It feels like these days every time a tech company comes out with a new product, it fails to really change all that much. A new smartphone might add a slightly better battery life or claim to fix minor problems of the past. Often times I find myself asking “is any of this really better?” GoPro’s recently announced HERO13 Black doesn’t have that problem, as it’s changing up a lot, and all the changes are easily huge benefits. Perhaps the biggest of all is their new line of HB-Series lenses, allowing you to customize the camera to fit exactly what you hope to use it for.
Seven major features of note come with the new GoPro HERO13 Black: the HB-Series lenses, power, mounting, resolution, durability, video stabilization, and imaging + sound. For imaging & sound, HLG HDR (Hybrid Log Gamma High Dynamic Range) video follows the industry standard, and 10-bit color create a more realistic look. You’ll also be able to connect the HERO13 to bluetooth headphones and microphones, both to provide commands to the camera and record audio, while the new audio tuning allows filmmakers to choose between a “Standard” and “Voice” audio mode.
HyperSmooth 6.0 brings an insane amount of stability to the camera without the need for an outside gimbal, and the option to shoot in both horizontal and vertical let the camera to function well for social media. Plus, HyperView and SuperView allow 16:9 capture in the base HERO13 Black. The camera will be waterproof to 33 feet, and a water repelling replaceable lens cover ensures perfect shots on the water.
Resolution wise, the GoPro HERO13 Black can shoot in 5.3K60, 4K120, 2.7K120, and 1080p240, plus the new Burst Slo-Mo can provide 400fps at 720p for 15-real time seconds, 900p 360fps for 15 seconds, or 5.3K 120fps for 5 seconds. Additionally, a new magnetic mounting system fixes the problem of having to unscrew the mount every time you want to grab a different angle. Keep in mind, the existing mount system still works, the Magnetic Latch Mount is just another awesome option.
A new, magnetic door charging option makes charging the camera on the go so much easier than it ever was before. The door and cable are sold separately and must be installed on the camera, but this magnetic charging option could be a game changer while filming. And yes, it’s still waterproof, even when it’s charging. Plus, GoPro’s new 1900mAh Enduro Battery allows the camera to run longer, with up to up to 2.5 hours of continuous recording.
The biggest change, of course, is the HB-Series Lenses. Four new major lens options make up the new feature. A Macro Lens Mod will allow you to get 4x closer to a subject than the standard GoPro HERO13 Black alone, and a variable focus distance means 2x, 3x, and in between is all possible. The Ultra Wide lens mod provides a 36% wider and 48% taller POV view, creating some sweet powder shots (or any other sport you might do), and the Anamorphic Lens Mod provides an undistorted 21:9 cinematic aspect ratio. Lastly, the smart motion blur neutral density filters adjust the camera’s video settings automatically, creating a professional motion blur.