In a word, yes. You’ll notice it particularly when recording with the high-end video modes that keep the camera’s internal processor working hard as well as transferring large amounts of data to the memory card. The camera and memory card can get quite hot to the touch, even to the point that it can be uncomfortable to hold. It’s especially noticeable with the Black models, but even some of the other models can get quite hot too. The HERO5 Session, for example, can get very hot on the metal frame around the outside of the lens port.
But you’re definitely not the first to ask. Indeed, GoPro evidently expected enough people to ask about it that they’ve started included a pre-empted the question in the HERO5 Black’s instruction manual, along with offering some suggestions on how to mitigate it and work around it. And the good news is that there’s a safety mechanism built in to newer models–the camera will shut down if it gets too hot and show you a message explaining why it’s shutting down (and an icon of a thermometer). While that’s frustrating if you’re in the middle of capturing something important, it’s at least better than causing damage to the camera.
When capturing video at high resolutions or high frame rates in warm ambient temperatures, the camera may become warm and use more power. In addition, lack of airflow around the camera and using the camera with the Capture app further increase camera temperature and power consumption, and decrease camera recording time.
If the camera gets too hot, a message appears on the screen indicating that the camera is shutting down. For details, see Important Messages (page 78).
When recording in high-performance video modes, capture shorter video clips when in stationary use, and/or limit your use of features that increase power consumption, such as the GoPro Capture app. To control your camera remotely at higher temperatures, use a GoPro remote or Remo (Waterproof Voice Activated Remote) (both sold separately) instead of Capture.
If it does get to hot and shows the CAMERA TOO HOT warning, there’s only one thing you can do–let it sit to cool down for a bit before trying again. How long that takes is going to depend on the conditions.
One other consideration is if you’re using the camera in a dive housing. It’s pretty common for the warmth of the camera to cause fogging inside the housing when you take it in the cooler water. That’s where anti-fog inserts come in handy. You don’t need them–and they won’t work–with the built-in housing of the HERO5 Black. It’s only if adding another layer of housing such as the Super Suit dive housing for the HERO5 Black or a standard housing for the HERO4 Black.
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