GoPro has introduced two new action cameras - the GoPro Hero 13 Black and the smaller GoPro Hero. The Hero 13 Black brings advanced magnetic mounting, a larger battery and improved video quality with HDR and slow motion, while the smaller Hero is lighter, more compact and affordable
Lovers of adrenaline shots, beware! GoPro he struck again and this time with a double dose of action. Get to know Hero 13 Black, the ultimate camera for all adventurers who want to capture every moment in ultra high definition. Next to it comes a new, smaller sister – the GoPro Hero, ideal for those who value compactness without sacrificing quality. With all the new features that come with the Hero 13 series, it is GoPro once again set a high standard for everyone who finds themselves in front of or behind the camera.
GoPro Hero 13 Black – improved, and the same at the core
The GoPro Hero 13 Black is a true beast among action cameras, capable of recording in HLG HDR mode and capturing 10-bit video in G-Log format. If you thought slow motion couldn't get any slower, you'll be surprised by the new burst slo-mo mode, which allows recording at an incredible 400 frames per second in 720p resolution, or 360fps at 900p. Want more? The camera also captures at 5.3K and 120fps, which means that no detail will escape your eyes, even in the fastest actions.
In addition, GoPro has added support for Wi-Fi 6, which allows up to 40 % faster content transfer - goodbye to tedious waiting for footage to load! Another nice upgrade is the new magnetic mount and charging, which means you'll be able to attach or charge the camera with a simple click - without having to deal with various cables and attachments.
Of course, we must not forget about additional lenses that will raise your production to a cinematic level. GoPro Hero 13 Black is compatible with the new HB-Series lenses, which bring quite a few innovations. The $99.99 Ultra Wide Lens Mod gives you a 177-degree angle of view, perfect for panoramic shots or nature selfies. Macro enthusiasts will grab the $129.99 Macro Lens Mod, which allows for incredible close-up shots, though you'll need to stay at least 4.3 inches away from your subject. Next year, the Anamorphic Lens Mod is expected, which with its 21:9 format and typical film reflection will make you feel like the director of your own action blockbuster.
Mini Hero – Smaller, lighter, but still a GoPro
But if you want something even more convenient, here is the new smaller one GoPro Hero, which is as much as 35 % smaller and 46 % lighter than the Hero 13 Black. At just 86 grams, it's a true featherweight, yet boasts a battery life of up to 155 minutes when shooting in 1080p at 30fps. It also allows recording in 4K at 30fps and slow motion in 2.7K at 60fps. Although it is smaller, it offers superior video quality for anyone who wants a simple and discreet action camera.
Price and availability
The GoPro Hero 13 Black will be available for $399, while the smaller GoPro Hero will be more affordable at $199. Both cameras are already available for pre-order, with the Hero 13 Black coming out on September 10th, while the mini Hero will be available on September 22nd.
We praise:
- Improved video quality: Recording capacity v 5.3K at 60fps and 10-bit HDR video recording are among the most praised features. HLG HDR is an innovation that further improves image quality and color accuracy, which is important for professionals and content creators.
- Magnetic charging and mounting: It's a big plus new magnetic assembly, which enables fast and easy camera attachment, without the need for screws. This is especially handy for quickly changing recording locations.
- Additional lenses: A series of new lenses, especially Ultra Wide and Macro Lens Mod, was praised for its versatility and improved recording capabilities.
- Wi-Fi 6 and faster transfers: Upgrade to Wi-Fi 6 enables faster content transfer, which is very important for those who create a lot of video content on the go.
We rebuke:
- Minimal hardware upgrades: While the Hero 13 has some new features, most of the hardware remains the same as the previous model, which means there's no significant performance improvement. Especially compared to some competitors like DJI, the GoPro still lags a bit when it comes to shooting in low light conditions.
- Battery incompatibility: The new battery offers 10 % more capacity, but it is not compatible with the batteries of previous models. This means that users will have to invest in new accessories if they are upgrading from older models.
- The price of additional equipment: While the new lenses and modules are impressive, they are also quite expensive, which can be a barrier for the average user.
Overall, the GoPro Hero 13 Black is a solid action camera, with some nice improvements, but not a revolutionary upgrade over previous models.
