GoPro HERO13 Black & GoPro HERO Officially Announced

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GoPro has unveiled its latest action camera, the Hero13 Black, which comes packed with innovative features and new accessories that take flexibility and creativity to new levels. In addition to hardware upgrades, the Hero13 Black introduces a series of accessory lenses, including an anamorphic lens, ND filters, and new mounting accessories, designed to enhance video quality and expand creative possibilities for content creators.

  • 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.

Hero13 Black: New Features and Accessories

Building on the strong foundation of previous models, the GoPro Hero13 Black retains several hallmark features, such as the highly regarded HyperSmooth image stabilization technology and the ability to capture stunning 5.3K video at 60 frames per second. The camera is built around the same 1/1.9-inch (6.3 x 5.5mm) CMOS sensor, which continues to deliver exceptional image quality. However, it’s the new accessory lenses that will likely steal the spotlight, providing users with unparalleled flexibility and creative control.

GoPro has announced three new HB-series lenses—presumably an acronym for “Hero Black”—alongside a 4-pack of ND filters. The lenses and filters feature automatic detection when attached to the camera, allowing for optimal settings based on the lens type and environment. Each lens is waterproof and scratch-resistant, ensuring durability in challenging shooting conditions.

The Ultra Wide Lens Mod captures an ultra-wide 177-degree field of view in a 1:1 aspect ratio, giving users the freedom to crop video for either horizontal or vertical formats. This lens also supports 360-degree Horizon Lock at up to 4K/60p, ensuring that the horizon remains level even if the camera rotates—a perfect solution for action-packed shots where maintaining a stable horizon is key.

For close-up photography, the Macro Lens Mod allows users to focus on objects four times closer than the standard GoPro lens. It features a variable focus ring for manual focusing to a close distance of just 11 centimeters (4.3 inches), making it ideal for capturing intricate details in nature, product photography, or other creative applications.

The Anamorphic Lens Mod brings a cinematic touch to GoPro’s offering by capturing footage in a wide 21:9 aspect ratio, similar to what is used in CinemaScope. This lens also adds a distinctive cinematic lens flare effect to footage, enhancing the aesthetic appeal. The Hero13 Black supports in-camera de-squeezing, which allows users to capture, review, and edit anamorphic footage without the need for additional steps in post-processing.

The ND-Filter 4-pack includes four neutral density filters (ND4, ND8, ND16, and ND32), which are also automatically detected by the camera. When an ND filter is attached, the Hero13 Black switches to Auto Cinematic video mode and automatically selects the best settings based on the shooting environment.

Camera Enhancements and Performance Upgrades

Beyond the accessory lenses, the Hero13 Black introduces several notable upgrades to the camera itself. One of the most exciting features is the 13x Burst Slo-Mo mode, which supports capture at 720p/400 frames per second or 5.3K/120 frames per second, offering stunning slow-motion playback. Additionally, the Hero13 Black includes “professional-level” Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) video, which uses the broadcast-standard 10-bit Rec.2100 color space to deliver a broader color gamut, giving users access to richer colors and more dynamic range in their footage.

Audio has also seen a significant upgrade with customizable tuning options. Users can now select between a balanced, “true-to-life” sound or a dedicated voice setting that enhances vocal clarity—perfect for vloggers and content creators who need to prioritize voice over background noise. The camera also integrates GPS + Performance Stickers, which track speed, path, terrain, altitude, and g-force, providing valuable data that can be overlaid on videos or used for geotagging in third-party media management apps.

The Hero13 Black is powered by a new 1900mAh battery, which offers a 10% increase in capacity and improved power efficiency. This enhancement translates to longer recording times: up to 1.5 hours of continuous recording at 5K/30p or 4K/30p, and over 2.5 hours at 1080p/30p. Faster Wi-Fi 6 technology is also included, enabling 40% faster data transfers with compatible devices.

The introduction of a new Snap and Go magnetic latch mounting system provides users with a third mounting option, alongside the built-in mounting fingers and 1/4″-20 tripod thread, further expanding the camera’s versatility.

Introducing the Compact Hero Camera

Alongside the Hero13 Black, GoPro has announced a second camera, simply branded as the Hero. Described as the “smallest, lightest, simplest to use, and lowest-cost 4K camera with a screen,” the Hero weighs only 86 grams (3 ounces)—46% lighter than the Hero13 Black and with a 35% smaller volume. It features a touchscreen and a single-button design, capturing up to 4K/30p or 2.7K/60p video and 12MP photos.

Despite its compact size, the Hero includes GoPro’s HyperSmooth image stabilization technology, ensuring smooth video capture. It is waterproof up to 5 meters (16 feet) and can run for up to 100 minutes on a single charge.

Pricing and Availability

The Hero13 Black is available in several configurations, including a camera-only option priced at $399. The Hero13 Black Creator Edition, which includes a Volta Power Grip, Media Mod, and Light Mod, is available for $599. Activity-optimized bundles are also available on GoPro’s website. All configurations are open for pre-order and are expected to ship and be in retail stores by September 10.

The Ultra Wide Lens Mod ($99), Macro Lens Mod ($129), and ND filter 4-pack ($69) are available for pre-order and will also be available on September 10. The Anamorphic Lens Mod ($129) is expected to ship in 2025.

New accessories, including 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 available for pre-order now, with shipping expected to begin on September 22.

Conclusion

GoPro’s latest releases, the Hero13 Black and the compact Hero, introduce exciting new features and accessories that continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in action photography and videography. With enhanced video capabilities, new creative tools, and improved ease of use, these cameras are poised to remain popular choices for adventurers, filmmakers, and content creators alike.