Content can be uploaded 40% quicker thanks to the introduction of Wi-Fi 6 tech.
GPS is also back, following its disappointing omission from the Hero 12 Black.
Those are the highlight improvements.
The Anamorphic Lens Mod, available in 2025, attached to the Hero 13 Black
The camera will be available to buy from September 10.
GoPro Hero 13 Black: design and handling
Used a GoPro Hero Black camera before?
For a camera of this kind, battery performance is decent.
The Hero 13 Black’s newly designed and higher capacity battery.
The Hero 13 Blacks Lens Mod mount is new.
That totally changes with the Macro Lens Mod.
The latter replaces the battery / memory card door, and has a magnetic charging mount for on-the-go charging.
An identical form factor to the Hero 12 Black, even if a fraction weightier given the new battery inside(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
The supplied USB-C cable works with any compatible charger.
A final note on design: the Hero 13 Black is a rugged camera.
Beyond its impressive waterproofing credentials, it can withstand big tumbles.
(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
The Hero 13 Black was retrieved later on and had only suffered scuffs on its exterior.
Also provided in the subscription is unlimited cloud storage, Quik app premium edits, plus discounts on accessories.
In the video preset menu you might choose between standard, HDR and Log color profiles.
(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
For example, with the Ultra-Wide Lens Mod attached you cant shoot 5.3K video; youre limited to4K.
For HDR video, you cant shoot at 60fps because 30fps is the limit.
Im just managing your expectations.
However, thanks to the new Lens Mods, it’s possible to shoot videos with a different look.
I’ve included a video compilation (above) made with the free version of GoPro’s Quik app.
It includes music and transitions, and automatically selected highlights from the video files uploaded to my phone.
I also used the Ultra-Wide Lens Mod for some of these clips, which is limited to 4K video.
GoPro Hero 13 Black: testing scorecard
Should I buy the GoPro Hero 13 Black?
Pro modes are right there at your fingertips.
Don’t buy it if…
The standard lens is sufficientArguably the biggest single improvement in the Hero 13 Black is its new accessories.
You don’t want the cost to add upThe cost of the new accessories sure does add up.
The new Lens Mods and ND filters combined are around the same price as the camera itself.
Check out ourHero 13 Black vs Hero 12 Blackarticle for more info.
See ourHero 12 Black vs Osmo Action 4to appreciate the key differences.
The Hero 13 Black with its standard lens cover attached(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
Standard lens cover removed(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
Here comes the new Macro Lens Mod(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
You line up the blue circles and then screw-in to attach, with waterproofing maintained(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
Macro Lens Mod is automatically detected by the camera and its settings, including the available video resolutions / frame rates, are auto updated(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
Minimum focus distance is 4x closer than the standard lens, but the Macro Lens Mod is bulky and its front lens is bulbous and at risk of damage(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
Three ways to mount: the 1/4-20-inch thread, the fingers mount that folds out to attach accessories, which is now magnetic(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
The new magnetic mount attached(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
