GoPro Hero 13 Black Review: A Step Forward, but Not a Revolution

The GoPro Hero 13 Black represents a significant update in GoPro’s flagship action camera lineup, introducing features like interchangeable lenses and magnetic mounting. However, while these new additions open up exciting possibilities, some core components, such as the sensor and processor, remain unchanged from previous generations.

Rating: 7/10

The Good:

Interchangeable Lenses: A major highlight of the Hero 13 Black is the new interchangeable lens system, which adds versatility with options like Macro, Ultra Wide, and Anamorphic lenses. The camera auto-detects the lens attached and adjusts settings accordingly, making it user-friendly for photographers and videographers.
Magnetic Mounting: The introduction of a magnetic mounting system finally brings GoPro up to par with competitors like DJI and Insta360, allowing for easy transitions between mounts.
Improved Battery Life: The new bigger battery offers around 10% better performance than the Hero 12, lasting up to 1 hour and 45 minutes in optimal conditions.
Log Video Support and HDR: The Hero 13 Black delivers excellent Log video support for color grading and enhanced HDR capabilities, including support for Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG), which significantly improves video quality compared to the previous model.

The Not-So-Good:

Same Sensor and Processor: The Hero 13 Black uses the same 27-megapixel sensor and processor found in the Hero 11 and Hero 12. This lack of a hardware upgrade means that, despite new features, the camera’s low-light performance and maximum video resolution of 5.3K remain unchanged.
Low-Light Performance: Despite improvements in other areas, low-light performance is still subpar compared to competitors like the DJI Action 5 Pro, making the Hero 13 less ideal for indoor or nighttime shooting.
Battery Compatibility Issues: The new battery system, while offering better life, is incompatible with older GoPro batteries, adding extra costs for those looking to upgrade.

New Features Worth Mentioning:

Contacto USB-C Pass-Through Charging: A magnetic charge door allows for USB-C pass-through charging while maintaining water resistance, a feature not available in previous models or third-party alternatives.
Voice Audio Mode: The new Voice Audio mode prioritizes voice recording, muting ambient noise. While not as good as a dedicated mic, it’s a noticeable improvement for quick vlogs or action commentary.

Should You Buy It?

If you’re new to action cameras or are upgrading from an older GoPro model, the GoPro Hero 13 Black offers solid features, especially the interchangeable lens system and improved battery life. However, the lack of updates to the sensor and processor makes it hard to recommend as an upgrade if you already own a recent GoPro model.

For those frequently shooting in low-light conditions, you might want to consider the upcoming DJI Action 5 Pro, which offers better indoor performance. If you can wait, the next iteration, the Hero 14, might bring the more substantial upgrades that longtime users are hoping for.