After hearing so much about GoPro cameras, I decided to pick up their latest HERO5 Black and take it with me on my cruises. After taking it on 5 cruises, here are reasons why this is the perfect camera to take with you as you sail the high seas.
Compact – The camera is tiny, I love that fact that I can slide it into my pocket and take it everywhere I go. You can even attach it to a chest or head strap and get videos in places where you aren’t allowed to hold a camera. A lot of times I want to take a camera with me but don’t want to lug my large Nikon one around everywhere I go. Taking along a GoPro is the perfect solution.
Picture/Video Quality – Even though the camera is compact, the photos and videos that it takes are incredible. The HERO5 Black can take photos up to 12 MP and 4K video at 30 fps. You can take a timelapse or use the burst mode to get that perfect photo that would otherwise be near impossible to get.
Touchscreen – There’s a small 2″ touchscreen on the back that makes it easy to switch settings and view photos and videos that you’ve taken.
Waterproof – The HERO5 Black is waterproof up to 33 ft, so there’s no need for a separate housing for it when you snorkel or go in the pool.
A 4K timelapse of a Viking River Longship passing through a lock in Germany that was taken with the Hero5 Black.
Voice Activation – One of my favorite features on the camera, the voice activation is perfect for taking photos without having to push the shutter button. Just say “GoPro take photo” and the camera snaps a photo. Other voice commands are “GoPro start video”, “GoPro stop video”, “GoPro turn off” etc. This feature is great for selfies. I took the photo below at the Colosseum in Rome using the voice commands.
Yes, there are cheaper alternatives on the market than the $399 HERO5 from GoPro. However, none of them offer the features and quality of the HERO5 Black. This camera is worth every penny and I can’t wait to see what the HERO6 will have in store when it debuts later this year.
Virtually every photo shop on cruise ships sell GoPro products for the same price that they sell for on land. So if you don’t pick one up before your cruise, you can get one once onboard.
For the ultimate in stabilization, the Karma Grip is a handheld, wearable stabilizer that allows you to capture the smoothest videos with your Hero5 Black. The Karma Grip comes with the Karma Drone or you can purchase it separately. (Note: Drones are not allowed on cruise ships.)
