GoPro HERO13 Black has arrived, and it’s just in time. Competition is mounting from DJI and Insta360, and the original action camera has never been threatened for its place at the top of the mountain more than now. So, have GoPro done enough to push the HERO13 Black above and beyond the competition?
Well, they’ve recognised the challenge and redesigned this camera from the ground up. It might have the same basic image sensor and similar overall video performance as before. However, the physical body of the camera has been redesigned to fit a new, larger battery alongside a host of new Lens Mods. That also means the batteries and Media Mod from the previous cameras won’t fit this new model—it’s brand new.
With the release of the GoPro HERO13 Black, the brand is doing something no other brand has even considered, and I think it will stick. They’ve added hot-swappable lens mods, which the camera automatically detects. This lets you capture more angles than before at a higher quality, and they’re so easy to use I think people will actually want to have them this time around, even though they’re pretty expensive.
Of course, they haven’t stopped at the lens mods because I haven’t even mentioned the increased battery capacity and better overall user experience. Simply put, GoPro has taken the best action camera in the world and upped its potential, which is impressive, but is it enough? Let’s take a closer look!
Table of contents
- How Much Does the GoPro HERO13 Black Cost?
- GoPro HERO13 Black Puts a Big Focus on Lens Mods
- What’s the Video Quality Like on the GoPro HERO13 Black?
- Significant Changes to Mounting, UI Upgrades, and Charging
- How Long Does the Battery Last in the GoPro HERO13 Black?
- Man of Many’s Verdict on the GoPro HERO13 Black
RELATED: DJI Osmo Action 4 review.
How Much Does the GoPro HERO13 Black Cost?
Here’s how much the new GoPro HERO13 Black costs:
- GoPro HERO13 Black – AU$649.95
- GoPro HERO13 Creator Edition – AU$979.95
The GoPro HERO13 Black costs AU$649.95, which is the same price as the HERO11 Black and HERO12 Black at their time of release. Today, you can pick-up a HERO12 Black for $579.95, and while the video quality will be similar, it misses out on the array of lens mods and accessories available for the HERO13 Black. Choose to add these accessories, and the purchase price will increase significantly, so keep that in mind, too.
The GoPro HERO13 Creator Edition comes with a Volta battery grip, which adds 5 hours of video recording when shooting in 4K30 and built-in camera controls. You also get the Media Mod, which adds a front and back directional mic (and the ability to plug in a mic like the Rode VideoMic Go II), and finally, the LED Light Mod with four brightness levels (up to 200 lumens). If you’re planning to shoot YouTube or vlog-style content, it’s a must-have. You’ll also have no choice as the old-generation Media Mod won’t fit.
The main competitors in this space are from two brands: DJI and Insta360. I could spend a whole day explaining the differences between the cameras. However, that will come in a separate article outlining the best action cameras money can buy once DJI releases the rumoured (and highly leaked) DJI Action 5 Pro.
I haven’t had the chance to test the Insta360 Ace Pro (AU$729), but its primary selling point is the 2.4-inch flip-up screen and large 1/1.3-inch sensor with 2.4μm pixel size for quality videos in low light. This could be a good option if you plan to shoot vlog-style content primarily
GoPro HERO13 Black Puts a Big Focus on Lens Mods
Where the GoPro HERO13 Black stands out amongst the competition is with its lens mods:
- Ultra Wide Lens Mod (177° FOV): Works with a new 1:1 aspect ratio for flexibility in post-production
- Macro Lens Mod: Offers variable focus for a minimum focus distance of 11cm, with subtle bokeh
- ND Filter 4-Pack: ND4 / ND8 / ND16 / ND32 neutral density filters, auto cinematic shutter option
- Anamorphic Lens Mod: 21:9 and 16:9 aspect ratios, lens flare, linear digital lens option
Some of these were previously available with the GoPro HERO12 Black. However, none of these lens mods will work with the previous-generation cameras—except the Max Lens Mod 2.0.
These available lenses are compatible with HyperSmooth, they’re waterproof (except the Anamorphic Lens Mod), and have a built-in scratch resistance alongside a hydrophobic coating.
Most importantly, the GoPro HERO13 Black can automatically recognise when each lens is attached, meaning you don’t have to scroll through the settings every time you change a lens, and presets can be created for each lens, too.
Questions remain about how many people will use these lens mods, and I hardly ever used the Max Lens Mod 2.0 with my HERO12 Black. However, with the new auto lens-detecting feature, I could see myself swapping out lenses more regularly, especially the new Macro Lens Mod, which has become an early favourite.
There’s also the question of cost because they’re prohibitively expensive for many users. Here’s a list of pricing for the new GoPro HERO13 Black lenses:
- Ultra Wide Lens Mod – AU$169.95
- Macro Lens Mod – AU$219.95
- ND Filter 4-Pack – AU$119.95
- Anamorphic Lens Mod – AU$219.95
Still, with automatic recognition and a focus away from unusually fish-eyed images with ND Filters and Macro Lens Mods, GoPro has done everything it can to make these lens mods stick.
What’s the Video Quality Like on the GoPro HERO13 Black?
GoPro hasn’t made many changes to the HERO13 Black in terms of physical hardware, which means it still has the same 13.4mm sensor that tends to struggle in low light compared to the 19.5mm sensor in the DJI Action 4.
However, it still delivers video recording in 5.3K60 and 4K120 quality, bit depths of GP-Log with LUT, 10-bit, and 8-bit, and aspect ratios that include 16:9, 4:3, 8:7, 9:16, and 1:1 with Ultra Wide Lens Mod.
The GoPro HERO13 Black can also take 27MP still photos in SuperPhoto HDR.
So what has changed? Well, the brand says 14% of all videos captured on the previous generation HERO12 Black were shot in HDR, and because of this, they’ve added software to up the quality with hybrid-log gamma (HLG), now available when shooting HDR. This new mode adds:
- 10-bit and Rec. 2100 color space
- Wider colour gamut
You won’t be able to make the most of this without an HDR-capable screen. Still, social media platforms like Instagram now support HDR video playback on iPhone 12 and newer, so it’s undoubtedly worthwhile. I’ve always struggled to tell the difference between an HDR video and a standard recording, but you will notice the difference on these social platforms as they poorly compress videos, and I’ve found that HDR fixes that issue.
You can judge the video quality by watching the 4K GoPro HERO13 Black videos I shot above, but in simple terms, the camera continues the brand’s legacy of consistency.
It never misses a shot, it never struggles to select focus, and it continues to deliver first-class stabilisation. Is it better than the HERO12 Black? Not by much. However, all the lens mods, mounting hardware, and software changes could make the upgrade worthwhile for those who want more from their HERO12 Black. Sometimes, the difference between a great shot and a poor shot is not the quality of the camera but the operator’s ability to choose the right lens. The GoPro HERO13 Black opens up a new world of possibilities, including super slow-mo (720p400, 900p360, and 5.3K120).
Significant Changes to Mounting, UI Upgrades, and Charging
It was only a matter of time before GoPro finally bit the bullet and added a magnetic mounting system to the GoPro HERO13 Black, which takes a page from DJI’s book. This new system adds dual latch magnets to the base of the GoPro and removes the need to screw the device down, which has become the bain of my existence, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
Here’s a list of ways to mount your GoPro HERO13 Black:
- Fold-Down Mounting Fingers (most secure): Low-profile, rugged for heavy impacts
- Magnetic Latch ($39.95) + Ball Joint Mounts ($64.95): Dual latch magnets, bi-directional
- 1/4-20 Mounting Threads (most professional): Compatible with tripods, etc.
It’s incompatible with DJI mounting brackets, but two carry-over mounting types join.
The new Contacto Magnetic Door and Power Cable Kit ($139.95) are also available for the GoPro HERO13 Black. This system works with or without the battery installed and allows you to charge the camera with the side door closed at all times and power the device from an external portable power bank.
Finally, some upgrades have been made to the user interface, the most significant being:
- 40% faster Wi-Fi transfer speeds with Wi-Fi 6, USB-C transfer an option
- GPS returns with speed, path, terrain, altitude and g-force overlay in the Quik app
- QuickCapture improvements:
- Press the shutter button within 5 seconds to initiate another recording
- Press the mode button within 5 seconds to enter an idle state
- Two audio modes:
- Standard Audio Mode: True-to-life sound
- Voice Audio Mode: Removes ambient background noise
- Customise camera behaviour:
- Beep volume
- LED behavior
- Screensaver options
- Change name on camera, up to 16 characters long
The GPS feature was removed with the HERO12 Black, and at the time, GoPro said it was because less than 1 per cent of users used it. However, it’s great to see it return, and those shooting videos of cars on racetracks, downhill mountain bikes, etc., will be glad. Still, this feature will use additional battery life, so keep that in mind.
How Long Does the Battery Last in the GoPro HERO13 Black?
We’ve reached a point where the battery life of action cameras is becoming less and less critical. They’re all pretty good, and what’s the difference between an action camera that can shoot 16:9 4K30 video for 108 minutes and one that can manage to do the same for 120 minutes? If you plan to edit down two hours of footage in post-production, you can probably afford to spend a few extra bucks on spare batteries.
That hasn’t stopped GoPro from redesigning the device to include a 10% higher-capacity 1900mAh Enduro Battery. This means your previous generation batteries will not fit the new GoPro HERO13 Black. However, it has significantly affected the camera’s overall battery life, mainly in areas without airflow, resulting in an average of 26.7% longer runtimes.
GoPro HERO13 Black battery life with airflow:
- 16:9 5.3K 60/50: 79 minutes (13% increase)
- 16:9 5.3K 30/25/24: 104.3 minutes (6% increase)
- 16:9 4K 60/50: 87.8 minutes (8% increase)
- 16:9 4K 30/25/24: 107.7 minutes (6% increase)
- 16:9 1080p 60/50: 106.4 minutes (4% increase)
- 16:9 1080p 30/25/24: 163.1 minutes (5% increase)
- 9:16 1080p 60/50: 127.5 minutes (13% increase)
- 9:16 1080p 30/25: 151.9 minutes (4% increase)
GoPro HERO13 Black battery life without airflow:
- 16:9 5.3K 60/50: 41.4 minutes (38% increase)
- 16:9 5.3K 30/25/24: 104 minutes (16% increase)
- 16:9 4K 60/50: 52.5 minutes (28% increase)
- 16:9 4K 30/25/24: 104.6 minutes (5% increase)
- 16:9 1080p 60/50: 120.4 minutes (19% increase)
- 16:9 1080p 30/25/24: 163.9 minutes (8% increase)
While the battery life of the GoPro HERO13 Black has increased across the board, most people shoot video in 16:9 4K30, and here, we’ve only observed an increase of 8% with airflow and 5% without airflow. Not that 104.6 minutes without airflow is sub-par at all. If I find any discrepancies in this data over the next few months of testing this camera, I’ll make a note to update this information.
Man of Many’s Verdict on the GoPro HERO13 Black
Lens mods, people, lens mods. It’s GoPro’s new unique selling point, and with the addition of automatic recognition, it’s become one of my favourite features of the GoPro HERO13 Black.
Even though the brand hasn’t significantly improved the image quality, it still delivers high-quality footage when required and is enough for most users. That said, those who shoot in low light should still consider an action camera with a larger sensor, and I’d probably wait for the DJI OSMO Action 5 Pro, which, according to leaks, should be released very soon.
They’ve polished up areas of concern on previous models, too. The user interface is easier to use, the addition of Wi-Fi 6 video transfer makes it easier to shift files from GoPro to phone for quick sharing on social media, and adding a Magnetic Latch mount has made a world of difference for content creators. Of course, it’s also nice to have a longer battery life (especially in areas without airflow).
To answer my initial question, I believe GoPro has done enough with the HERO13 Black to keep it ahead of the pack. The new lens mods are something no other brand can muster, and with other refinements, it’s brought the brand back up to the level of DJI and Insta360. We can’t wait to see how it compares to the competitor’s new cameras when they arrive imminently! For now, you can shop the new GoPro (AU$649.95) below.
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