GoPro HERO 13 Black, full review: all the new features!

Like every year, GoPro unveils a new version of its iconic action camera. But what does the GoPro HERO 13 Black bring this time? What new features can we expect? Is it a real revolution or just an update? And above all, is it really worth replacing your old camera with this new model? We tell you all about it in our full review!

GoPro HERO 13 Black : Design and Accessories

Dimensions (W x H x D)	71.8 x 50.8 x 33.6 mm
Weight	154g
Screens	Front screen: 1.4″ Rear screen: 2.27″ (touchscreen)
Operating temperature	-10 ºC – 35 ºC
Waterproofing	10 meters

An almost unchanged design… but an improved fastener

It’s been a few years now since GoPro’s design has changed, or changed only slightly. On paper, the GoPro HERO 13 Black retains the same dimensions (71.8 x 50.8 x 33.6 mm) and weight (154 g) as its predecessor.

The most striking changes are to be found at the front. Although the sensor remains unchanged, a small grid has been added beneath it, replacing the 6 small holes used for the microphone. Apart from the number 13, this is probably the only element that visually distinguishes this new edition. The front screen remains unchanged: it’s still in color, but not yet touch-sensitive.

One of the real improvements lies underneath. The mounting system has been redesigned to be more complete and versatile. In addition to the brand’s famous iconic folding lugs, GoPro has added a ¼-inch universal screw pitch, great news for those who use different types of mounts.

But that’s not all: GoPro goes one step further by offering a third type of mount. The sides of the bracket are now magnetic and equipped with connectors, compatible with a new magnetic-locking mount, similar to that found on cameras from DJI, the main competitor.

HB-Series lenses: a new era in photography

While, at first glance, the lens module looks identical to previous versions, it actually conceals an interesting new feature: an additional contact point making it compatible with a whole new range of lenses, the HB-Series, designed to transform the way you shoot. The icing on the cake is that the camera can now automatically detect the lens fitted and adjust settings accordingly for optimum results.

The HB-Series range includes 7 lenses, each with unique features to meet your creative needs:

• The 4-pack of ND filters (ND4, ND8, ND16 and ND32): these filters reduce the amount of light entering the lens, enabling slower shutter speeds. Ideal for creating a motion blur effect in fast-moving scenes, they bring fluidity and naturalness to your videos.
• The ultra-wide-angle lens: as the name suggests, it considerably widens your field of vision, up to 177 degrees. This represents a view 36% wider and 48% higher than with the standard lens, perfect for capturing more detail in every scene.
• The anamorphic lens: this lens lets you capture ultra-wide-angle images with low distortion, by compressing the image horizontally. The result? A cinematic 21:9 format, like that found in movies, for immersive shots.
• The macro lens: arguably the most captivating of all, this lens lets you shoot from just 11 cm away from the subject – four times closer than the standard lens. Thanks to a rotating ring, you can manually adjust the focus between 11 and 75 cm. Not only perfect for vlogging or close-up shots, it also offers the possibility of creating a background blur – a first for action cameras, which usually have a sharp focus on the whole image. A real asset for new creative perspectives.

GoPro HERO 13 Black : Sensor and image quality

Sensor	1/1.9 inch CMOS
35 mm equivalent focal length	Min = 12 mm Max = 39 mm
Opening	f/2.5
Image formats	16:9 9:16 4:3 8:7
Maximum photo resolution	27.13 MP
Video resolution (16:9)	5.3K up to 60 fps 4K up to 120 fps 2.7K up to 240 fps 1080p up to 240 fps
Video resolution (9:16)	4K up to 60 fps 1080p up to 60 fps
Video resolution (4:3)	2.7K up to 120 fps
Video resolution (8:7)	5.3K up to 30 fps 4K up to 60 fps
Photo formats	.jpg .gpr (RAW)
Video formats	H.265 (HEVC)
Idle time	5.3K : 2x 4K : 4x 2.7K : 8x 1080p : 8x
Zoom (video)	Up to x2
Max. bit rate	120 Mbit/s

Sensors and resolutions: what’s (almost) unchanged

There are no surprises on the sensor front with this new GoPro: we find the same 1/1.9-inch sensor that made its debut with the HERO 11, and which therefore equips the camera for the third consecutive generation. If you were hoping for a major upgrade in this area, you may be a little disappointed, but the sensor is still very capable.

Maximum resolutions also remain unchanged. You still have access to 27.13 MP photos and 5.3K video at up to 60 fps, 4K at up to 120 fps, 2.7K at up to 240 fps, and 1080p at up to 240 fps. Please note, however, that these resolutions and frame rates may vary depending on the option or lens you use. For example, if you opt for theultra-wide-angle lens, the maximum resolution will increase to 4K at 60 fps.

There’s no change in image formats either. You can still choose between the following four formats: 16:9, 9:16, 4:3, and the very practical 8:7. The latter, introduced with the HERO 11, is a real asset. Its almost square format allows filming in both horizontal and vertical modes, offering great flexibility in post-production. The same video can be cropped in portrait for TikTok or Instagram, or in landscape for YouTube, without any loss of quality.

Three color profile options are available: standard, HLG HDR (a new feature this year, detailed in the next section) and the flat Log profile. For each of these profiles, you can choose between 8-bit and 10-bit colors.

Image quality: continuity and a few new features

Since the sensor remains the same, the image quality of the GoPro HERO 13 Black is similar to that of the HERO 12 and HERO 11 models. Nor has image processing evolved significantly. That said, the quality remains excellent, probably the best you’ll find on an action camera, especially in good light conditions.

However, there’s one new feature that makes all the difference: the new HLG HDR (Hybrid Log Gamma with High Dynamic Range) color profile. This mode is particularly useful for high-contrast scenes, such as in wooded environments. You’ll see better color retention and sharper detail in shadows and highlights. For example, the blue of the sky will remain intact, where it would tend to fade to white on a GoPro 11 or 12. However, this mode is designed for specific situations and may not be useful in all cases.

As far as low-light performance is concerned, there’s no noticeable improvement to report. In fact, the image appears slightly darker than on previous versions. On the other hand, stabilization has been improved in these conditions, suggesting that GoPro has chosen to favor image stability over greater brightness.

GoPro HERO 13 Black : Features

Stabilization	HyperSmooth 6.0
Number of microphones	3
Storage	microSD card up to 1TB
Connectivity	USB-C Wi-Fi 6 Bluetooth 5.3

The GoPro HERO 13 naturally includes all the well-known settings and modes of the previous version. You can still play around with the different viewing angles, including Superview (equivalent to 16 mm) and Hyperview (equivalent to 12 mm), as well as take advantage of the many creative functions such as time-lapse videos with Timelapse and TimeWarp, or night modes such as Light Painting, Vehicle Lights and Star Trails, which create superb light trail effects.

There’s nothing new on the stabilization front either. The famous HyperSmooth, still in version 6.0, remains unchanged, but is probably still the best stabilization available on the market today.

As far as new features are concerned, even if there aren’t many, there are still some interesting additions. In addition to the aforementioned HLG HDR mode, the HERO 13 introduces the Burst Slow Motion function, perfect for slow-motion enthusiasts. This mode lets you capture at 120 fps in 5.3K (for x4 slow motion) for 5 seconds, at 360 fps in 900p(for 10 seconds), and even at 400 fps in 720p (for 15 seconds).

GPS, which was removed from the HERO 12, makes a comeback on the HERO 13. Thanks to the Quik application, you can once again add telemetry data such as speed, altitude and G-force directly to your videos, in the form of animated graphics, a valuable asset for those who want to enrich their shots.

On the audio side, although the manufacturer claims an improvement in sound, the difference is not really obvious to the ear. On the other hand, the ability to connect a wireless microphone via Bluetooth, or even Bluetooth headphones like the AirPods, is a real plus. A new option also lets you isolate your voice to bring it more to the fore, and even if the difference is subtle, it’s still a slight improvement.

Finally, in terms of connectivity, Wi-Fi 6 compatibility makes its appearance, increasing the speed of file transfer to your smartphone by 40%, a significant time-saver for regular users.

GoPro HERO 13 Black : Battery and autonomy

Batteries	Enduro 1900 mAh battery
Autonomy	1h30 video recording at 5.3K 2h30 video recording at 1080p

One of the major new features of the GoPro HERO 13 Black concerns the power supply. This new version is equipped with a brand-new 1900 mAh Enduro battery, offering increased capacity that translates into improved autonomy. According to GoPro, you can now film in 5.3K for 1h30 and in 1080p for 2h30. A welcome improvement for users eager for long shooting sessions.

However, there’s one important point to note: this new battery is not backward-compatible with the HERO 12 and earlier models. The reason? It’s slightly larger. Similarly, if you have batteries from your old GoPro, you won’t be able to use them with the HERO 13. So, if you’re used to juggling several batteries, you’ll need to consider renewing your entire stock.

The other interesting innovation concerns charging the camera. GoPro is launching a new accessory called the Contacto kit, which includes a magnetic power cable and a new battery door. To use it, all you have to do is replace the original door with this new hatch featuring magnetic connectors. The big advantage? You can quickly recharge the battery without removing it, via any USB-C power source. Even better, this solution allows you to power the camera continuously, even if the battery is missing. And the icing on the cake: the whole thing remains perfectly waterproof, so you can use it underwater without a care in the world!

GoPro HERO 13 Black : Packs and Prices

Standard Pack	449.99€	See on Amazon
Creator Edition Pack	679.99€	See on Amazon

The GoPro HERO 13 Black is available from €449.99 for the standard pack, which includes basic accessories. At this price, you’ll get the camera accompanied by an Enduro battery, a curved adhesive mount (ideal for helmets, for example), a mounting loop, a screw, a USB-C cable, and of course, some GoPro stickers to decorate your gear.

For those looking for a little more accessories, the HERO 13 Black with accessories pack is priced at €499.99. It adds a second Enduro battery, a floating grip, three additional curved mounts, a storage case, and a 64 GB microSD card. At just €50 more than the standard pack, it’s a very attractive option if you want to set off well-equipped.

If you’re tempted by the new HB-Series lenses, you can opt for packs that include these lenses at a reduced rate compared to buying them separately. For example, the pack with the ultra-wide-angle lens is priced at €539.99, allowing you to get this lens for €90 instead of €109.99 on its own. The pack with the 4 ND filters is priced at €514.99, bringing the price of the filters down to €65 (from €79.99 separately). Finally, the pack with the macro lens is priced at €564.99, or €115 for this lens, normally priced at €139.99.

GoPro also offers seven other themed packs, specially designed for different types of activity. For example, the Diving pack at €609.99 includes a waterproof housing and a diving handle, while the Surf pack at €519.99 contains a floating protection, a mouth mount, and surfboard bindings. You can consult the full list of these packs on the manufacturer’s online store.

Finally, for content creators and vloggers, the brand offers a Creator Edition pack at €679. This pack includes the elements of the standard pack, but also adds the Volta handle (which acts as a remote control and tripod), a media module (removable protection with windproof foam), and an auxiliary light, for an ideal vlogging configuration.

Conclusion GoPro HERO 13 Black: the action camera for you?

In short, the GoPro HERO 13 Black doesn’t represent a major revolution. It’s more of a minor update than a leap forward in the series. Those hoping for 8K resolution or a larger sensor will have to wait, at least until next year.

That said, this version does bring a few interesting new features: a truly practical, redesigned mount, improved battery life, and a slow-motion burst mode that will delight slow-motion enthusiasts. And above all, the new HB-Series lenses open up new creative perspectives, notably with theMacro lens, which potentially transforms this action camera into a powerful vlogging tool. But beware, these accessories, sold separately, aren’t cheap.

In short, although the GoPro HERO 13 doesn’t revolutionize the action camera range or market, it remains a safe bet. Image quality is still top-notch – probably the best on the market – but we mustn’t forget that the competition is closing in fast. Let’s hope GoPro comes up with something more striking to maintain its lead.

I already have the GoPro HERO 12, should I buy the GoPro HERO 13 Black?

If you already own the GoPro HERO 12 (or even the 11), unless you’re eager to take advantage of one of the new features, such as the Macro lens, there’s really no need to upgrade to the HERO 13. Other improvements remain relatively modest, and the essentials – namely image quality, resolution and frame rates – remain unchanged.

Meanwhile, what is the competition up to? Check out our full review here:
➡️ DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro

📷 Wondering how the HERO 13 compares to the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro? Read our GoPro HERO 13 vs DJI Action 5 comparison and find out which one comes out on top!