for HERO5 Black and HERO5 Session

HERO10 Black: Video Settings and Resolutions

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