GoPro appears to be maintaining its tradition of annual releases for its leading action cameras. The upcoming Hero 13 Black has been largely exposed through a now-removed Amazon listing (via TechStoriesIndia).
According to the details from the listing, the Hero 13 Black is scheduled for launch on September 16th, coinciding closely with DJI's anticipated release of the Osmo Action 5 Pro.
Design and Accessories
Images from the Amazon listing indicate that the Hero 13 Black shares a similar design to the Hero 12 Black. The emphasis this time seems to be on enhancing accessory options rather than implementing major hardware changes.
A new Macro Lens Mod is expected, offering 3x magnification, alongside an Ultra Wide Lens Mod that purportedly provides a 177-degree field of view.
Core Camera and Mounting Solutions
While these lens mods aim at specific shooting needs, details on the Hero 13 Black’s main camera features are still unknown. Information regarding sensor advancements, frame rate options, or other internal upgrades hasn't been disclosed yet.
In addition to the lens modifications, GoPro is reportedly launching new mounting solutions, such as the Magnetic Latch and Magnetic Latch Ball Joint. These will complement existing accessories like the Floaty handgrip and Protective Sleeve.
Future Releases and Market Impact
The leak also hints at a possible successor to the Hero 11 Black Mini, although details about this model are limited.
GoPro's incremental strategy might not fully satisfy action camera fans. While the new lens mods provide added functionality, the absence of substantial hardware enhancements might make the Hero 13 Black a less appealing upgrade for current Hero 12 Black users.
We must await an official statement from GoPro to validate these leaks and gain a comprehensive understanding of the Hero 13 Black’s features and potential pricing.
