GoPro is back with two cameras aimed at different segments of the market: the high-end HERO13 Black with 13x Burst Slo-Mo, a redesigned battery, and the latest HB-Series lenses, and the HERO—ultra-compact (86g/0.18 lb), waterproof, and simple to use. Both models have new features as well as incremental updates, so let’s look at the details.
Before we dive in, it might be worth revisiting a recent article by my colleague Gunther. He reviewed and tested the GoPro HERO12 Black alongside the DJI Action 4 back in January, and his insight adds an interesting layer to the expectations surrounding GoPro’s latest offerings. When two companies are pushing the boundaries of the same product category, competition can drive innovation or complicate decisions for consumers. GoPro is somewhat struggling financially and needs a hit to sustain itself in this current market climate.
Now, let’s start with the HERO13 Black, and see what GoPro has to offer with this new release.
HERO13 Black – features
The HERO13 Black has many of the same features as its predecessor, the HERO12 Black. Beyond its 5.3K video recording at 60 frames per second and HyperSmooth stabilization, this model introduces several enhancements and additions, including a most welcome redesigned 1900mAh Enduro battery with 10% larger capacity. The new features include:
- 13x Burst Slo-Mo: 400 frames per second can be recorded in 720p, and 120 frames per second in 5.3K.
- Larger capacity battery: The 1900mAh Enduro battery has 10% more capacity, improved power efficiency, and longer runtimes in all conditions. It can record continuously for 1.5 hours at 4K30 or 5.3K30 and over 2.5 hours at 1080p30.
- Optional Contacto Magnetic Door and Power Cable Kit: This power extension accessory is an “all-weather” optional purchase that magnetically attaches to a specially designed side door on the HERO13 Black. It should provide a quick, simple, weatherproof connection to an external power source.
- Optional mounting systems: The Magnetic Latch and the Ball Joint Mounts are two options the company states are the quickest ways to move between various mounts. These systems are compatible with all GoPro cameras. Note that users can also mount their cameras using built-in mounting fingers or utilize 1/4-20 mounting threads compatible with tripods and standard professional camera accessories.
- Professional-Level Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) HDR Video – Broadcast-standard 10-bit and Rec. 2100 color space and a wider color gamut than HDR alone.
- Customizable Audio Tuning: You can choose between balanced sound or a Voice setting that improves vocal clarity while preserving ambient background sound.
- GPS + Performance Stickers: Track speed, path, terrain, altitude, and g-force, and help with geotagging in third-party media management apps.
Optional new HB-Series lenses
These four lenses are an optional purchase, and according to the company, “they are the only lenses compatible with GoPro-patented HyperSmooth stabilization and are waterproof and scratch resistant with hydrophobic coatings.” They are detected automatically when connected to the HERO13 Black.
- The Ultra Wide Lens Mod expands the field of view to 177°, introducing a 1:1 aspect ratio that allows flexible cropping into 16:9 or 9:16 formats, regardless of how the camera is mounted. According to GoPro, it also enhances HyperSmooth stabilization with 360° Horizon Lock, supporting up to 4K60 resolution.
- The Macro Lens Mod allows variable focus on distant subjects and objects that can be positioned up to 4x closer than the standard GoPro lens. It has a manual focus ring that lets users adjust the focus distance, with a minimum range of 4.3 inches (11 cm).
- The Anamorphic Lens Mod captures ultra-wide footage with less distortion in a 21:9 aspect ratio, similar to feature films. It adds cinematic lens flares and includes in-camera “de-squeezing” to simplify capturing, reviewing, and editing.
- The ND Filter 4-Pack lets you create cinematic motion blur using HB-Series neutral density filters (ND4 / ND8 / ND16 / ND32). When attached, the HERO13 Black automatically detects the filter, switches to Auto Cinematic mode, and adjusts the settings based on the environment.
GoPro HERO – features
The HERO is a budget-friendly option, it’s also compact, light, and easy to use. It weighs 86g/0.18 lbs., including the mounting fingers, and is rugged and completely waterproof to 5m/16 ft, according to GoPro. Featuring an intuitive LCD touch screen and one-button control, the camera captures Ultra HD 4K and HD 1080p video, along with 12MP photos, and offers slow-motion recording at 2.7K 60fps. Additionally, you can extract 8MP still images from 4K videos using the Quik app.
The camera delivers a 16:9 Aspect Ratio for YouTube-optimized, horizontal video. The Quik app utilizes HyperSmooth video stabilization to smooth out any shaky footage automatically.
According to the company, HERO can record continuously for up to 100 minutes at its highest video setting on a single charge (Runtime measured at a temperature of 25°C / 77°F with wind speeds of 0, 0.6, and 2.5m/sec).
The GoPro Quik App
Both the HERO13 Black and HERO are compatible with the subscription-based Quik app. The app can automatically create highlight videos once the GoPro is plugged in and connected to home Wi-Fi and will simultaneously charge the camera. The highlight videos, complete with music and effects, are then automatically sent to your phone and ready for upload.
The app also includes tools for editing footage or highlight videos, offering features like zooming, cropping, and adding filters or overlays. Additionally, photos and videos can be wirelessly transferred to the phone via the app, which provides unlimited cloud storage and auto-upload when connected to Wi-Fi.
Price and availability
The GoPro HERO13 Black is available now for $399, and the HERO is priced at $199.
Subscriptions for the Quik App are Premium ($49.99/year) or Premium+ ($99.99/year) and are available in the Quik app or on the GoPro website.
What do you think of the HERO13 Black? Are you a GoPro user and would you invest in the newest model, or are you starting out and looking at something like the HERO? Let us know in the comments below!