GoPro has officially unveiled its latest action camera, the HERO13 Black, priced at $399.99 USD. While it shares several similarities with its predecessor, the HERO12 Black, one standout addition is its new interchangeable lens system.
Key Features of HERO13 Black
The HERO13 Black comes equipped with the same 1/1.9” sensor and 8:7 aspect ratio found in the HERO12. This sensor allows users to crop footage into various formats, including 9:16 vertical, 16:9 widescreen, 4:3 traditional, and full-frame 8:7, across all video resolutions and modes like TimeWarp, Time Lapse, and Night Effects.
It supports High Dynamic Range (HDR) for both photos and videos, recording up to 5.3K at 60p and 4K at 120fps, with 10-bit color depth. There’s also a Burst Slo-Mo mode, allowing 720p capture at 400fps. For still photography, you can take 27-megapixel photos or grab frames from videos at 24.7 megapixels.
Innovative Capture Modes
New to the HERO13 Black is Vertical Capture Mode, which automatically records in 9:16 even when the camera is mounted horizontally—ideal for social media. The Interval Photo mode lets users take photos at set intervals, ranging from 0.5 seconds to 120 seconds, providing creative flexibility for time-lapse photography. Night Effects also enhance the ability to capture mesmerizing Light Painting, Vehicle Light Trails, and Star Trails.
Interchangeable Lenses: HB-Series
GoPro has introduced several optional interchangeable lenses for the HERO13 Black, designed to suit different creative needs:
- Anamorphic Lens Mod: Offers a cinematic ultra-wide angle with reduced distortion, using a 21:9 aspect ratio.
- Macro Lens Mod: Features a manual variable focus ring that brings you 4x closer to subjects.
- Ultra Wide Lens Mod: Expands the camera’s field of view to 177° for immersive shots.
- ND Filters: These help control exposure in different lighting conditions, shifting the camera into Auto Cinematic mode for fine-tuned video.
Each lens is smartly designed to be automatically recognized by the camera, adjusting its settings accordingly. All lenses are durable, scratch-resistant, and waterproof when installed.
HyperSmooth 6.0 and Stabilization
HyperSmooth 6.0 is the latest evolution of GoPro’s stabilization technology, offering AutoBoost for smoother footage with minimal cropping. It can even maintain horizon leveling, ensuring the horizon stays straight even if the camera rotates 360°. Paired with the Max Lens Mod 2.0, users get enhanced stabilization at 4K60 resolution.
Additional Pro Features
For advanced users, GoPro offers GP-LOG recording with available LUTs (currently, the GPLOG_Auto_WB.cube LUT is offered). This allows for better color grading during post-production. The camera also supports Bluetooth audio, letting you connect wireless devices like AirPods for vlogging, scene narration, and voice commands.
Battery and Power Tools
The 1900mAh Enduro Battery delivers 2.5 hours of continuous recording, featuring a newly engineered connector for increased efficiency. GoPro’s Power Tools—such as HindSight, Scheduled Capture, and Duration Capture—help optimize battery life and allow for advanced time-lapse and interval shooting.
User Interface & Quik App
The interface remains user-friendly, with two control modes: Easy Controls for beginners and Pro Controls for experienced users. GoPro subscribers also get access to the Quik desktop app, which syncs with the mobile app for a seamless editing experience across devices. The HERO13 Black also offers wireless timecode sync, making it easier to edit multi-camera footage in programs like Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere.
Pricing and Availability
The HERO13 Black is available for $399.99 USD, the same as the previous HERO12 Black. Accessories include:
- HB-Series Variable Close-Focus Wide Angle Lens: $129.99 USD
- HB-Series 177° Ultra Stabilized POV Lens: $99.99 USD
- HB-Series ND Filters (ND4 / ND8 / ND16 / ND32): $69.99 USD
- HB-Series Cinematic Ultra Wide Angle Lens: $129.99 USD
The HERO13 Black builds on GoPro’s tradition of rugged, high-performance cameras, adding new tools and features to appeal to everyone from adventurers to professional filmmakers.
