GoPro’s new action cameras for 2024 are here to enhance your content creation journey. The Hero 13 Black was launched in September along with the new smaller Hero camera. The new GoPro action camera isn’t a huge upgrade from last year’s model in terms of hardware and design, but it makes up for it with a number of new lenses, a new mounting method, a larger battery, and a few other small improvements. I am.
While competitors try to attract customers with improved sensors, faster chipsets, and more, GoPro stands by its mantra: “If it ain’t broke, why fix it?” Are new lenses, magnetic mounts, and big batteries enough to win the action camera game? Read our review to find out.
The price of GoPro Hero 13 Black starts from 1000 yen. 44,990 in India without lens attachment.
GoPro Hero 13 Black Design: Magnet is finally here!
- Dimensions – 71.8 W x 50.8 H x 33.6 D (mm)
- Weight – 159g
- Color – Black
The Hero 13 Black has the same dimensions as the 12 Black, but a few design changes distinguish it. GoPro has removed the blue spots found on last year’s model. It’s now all black and has a new heatsink-like design just below the front camera sensor. Unfortunately, GoPro says this is not a heatsink. The front and back display sizes remain the same as the placement of the record and mode buttons. The battery door is also the same as last year.
The blue dot for aligning the lens should have been on the outside of the lens
The most important design change is at the bottom where the mounting system is located. Apart from the usual folding mounting fingers and 1/4-20 mounting screws, the GoPro now features magnetic mounting. The magnetic latch makes it very easy to switch between mounts, and we found it safer and easier to use than the competition. Sand and other particles tend to stick to it, making it difficult to clean.
Unfortunately, a new magnetic attachment is also an additional purchase.
Installing the lens cover is similar to last year, but we’ve added blue alignment dots on the inside of the cover and on your GoPro to make it easier to install the cover. Your old Hero 12 Black lens cover will work with your new GoPro and vice versa. However, the new lenses are not backward compatible.
GoPro Hero 13 Black Camera, Features, and Performance: Minor Improvements
- Sensor – 27 megapixel
- Processor – GP2
Again, there’s not much new in both the camera and performance departments. However, the Hero 13 Black brings small improvements and some new software features. However, while the old sensor and processor are starting to show their age, GoPro has performed more magic and added new features such as burst slow motion video that can record in low 720p resolution at up to 400 fps. . You can also record at 360 fps at 900p resolution and 120 fps at 5.3K.
The action camera features HLG HDR video, improved LOG profiles, improved preset customization, more audio adjustment options, and Quick Capture to resume recording within 5 seconds while powered off. We’ve also added a flexible quick capture feature that allows you to switch to idle mode. The Hero 13 Black comes with Wi-Fi 6.0 for faster transfer speeds and brings back GPS with overlay support.
Now let’s talk about performance. With a standard lens and basic video/photo settings, the new Hero 13 Black isn’t all that different from last year’s model. I did see some differences in HDR recording with improved color on the newer cameras, but for the most part the performance is very similar. However, if you don’t mind the lower video resolution, the new slow-motion mode is quite nice. If there’s enough light, 400 fps at 720p works well and you can get some really cool shots.
Like last year, it has HyperSmooth 6.0, which still works surprisingly well unless you’re trying to shoot video in low light. Without enough light, your GoPro’s performance will continue to degrade. The competition is doing much better here, and it’s time for GoPro to do something about this.
There’s also a new 1:1 aspect ratio video recording option, which is better than last year’s 8:7 ratio. However, this ratio is only available with the new ultra-wide lens attachment.
Video quality is great even in daylight, with punchy colors. However, the heating situation is almost the same as last year. I live in a coastal town and it’s very hot here, so I think the camera would perform better if the ambient temperature wasn’t so cold. The Hero 13 Black takes good photos even in sunlight. 
Standard lens, ultra-wide-angle lens, and macro lens from top to bottom
GoPro Hero 13 Black Lens: Make your camera versatile.
- Ultra wide-angle lens – 1:1 aspect ratio, FoV 177 degrees, up to 4K60
- Macro lens – variable focus with built-in lens ring, minimum focus 11cm
- ND filter – ND4 / ND8 / ND16 / ND32
- Anamorphic Lens – 21:9 aspect ratio, in-camera de-squeeze
GoPro has gradually added new lens options over the years. After the Max Mod lens, this is the first time an action camera will feature a new lens. You could even say these are the biggest upgrades of the year, but that’s not the case because of the additional cost. However, these make the camera versatile. This lens allows you to achieve close-up shots, cinematic blur, and a 1:1 aspect ratio. It also features auto-detection, so your Hero 13 Black is set to optimal settings as soon as you attach the lens.
Automatic lens detection and new lenses only work with GoPro Hero 13 Black.
First, the new ultra-wide lens has the same FoV (177 degrees) as last year’s Max Mod 2.0, but now allows for a new 1:1 aspect ratio. The new aspect ratio is perfect for people who don’t want to take multiple shots for different social media. Although it’s a great lens for action sports, you can’t shoot super slow-motion videos with this lens.
Second, the new macro lens changes the core experience of GoPro action cameras. GoPro wasn’t made for vlogging or taking focused close-up shots. However, the Macro Lens MOD makes it possible. It also features an adjustable focus ring and focus peaking. The minimum focusing distance of the macro lens is 11cm, which is not super close-up, but it is perfect for an action camera. I had a lot of fun taking close-up shots of objects with this lens. Again, you’ll get the best results if you shoot during the day.
Anamorphic lenses are scheduled to be released in 2025
Third, there is a series of ND filters (4, 8, 16, and 32) that allow you to achieve cinematic motion blur when taking action shots. Filters also help cut out harsh lighting, and the camera automatically detects which filter is attached and tells you if you need to go one step higher or one step lower. . Shooting with an ND filter gave the riding video a cinematic feel thanks to motion blur.
Finally, the anamorphic lens, which garnered a lot of “awe” at the launch event, provides a stunning 21:9 cinematic field of view. The GoPro also automatically unsqueezes the footage so you don’t have to do it later. Unfortunately, this lens is scheduled to be released in 2025 and I wasn’t able to try it out.
GoPro Hero 13 Black Battery Life: Slightly Improved
Now, let’s talk about battery life. GoPro’s Hero 13 Black has a new battery, which is both good and bad. It’s good that the camera has longer battery life, but it’s bad because it’s not compatible with any of the previous GoPros, and vice versa.
Hero 13 Black has a new 1,900mAh battery
The new Enduro battery has noticeably improved battery life, but not by as much as GoPro claims. I managed to achieve 37 minutes of continuous recording (still) at 4K resolution (8:7, 60fps) before the GoPro stopped due to overheating. Thanks to the airflow, it lasted about 50 minutes on the bike.
GoPro Hero 13 Black Verdict
The new GoPro Hero 13 Black itself isn’t a huge upgrade over the Hero 12 Black, so if you own a 12 you probably don’t need to buy a new one. But the new camera brings a lot of versatility to the typical action camera. Then there’s the magnetic mounting system and slightly better battery life. A new GoPro is a great option if you’re buying an action camera that you’ll use primarily during the day. This is also a good choice if you plan on getting a lens attachment to do more with your action camera. If you’re looking for low-light performance, look elsewhere.
