GoPro, the leader in action cameras, has officially unveiled its latest flagship model, the HERO13 Black, along with a new, simplified camera simply called the “Hero.” The HERO13 Black brings a host of new features and accessories designed to enhance the user experience, while the new Hero offers a lightweight, easy-to-use option at a more affordable price. Together, these releases signal GoPro’s continued commitment to innovation and versatility in the action camera market.
- GoPro HERO13 Black: $399.99 at B&H, Adorama.
- GoPro HERO13 Black Creator Edition: $599.99 at B&H, Adorama.
- GoPro HERO Compact Action Camera: $199.99 at B&H.
GoPro HERO13 Black: A New Era of Flexibility and Performance
The HERO13 Black builds on the success of its predecessors with several new features and upgrades that make it an even more powerful tool for creators. It retains popular features from earlier models, such as GoPro’s renowned HyperSmooth image stabilization and the ability to capture high-resolution 5.3K video at 60 frames per second. The camera continues to use the same Type 1/1.9 (6.3 x 5.5mm) CMOS sensor, ensuring continuity in image quality.
However, the standout feature of the HERO13 Black is its support for a range of new accessory lenses that significantly enhance the camera’s versatility. These new lenses include the Ultra Wide Lens Mod, Macro Lens Mod, and Anamorphic Lens Mod, along with a 4-pack of ND filters. Each of these accessories offers unique capabilities, allowing users to tailor their setup to different shooting environments and styles.
The new lenses and filters are designed to be automatically detected by the HERO13 Black once attached, which enables the camera to automatically adjust its settings for optimal performance based on the lens type and shooting conditions. All these lenses are waterproof and scratch-resistant, maintaining GoPro’s reputation for durability in even the most challenging environments.
A Closer Look at the New Lens Mods
The Ultra Wide Lens Mod is particularly noteworthy for its ability to capture an expansive 177° field of view in a 1:1 aspect ratio. This ultra-wide perspective offers greater flexibility for creators who wish to crop their footage for different formats, such as horizontal or vertical videos. It also supports 360° Horizon Lock up to 4K/60p, which ensures that the horizon remains level even if the camera itself rotates during filming.
The Macro Lens Mod allows users to focus on subjects up to four times closer than with the standard GoPro lens. This lens is ideal for capturing small details and textures with incredible clarity. A variable focus ring gives users the ability to manually adjust the focus, with a close focusing distance of just 11 cm (4.3 inches), allowing for creative control over shots that require precision.
The Anamorphic Lens Mod is designed for those looking to achieve a cinematic look with their action camera footage. It captures video in a wide 21:9 aspect ratio, similar to the format used in CinemaScope movies, and can create a dramatic lens flare effect that enhances the cinematic feel. GoPro has added in-camera de-squeezing, enabling users to capture, review, and edit anamorphic footage directly on the camera without additional post-processing steps.
The ND Filter 4-Pack includes filters with varying levels of light reduction (ND4, ND8, ND16, ND32). These filters are designed to help photographers and videographers manage exposure in bright conditions, allowing for more creative control over motion blur and depth of field. Once an ND filter is attached, the HERO13 Black automatically switches to Auto Cinematic video mode, optimizing the settings for the best possible footage based on the lighting conditions.
New Camera Features and Accessories
In addition to the new lenses, the HERO13 Black comes with several notable upgrades to its core features. The camera now includes a 13x Burst Slo-Mo mode, allowing users to capture high-speed action in ultra-slow motion at either 720/400p or 5.3K/120p. For those seeking professional-grade color reproduction, the HERO13 Black introduces Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) video, which utilizes the broadcast-standard 10-bit Rec.2100 color space to deliver a wider color gamut and enhanced dynamic range.
Audio capabilities have also been enhanced, with customizable audio tuning options that let users choose between a balanced, true-to-life sound profile or a voice-optimized setting for improved vocal clarity. GPS and performance stickers provide real-time tracking information, such as speed, path, terrain, altitude, and g-force, which can be integrated into videos or used for geotagging in third-party media management apps.
The HERO13 Black also features a new 1900mAh battery, boasting a 10% increase in capacity and improved power efficiency. This battery offers extended recording times, such as up to 1.5 hours of continuous shooting in 5K/30p or 4K/30p modes, and over 2.5 hours at 1080/30p. Faster Wi-Fi 6 technology enables 40% quicker data transfers with compatible devices, making it easier to share and upload content.
Mounting options have been expanded with the addition of the Snap and Go magnetic latch system, which complements the existing built-in mounting fingers and 1/4″-20 tripod thread. This new system provides a quick and secure way to mount the camera and switch between different mounts.
GoPro has also announced several new accessories, including the Contacto Magnetic Door and Power Cable Kit, which allows for weatherproof external power connection, and new Magnetic Latch and Ball Joint mounts that are compatible with existing GoPro mounts for seamless integration.
Introducing the Compact Hero Camera
Alongside the HERO13 Black, GoPro has also released a new camera simply called the Hero. Marketed as the “smallest, lightest, simplest to use, and lowest-cost 4K camera ever with a screen,” the new Hero is an affordable, entry-level option for those who want the essential GoPro experience. Weighing just 86 grams (3 ounces), it is 46% lighter and 35% smaller than the HERO13 Black.
Despite its smaller size, the Hero is packed with useful features. It offers a touchscreen interface and a single-button design for easy operation. The Hero can capture up to 4K/30p or 2.7K/60p video, as well as 12MP photos. Like the HERO13 Black, it includes HyperSmooth image stabilization for smooth footage and is waterproof to a depth of 5 meters (16 feet). GoPro claims it has a battery life of up to 100 minutes on a single charge, making it a great option for everyday adventures.
Price and Availability
The GoPro HERO13 Black is available in multiple configurations, including the camera-only option for $399, and the Hero13 Black Creator Edition for $599, which includes the Volta Power Grip, Media Mod, and Light Mod. The camera, along with the new lenses and accessories, is available for pre-order now and is expected to be in retail stores on September 10.
The accessory prices are as follows: Ultra Wide Lens Mod ($99), Macro Lens Mod ($129), ND Filter 4-Pack ($69), and the Anamorphic Lens Mod ($129, available in 2025). The Contacto Magnetic Door and Power Cable Kit ($79), Magnetic Latch ($25), and Ball Joint Mount ($40) are also available for pre-order.
The compact Hero camera is priced at $199 and is set to ship on September 22.
With these two new cameras and a range of innovative accessories, GoPro continues to offer flexible and powerful tools for creators, adventurers, and casual users alike, solidifying its position as a leader in the action camera market.
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