GoPro HERO13 Black: The best action camera ever?

For most of the GoPro HERO’s life, it’s been a leading product line in the action camera market (if not THE top product). And every year, GoPro releases an upgraded version of the famed HERO Black. This year it’s the GoPro HERO13 Black, and it’s certainly one of the best out there. In fact, its biggest competition doesn’t actually come from another brand. It comes from GoPro directly in the form of the previous year’s model: the GoPro HERO12 Black.

In recent years, GoPro has fallen into the rut of “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it,” leading to marginal upgrades with each iteration. When it comes to the HERO Black line, it’s never been a question of “Does it beat its competitors?” Rather, it’s a question of “Does the newest iteration justify an upgrade?”

So, is the GoPro HERO13 Black the best action camera out on the market right now? Yes. But does it justify upgrading from the HERO12? That’s what we’re here to find out.

GoPro HERO13 Black overview

Video specs

Sensor

First up, we have video specs. For the sensor, the GoPro HERO13 Black retains the same 1/1.9-inch-type CMOS sensor as the HERO12 Black. For some, this will be a letdown, as GoPro has used the same sensor for the past few iterations. However, that’s not to say that the sensor itself is bad. It’s actually an excellent sensor that packs a lot of detail into its 4K footage. But, while it’s a great sensor, it’s also, admittedly, not an exciting inclusion.

Shooting formats

The GoPro HERO13 Black can shoot video up to 5.3K in 60 frames per second (fps). Additionally, it can shoot slow-mo video at 120 fps in 4K or 240 fps in 2.7K. The HERO13 Black is the first GoPro camera to feature Bust Slo-MO (more on that later).

Dynamic range

In one clear victory, the HERO13 Black does operate better in low light than the HERO12 Black. This is due to its improved dynamic range. If you have ever struggled to get the brightest and the darkest thing in your scene exposed properly, this is because of the camera’s dynamic range. So, essentially, the more dynamic range you have, the more information your camera will be able to pick up in the lightest and darkest places in your image.

During our tests, we used the DSC labs Xyla 21 dynamic range chart to test the HERO13’s dynamic range. The results showed that the GoPro HERO13 offered 13 stops of dynamic range. We pitted these results against the HERO12. It turns out that the HERO12 offered up to 12 to 13 stops of dynamic range. However, at the 13 stop, the HERO12 offered noticeably less information than the HERO13. So, the HERO13 overall offers a half-stop more when it comes to dynamic range.

Stabilization

The HERO13 Black features GoPro’s Emmy-winning stabilization: HyperSmooth 6.0. It’s the same stabilization software as featured on the HERO12 Black, but it’s still impressive even a year later. The way the HyperSmooth works is it identifies the camera’s motion and crops the image sensor slightly to reduce the overall shake. So, even when filming some of the most extreme activities, like filming yourself riding down a bumpy bike trail, HyperSmooth 6.0 can make the footage look super stable.

Durability

When it comes to durability, the HERO13 Black offers similar prospects as the HERO12 Black. It is water-resistant up to 33 feet and can operate in conditions 14 to 95°F. Also, you can use a water-repelling replaceable lens cover that helps keep your shots clear when shooting underwater. All in all, the HERO13 Black is quite durable and we’d be confident when taking it on our outdoor adventures.

Ergonomics

Weight and size

Compared to the GoPro HERO12, the HERO13 weighs exactly the same. The HERO13 weighs 159 g with the mounting fingers and battery and weighs 121 g without its battery. That’s the same as the HERO12. Their body dimensions measure out to the same size as well: 2.8 x 2 x 1.3 inches.

The screen

The HERO13 Black comes with a 2.27-inch back touchscreen display. This is also the same as the HERO12 Black. Additionally, it comes with the familiar 1.4-inch front color display as well. For the most part, there aren’t many notable changes to the displays. However, when changing the incremental aspects of any given control, like changing the shutter speed or the minimum or maximum ISO, we found the menu to be super touchy. It takes a gentle touch to keep your selection, and it’s also frustratingly difficult to pick the setting you want in the first place.

Media

As for the media, the HERO13 Black features a single microSD card slot. The slot supports at least V30 or higher UHS-3 rating. For our tests, we used a SanDisk 64GB Extreme UHS-I microSDXC and ran into no issues.

Lenses

The HERO13 Black offers a bunch of different fields of view. This is because of three new lens mods: the Macro Lens Mod, the Ultra HyperView Lens Mod and the Anamorphic Lens Mod. Diving deeper, the Macro Lens Mod allows the camera to focus on objects four times closer than the GoPro HERO12. As for the Ultra Wide Lens Mod, this mod boosts the HERO13 Black’s field of view up to 177° (36% wider and 48% taller). Last, we have the Anamorphic Lens Mod. This lens mod footage with less distortion than typical wide and ultra-wide shots. So, basically, you can capture more cinematic shots by reducing the image’s distortion and adding in cinematic horizontal lens flares.

What’s new with the GoPro HERO13 Black?

Now that we’ve gone over the GoPro HERO13 Black’s base specs, it’s time to start talking about what’s new. While it seems like the HERO13 and the HERO12 are quite alike, the HERO13 Black does bring some new features and additions to the table. Let’s go over what those are:

HLG HDR video

Likely one of the most significant updates for the HERO13 Black is it now offers 10-bit HLG HDR video. While the GoPro’s sensor and resolution settings are practically the same, this feature alone will boost the overall quality of the HERO13’s footage. With HLG HDR shoot capabilities, the HERO13 will be able to deliver more rich detail and capture more vibrant colors than before. Additionally, since pros can now shoot in log, they can capture the more dynamic range, giving them much more flexibility in post-production than before.

New Slow-Mo setting

Speaking more on the HERO13’s Slow-Mo capabilities, as mentioned above, the HERO13 Black is the first GoPro camera to have Burst Slow-Mo. What this means is the camera can now shoot 400 fps at 720p for 15 real-time seconds. Additionally, if you want to shoot at higher resolutions, you can with 900p at 360 fps for 15 seconds or 5.3K at 120 fps for five seconds.

Audio tuning

GoPro has released a new audio tuning mode that helps the camera prioritize capturing speaking voices over ambient sound. The HERO13 has two audio tuning modes: Standard and Voice. The Standard mode captures the surrounding audio as-is, while the Voice mode filters out ambient noise. Overall, it’s a decent feature, but capturing audio internally is never a good idea for those who want a higher-quality production. Aside from novice video shooters, pros will be using the GoPro 3.5mm Mic Adapter and an external microphone or using the GoPro Media Mod.

A higher-capacity battery

Action cameras are designed to be used on the go and out in the great outdoors, which oftentimes means it’s hard to find a plug to charge your camera’s battery. This leads to the battery life of action cameras being quite important. One of the biggest complaints about action cameras is often their battery life. GoPro looks to improve the HERO Black line’s battery life with a brand-new battery. In a step toward that, the new 1900 mAh Enduro Battery offers 10% more capacity than the HERO12’s battery. This battery has been re-engineered to work specifically with the HERO13 Black. With the new battery, its new runtime clocks in at up to 2.5 hours of continuous shooting at 1080p 30 fps. At 4K 30 fps, you can keep the camera rolling for more than one and a half hours.

However, unfortunately, since the battery is designed specifically for the HERO13, you can’t use the battery with older GoPros. So, if you were thinking you could get your hands on the new battery to boost your HERO12’s battery life, you’ll have to think again.

GPS

One of the major setbacks of the GoPro HERO12 Black was its lack of GPS. The fact that older models, like the HERO11, supported GPS made the HERO12 feel like a step backward. GPS was axed on the model to help boost its battery life. However, thankfully with the higher capacity battery, the HERO13 brings back GPS support. Now, enthusiasts and professionals can once again add contextual data to their footage.

Contacto Magnetic Door

Speaking more on the HERO13’s battery, the HERO13 is now compatible with a new Magnetic Cable and Door to receive continuous power throughout your shoots. The way this kit works is the power cable connects to the contact door (which is attached to the HERO13) with super-strong magnets. Then, with the power cable, you can connect your HERO13 to any USB-C power source to both charge your camera and extend its battery life. Additionally, the door and magnetic link form a tight seal, keeping your GoPro setup weatherproof. Also, you can use this setup without the battery, so if you need to charge the battery or forget it, you can still use the camera.

ND Filter 4-Pack and filter suggesting

Along with the new GoPro HERO13 Black, GoPro released a ND Filter 4-Pack. This pack features four neutral density filters: ND4, ND8, ND16 and ND32. These filters are scratch-resistant and waterproof with a hydrophobic lens coating that repels water. While these lenses are great for filtering light in various conditions, what is really notable is that the HERO13 Black’s auto-detect adjusts settings and ND metering and will also recommend a higher or lower density filter depending on the available light. Additionally, the HERO13 has an Auto Cinematic video mode that helps those new to ND filters produce shots with motion blur. However, for those who are more experienced with ND filters, those users can manually set their exposure settings to get the amount of blur they want.

Performance

Low light

While testing the GoPro HERO13 Black’s low-light performance, the image was clean up to ISO 800. Noise started to become noticeable at ISO 1600, but overall, the footage is still usable. Once we hit ISO 3200, the noise in the footage started to affect the image sharpness. However, we’d still use the footage in a pinch. At ISO 6400, the footage is unusable. The noise is way too great at this ISO, and the sharpness is greatly diminished at this level.

Battery life

With the new battery, the HERO13 Black lasted slightly longer than the previous model. Overall, the 10% battery life did help, but it still would have been nice if the boost in battery life was a bit more significant.

Overheating

We ran into no overheating issues when using the HERO13. The HERO Black line has had an interesting history with overheating. Some users have experienced some overheating limitations. GoPro HERO11 Black users were limited to 35 minutes in 5.3K 60 fps. However, the HERO12 Black made big improvements in this regard, doubling that to 70 minutes in 5.3K 60 fps. Overall, the HERO12 Black proved to be a reliable camera when it came to overheating, and the HERO13 Black continues the sentiment.

What we love about the GoPro HERO13 Black

The new battery

So, first up, we like that the GoPro HERO13 Black has a new, longer-lasting battery. Again, while the battery may not substantially increase the HERO13 Black’s battery life compared to the HERO12, every second counts when you’re out in the field. The battery is designed specifically for the HERO13, so you can’t use it with other GoPros, so that’s something to consider if you own multiple GoPros.

The macro lens mod

Next, let’s talk about the Macro Lens Mod. Out of the three new lens mods, our favorite is by far the Macro Lens Mod. With it, you’re able to get super close to your subject and take some pretty detailed close-up shots. You can get up to four times closer than you would without the mod. Additionally, it has a focus ring, so you can manually adjust the focus distance. The focus ring goes from 4.33 in to 2.46 ft.

ND filter suggestion

Last, we have the ND filter suggestion. We love how accessible the feature makes ND filters to those new to them. This feature will help new videographers capture better video by suggesting configurations that they may not have known to use in the first place. Additionally, it has some use for pros as well. A quick suggestion can help professionals quickly adjust their setup on the fly if conditions change during the shoot.

What we don’t love

The new battery isn’t interchangeable

While we like that GoPro took the time to make a new, higher-capacity battery for the HERO13 Black, it’s a letdown that the battery isn’t interchangeable. This ultimately decreases the value of upgrading to a HERO13 Black for previous GoPro owners. Think about it: Instead of having an extra battery ready to use, owners of older GoPro models will have to shell out more change to get an extra battery if they want to swap them during their shoots. While GoPro tries to alleviate this with the new ability to change the GoPro HERO13 Black via USB using the Magnetic Cable and Door, it would have been best if users could use extra batteries they have from previous models if they already have them.

We have to wait for the anamorphic lens

Even though this is a temporary pain point, it’s still worth mentioning. In fact, the anamorphic lens won’t be out until 2025. GoPro hasn’t announced when in 2025 the lens will be released, but customers can still pre-order it. We get that the lens will eventually come out, but not having a more concrete timeline for when buyer’s can expect to get the anamorphic lens is a letdown, especially considering that GoPro releases new HERO Black models every year. So, it’s a possibility that by the time the lens comes out, the HERO13 Black could already be almost outdated.

Lens mods and new mount aren’t included

We also take issue with the lens mods, positioned as one of the big updates for the HERO13 Black, which aren’t actually included in the base package. So, essentially, if you were to buy the base HERO13 Black, you would essentially be paying an extra $50 for a GoPro HERO12 Black with a longer battery life and 10-bit HLG HDR video. This reality gets worse if you already own a HERO12, which basically makes the HERO13 a $350 battery and 10-bit HLG HDR update.

The fact that you have to pay extra for one of the camera’s best new features is a big disappointment. The Macro Lens Mod Bundle adds an extra $150 to the base price. If you were to get all three lens mods and the ND Filter 4-Pack, it’s going to tack on an additional $430, leaving a grand total of $780. That almost gets you a professional-level interchangeable lens camera; the Sony ZV-E10 II is only $200 more, and the original Sony ZV-E10 is actually less than that. While these aren’t action cameras, it puts into perspective how expensive it can get, especially considering these lenses are aiming to help the GoPro capture more cinematic shots.

Marketplace

GoPro HERO12 Black

The most natural alternative to the HERO13 Black is its prior model, the HERO12 Black. As outlined throughout the article, the HERO12 and HERO13 are more alike than different. With the same image sensors, similar shoot format options and a familiar form factor, the HERO12 is a solid alternative and, to some, the preferred option due to its lower price. However, the HERO13 does offer 10-bit HGL HDR video capture, a slightly longer battery run-time and better low-light performance. Still, if you’re looking to save $50, the HERO12 Black is a solid alternative.

DJI Osmo Action 5

For the same price as the HERO13 Black, the DJI Osmo Action 5 features a high-pixel sensor, the 40 MP 1/1.3 CMOS sensor. However, the HERO13 Black has the Action 5 beat when it comes to video resolution. While the HERO13 can capture up to 5.3K 60p, the Osmo Action 5 taps out at UHD 4K 120p. However, the Action 5’s battery easily beats out the HERO13’s battery. The Action 5 can last up to four hours, while the HERO13 can only last two and a half hours.

Insta360 Ace Pro II

The newly announced Insta360 Ace Pro II comes at a higher price of $549 for a single battery bundle. But, the price is justified with a 1/1.30-inch 8K sensor. Additionally, you can record HDR video at 4K 60 fps, while also using Insta360’s FlowState stabilization. The Insta360 Ace Pro II offers more resolution than the HERO13 Black, but the HERO13 Black’s image quality and incredible stabilization system still make it a tough deal to pass up. But if you do, the Insta360 Ace Pro II looks like it would be a nice alternative.

Insta360 GO 3S

Insta360’s Insta360 GO 3S rounds out the marketplace with the ability to shoot UHD 4K video and a 2-hour battery life. It also comes with 128 GB built-in flash storage, so you don’t need to have a memory card to start recording. Also, the Insta360 GO 3S is a bit smaller than the HERO13 Black, so if you’re looking for the smallest action camera you can find, this one should be on your shortlist.

Should you buy the GoPro HERO13 Black?

The GoPro HERO13 Black is undoubtedly the best action camera currently out on the market, but is it the best deal? Yes and no. While it overall has just a few upgrades from the HERO12 Black, there is enough there to justify someone new to the HERO line or owners of older models to opt for the HERO13 over the HERO12. However, for those who already own a HERO12, the HERO13 Black doesn’t offer enough to justify the purchase, especially considering some of its best new aspects (the lens mods) aren’t even included.

So, is the GoPro HERO13 Black a good action camera? The answer is yes; in fact, it’s an excellent one. It shoots professional-looking video and features some of the best stabilization technology available for a super reasonable price. But the HERO12 Black is also an excellent action camera with a cheaper price tag. If you don’t already have a HERO12, go for the HERO13 Black. If you do have a HERO12, save your cash because you already have an outstanding action camera.

GoPro HERO13 Black

$332.99 at Amazon $399.99 at B&H Video $399.99 at Best Buy

Tech specs