Comparisons: GoPro HERO13 Black and GoPro HERO6 Black

Differences in Shooting Performance and Features

Although there is a 7-year gap between the HERO13 Black and HERO6 Black, the differences in shooting performance are not as vast as one might expect.

The HERO6 Black supports a maximum of 4K at 60fps, while the HERO13 Black offers 5.3K at 60fps, 4K at up to 120fps, and Full HD at 240fps. While 4K resolution is sufficient for most typical video recording scenarios, the HERO13 Black's higher frame rates allow for smoother slow-motion footage, which can be a significant advantage in action or high-detail scenes.

Stabilization is another critical difference. The HERO13 Black features the advanced "HyperSmooth 6.0," while the HERO6 Black uses standard stabilization from a pre-HyperSmooth generation. "HyperSmooth 6.0" includes features like auto-boost and 360-degree horizon leveling, far surpassing the older standard stabilization.

Summary of GoPro’s "HyperSmooth" and Its Version Differences

One of the most distinctive and appealing features of GoPro is its image stabilization technology, "HyperSmooth." This article summarizes the different versions of HyperSmooth and the functional differences between each.

While the HERO6 Black’s stabilization is more than adequate compared to smartphone cameras, for shooting dynamic action scenes, HyperSmooth 3.0 or higher is recommended as a baseline.

Differences in Body Features

The HERO13 Black and HERO6 Black differ significantly in terms of body design, reflecting two major design overhauls across generations.

Notable differences include:

• Front color display (introduced with the HERO9 generation)
• Built-in folding mount (introduced with the HERO8 generation)
• Interchangeable lens (introduced with the HERO13 generation)
• Magnetic charging port and mount (introduced with the HERO13 generation)

These upgrades make the HERO13 Black a completely different experience. For instance, the lack of a built-in mount on the HERO6 Black means users must rely on an external case to attach accessories, which can be less convenient.

If these features aren’t necessary for your use case, the HERO6 Black could still be a viable option. However, the built-in mount alone can make a significant difference in convenience.

Differences in Professional Features

The HERO13 Black includes several professional-grade features first introduced with the HERO12 Black:

• Timecode-based wireless synchronization for multiple HERO cameras
• 10-bit color video support for enhanced color grading options
• Wireless voice control

While these features are tailored to professional users and may not be essential for all, they provide considerable advantages for those requiring high-end performance. The HERO6 Black lacks these professional features entirely, making it a more basic tool for video capture.