GoPro Hero 13 action cam comes with clip-on lenses
GoPro is releasing two models this fall: the affordable, compact Hero 4K camera and the classic Hero 13 Black with interchangeable clip-on lenses and filters.
The GoPro Hero 13 Black has a detachable lens. It can be replaced with a wide-angle or macro lens, for example.
(Image: GoPro)
The action cam manufacturer GoPro is releasing two new devices in September. The GoPro Hero 13 Black action cam continues the company's main product range. In the future, users will be able to use various clip-on lenses and filters. A more powerful battery also ensures longer runtimes.
Compact and lightweight: GoPro Hero
Weighing 86 grams, the GoPro Hero has roughly the same dimensions and weight as a Bluetooth earphone case. This means it fits on a ski or mountain bike helmet – or around the neck of a pet.
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The small and large cameras are operated via a touch display on the back. The compact Hero essentially offers two video modes: 4K or 1080p, both at 30 frames per second. It also takes 12 megapixel photos. As with the main model, the 1080p mode saves battery power. The small Hero is also waterproof. It will be released on September 22 for 229.99 euros.
(Image:Â GoPro)
Successor to the classic: GoPro Hero 13 Black
In terms of the front and main display as well as the photo and video resolution, the new Hero 13 Black is unchanged from its predecessor. At 720p, the Hero 13 can now record 400 images per second for 13x slow motion; at 5.3K, it can record 120.
It also captures HDR images in 10-bit color depth. It also contains a GPS module. In addition to the current position, it records telemetry data that can be used to calculate the speed.
Three clip-on lenses and a filter set
Three different clip-on lenses are available for the Hero 13 Black. They are mounted with a quarter turn. The Hero automatically recognizes the lenses and applies a suitable setting profile.
The ultra-wide lens extends the angle of view to 177 degrees – 36 percent more in width and 48 percent in height for POV (point of view) recordings. By default, the camera outputs the video in a 1:1 ratio.
(Image:Â GoPro)
According to the manufacturer, the macro lens allows recordings at a focus distance of 11 centimeters. This is four times closer than with the conventional lens. It is said to achieve an appealing bokeh effect.
(Image:Â GoPro)
According to the manufacturer, the anamorphic lens draws the wide-angle image precisely for shots in the 21:9 and 16:9 film formats, which are suitable for cinema. It is said to produce horizontal lens reflections.
(Image:Â GoPro)
In addition, four ND filters can be used. These neutral density filters (or simply gray filters) absorb light and thus increase the shutter speed, which in turn creates motion blur. The set contains the four strengths 4, 8, 16 and 32 for different lighting situations from bright daylight to twilight. Here too, the camera automatically adjusts its settings. Professionals can override them manually.
Stronger battery and waterproof power supply unit
The Hero 13 comes with a 1900 mAh battery. The previous model had a battery with 1720 mAh. The camera should also work more efficiently. In initial tests, the battery lasted – as promised by GoPro – for 90 minutes with 5.3K video recording and standard settings. The camera recorded 1080p video for 2.5 hours on a single charge.
A side flap with a magnetic connection to a charging cable is available as an option. This "Magnetic Link" provides the camera with a continuous power supply, even underwater. Like the previous model, the housing is IPX7 waterproof to a depth of 10 meters. This also includes the magnetic charging cable.
(Image:Â GoPro)
Prices and availability
GoPro plans to sell the Hero 13 Black from September 10 for 449.99 euros. The wide-angle lens will cost an additional 109.99 euros, the macro and anamorphic lenses 139.99 euros each and the ND filter set 79.99 euros. Almost all lenses are available immediately. According to the manufacturer, the anamorphic lens will follow in the first half of 2025. The magnetic power cable costs 89.99 euros, a magnetic holder 29.99 euros.
With the Premium subscription for 49.99 euros (with a 50 percent discount in the first year), users can use 25 GB of cloud storage space, but not Hypersmooth video stabilization. This requires a Premium+ subscription for 99.99 euros per year with 500 GB of cloud storage. (akr)
