GoPro has officially launched its latest action cameras, the Hero and Hero13 Black. The former is touted to be the smallest GoPro ever made, while the latter is promised to offer a wealth of upgrades aimed at professionals; including an innovative magnetic mount, integrated GPS, improved battery life, and new swappable lenses with ND filters that feature auto-detection.
The Hero13 Black addresses the shortcomings from its predecessor with a clear focus on usability and video quality improvements. Rather than simply increasing resolution, GoPro has invested in upgrading the systems around the sensor to ensure better performance.
A standout improvement is the enhanced battery life, with the overall capacity increased by 10% and optimising power efficiency to extend run times in various weather conditions. The new 1,900mAh Enduro battery on the Hero13 Black is promised to deliver a 58% increase in runtime at 2.7K resolution and 120 frames per second (fps). In addition, 5.3K resolution at 60fps lasts 38% longer, while 4K at 60fps sees a 28% boost, and 1080p at 240fps enjoys a 39% increase. This improvement translates into 1.5 hours of continuous recording at 4K30 or 5.3K30 settings, while HD-quality 1080p30 provides over 2.5 hours of footage.
Another notable feature of the Hero13 Black is its ability to shoot in Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) HDR and adding support for a 10-bit Rec. 2100 colour space, which allows for more vibrant and dynamic footage. The camera can also record up to 400fps at 720p resolution, making it ideal for ultra-slow-motion shots, while 5.3K at 120fps and 900p at 360 fps are available for high-quality burst slo-mo captures.
GoPro has also made significant improvements to the mounting system on the Hero13 Black, featuring a new “snap and go” magnetic latch mount that offers the fastest way to secure the camera, although the traditional mounting fingers and 1/4-20 mounting threads remain for more secure setups. This update gives users three different mounting options, providing flexibility for different shooting situations.
Additionally, the Hero13 Black incorporates WiFi 6 technology, enabling up to 40% faster wireless transfers, while integrated GPS offers improved tracking capabilities. GoPro has made several user interface changes to make the camera more intuitive to use, while the audio tuning is also more customisable, offering users better control over their audio settings in various recording environments.
GoPro’s updated lens mod system for the Hero13 Black includes three options: the Ultra Wide, macro, and anamorphic lenses. These lenses are designed to withstand rugged environments, featuring waterproofing, hydrophobic coatings, and scratch-resistant surfaces. When attached, the camera automatically recognizes the lens mod and adjusts its settings accordingly. The macro lens, in particular, introduces a manual focus ring with focus peaking, while the anamorphic lens supports 21:9 and 16:9 aspect ratios for classic cinematic flares and soft corners.
The ND filters for the Hero13 Black communicate with the camera to automatically adjust metering based on lighting conditions. These filters also allow users to adjust shutter speed for motion blur, giving their footage a more cinematic feel. The camera can suggest the appropriate ND filter, or users can manually set the shutter speed for finer control over the image.
Meanwhile, the GoPro Hero is positioned as the simplest and lightest 4K action camera in the lineup, weighing just 86 grams. This model lacks a front-facing screen but features HyperSmooth stabilisation, 2x slow motion at 2.7K resolution, and a 16:9 aspect ratio. The Hero’s battery can last up to 100 minutes on a single charge, and it is waterproof down to 16 feet.
Both cameras are expected to ship on 22 September 2024 for select regions. While their date of availability in Malaysia is not revealed just yet, those interested can now pre-order the Hero and Hero13 Black via GoPro’s official online store on Shopee, with the former priced at RM1,149 and the latter at RM2,449. The company’s local branch has yet to announce the pricing and availability for the lens mods, however.
(Source: GoPro Malaysia [1] [2] / Shopee [1] [2])
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