HERO13 Black: A New Action Camera from the Legendary GoPro

Written by Peter Dam
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Published on September 10, 2024
GoPro HERO13 Black
GoPro HERO13 Black
Peter Dam
Adorama ALC

The new GoPro HERO13 Black is a professional action camera that gives creators more control over each aspect of capture. The HERO13 is Packed with advanced features but maintains the wholehearted, intuitive usability GoPro has accustomed us to. Consequently, The new camera leaves no room for mistakes, blurry footage, or noisy audio. The HERO13 sports best-in-class video resolution, enhanced versatility in terms of lenses, a powerful battery, and legendary durability. This GoPro flagship camera has them all. Add a brand-new design and, if possible, even more mounting flexibility. You have a camera you’ll never leave at home.

Key Features of the HERO13 Black Camera

  • Video: 5.3K resolution at 60 fps, 4K at 120fps, 2.7K at 240fps
  • Photo: 27MP
  • Burst Slo-Mo, Time Lapse, HDR, and HDR + HLG
  • HyperSmooth 6.0 video stabilization with AudioBoost
  • Large 2.27-inch rear touchscreen and 1.4-inch front screen for previews and status
  • Voice control
  • Magnetic mounting
  • Long-lasting battery, 2.5-hour runtime
  • Wireless transfer to the GoPro Quick app
  • Weight 154g
  • Waterproof to 33ft (10m)

What’s New About the GoPro HERO13 Black?

GoPro has packed a lot of new features in their new camera. To begin with, it is compatible with HB-Series lenses, and if it detects one of them, it automatically sets the correct mode. Then, there is a new larger battery that prolongs the runtime and the option of continuously powering the camera via a magnetic door and power cable kit. Add the stunning image quality you expect from a professional GoPro camera, advanced video stabilization, and a tall image sensor for extended framing creativity, and you will be halfway through the features of this new action camera.

Professional Image Quality

The new HERO13 Black features professional 5.3K video resolution at 60fps and many other resolution/fps options. in addition, this is the first GoPro to feature Burst Slo-Mo, a slow-motion mode that gives you 400fps at 720p, 360fps at 900p, or 120fps at 5.3K. Slow-motion shots have never looked better. In addition, it features HyperSmooth 6.0 in-camera video stabilization.

In terms of photography, the camera offers 27MP still shots, thanks to a 1/1.9-inch CMOS sensor, a lens with focal lengths between 12mm and 39mm, and an aperture of f/2.5, RAW shooting, 30fps burst shooting, and time-lapse.

GoPro HERO13 Black

Lens Compatibility

If you match it with an HB-Series lens, you can use your GoPro to take macro shots, ultra-wide shots, cinematic footage, or smart motion blur shots. Moreover, once the lens is on, the camera detects which lens it is and automatically sets the camera to the corresponding mode. Using HB-Series lenses, you can benefit from 4x magnification, neutral density filters, immersive POV, and pro-level cinematic shots in-camera.

Thanks to its tall sensor, you can frame horizontally, vertically, or full-frame (8:7 aspect ratio) and decide later how you want your images to look.

Advanced Audio Features

The new GoPro model also brings brand-new audio features. For example, you get Bluetooth Audio Connectivity to connect a wireless microphone, such as earbuds. You can also use the connection to give voice commands or hear the camera’s alerts. Another new feature is Audio Tunning, which allows you to match audio recordings to your actual sounds, such as voice or balanced true-to-life surrounding sounds.

The camera has three microphones, advanced noise reduction, and supports RAW audio capture.

Magnetic Mounting

Another novelty of this camera is the magnetic mounting. With the help of a magnetic mount, you can snap the camera in place with the auto-engaging dual latches in no time. The magnetic mount is compatible with all GoPro mounts, and, as you know, there are plenty of them, such as bike mounts, surfboard mounts, car mounts, pole mounts, grips, extension poles, bite mounts, and body mounts, to name a few. In addition, the camera has built-in mounting fingers and ¼-20 mount.

Long-Lasting Battery Life

The camera’s removable 1900mAh Enduro battery provides up to 2.5 hours of runtime. If this is not enough, GoPro gives you more options. You can use the camera’s magnetic door to attach a Contacto Waterproof Magnetic Power Cable and power the camera continuously. Alternatively, you can use the Dual Battery Charger and Integrated Powerbank to charge two Enduro batteries, or you can plug it directly into the camera.

All these options prolong the recording sessions and allow you to benefit from GoPro’s power tools, such as HindSight, Scheduled Capture, and Duration Capture.

GoPro HERO13 Black

Durability

HERO13 Black is rugged and waterproof up to 33ft (10m) and can operate between 10º C and 35º C. It also features a hydrophobic lens cover that is water-repelling and replaceable. Protective housing is available as a supplementary protective accessory. Therefore, the camera is ready to capture whether tearing through mud, snow, or water. Add the built-in 360° Horizon Lock that keeps the horizon steady, straight, and smooth, even when rotated a full 360° during capture, and you have a camera that won’t disappoint you.

Who Should Buy This Action Camera?

This is a camera for creators who require high-quality video and audio footage. It resists any weather and environment, supports long shooting sessions, offers flexibility for shooting at unusual angles, and mounts in seconds. Its outdoor features are obvious; thus, any action photographer and filmmaker would happily have this GoPro in their pocket. However, due to its versatility in terms of lens choices and mounting options, plus the continuous powering options, the camera is well-suited for anything where you want to record what you’re doing. For example, you can use it to film behind the scenes for a YouTube tutorial, creative angles for cooking classes, or live streaming.

Comparison Table

HERO13 BlackHERO12 Black
Video resolution5.3K (16:9) @60/50/30/25/24 fps5.3K (16:9) @60/50/30/25/24 fps
Video modesVideo HDR Video with HLG Looping Video Burst Slo-MoVideo HDR Video with HLG Looping Video
Photo resolution27.13MP (5568×4872)27.13MP (5568×4872)
Photo modesStandard Photo Burst Photo Night PhotoStandard Photo Burst Photo Night Photo
Mounting fingersYesYes
Magnetic Quick Clip-In CompatibleYesNo
Max Lens Mod compatibilityMax Lens Mod 2.0 Ultra Wide Lens Mod Anamorphic Lens Mod Macro Lens Mod ND Filters Media Mod (H9B/H10B/H11B/H12B/H13B)Media Mod (H9B/H10B/H11B/H12B) Max Lens Mod
BatteryRemovable 1900mAh EnduroRemovable 1720mAh Enduro
Dimensions71.8 W x 50.8 H x 33.6 D (mm)71.8 W x 50.8 H x 33.6 D (mm)
Weight154g154g
GoPro HERO13 Black

Comparable Cameras

Compared with the previous HERO12 Black model, the HERO13 Black is a better option for creative videos. This camera can take on any creative brief thanks to its slow-motion modes, advanced HDR tools, and extended lens range. Furthermore, the outstanding powering options transform the camera from a short action-based recorder to a long-session, live-streaming reliable tool. Versatile and durable, the new model expands the possibilities for using action cameras.

Final Thoughts

Welcome the new addition to the GoPro family. Take advantage of improved video and photo features, a powerful battery and continuous charging tools, more versatile mounting options, and a compact and resistant design. With mind-blowing slow-motion functionalities, professional video and photo resolutions, in-camera video stabilization, and a broad range of settings that ease operability, this camera is here to stay. GoPro ensures this camera fulfills any creator’s dream and adapts to their continuously changing workflow and shooting environment. From muddy fields to steamy kitchens, the new GoPro is up for the challenge.

GoPro HERO13 Black
Peter Dam is a professional nature photographer who loves to explore everything from the tiny world of macro photography to the vast landscape photography. He shares a wide range of photography tips on his website, including tutorials for advanced photo editors like Affinity Photo and Photoshop, over to image management in both Lightroom and Capture One.