GoPro Hero 13 Archives

Which GoPro Should I Buy?

Posted on September 28, 2024September 28, 2024 by DemonView

This seems to be a question that pops up on a regular basis. There are a lot of models to choose from and people want to know which model would suit them best. So, in this article we’ll be looking at which model may suit you best for your needs in order to save you some money. After all, why buy the latest model if you’re not going to use all the features on offer?

Things to note, I’m only going to concentrate models from the Hero 11 onwards. The reason being that previous models are just outdated at this stage and trying to find original GoPro batteries, replacement parts etc. is just not worth the time or effort.

So should I buy a 2nd hand model?

Remember, you get what you pay for! There’s a reason someone’s getting rid of it!!

A lot of people think that buying 2^nd hand will save them some money and they can get a great deal. I myself, have some reservations about 2^nd hand models. GoPro’s are action cameras used to record extreme action such as snowboarding, mountain biking, sky diving, car racing etc. You really have no idea what types of hard knocks, bangs or environments that a 2nd hand GoPro has been subjected to. Plus, if you buy 2^nd hand, you’re buying at your own risk without a manufacturer’s warranty. On top of that, realize if you do have an issue with your camera and try contacting GoPro themselves, they may not be able to offer you support or a replacement if the camera has previously been reported as lost or stolen. Older models are pretty much outdated in terms of stabilization and features and for all of those reasons, I tend to avoid 2^nd hand.

So many cameras, so many options, let’s make it an easy decision!

So which model should I buy?

Well, let’s take a look at the models that are currently on offer, what their features are and which model is right for you!

GoPro Hero 2024, GoPro’s smallest and lightest camera!

The Hero 2024 $199

This is one of the smallest and lightest GoPro cameras ever. It’s tiny! Yet this camera is capable of recording 4K video @ 30FPS. Since this is GoPro’s “Budget” camera, there are certain features it doesn’t have.

No GPS

No External Mic Support

Limited video modes (no HDR or LOG video options)

Limited photo modes

No “in camera” stabilization (stabilization is applied automatically via the app).

No Webcam mode

No add on lens options.

Only weighs 86 Grams!

Who should buy this camera:

I would purchase this if you want a cheap (GoPro quality) camera or a B roll camera. If you’re not an avid film maker and just want something small, light, for capturing video’s quickly and simply, this is the camera for you. If you’re buying a GoPro for a younger family member and it’s their first camera, this may also be the camera you want due to its low cost.

Anything else to know?

Yes, since there is no “in camera” stabilization, stabilization is applied automatically via the GoPro app. This means you will need to install the app on an Android or iOS device in order to stabilize the footage. While this model camera is a great offering from GoPro, realize that it’s also their least featured camera as a result.

The GoPro Hero 11. For just $60 you get a LOT more options!

The GoPro Hero 11 ecommerce model $259.99:

This is one of GoPro’s best models that they ever released. For just $60 more than the entry level GoPro this really is well worth the step up. It was a huge upgrade over previous models for the following reasons.

Taller 8:7 sensor (ideal for re-framing for different social media platforms without resolution loss)

10 bit color (a huge improvement over the 8 bit color from previous models)

“In camera” night effects (idea for light painting, star trails shots etc, without the need for post processing).

Max Lens Mod Support (for 360 degree horizon lock in 2.7K)

Onboard GPS ideal for track days or hikes.

Who should buy this camera?

This camera is suited to those that want a small form factor action camera to quickly post video clips to various social media platforms. If you want to upload a short to YouTube, Instagram Reels, Facebook etc., and then use the same clip for a long form video later on, the taller 8:7 sensor is ideal for this. If you want to get into vlogging later on, then the media mod add on will allow you to attach external mics, lights and even gives you a HDMI out. Add the Max Lens mod for an even wider FOV if you’re doing some serious action sports and want that sense of immersion and speed.

If you want “most” of the capabilities of the latest GoPro model but on a budget price, this is the one to go for.

Anything else to know?

I would consider the Hero 11 to be the “All-rounder” camera. It is a hugely capable camera that you can use to create stunning video. The “in camera” night effects also mean that with very little effort, you can create stunning video that will amaze your audience with very little effort. However later models did add some features that you may want to consider before purchasing.

The GoPro Hero 12. Stunning video quality, great HDR output, truly cinematic!

The GoPro Hero 12 $345.99

This is one of GoPro’s most controversial models that was ever released. Why? Well simply put, this is a GoPro Hero 11 with the GPS removed. Other than the missing GPS, every single hardware component is the same as the Hero 11. However, what GoPro did for this camera was completely re-write the firmware from the ground up. This was a huge undertaking and the results…. are amazing. Here’s what the Hero 12 offers that the Hero 11 doesn’t (thanks to that new firmware)

Longer operating times as the camera o/s has been optimized.

Max Lens Mod 2.0 support (for 360 degree horizon lock in 4K resolution)

Bluetooth audio support (connect your headset to the camera to record audio and control the camera)

Re-nameable presets (something users have wanted, now they have it!)

HDR video (great for dual exposure requirements)

Timecode sync (great for multicam or audio devices that use timecode)

Variable bit rate recording

GPLog support (for the flattest picture profile available).

Who should buy this camera?

Serious action sports enthusiasts who want the very best frame rates and resolutions possible. The Max Lens Mod 2.0 is a huge step up from the previous Max Lens mod and offers a much wider FOV in 4K. If you’re also a serious editor and want the flattest picture possible for color grading in post, the GPLog offers that (it can also be tweaked with the GoPro Labs Firmware). Serious Motor Vloggers will also want to take advantage of the Max Lens Mod 2.0. Now you’ll get a much more expansive view while talking to the camera in and around your vehicle. The HDR video also is fantastic for filming inside your car while avoiding over exposure/blowout whites outside of the vehicle. If you’re a serious film maker/action content creator/vlogger, then this is the camera for you.

Anything else to know?

Since the Hero 12 does not have GPS on board, those of you wanting a “Track Day” camera may want to look towards the Hero 11 or Hero 13 or record GPS with a separate device (which is what serious track day enthusiasts do anyway). Although Bluetooth audio is supported, it’s actually quite low quality and honestly, it makes for better camera control when the camera is outside the vehicle rather than recording usable vocal content. The GPLog option will give you the best video possible for color grading in post, but if you’re used to color grading in post, then using GPLog will give you a flat, faded, washed out picture (which is actually what you want for color grading) but for the uninitiated, they may wonder why their picture doesn’t “Pop”. However, if you are serious about content creation, this is the model you want!

The GoPro Hero 13:

Another controversial model but only slightly. Why? Well simply put, this is a GoPro Hero 12 and “nearly” every single hardware component is the same as the Hero 12….. nearly……. However, GoPro did some major redesign of the guts within the camera as well as carry out some pretty great upgrades as well as adding the GPS back. As a result, they have produced a camera that is now an all-in-one production powerhouse for content creators and serious vloggers. So what are the benefits of purchasing a Hero 13?

Longer operating times as the camera heat sinks have been redesigned with an extra heat sink added.

In camera re nameable presets (huge advantage for quick filming in different environments)

Upgraded Bluetooth (BLE 5.3)

Upgraded WiFi (WiFi 6 for longer range and faster uploads)

HDR HLG Video (for broadcast quality HDR across more devices)

Automatic Lens detection with suggested settings (Cannot stress how great this is).

Macro Lens Support (now get closer to your subject while adding a cinematic background blur)

Anamorphic Lens support (coming 2025)

On board GPS receiver.

Upgraded battery for longer filming times

Burst 360FPS and 400FPS filming modes

Who should buy this camera?

Everyone. Sorry, but it’s the frustrating truth! With the new features on offer from this camera, GoPro have made a true production powerhouse that offers everything. Before, getting close up shots of an item (for reviewers, those selling products etc.) meant either using a digital zoom in post (thus reducing quality) or having to use a different camera (which meant 2 separate files, having to match colors in post, sync audio etc). Now with the Macro lens, that’s no longer an issue. Same camera, same color, easy!

Getting cinematic motion blur has always been tricky to manage (and that’s assuming you know what cinematic motion blur is), however GoPro’s automatic lens detection and suggested settings have now made this easy for anyone to do. Thanks to the new lenses that are available from GoPro, the camera automatically detects which lens is attached, and based upon your settings, will suggest either a stronger Nd filter or a lighter Nd filter. This enables you to get the perfect motion blur every time. Easy!

Plus how many people have accidentally enabled Max Lens Mod Mode or forgot to when filming? No longer an issue thanks to the automatic lens detection. The camera will select the proper filming mode depending on the lens you attach. Easy!

So due to these features, that’s why it’s a bit frustrating to suggest that “Everyone” gets this camera. I should be saying “Hard core professional film makes” and that’s true… however due to how easy GoPro have made this camera to use, I can also truthfully say “Complete amateurs who don’t have a clue about filming and want the best picture possible”. This camera is simply a huge leap forward for GoPro and well worth the asking price in my opinion. To be honest, I may pick up a 2^nd one as I’m that impressed with it.

Anything else to know?

The burst slow motion is some of the best available in any action camera. GoPro have also improved the audio with a selectable vocal enhancement option as well as improved low light filming with a selectable noise reduction option. The GoPro Labs firmware also has some huge advancements for the Hero 13 and frankly makes this a great option for serious action camera users. The Anamorphic lens won’t be available until 2025 but this is one option I’ve been wanting for years from GoPro and they’ve finally made it a reality. The simple fact is, if you want to get the best action camera on the market, then this is the GoPro you will want. In my opinion, this has been the best GoPro and most revolutionary GoPro release since the Hero 8.

So what about the Hero 9, Hero 10 or Hero Max?

As stated, I’m only concentrating on models that are currently available from GoPro. The Hero 9 and Hero 10 are currently unavailable and honestly, with the Hero 11 on offer, it outperforms both cameras easily and for a great price. The Hero Max is also unavailable and given the fact that it’s nearly 5 years old at this point, I would wait for the Max 2 when it’s released in 2025.

Anything else to keep in mind?

Yes! If you do end up buying a GoPro for yourself or someone else, please make sure you don’t cheap out on the SD card. Sd cards are important and trying to bargain basement a card could end up with disastrous results.

That’s why I only use 512GB Samsung Evo Select cards. They are rock solid performing cards for the best price available.

Best performance, best storage, best value!

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This is a bonus note dedicated to all of those who take the time to actually read the small print. I think you’re awesome for doing that, but isn’t it frustrating how much is really hidden in small print and user agreements? I for one think that consumer protection laws need to be increased and any company that sells to customers whether it be a physical or digital product should abide by the same agreement.

I’ll be honest with you, when someone clicks on my links and purchases a product, that makes me happy. I try to recommend only the best items that I actually use or find useful. Let’s me know people are paying attention, just like you’re paying attention to this very small print! Good for you!

The GoPro Hero 13. At last, a true creator’s camera.

Posted on September 1, 2024September 1, 2024 by DemonView

As you should all know by now the GoPro Hero 13 is going to hit the market on September 4^th. The questions on everyone’s mind though at the moment is “Is this camera worth buying?”. The reason being that there’s been no reported update with the sensor, it’s the same basic overall design and now it turns out that people will have to invest in new batteries for this model. So will I even be purchasing this camera?

To purchase or not to purchase, that is the question!

The answer is simple. Yes, yes I most definitely will as I reckon GoPro have finally made a true “Creators” camera with this new GoPro Hero 13. Let me walk you through why I think this is going to be an amazing camera for creators.

New Lens Mods!

Lens modes are nothing new to GoPro, they’ve offered us the Max Lens Mod since the Hero 9, the Hero 12 supported the Max Lens Mod 2.0. However, the Hero 13 is offering us two extra lens mods, a Macro lens Mod and a Wide angle mod (with a reported 2:40:1 aspect ratio). Those are the two mods I’m most looking forward to as I believe these will really up the creator game. Here’s why.

When I film footage for myself or my channel, there’s time when I want to get close up shots of an item. Whether it be an accessory for my video channel such as this excellent video light from Ulanzi

Still rocking this amazing little light!

or even a set of premium spark plugs for my car.

However, as you know, the GoPro camera with its wide angle FOV, doesn’t do close up shots. This means I have to grab my Canon Rebel 7ti equipped with a Macro Lens to get the close up shots that I want. This means I’m using two separate cameras, two separate video files and now I have to spend extra time color matching the shots in post.

It’s still one of the best all rounders you can get!

Now with the Hero 13, I will be able to quickly and easily swap lenses on the fly. Use the regular lens for my presentation shots and then for the up-close shots, quickly swap in the macro lens mod. All shots in the one camera, no swapping around cameras, managing multiple SD cards and multiple file types. Even better, the GoPro Hero 13 has automatic lens detection!

That’s a huge advantage when it comes to quickly creating and outputting video content. At the risk of sounding like a TV infomercial, I’ll have to say “But wait, that’s not all….”

The Wide Angle Mod

This is the one I’m really looking forward to. Although the GoPro can easily manage a nice 16:9 widescreen output, it just didn’t seem…. cinematic. You would either have to film in 8:7 and then add black bars in post (therefore really just cutting into your resolution) or you could use a 3^rd party Animorphic lens… which means you would have to turn off stabilization, film in a narrow FOV and the then de-squeeze the footage in post. So, it was a lot of work for the shots that you wanted to get (even if the results looked amazing with proper cinematic lens flare).

Still a great option for older cameras if you want cinematic style footage.

The fact that GoPro are releasing their own Wide-Angle Lens that will be supported by the camera natively is a HUGE advantage. Now creators can use their small form factor GoPro to create truly cinematic looking footage with just a lens swap.

So now that I’ve listed the some of the things I’m looking forward to, let’s talk about the other advantages of this new GoPro model.

Battery life!

The new GoPro uses a new battery design that offers about 17% more shooting times (resolution and frame rate dependent). Now some people have complained about this, after all, if you bought a Hero 12 just last year, you’re probably not happy about having to upgrade batteries for the Hero 13. However, be aware, the current form factor batteries were introduced with the Hero 9. The Hero 10 gave us the Enduro battery variant, and the Hero 11 and 12 used the same batteries. So, for a lot of people out there, it’s about time that GoPro updated the batteries. I doubt anyone is going to complain about longer filming times with these new batteries and I just hope that these GoPro batteries finally support fast charging options (the one thing a lot of people have complained about in the past).

These are the best and only batteries you should be using in your Hero 9, 10, 11 or 12!

Enhanced Audio!

This is a bit of a tricky one to address. If we look at the design of the new GoPro, a lot of people seem to think that the grill under the front lens is a heat sink to keep the camera cool. I actually believe this represents a new microphone for the GoPro that offers better wind reduction. GoPro’s actually have pretty good audio, however once the wind comes out, then you’ll need to use either a media mod (with foam windscreen) or use an external mic with a dead cat for premium audio. I think GoPro have been working hard on this one and we’re going to see better “in camera” microphone quality as evidenced by the new mic design under that front lens.

Bluetooth improvements?

Although Bluetooth audio was introduced with the Hero 12, it only supported HFP (hands free protocol) so you could really only use it with headsets (which usually have built in digital wind reduction which lowers audio quality massively). It looks like the Hero 13 may have upgraded the Bluetooth audio on offer (however I can’t confirm this at the moment) and if they have, then it’s yet another reason to purchase.

However, there’s the final reason I’ll be upgrade for sure and that would be one of my favorite ways to shoot and that’s slow motion!

Slow motion is one of the most underused features of a GoPro camera. They can currently shoot at up to 240FPS (10X slow motion). The ability to slow down time to get buttery smooth slow motion is amazing and GoPro have upgraded this feature too. Now they are offering an insane 13X slow motion at 320FPS! I simply cannot wait to have some serious fun with this one. This makes a perfection “Action camera” enhancement that will seriously rock your footage.

So with all of that in mind, am I excited about this release on September 4^th? Yes, I am! I think this is seriously one of the most exciting models that GoPro have released in quite some time, and they put creators first and foremost with this release giving them a huge variety of tools to help up their game!

Roll on September 4^th, I’ll be purchasing the GoPro Hero 13 for sure, and I cannot wait to review this exciting model camera for you!

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Four new GoPro’s in 2024. What to expect!

Posted on March 9, 2024March 9, 2024 by DemonView

At the last investor relations call, GoPro confirmed there would be four new cameras released this year. However, what can we realistically expect from these forthcoming models? Well, I’m here to break it down for you based upon what GoPro themselves have had to say on the matter as well as some knowledge not readily available anywhere else.

Camera 1:

What’s been confirmed?

No rumors here! Nick Woodman already confirmed there will be an “Entry Level” model introduced mid 2024. This is outside of the normal GoPro release target of September, so it looks like GoPro could be trying to release the camera to target the summer months and budget conscious consumer.

What to expect!

In my opinion, there is no doubt this “entry level” camera will be based upon the popular Hero 12 platform. However, it will likely have important shooting options removed and well as accessory support. It will still likely use the popular GoPro mounting options (built in folding fingers, maybe with a ¾ camera thread too). I would expect though that the camera will not have media mod options or support for the GoPro Mic Adapter or support for the Max Lens Mod. Slow motions and 5.3K may be off the table (so no chances of people setting up their camera incorrectly and having it overheat). So we’re possibly looking at a 4K and 1080P model camera with maybe basic photo options (no raw support). Since the Hero 10 currently sells for $250, I would expect the entry level camera to have to target the $200 or less price point. Any more than this, and people will want all the features (and more) of the Hero 10.

Camera 2 & 3!

What’s been confirmed?

No surprise here, the Hero 13 will be along in September (which is GoPro’s usual release date for their mainstream cameras). Let’s not forget though, last year, Nick Woodman did say that they were working on the Max 2 camera and that it would be “worth waiting for”. Co-incidentally, there was (a now removed) article talking about work on the Max 2 all the way back in March of last year. It seemed to be in the prototype phase at that point, but if this is true, then it would be realistic to expect the sucessor to the Max this year.

What to expect!

With the Hero 13, it may be finally time to get a camera redesign. The Hero 9, 10, 11 and 12 all shared the same form factor. The design wasn’t without issue, especially where the media mod was concerned. Having to remove the entire media mod from the camera just to access the battery and SD card was a huge pain. This is an area that GoPro need to look at and improve. I doubt we’ll see a huge improvement in terms of resolution or frame rates, just simply based on the fact that so many people try to edit their footage on budget $300 mobile devices. It’s no use releasing an 8K camera shooting at 240FPS if no one can edit the footage! With that, I would expect several improvements in terms of color (HDR 2.0) and the GPLOG profile being even flatter, the usual (but entirely unnoticeable update to hypersmooth). However, if the Hero 13 finally gets a GP3 upgrade (a bit too soon in my opinion) then we can expect a Max Lens Mod 2.0 compatibility, but with HDR (2.0) support. We may finally get a camera capable of outputting 4K in webcam mode or using the media mod which many people would immediately love.

With the Hero Max 2.0, well this gets interesting. Remember that removed article I mentioned about the Max 2.0 prototype. Well at the time, they were running it using the GP2 chip. So I would expect the Hero Max 2.0 to feature higher frame rates than previous models (in Hero mode at least) with a 4K Hero mode. I would expect some of the features of the Hero 12 to make it to the Hero Max also. So HDR support, in camera night effect shots, and bluetooth audio support. GoPro really need to make the Max something special, but already there may be bad news. The original Hero Max always had GPS issues when exporting footage, with the Hero 12, the GPS was removed to help prevent overheating issues, and I would expect this GPS removal to also be present in the Hero Max 2.0.

The fact that the Hero Max 2.0 will also be using the GP2 chip, would indicate to me, that the Hero 13 will also be sticking with the GP2 chip.

Camera 4!

What’s been confirmed?

Nothing. Nada! Zero! However if we look at GoPro’s past releases and their claim to want to produce more “niche” camera’s, then I think it’s save to say the GoPro Hero 13 mini would be on the cards. The Hero 11 mini sold quite well and was a favorite among people looking for a smaller camera that had a smaller footprint. Although it lacked photo mode and GPS support, that didn’t seem to deter buyers and they were happy to purchase. GoPro have no doubt realized this is a good sales route to support and I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Hero 13 mini on shelves this year.

What to expect!

Well 1 of 2 options.

Option 1: The most realistic expectation would be a Hero 13 mini. Although people were happy to purchase the Hero 11 mini, they soon became very unhappy with their purchase. The built in battery was a constant source of issues for many users, whether it be the battery dying in the camera and not recharging or the fact that you had to wait for the camera to recharge before you could use it. There was also no Webcam support. I think GoPro will have learned from these mistakes and basically release a camera with the issues of the previous model addressed. So, webcam support may be an option in this model. However, what I’d really like to see is a removable battery. This way even if there is a battery failure, you can simply replace the battery rather than send the entire camera back to GoPro for replacement. Having the video mode bells and whistles of the 13 black supported too will make this model a great contender for many FPV pilots.

Option 2: The 1” sensor model. This is something that people have been requesting for years. A GoPro with a larger sensor for shooting better video at night or in low light situations. However the issue with 1” sensors is the inablity to focus on close objects. Vlogging with a 1” sensor using a selfie stick would require quite a long selfie stick indeed due to the focal lengths involved with a 1” sensor.

This truly would be a “niche” camera for GoPro and one that may prove to be problematic for users who don’t understand the optical issues at hand. With a larger sensor onboard though, without upgrading the processor, GoPro may have to even cut back on video and photo modes for such a model and I don’t think people would be happy with that (although putting 1080P and 2.7K on the chopping block may be an option). A 1” sensor would also be ideal for those ultra slow motion shots that naturally require more light due to the high frame rates involved.

Final thoughts:

It will be an interesting year for GoPro. I’m not sure they really hit the sales figures that they wanted last year and there is some really tough competition on the market at the moment. GoPro have always had the habit of releasing a model every year with just incremental updates. Last year, apart from the GPS removal, there was no significant hardware updates from the Hero 11 to the Hero 12. Instead the Hero 12 was given completely new firmware to enable new features and modes on the camera. While this caused some major backlash and disappointment from customers initially (myself included) the Hero 12 has weathered the storm and those that purchased it, are happy with the performance. This is also a sign that GoPro’s small engineering staff were hard at work designing something truly special for this year. I really do hope that they can deliver on expectations this year.

GoPro have their sights set on the future and to survive, they need to be innovative and offer something that customers feel they “must have” from their action cameras. However, they are still on the back-foot in the software department and are losing ground to their competitors. So big risks may not be something they are willing to look at. This worries me as if you don’t take big risks, in the face of stiff competition, you are doomed to die a slow death. I don’t want to see this company fade away to obscurity or be bought out by a bigger company only to be closed down. Let’s hope that 2024 is the year that GoPro well and truly impresses their customer base and more.