The fundamentals are all the same as the Hero12 Black, which is to say, theyre great.
Theres also the fact that the Hero Black line is the original winning formula why meddle with what works?
Does GoPro still have what it takes to maintain its record?
Wide FoV(Image credit: Future / Peter Wolinski)
Find out in this GoPro Hero13 Black review.
GoPro hasnt raised the price over the Hero12 Black, which also launched at $399.
Controls & connectivity
Most features and controls are tweaked via the menu on the rear screen.
I much prefer Insta360s menu system, where I never have such issues.
Of further annoyance is the USB-C port, which as with previous models is underneath the battery hatch.
This is a feature that both Insta360 and DJI have had for a while.
Waterproofing
Waterproofing hasnt changed from the Hero12 Black, at 33 feet (10 meters).
For water-based activities, its DJI all the way.
If youre moto-vlogging or shooting extreme sports, this is what you want.
For vlogging, I found the autofocus a little lacking.
GoPro Hero13 Black review: Stabilization
GoPros HyperSmooth stabilization system is excellent.
Before now, GoPro and Insta360 have boasted comparably ferocious autofocus systems, with DJI dragging a little behind.
Below you’re free to see how the default Wide and ultra-wide HyperView look.
The video shot for the autofocus section above uses Linear, for less barrel distortion.
The fine text on the amps control panel is still visible, but it isnt a good looking picture.
Timelapse
Making a return from the Hero12 Black are GoPros fun timelapse modes.
There are modes for capturing star trails, light painting and vehicle lights.
These all use long exposures to paint light trails, producing both a photo and video.
I shot this usingGoPro’s Fetch Dog Harness($39), which I highly recommend.
Neither make it as easy as the GoPro to capture as many specific types of light trails, though.
The OA5 Pro is the only of the three to also offer a hyperlapse mode.
Lens mods
The Hero13 Black puts on a fairly respectable display audio-wise.
Its free, straightforward to set up and start using, and reliable in use.
It makes wireless hook up easy, for updating firmware, remote control and file transfers.
The Quik app also offers a decent array of editing features, including trimming, filters and exposure controls.
In my standardized 4K/60p indoors action camera battery testing, the GoPro Hero13 Black managed 80 minutes before dying.
That’s pretty good, and an improvement over previous generations.
Wide FoV(Image credit: Future / Peter Wolinski)
This test, being indoors, naturally stress tests camera thermals.
The Hero13 Black overheated after 54 minutes, which is 11 minutes longer than the OA5 Pro.
GoPro Hero13 Black review: How does it compare?
HyperView FoV(Image credit: Future / Peter Wolinski)
