GoPro HERO13 Black Review: Evolution or Just an Upgrade? A Deep Dive
The GoPro HERO13 Black, GoPro’s latest flagship action camera, brings notable enhancements in battery capacity, mounting options, and lens modularity, targeting adventure enthusiasts and content creators alike. Maintaining a similar build to its predecessor, it now features a 27MP sensor capable of shooting 5.3K at 60 fps and a suite of new lens options designed to expand its creative versatility. Along with Hypersmooth 6.0 stabilization, it promises improved battery life and heat management, aiming to refine the GoPro experience in extreme environments​.
Design and Build
Physically, the HERO13 Black closely mirrors the HERO12, with identical dimensions of 71.8 × 50.8 × 33.6 mm but is slightly heavier due to its 1,900mAh battery. The design includes the traditional flip-down mounting fingers, along with a new magnetic latch mount option, making setup quicker and more versatile for various shooting scenarios. The body retains GoPro’s robust, waterproof design, capable of withstanding up to 33 feet (ca. 10 m) underwater without housing. The HERO13’s exterior is durable and slightly more user-friendly with enhanced grip areas.
Technical Specifications
- Sensor: 27MP with an 8:7 multi-aspect ratio
- Video: 5.3K at 60fps, 4K at 120fps, and 720p at 400fps for slow-motion
- Display: 2.27-inch rear touchscreen, 1.4-inch front screen
- Battery: 1,900mAh Enduro, offering up to 90 minutes of 5.3K video recording
- Connectivity: USB-C 3.2, Wi-Fi 6GHz, Bluetooth 5.0
- Weight: 159g The HERO13 Black also introduces auto-detection for HB series lens mods, making it easier for users to switch lenses without manual adjustments​.
Performance
The HERO13 Black’s performance excels in its stabilization and colour accuracy. Hypersmooth 6.0 remains unparalleled, delivering ultra-smooth footage even in rugged conditions. The new HLG-HDR video format provides vibrant colours, especially in daylight, although GoPro’s colour science retains its slightly cooler tones in some lighting. Low-light performance has marginally improved but still presents some noise. Notable is the slow-motion capability at 400fps in 720p, ideal for capturing fast-action sequences, though quality dips in low light.
Battery life is boosted with the new Enduro 1,900mAh battery, lasting up to 1.5 hours at 5.3K/30 fps or 2.5 hours at 1080p/30 fps. Testing in warmer conditions showed stable performance, with no overheating while recording continuously, a common issue with high-resolution action cameras.
User Experience
The HERO13 Black continues GoPro’s user-friendly interface, with both easy and pro modes. Easy mode provides a point-and-shoot experience, ideal for beginners, while pro mode allows full customisation of settings. The upgraded UI includes intuitive gesture controls and real-time camera-lens communication, adjusting settings to optimise lens-specific performance. The Quik app offers seamless control over the camera’s functions, video editing tools, and cloud backup options. The magnetic mounting and swappable lens system enhance usability and make the camera suitable for varied creative scenarios.
Compatibility and Ecosystem
GoPro’s HERO13 integrates smoothly with existing accessories thanks to backward compatibility with most GoPro mounts and its USB-C connectivity for data transfer. The camera’s new HB-series lenses, including the Ultra-Wide, Macro, and Anamorphic mods, expand its versatility, automatically adjusting settings based on the lens attached. However, previous-generation batteries are incompatible due to the new battery design, which may be a drawback for current GoPro users upgrading to the HERO13.
Value for Money
Priced around $399, the HERO13 Black balances its flagship specifications and creative lens mods with a competitive cost. While it’s not a revolutionary leap from the HERO12, the incremental improvements in battery life, mounting flexibility, and stabilization justify its price for dedicated action camera users. However, considering that some features, like the magnetic latch mount and new lenses, are sold separately, prospective buyers should account for additional accessory costs.
Comparison with Other Products
- DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro: Offers similar image quality and stabilization but lacks GoPro’s versatile lens mods. Its 4K recording performance is solid, though it doesn’t reach GoPro’s 5.3K.
- Insta360 Ace Pro: Known for its modularity, Insta360 competes with GoPro on versatility and 360-degree capture, but its stabilization and durability are slightly less refined.
- Sony RX0 II: Offers excellent low-light performance and colour science. However, the RX0 II lacks the extensive accessory ecosystem GoPro provides, making it less adaptable to diverse action settings​.
Conclusion
The GoPro HERO13 Black refines the brand’s action camera experience, focusing on durability, extended battery life, and creative flexibility. Although not drastically different from the HERO12, the HERO13 brings significant enhancements like the new magnetic latch and lens mods, making it ideal for both adventure filmmakers and content creators. Its performance in bright conditions is impressive, especially with Hypersmooth 6.0 stabilization, but users may still find low-light results average. Battery improvements are a welcome change, though high-resolution recording will drain power rapidly, suggesting the need for extra batteries on longer shoots.
In summary:
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
The HERO13 Black’s forward compatibility with advanced lenses hints at GoPro’s evolving ecosystem, and the refined features should keep it relevant in the fast-paced world of action cameras. As it stands, the HERO13 Black remains a top contender for those seeking high-quality, rugged footage across diverse terrains​
For more perspectives on this product, why not check out TechRadar, 91mobiles​, or digitalcameraworld?