 |
| Image: GoPro |
GoPro has announced its newest action camera, the Hero13 Black. In addition to new in-camera features, the Hero13 Black also supports a variety of accessory lenses, including an anamorphic lens, ND filters, and new mounting accessories.
The Hero13 Black retains the features found on earlier models, including GoPro’s impressive HyperSmooth image stabilization technology for video and 5.3K/60p video capture. It is built around the same Type 1/1.9 (6.3 x 5.5mm) CMOS sensor. However, the new accessory lenses will likely grab most of the attention as they bring a new level of flexibility to GoPro cameras.
Buy now:
 |
|
GoPro’s new HB-series of lenses for the Hero13 Black include ultra-wide, macro, and anamorphic lenses and an ND 4-pack. Image: GoPro |
GoPro has announced three new HB-series lenses (which we assume stands for ‘Hero Black’) and a 4-pack of ND filters. The lenses and filters are automatically detected when attached to the camera, which GoPro says will provide optimal settings based on the lens type and environment. The lenses are waterproof and scratch-resistant.
The Ultra Wide Lens Mod captures an ultra-wide 177° field of view in a 1:1 aspect ratio, providing more freedom to crop video for horizontal or vertical video use. This lens also supports 360° Horizon Lock at up to 4K/60p, ensuring that the horizon in your video stays level even if the camera rotates.
The Macro Lens Mod makes it possible to focus on objects 4x closer than the standard GoPro lens, and a variable focus ring allows you to manually focus to a close focus distance of 11cm (4.3″).
 |
|
The Ultra Wide Lens Mod captures a wide 177º field of view in a 1:1 aspect ratio for later cropping. Image: GoPro |
The Anamorphic Lens Mod captures a wide-angle perspective in a 21:9 aspect ratio, similar to CinemaScope. Go Pro says it can also add cinematic lens flare to footage. The Hero13 Black supports in-camera de-squeezing, allowing users to capture, review and edit anamorphic footage without additional steps in post-processing.
The ND-Filter 4-pack includes four ND filters (ND4, ND8, ND16, ND32) that are automatically detected by the camera. When attached, the camera switches to Auto Cinematic video mode and attempts to choose the best settings for the shooting environment.
In addition to accessory lenses, there are some notable upgrades to the camera itself. The Hero13 Black includes a 13x Burst Slo-Mo mode that supports 720/400p or 5.3K/120p capture. It also includes what GoPro describes as “professional-level” Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) video, which uses the broadcast-standard 10-bit Rec.2100 color space to deliver a wider color gamut.
 |
|
GPS + Performance stickers track speed, path, terrain, altitude and g-force and can help with geotagging in third-party media management apps. Image: GoPro |
The camera also includes customizable audio tuning, allowing users to select between balanced, “true-to-life” sound or a voice setting that improves vocal clarity. GPS + Performance Stickers track speed, path, terrain, altitude and g-force and can help with geotagging in third-party media management apps.
The Hero13 Black uses a new 1900mAh battery. According to GoPro, it combines a 10% increase in capacity with improved power efficiency to deliver longer runtimes, including 1.5 hours of continuous recording in 5K/30p or 4K/30p modes and over 2.5 hours at 1080/30p. The camera also includes faster Wi-Fi 6 technology for 40% faster data transfer with compatible devices.
In addition to internal changes, a new Snap and Go magnetic latch mounting system joins the existing built-in mounting fingers and 1/4″-20 tripod thread, providing a third way to mount the Hero13 Black.
Alongside the new camera, GoPro announced new accessories, including the Contacto Magnetic Door and Power Cable kit, a power extension that magnetically attaches to a specially designed door and provides an easy, weatherproof way to power the camera from an external source. New Magnetic Latch and Ball Joint mounts provide a quick way to move the camera between mounts and are compatible with all existing GoPro mounts.
 |
|
The Contacto Magnetic Door and Power Cable kit provides a weatherproof way to power the camera from an external source. Image: GoPro |
Compact Hero camera
Finally, in addition to the Hero13 Black, GoPro announced a second camera, branded simply as the Hero, which is described as the “Smallest, lightest, simplest to use and lowest cost 4K camera ever with a screen.” It weighs just 86g (3oz.), 46% lighter than the Hero13 Black and 35% less volume.
 |
|
The Hero is GoPro’s smallest 4K camera with a built-in screen. Image: GoPro |
The Hero uses a touchscreen and single button design and can capture up to 4K/30p or 2.7K/60p video and 12MP photos. It includes GoPro’s HyperSmooth image stabilization technology for smooth video and is waterproof to 5m (16ft.) According to GoPro, it will run for up to 100 minutes on a single charge.
Price and availability
The Hero13 Black is available in different configurations, including camera-only ($399), the Hero13 Black Creator Edition, which includes a Volta Power Grip, Media Mod and Light Mod ($599), as well as activity-optimized bundles at GoPro’s website. It’s available for pre-order now and is expected to ship and be available in retail stores on September 10.
The Ultra Wide Lens Mod ($99), Macro Lens Mod ($129) and ND filter 4-pack ($69) are available for pre-order now. Like the Hero13 Black camera, they will be available on September 10. The Anamorphic Lens Mod ($129) will be available sometime 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 now.
The compact Hero camera ($199) is available for pre-order today and is expected to ship on September 22.
Buy now:
Author:
This article comes from DP Review and can be read on the original site.
