INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
GoPro Hero 13 Black, HB-Series lenses, and magnetic mount4 min read Last Updated : Sep 26 2024 | 11:02 AM IST
GoPro has launched the Hero
13 Black, an upgrade to its popular action camera line
Alongside, it has also launched a new model, the Hero, aimed at entry-level users
However, the spotlight remains on the Hero 13 Black, which seeks to serve both beginners and professionals alike
It introduces several new features, most notably a swappable lens system, a first for both GoPro and the action camera segment at
large.Design
At first glance, the Hero 13 Black closely resembles its predecessor, the Hero 12 Black, but there are some subtle yet
The most notable among these is the new magnetic latch mounting system
GoPro's traditional finger-based mounting system, while secure, was cumbersome to use
new feature of the GoPro Hero 13 Black is its support for swappable HB-series lenses
This is a first for GoPro and brings a level of versatility to action cameras that was previously unavailable
These lenses, sold separately, offer a variety of options, including:
A macro lens with variable focus for close-up shots
An
ultra-wide-angle lens for an expanded point-of-view
An anamorphic lens for cinematography-quality capture (coming in 2025)
ND filters
for dynamic motion blur
These lenses will allow users to customise the GoPro for different shooting conditions, making the Hero 13 Black
suitable for a wide range of scenarios from extreme sports to professional filmmaking.
Moreover, GoPro has introduced an auto-detection
feature for these lenses, allowing the camera to automatically adjust settings based on the lens type in use
This auto-detect function simplifies the process for users, ensuring optimal capture settings without the need for manual
intervention.Battery
In a notable departure from previous models, the Hero 13 Black features a different battery connector, which means
that older GoPro batteries are incompatible with this model
However, GoPro compensates for this by equipping the Hero 13 Black with a new 1900mAh Endure battery
According to GoPro, this battery is more resilient in extreme weather conditions and provides an extended capture time compared to its
Though its claims are promising, I will reserve my view on the battery life and improvements, if any, for the in-depth
review.Connectivity
Connectivity also sees an upgrade with the Hero 13 Black, as it now supports Wi-Fi 6 for faster media offloading to
This improvement is especially beneficial for users who rely on quick transfers of high-resolution footage to their smartphones
Furthermore, GPS functionality, which was removed in the Hero 12 Black, makes a welcome return, allowing users to track and overlay location
data on their footage.
However, some limitations remain for users in India, as GoPro does not offer its subscription service in the
This means the cloud-based auto-highlight feature, a useful function for generating quick edits, is unavailable to Indian users
Despite this, the improved Wi-Fi speeds and other connectivity features remain valuable additions.First impressions
The GoPro Hero 13
Black brings several notable upgrades, from the HB-series lenses to the improved mounting system and connectivity features
These changes may seem small but could have a big impact on user experience
It is shaping up to be a first-of-its-kind action camera
A full review with in-depth testing will follow soon.GoPro Hero 13 Black: PricingCamera: Rs 44,990Ultra-wide lens mod: Rs 9,990.Macro lens
