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Comparisons: GoPro HERO13 Black and GoPro HERO9 Black

This article compares the latest 2024 model, GoPro HERO13 Black, with the 2020 model, GoPro HERO9 Black, focusing on their video recording capabilities and body specs.

GoProDB's Choice

HERO13 Black

The HERO9, which has dropped significantly in price on the used market, is attractive, but if you want long-term use, the HERO13 Black is the best choice.
For professional use, the HERO13 Black is definitely the only option.
Since the difference in specs is small, if you want to keep costs down, a used HERO9 Black is also a good option.

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Comparisons: GoPro HERO13 Black and GoPro HERO9 Black

Key Factors

Body Design and Features
Differences include interchangeable lenses and a magnetic mount.
Stabilization Version
GoPro HERO13 Black supports Auto Boost and has broader resolution support for horizon leveling.
Professional Features
The HERO13 Black includes professional features like timecode sync and 10-bit color support.

Major Differences in Body Design and Features

The GoPro HERO9 Black is based on the relatively modern design used up until the HERO12, but the GoPro HERO13 Black represents a significant redesign. The HERO13 Black introduces features like interchangeable lenses and magnetic charging ports/mounts, which showcase the advancements made over five years.

Although the difference isn't huge, there are also some discrepancies in image quality.

Both models support resolutions up to 5K, but at resolutions above 2.7K, the HERO9 Black supports only about half the maximum frame rate compared to the HERO13 Black. Even though the HERO9 Black can record at 60fps, providing smooth video, the HERO13 Black offers a notable advantage with features like 400FPS slow motion, making a big difference when filming action scenes.

Big Difference in Stabilization

Another major distinction lies in the stabilization features. The HERO9 Black is equipped with "HyperSmooth 3.0," the first version of HyperSmooth to introduce horizon leveling, though it only supports tilts up to 45 degrees and fewer resolutions, marking it as an early stage of horizon stabilization.

In contrast, the HERO13 Black comes with the latest "HyperSmooth 6.0." Though this version is carried over from the HERO12 Black, it includes features like Auto Boost and 360-degree horizon leveling, making it a far more mature version of HyperSmooth compared to the HERO9 Black’s initial 3.0 version.

HyperSmooth Versions and Feature Comparison Guide

Compare GoPro HyperSmooth versions from 1.0 to 6.0. See which HERO models support Auto Boost and learn our strategy on when to upgrade or wait.

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Differences in Professional Features

The HERO13 Black comes equipped with professional-level features first introduced in the HERO12 Black, such as wireless synchronization of multiple GoPros via timecode, 10-bit color video for higher fidelity, and wireless voice control, making it suitable for professional use.

While these features aren't necessary for everyone, it's important to note that the HERO9 Black lacks these professional functionalities.

Compare by shooting performance

Features	GoPro HERO13 Black	GoPro HERO9 Black
5.6K	-	-
5.3K	60 fps	-
5.2K	-	-
5K	-	30 fps
4K	120 fps	60 fps
3K	-	-
2.7K	240 fps	120 fps
1080p	240 fps	240 fps
Still Image Resolution	27.60 MP	20.00 MP

Compare by specifications

Feature	GoPro HERO13 Black	GoPro HERO9 Black
Release date	2024/09/04	2020/09/17
Chipset	GP2	GP1
Image Sensor Size	1/1.9”	1/2.3”
Aperture	f/2.5	f/2.5
Stabilization	HyperSmooth 6.0	HyperSmooth 3.0
10 Bit Color	✔	x
Loop Recording	✔	✔
Live Streaming	✔	✔
Waterproof	10 m	10 m
Max Storage Size	1TB	256GB
Body Size	71.8 * 50.8 * 33.6 mm	71.8 * 50.8 * 33.6 mm
Weight	157 g	158 g