hero13-black thumbnailvshero12-black thumbnail

Comparisons: GoPro HERO13 Black and GoPro HERO12 Black

A comparison of the latest 2024 model, GoPro HERO13 Black, and the 2023 model, GoPro HERO12 Black, in terms of video performance, body specs, and more.

Key Factors

  1. Video Specs and Body Specs are Almost Identical

    On the spec sheet, HERO 13 Black is a minor upgrade of HERO12 Black.

  2. Significant Differences in Body Design and Functions

    There are major differences in usability, such as the magnetic mount and charging port.

  3. Differences in Compatible Lenses

    HERO13 Black comes with interchangeable lenses available as official accessories.

Camera Specs and Body Specs Are Almost the Same

While the HERO13 Black has undergone a significant visual upgrade, its video recording capabilities are largely the same as the HERO12 Black, with the exception of the addition of "400FPS slow motion." The stabilization feature is still the HyperSmooth 6.0 from the HERO12 Black. The chipset and weight are also identical to those of the HERO12 Black. Thus, it's not an exaggeration to say that the internal components are essentially the same as those of the HERO12 Black.

However, the benefits of the upgraded body design, enhanced functionality, and interchangeable lenses are so substantial that if you're looking to purchase now, the HERO13 Black is the clear choice.

Significant Differences in Body Design and Functionality

The GoPro HERO13 Black features a major body design overhaul, with a color front display, marking a significant update since the HERO9 series. At first glance, it may not seem dramatically different from previous models, but the following two upgrades greatly enhance usability:

  1. Interchangeable lenses
  2. Magnetic charging port and mount

Differences in Compatible Lenses

Unlike the fixed lenses on the GoPro HERO12 Black, the HERO13 Black features an interchangeable lens system. With macro and ultra-wide lenses available as official options, the ability to swap lenses significantly broadens the range of footage you can capture.

This allows you to tailor your lens choice to different shooting scenarios, making the GoPro a more versatile camera overall.

Compare by shooting performance

FeaturesHERO13 Black thumbnail
GoPro HERO13 Black
HERO12 Black thumbnail
GoPro HERO12 Black
5.6K--
5.3K60 fps 60 fps
5.2K--
5K--
4K120 fps 120 fps
3K--
2.7K240 fps 240 fps
1080p240 fps 240 fps
Still Image Resolution27.60 MP27.60 MP

Compare by specifications

FeatureHERO13 Black thumbnail
GoPro HERO13 Black
HERO12 Black thumbnail
GoPro HERO12 Black
Release date2024/09/04 2023/09/13
ChipsetGP2 GP2
Image Sensor Size1/1.9” 1/1.9”
Aperturef/2.5 f/2.5
StabilizationHyperSmooth 6.0 HyperSmooth 6.0
10 Bit Color
Loop Recording
Live Streaming
Waterproof10 m10 m
Max Storage Size1000 GB1000 GB
Body Size71.8 * 50.8 * 33.6 mm71.8 * 50.8 * 33.6 mm
Weight154 g154 g

Comparison of HERO13 Black with Other Models

Comparison of HERO12 Black with Other Models