GoPro HERO13 Black Review: All About the Lenses
By Gareth Bevan, published 5 September 2024
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Digital Camera World Verdict
The GoPro Hero12 Black was an excellent camera, and with not many internal changes, the Hero13 Black is still an excellent camera. Yes, I would have liked to see a bigger sensor to counter criticism of its low-light performance, but in good light, GoPro video is dazzling. The return of GPS and a larger battery offering even better run times also put a little daylight between the Hero12 and Hero13. But where the Hero13 shines is with its new accessories and HB-Series lenses, which add a new level of flexibility to the limitations of the action camera genre – and sets up an exciting future.
Pros:
– Lenses offer new creative opportunities
– GPS is back
– 400fps burst mode
– A wealth of recording options
Cons:
– No significant spec updates
– Poor low-light performance
– Almost everything new costs extra
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GoPro has been in the action camera game for around twenty years now, and in that time it has cemented its reputation as the go-to action camera brand for absolute top-quality footage. But GoPro can’t afford to rest on its laurels, with plenty of competition coming for its crown, and beating GoPro to higher resolutions and bigger sensors. The market has possibly never been more tight – yet probably never more more dull.
The last few years have seen more iterative updates with far less to get excited about. And a year after GoPro’s last flagship release, the latest GoPro Hero13 Black seems to follow suit, with another minor spec update. But don’t write the Hero13 off just yet. To see what’s new in the Hero13 Black, you just have to look outside of the camera.
The Hero13 is all about accessories, from a new magnetic power door to a magnetic latch mount, but the real potential game-changer is – lenses. The new HB-Series of lenses feels like the beginning of the next chapter for GoPro, and potentially for action cameras.
GoPro HERO13 Black: Specifications
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Sensor: 1/1.9in
Max video resolution: 5.3K/60, 4K/120, 5.3K/30 (8:7), 4K/60 (8:7)
Max photo resolution: 27MP (24.7MP from 5.3K Video)
Image stabilisation: HyperSmooth 6.0
Waterproof rating: 33ft / 10m
GPS: Yes
Rear Display: 2.27” Colour Touch LCD
Front Display Size: 1.27” Colour Touch LCD
The Hero13 Black, while internally similar to its predecessor, brings significant enhancements in the realm of accessories and lenses. The new lenses, part of the HB-Series, are designed to expand the creative possibilities of GoPro users by offering various perspectives and focal lengths that were previously unavailable with the standard GoPro HERO13 Black camera.
The HB-Series lenses include wide, medium, and narrow-angle options, which can be easily swapped out to suit different shooting scenarios. This feature is particularly appealing for users who want to capture unique angles or switch between multiple perspectives during a single shoot.
In terms of video quality, the GoPro HERO13 Black maintains the high standards expected from the brand, with 5.3K video recording capabilities and HyperSmooth 6.0 image stabilisation. While the sensor size remains unchanged from the Hero12, the inclusion of GPS and the improved battery life are welcome updates that enhance the overall experience.
Despite the lack of significant internal spec updates, the Hero13 Black continues to offer a compelling package for action camera enthusiasts. The introduction of the HB-Series lenses and the accompanying accessories demonstrate GoPro’s commitment to innovation and expanding the creative possibilities for its users.
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