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GoPro HERO6 Black vs HERO5 Black Stabilization Compared

The GoPro HERO6 Black promises better results from its in-camera stabilization. So I've been putting it to the test side-by-side with the HERO5 Black.

GoPro HERO6 Black vs HERO5 Black Stabilization 1068x573 - GoPro HERO6 Black vs HERO5 Black Stabilization Compared

By David Coleman | @havecamerawilltraveldc
Last updated about 10 months ago // Categories: Comparison Reviews, Stabilizers, Video
Tags: GoPro HERO5 Black, GoPro HERO6 Black, Video Stabilization

Save $220 on GoPro HERO9 Bundle

GoPro is running a deal on the new HERO9 Black, their newest and best camera. It's a bundle that includes the HERO9 Black, a 1-year subscription to GoPro, a free extra battery, and a 64GB SD card. It's all for $349.98.

One of the headline features of GoPro’s new HERO6 Black is improved in-camera stabilization. The HERO5 Models were the first to include this feature, and they did a reasonably good job. GoPro says that the HERO6’s is even better.

So I’ve been putting to the test under various shooting conditions. I’ve been shooting with a HERO6 Black side-by-side with a HERO5 Black, both with identical settings. They were both mounted in a dual frame mount on the same stem, so they’re being subjected to the same movement.

The HERO6 Black’s stabilization is a software approach that works similarly to the stabilization options in editing apps like Final Cut Pro X or Adobe Premiere Pro CC. Under many conditions, a mechanical stabilization option that holds the camera still while filming–like a GoPro Karma grip or other gimbal or gyro–will give best results. But the in-camera stabilization does have some important things going for it: it’s included, so there’s no need to mess with other accessories; there’s no problem using it in wet conditions; and there’s none of the learning curve required when using things like Steadicams.

So here are some side-by-side examples of the HERO5 Black’s stabilization compared to the HERO6 Black’s shot under a variety of conditions.

HERO5 Black vs HERO6 Black Stabilization Test: Low Light at 2.7K24

This one was shot from the hood of a car at 2.7K24 in the early morning hours before sunrise. The stabilization algorithm doesn’t seem to have much trouble even with the different reference points from the dark scene.

[youtube=https://youtu.be/e5y0InLu2l0&w=678&rel=0]

Walking at 2.7K60

This is one of the more dramatic examples of the difference. In this one, the HERO6 Black’s stabilization wins hands down.

[youtube=https://youtu.be/oepmfJ1iA7Q&w=678&rel=0]

1080p60 in Bright Sunlight

This is another one from the hood of a car, this time in bright sunlight and at 1080p60.

The car’s own suspension and bulk does a reasonable job of smoothing things out even without applying stabilization, but you can still see differences in how well the stabilization works in each camera.

[youtube=https://youtu.be/LR20Sua_0is&w=678&rel=0]

1080p60 Bike

This one has a much more constant vibration. As you can see, both struggle with this, and there’s still quite a lot of shakiness and blurring in the footage. But you can also see differences in how the cameras’ stabilization is coping with it.

[youtube=https://youtu.be/ij3noVRnf5s&w=678&rel=0]

2.7K60 Slide

This is a very short clip, but for a fun I thought I’d try it down a large slide. It’s hand-held and, as you can see, it moves around a lot. But it’s an interesting test case. There’s only so much that the stabilization can do for something moving like this, but the HERO6 Black still does a noticeably better job than the HERO5 Black.

[youtube=https://youtu.be/wOCn40eyF_k&w=678&rel=0]

Other Ways to Stabilize

Getting smoother footage right out of the camera, with a feature that’s just included, is hugely convenient. But it’s not the only way to get less shaky footage when shooting video.

Ideally, you’d want the camera being shake-free from the get-go, and that’s where accessories like a Karma Grip or gimbal or gyro come in. But that means buying and messing with another accessory. And they’re not always convenient to use.

You can also apply stabilization in post with video editing apps. Final Cut Pro X and Adobe Premiere Pro both have decent stabilization features built in. They work well, although in my side-by-side tests I’ve found the HERO6 Black’s stabilization to work even better.

Comparing the Stabilization of the GoPro HERO6 Black with the HERO5 Black

I’ve found that the HERO6 Black’s in-camera stabilization is indeed much better. It’s smoother and less prone to those odd little jerks that the HERO5 Black’s had.

And for that matter, I’ve also found it to work better than the built-in stabilization options of Final Cut Pro X and Adobe Premier Pro CC’s War Stabilizer on the automatic settings.

By itself, the improved stabilization might not be a huge selling point when trying to choose between the HERO5 Black and HERO6 Black, but to me it’s a significant tick in the new model’s favor.

More GoPro Tips & Tricks:

  • 2017 10 23 10 17 30 300x200 - GoPro HERO6 Black Stabilization vs Final Cut Pro X vs Premiere Pro CC Warp Stabilizer
    GoPro HERO6 Black Stabilization vs Final Cut Pro X vs Premiere Pro CC Warp Stabilizer
  • GoPro HERO7 Black HyperSmooth Vs HERO6 Black Stabilization Header Image
    GoPro HERO7 Black HyperSmooth vs HERO6 Black In-Camera Stabilization | Side-by-Side Comparisons
  • GoPro HERO6 Black vs HERO5 Black
    GoPro HERO6 Black vs HERO5 Black: Photo Modes
  • GoPro HERO6 Black Stabilization ON vs OFF 300x200 - How Well Does the GoPro HERO6 Black's Stabilization Work?
    How Well Does the GoPro HERO6 Black's Stabilization Work?
  • GoPro Stabilization Cropping Exmaple 300x200 - Why Is the Video Being Cropped When Using GoPro's Video Stabilization?
    Why Is the Video Being Cropped When Using GoPro's Video Stabilization?
  • 201710091713248x 300x200 - GoPro HERO6 Black vs HERO5 Black
    GoPro HERO6 Black vs HERO5 Black
  • GoPro HERO6 Black -
    Photo Modes on the GoPro HERO6 Black
  • GoPro HERO vs HERO6 Black
    GoPro HERO (2018) vs HERO6 Black
By David Coleman
Instagram: @havecamerawilltraveldc

Last updated on April 8, 2020

Categories: Comparison Reviews, Stabilizers, Video
Tags: GoPro HERO5 Black, GoPro HERO6 Black, Video Stabilization

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GoPro News & Deals

New Smart Remote GoPro will be announcing the new Smart Remote for the HERO9 Black on December 17, 2020. The HERO9 Black isn’t compatible with the previous version of the Smart Remote.

HERO8 Black firmware v2.0 now available. Enables webcam mode; enables Display Mod compatibility; expands HyperSmooth 2.0 High and Boost availability to more video settings; general bug fixes. Update through the mobile app or manually.

GoPro Launches New Live Streaming Service for GoPro PLUS. GoPro has launched their own live-streaming platform for PLUS subscribers. It’s a pretty bare-bones offering for now, with livestreams shared with a dedicated URL. This is alongside their efforts to make the HERO8 Black useful as a webcam when connected to a computer (via USB plug-in-play, not requiring the Media Mod accessory with HDMI out). New firmware adds that functionality for Mac users, and the Windows version is in Beta.

New GoPro Zeus Mini Video Light. GoPro has released released a new video LED light designed to complement their GoPro cameras. It’s tiny, waterproof, and has a built-in magnetic swiveling clip. It’s waterproof down to 33 feet (10 meters), has four levels of brightness, and includes a diffuser to cool the color temperature to 5000K. GoPro claims that the built-in battery lasts up to 6 hours (presumably at the lowest brightness setting, although they don’t specify). It’s available now and priced at $69.99.

DJI Osmo Action firmware update adds live streaming. DJI has released a firmware update for the Osmo Action (v. 01.08.00.10) that adds live streaming support, so you can upload directly to platforms like Facebook and YouTube (it goes through the DJI Mimo mobile app). They’ve also improved the in-camera video stabilization. You can find the new firmware here.

New Underwater Housing for GoPro HERO8 Black from Isotta. Isotta, an Italian brand specializing in underwater housings, has announced a new high-quality underwater housing for the HERO8 Black. It’s an aluminum housing depth-rated to 650 feet (200 meters), has a one-handed open/close switch, double o-rings, and can be used with filters. There’s also a dual-handled tray to go along with it. And like all their housings, it’s in their distinctive red. Priced at $450, it’s only for those who need a highly specialized piece of underwater kit. It’s available for preorder from underwater specialists Backscatter.

Light Mod Now Shipping The Light Mod, one of the three new GoPro accessories, is now shipping. It’s a standalone light that is waterproof, rechargeable and compatible with all GoPro mounts. It was originally announced along with the HERO8 Black, but it hasn’t been available until now. It’s priced at $49.99, and you can find them at GoPro.com.

GoPro MAX Now Shipping. The new 360° camera, the MAX, is now shipping.

GoPro HERO8 Black and Max Unveiled. The new GoPro cameras and accessories have been unveiled. I have a rundown of the highlights of the HERO8 Black here.

DJI Osmo Action vs GoPro HERO7 Black. I’ve posted my detailed hands-on comparison of the Osmo Action and the HERO7 Black. There’s a lot similar between the models, but once you start digging down into the details there are differences that can help in choosing between them. And each has strengths the other doesn’t have. You can find my review here.

GoPro HyperSmooth vs DJI RockSteady. The new DJI Osmo Action also has built-in electronic stabilization to smooth out video. They’re calling it RockSteady (GoPro has HyperSmooth). I’ve been out testing them side-by-side. You can see the results here.

GoPro Deals page. I’ve put together a dedicated page on GoPro deals. So if you’re looking for cheap GoPro deals, check it out.

DJI Osmo action 4K Camera. Best known for their camera drones, DJI has released a new 4K action cam that’s taking direct aim at the GoPro HERO7 Black. It shoots up to 4K60 video and 12MP stills, includes electronic stabilization, has high-dynamic range video at 4K30, voice commands, a touchscreen on the back and another smaller live view screen on the front, and is waterproof down to 36 feet (11 meters). It’s priced at $349, and they’re now available at B&H Photo.

Comments

  1. Matt Wicks says

    August 1, 2018 at 1:08 pm

    Super helpful comprehensive information as usual. Thank you David!

    Reply
  2. Simon Cohen says

    July 13, 2018 at 11:06 am

    Great videos, but you really confused me by swapping which side of the video you put each camera, from video to video… if you get a chance, making them consistent would be great!

    Reply
    • David says

      July 13, 2018 at 12:40 pm

      Noted.

      Reply

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About Me

I’m a professional travel & location photographer based in Washington DC and traveling all over. Seven continents. Dozens of countries. Up mountains. Under water. And a bunch of places in between.

I’ve owned and used every GoPro since the HD HERO and particularly like finding new and different ways to use them to capture photos, video, and time-lapse.

You can find my main site at havecamerawilltravel.com.

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