Within the weeks main as much as September 23, rumors hinted that GoPro was making ready to unveil two new cameras. Many anticipated the debut of a Hero 14 Black, however as a substitute, GoPro launched the MAX 2 — a refreshed 360 digital camera — together with the Lite HERO. With the Hero 13 Black nonetheless holding its place as the corporate’s flagship, it looks like the proper second to revisit this one-year-old mannequin, which continues to impress with its efficiency, and consider whether or not it might compete with the Insta360 Ace Professional 2 and the soon-to-launch DJI Osmo Motion 6.
Because the Hero 7, I’ve bought each new mannequin to observe the evolution and sustain with the expertise. A couple of weeks earlier than the official launch of every new Hero, I normally promote my previous digital camera at a good worth (GoPro motion cameras maintain their worth fairly properly) after which purchase the brand new mannequin with a $100 low cost utilizing the GoPro subscription. This occurred with the Hero 13 Black, however now I’ve been fooled by rumors, and I’m left with out an motion digital camera, since there’s no particular date for the brand new mannequin’s launch. Possibly it’s time to modify to the Osmo Motion 6 — who is aware of 🙂
With the speedy evolution of cellphones and ultra-light digital FPV techniques that may now file in 4K, I’ve used my motion cameras much less and fewer. Because of this, my GoPro Hero 13 Black has stayed in near-perfect situation, making it straightforward to promote shortly, particularly because it nonetheless had 13 months of guarantee unnoticed of the whole two years.
GoPro Hero 13 Black evaluate
Earlier than diving into the main points, I wish to make clear that I bought the Hero 13 digital camera myself and was not compensated by GoPro or its rivals. The whole lot on this article displays my expertise with the digital camera after practically a yr of use.
Solely the black model was obtainable after I ordered my GoPro 13, nevertheless it’s now provided in two restricted editions: Polar White and Forest Inexperienced. As I primarily use GoPro cameras mounted on my FPV drones, I ordered the usual package, which features a curved adhesive mount, mounting buckle, thumbscrew, and USB-C cable. Because it was on promotion then, I additionally acquired a 32GB reminiscence card and a second 1900mAh Enduro battery without spending a dime.
Whereas the general design hasn’t modified a lot for the reason that Hero 9, GoPro has considerably up to date by introducing a brand new battery, breaking compatibility with earlier fashions. The digital camera measures 71.8 x 50.8 x 33.6 mm and weighs roughly 160 grams, together with the battery and reminiscence card.
The battery compartment, which homes the microSD slot and the USB Sort-C port additionally, is securely sealed with a rubber gasket to make sure watertight safety. Sadly, it should be opened every time the digital camera is charged. A magnetic charging interface, just like these discovered on smartwatches, or built-in wi-fi charging like on trendy smartphones can be a welcome enchancment.
On the backside of the digital camera is a foldable mounting finger system with a built-in tripod thread within the middle. This hybrid design makes it extremely versatile — you possibly can shortly connect the digital camera to plain GoPro mounts, tripods, or any 1/4-inch threaded equipment with out further adapters. It’s a sensible enchancment that saves time and retains setups extra compact, particularly for creators switching ceaselessly between handheld, tripod, and helmet mounts.
GoPro Hero 13: Smarter Screens, Smoother Management
As you possibly can see within the picture under, the GoPro Hero 13 Black retains the acquainted dual-screen setup — and truthfully, it nonetheless works nice. The rear 2.27-inch touchscreen is vibrant, sharp, and tremendous responsive, even in sturdy daylight. I actually like how {smooth} it feels when swiping by way of menus or altering settings; GoPro has clearly refined the interface. On the entrance, the 1.4-inch show is a lifesaver for vloggers, making framing photographs a lot simpler when filming your self. Each screens are crisp, sturdy, and well-calibrated, delivering an intuitive and pleasing person expertise.
Along with the contact controls, the Hero 13 Black options two bodily buttons: the ability/mode button on the left facet and the shutter button on the highest. This minimalist setup retains the digital camera clear and straightforward to function, even when mounted or used with gloves. It’s additionally the usual management format throughout the GoPro Hero Black sequence, guaranteeing that long-time GoPro customers will really feel immediately conversant in the interface. Whether or not upgrading from a earlier mannequin or utilizing a Hero for the primary time, the controls stay intuitive and easy.
GoPro Hero 13: Battery Life and Actual-World Runtime
As talked about, the Hero 13 Black comes with a brand new, higher-capacity Enduro battery. Whereas the Hero 9–12 fashions used a 1720 mAh battery, the Hero 13 upgrades this to a 1900 mAh Enduro battery, representing roughly a ten% improve in capability. The rise in runtime varies so much, relying on the settings you employ: decision, body price, whether or not picture stabilization is working laborious, and even ambient temperature can have an effect on recording period.
As an example, with picture stabilization energetic and recording in 4K at 60 fps, the typical recording time is roughly 63 minutes. With out exterior cooling, the digital camera overheated and shut down after about 25 minutes throughout my assessments on the highest video decision (5.3K@60fps). I additionally examined third-party Hero 13 batteries from Okay&F Idea with 2100 mAh, and the outcomes have been about the identical. What I appreciated concerning the package was that it included three batteries and a 3-slot charger, permitting me to cost the batteries extra conveniently as a substitute of charging them within the digital camera.
A bug I discovered on the Hero 10 and 12 continues to be current on the Hero 13. Should you go away the battery within the digital camera for an prolonged interval, it’ll utterly drain and never activate, even with the USB cable plugged in. You will need to manually reset the digital camera by holding the ability button for 10 seconds to repair this difficulty.
GoPro Hero 13: Picture high quality and video modes
Initially, in case you’re anticipating Arri Alexa–degree high quality from an motion digital camera, you could be within the incorrect place. GoPros ship cheap high quality contemplating their worth and compact dimension. They’re excellent for one-off movies in harsh circumstances. I wouldn’t be stunned if the Crimson Bull crew destroyed tens of hundreds of those cameras to seize their breathtaking footage.
The GoPro Hero 13 presents a formidable array of video modes, making it extremely versatile for any journey. From ultra-smooth 5.3K@50/60fps, 4K@100/120 fps to jaw-dropping 400 fps slow-motion, you possibly can seize every part from fast-paced FPV flights to cinematic motion sequences. HyperSmooth stabilization retains your footage regular even within the roughest circumstances, whereas TimeWarp and SuperView add inventive choices for distinctive views. Whether or not you’re capturing high-speed tips, scenic landscapes, or on a regular basis moments, the Hero 13 has a mode that matches the event completely. You’ll be able to go for SuperView, Vast, Linear, or Linear+Horizon Lock FOVs.
I used my GoPros, which have been primarily put in on one in all my FPV drones, to seize superb footage. Because the launch of the DJI O4 Air Unit Professional, I’ve stopped utilizing further cameras as a result of they will ship related high quality with out including further weight, extending my flights by a few minutes.
I used to be most impressed by the Hero 13’s 400 fps slow-motion function—it’s simply unbelievable to observe. Each motion turns into ultra-smooth and detailed, revealing moments you’d usually miss with the bare eye. From flipping my FPV drone mid-air to tiny water splashes, the footage appears cinematic and mesmerizing.
HB-Sequence Lenses: Take Your Hero 13 to Cinematic Heights
A brand new line of equipment, the HB-Sequence Lenses, was launched together with the Hero 13 Black. The sequence presents three choices: an Extremely Vast conversion lens that replaces the Max 2.0, a Macro lens that brings close-up focus to the GoPro for the primary time, and an Anamorphic lens that stretches the sensor’s view to create cinematic, letterboxed video. All lenses and filters are waterproof, scratch-resistant, and have a hydrophobic coating to reduce water spots. Nonetheless, the Hero 13 robotically detects every lens, so that you don’t must dive into menus when swapping them out.
Pricing, Package deal, and Colour Choices
Like most GoPro cameras, the HERO13 has varied bundle choices to go well with totally different wants. New for this mannequin, you possibly can select from Black, Polar White, or Forest Inexperienced finishes. The Customary Package, priced at $429.99, contains the Enduro battery, curved adhesive mount, mounting buckle, thumbscrew, USB-C charging wire, and a set of bonus Rep the Redness stickers.
For creators on the lookout for the last word setup, the HB-series Lens Assortment is obtainable at $749.99. This premium bundle contains:
Anamorphic Lens ModMacro Lens ModUltra Vast Lens ModSmart Movement Blur ND Filter 4-PackPremium Semi-Arduous Case
GoPro Hero 13: High Options from Different Manufacturers
The GoPro HERO13 Black, DJI Osmo Motion 5 Professional, and Insta360 Ace Professional 2, every convey compelling strengths to the action-camera market. The HERO13 is a strong all-rounder, with confirmed HyperSmooth stabilization, sturdy 5.3K video, modular equipment help, and a mature software program ecosystem, making it a dependable alternative for floor and aerial use. The Osmo Motion 5 Professional distinguishes itself by way of its lighter weight and compact physique, which make it particularly engaging for FPV pilots or drone operators the place each gram issues and mounting area is proscribed. In the meantime, the Insta360 Ace Professional 2 pushes the envelope with as much as 8K recording, FlowState stabilization, and superior dynamic vary, providing unbelievable flexibility for post-production and cinematic drone footage. Nevertheless, its bigger dimension and weight is usually a drawback for smaller drones.
Hero 13 BlackOsmo Motion 5 ProAce Professional 2Dimensions2.8 x 2 x 1.3″71.8 x 50.8 x 33.6 mm2.8 x 1.7 x 1.3″70.5 x 44.2 x 32.8 mm2.8 x 2.1 x 1.5in71.9 x 52.2 x 38mmWeight159g (5.6oz)159g (5.6oz)177.2g (6.3oz)Sensor1/1.9″ CMOS1/1.3″ CMOS1/1.3″ CMOSVideo resolutions5.3K@60fps, 4K@120fps, 2.7K@240fps, 1080p@240fps4K@120fps, 2.7k@120fps, 1080p@240fps8K@30fps, 4K@120fps, 2.7K@120fps, 1080p@240fpsStabilizationHyperSmooth 6.0RockSteady / HorizonFlowStateFOV149 degrees155 degrees157 degreesScreen / DisplayRear + Entrance screensRear + Entrance screensFlip display, tilting/rotating LCDMax battery life150 minutes240 minutes180 minutesWaterproofup to 10 metersup to twenty metersup to 12 metersRelease dateSeptember 2024September 2024October 2024Price (MSRP) $429.99$349$419.99
The Way forward for GoPro: Anticipating the HERO14 Black
Whereas the HERO14 was initially anticipated to be launched in September 2025, GoPro launched two different new fashions (MAX2 and Lit Hero) as a substitute. To this point, the corporate has remained utterly silent concerning the subsequent HERO digital camera.
To be trustworthy, from the HERO8 by way of the HERO13, I haven’t felt any really important upgrades. Maybe this time, GoPro is taking extra time to shock us with one thing that may genuinely compete with DJI and Insta360.
The upcoming GoPro HERO14 Black is broadly anticipated to push the boundaries of motion digital camera efficiency. Rumors counsel it could file 8K video at 60 frames per second and 5.3K at 120 fps, representing a considerable leap ahead in comparison with the present most of 5.3K at 60 fps on the HERO13. Such an improve would provide creators extra flexibility in post-production and future-proof content material for the rising demand in high-resolution shows.
One other extremely anticipated enchancment amongst GoPro fanatics is the introduction of a bigger 1-inch picture sensor. This transformation might lastly ship usable low-light efficiency, addressing one of the constant weaknesses of earlier GoPro generations. A sensor of this dimension would permit for higher dynamic vary, richer colour depth, and improved element retention in difficult environments — making the HERO14 a way more versatile software for filmmakers, vloggers, and FPV drone pilots alike.
