Nevertheless, GoPro has a number of tips which are value mentioning. As somebody who enjoys doing shade grading in post-production software program, the brand new and improved video log help could be very welcome. I’d even go as far as to say that that is one of the best journal profile I’ve ever seen in an motion digital camera. The Hero 13 Black additionally contains a new slow-motion burst mode that permits you to document 5.3K movies at 120fps. Nevertheless, this solely occurs for 5 seconds, so it is best utilized in conditions the place your little one is leaping on a motorcycle or diving right into a pool—quick moments that you simply need to decelerate later.
One other large video enchancment is help for HDR and Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) HDR video. The Hero 12’s HDR help wasn’t excellent, however HLG HDR is a broadly used open-source HDR format that provides significantly better compatibility with low-gamut shows. The video additionally seems significantly better than the earlier model.
Above I mentioned that the Hero 13 is identical dimension, which is true on the surface, however on the within it isn’t. GoPro has enlarged the battery compartment to accommodate a bigger battery, which the corporate claims will final 10 p.c longer than the Hero 12’s battery. I discovered that to be in regards to the case. Capturing 4K video with the Hero 13, I persistently stored it at round an hour and 45 minutes, generally exceeding the 1:50 mark if there was extra air flow (like biking).
The other was additionally true. For instance, when taking pictures via a automotive window, with nearly no air flow, the recording time was lowered to about an hour. I did not have an opportunity to check it in chilly climate, however GoPro claims enhancements right here too. Total it is about 15-20 minutes longer than I normally get with the Hero 12, which is nice, but it surely’s approach behind the brand new one. DJI Motion 5 Professionalwhich ran for over 2 hours and half-hour within the 4K check with out difficulty. The Hero nonetheless has the worst battery life within the motion digital camera market, and the brand new battery, whereas improved, additionally means your previous batteries will not final, rising prices for these trying to improve.
One of many attention-grabbing battery-related additions to the Hero 13 Black is a brand new magnetic charging door that GoPro calls Contacts. It is a USB-C pass-through door with a magnetic charger on the surface, permitting you to energy your GoPro with an exterior battery with out having to shut the battery door. USB-C pass-through doorways have been accessible from third-party sellers for a very long time, however that is the one door I do know of that’s waterproof, which implies when you neglect you’ve gotten it turned on and soar into the ocean, you will not win. Do not fry your GoPro.