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.
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.
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.
