Every year, GoPro releases a new iteration of its HERO Black line. This time, it’s the GoPro HERO13 Black. GoPro sent us a HERO13 Black model for an early look. Here’s what we’ve learned from our time with it.
What new with the HERO13 Black?
Recording
When it comes to video shooting specs, the HERO13 Black is similar to the HERO12 Black. It still shoots high-resolution video at 5.3K up to 60 fps. However, the HERO13 Black now offers HLG HDR video. GoPro says this is a broadcast-standard 10-bit file format with a Rec. 2100 color space and a wider color gamut than HDR alone.
Additionally, GoPro has improved the camera’s slow-motion capabilities. The HERO13 Black can capture burst slow-motion video at up to an incredible 400 fps in HD 720p (or 300 fps in 900p resolution) for 15 real-time seconds. The camera can also shoot slow motion in 5.3K up to 120 fps.
Better battery an longer runtimes
The HERO13 Black uses a new 1900 mAh Enduro battery with 10% larger capacity and improved power efficiency. The camera also features a redesigned battery enclosure to deliver longer runtimes in all conditions. You can get one and a half hours of continuous recording at 4K 30 fps and 5.3K 30 fps. Dropping the resolution to 1080p HD at 30 fps extends that battery life to over two and a half hours.
What else is new?
The HERO13 Black uses Wi-Fi 6 technology for up to 40% faster content transfer speeds. The new camera also features more customizable audio tuning. You can choose between balanced, true-to-life sound or a Voice setting, which preserves ambient background sounds but improves the clarity of voices in your audio. The camera also has improved QuikCapture, added AirPod/Bluetooth compatibility, is fingers + 1/4-20 + magnetic latch mount compatible and includes added GPS and lens mod auto-detection.
HB-Series lenses
GoPro is releasing four new optional HERO Black (HB) Series lenses for use with the HERO13 Black. These include an ultra-wide lens mod that gives you a 177-degree field of view and a 1:1 aspect ratio. There’s also a macro lens mod for close-ups and an anamorphic lens mod for 21:9 video with cinematic lens flares. The final lens option is a set of four neutral density (ND) filters in ND4, ND8, ND16 and ND32 strengths. The HERO13 Black automatically detects the lenses and adjusts its settings for optimal results.
Optional add-ons
You can get an optional Contacto magnetic door and power cable kit for the HERO13 Black, providing a weatherproof way to connect your camera to an external power supply. There’s also a new magnetic latch and new ball joint mounts. These are compatible with all existing GoPro mounts and use a quick dual-latch to secure your camera.
What we think
After reviewing many of the previous GoPro HERO Black models, we’re looking forward to putting the HERO13 Black to the test in our upcoming in-depth review. It seems to have a solid set of features you would expect from GoPro’s flagship camera. However, we’re still wondering if this model will offer enough for HERO12 Black owners to upgrade. Nevertheless, the HERO13 Black does bring some exciting features to the table, like the anamorphic option. The extended battery life is also a welcome improvement.
Pricing and availability
The HERO13 Black is available for pre-order now and will begin shipping on Sept. 10. The camera is available as a standalone for $399 or as the HERO13 Black Creator Edition for $599.
The ultra-wide lens mod, macro lens mod and ND filter four-pack will also be available on Sept. 10, priced at $99, $129 and $69, respectively. The anamorphic lens mod costs $129 but won’t be available until next year.
