Photography
GoPro HERO13 Black Ultra Wide Edition Review: An Immersive Powerhouse

GoPro HERO13
Table of Contents
GoPro is back with its latest flagship, the HERO13 Black, and this time it’s brought a special treat for all the POV and immersive footage enthusiasts: the HERO13 Black Ultra Wide Edition. This special edition bundles the new camera with a pre-installed Ultra Wide Lens Mod, promising the widest, most stable footage ever seen from a HERO camera. But does it live up to the hype? We’ve put it to the test to find out.
At a Glance: Key Specifications
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Video Resolution | 5.3K at 60fps, 4K at 120fps, 2.7K at 240fps |
Photo Resolution | 27MP |
Field of View (FOV) | Up to 177° with Ultra Wide Lens Mod |
Image Stabilization | HyperSmooth 6.0 with 360° Horizon Lock |
Sensor | Larger 1/1.9″ sensor with 1:1 aspect ratio |
Color Depth | 10-bit color |
Slow-Motion | 8x at 2.7K, 4x at 4K |
Waterproofing | Up to 33ft (10m) without housing |
Battery | 1900mAh Enduro Battery |
Audio | Enhanced audio with wind reduction, Bluetooth mic support |
Special Features | Pre-installed Ultra Wide Lens Mod, 1:1 aspect ratio for flexible cropping, Wi-Fi 6 |
Key Features in Detail
The Ultra-Wide 177° Field of View
The star of the show is undoubtedly the pre-installed Ultra Wide Lens Mod. This gives the HERO13 Black an incredible 177° field of view, which is 36% wider than the standard lens. This creates an incredibly immersive and engaging perspective, perfect for first-person-view (FPV) shots, action sports, and capturing breathtaking landscapes. The lens also features a scratch-resistant and hydrophobic coating to repel water, a must-have for any action camera.
HyperSmooth 6.0 and 360° Horizon Lock
GoPro’s image stabilization has always been a class leader, and HyperSmooth 6.0 takes it a step further. The stabilization is incredibly effective, smoothing out even the most jarring movements. The 360° Horizon Lock is another standout feature, keeping your footage perfectly level even if the camera is rotating a full 360 degrees.
New 1:1 Aspect Ratio Sensor
The HERO13 Black features a new, larger sensor with a 1:1 aspect ratio. This is a game-changer for content creators, as it allows for incredible flexibility in post-production. You can easily crop your footage to a traditional 16:9 widescreen format for YouTube, or a vertical 9:16 aspect ratio for social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels, all without losing significant resolution.
Enhanced Battery Life
The included 1900mAh Enduro battery provides a significant boost in recording time. GoPro claims up to 1.5 hours of continuous recording at 5.3K30 and over 2.5 hours at 1080p30. This is a welcome improvement for users who want to spend more time capturing the action and less time swapping batteries.
Pricing and Availability
The GoPro HERO13 Black Ultra Wide Edition is available now and is priced at $479.99. This includes the HERO13 Black camera and the pre-installed Ultra Wide Lens Mod.
Who is it for?
- Action Sports Enthusiasts: The ultra-wide FOV and best-in-class stabilization make this the perfect camera for capturing high-octane activities like mountain biking, skiing, and surfing.
- Vloggers and Content Creators: The new 1:1 sensor and flexible cropping options are a huge plus for creators who need to output content for multiple platforms.
- Travel and Adventure Videographers: The rugged, waterproof design and immersive image quality make it an excellent choice for documenting your travels.
Who is it not for?
- Casual Users on a Budget: The premium price point might be a bit steep for those who only occasionally use an action camera.
- Users Who Prioritize Low-Light Performance: While improved, action cameras in general still struggle in low-light conditions compared to larger-sensor cameras.
- Those Who Don’t Need an Ultra-Wide FOV: If you don’t need the extreme field of view, the standard HERO13 Black (when available separately) might be a more cost-effective option.
Competitor Comparison
Feature | GoPro HERO13 Black Ultra Wide | DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro | Insta360 Ace Pro 2 |
---|---|---|---|
Max Video Resolution | 5.3K60 | 4K120 | 8K24 |
Max FOV | 177° | 155° | N/A |
Image Sensor | 1/1.9″ | 1/1.3″ | 1/1.3″ |
Stabilization | HyperSmooth 6.0 | RockSteady 3.0+ | FlowState |
Waterproofing | 33ft (10m) | 59ft (18m) | 33ft (10m) |
Unique Features | 1:1 aspect ratio, pre-installed wide lens | Superior low-light performance | 8K video, flip screen |
Price | $479.99 | ~$349.00 | ~$449.00 |
Q&A
Q: Is the Ultra Wide Lens Mod removable?
A: Yes, while it comes pre-installed, the Ultra Wide Lens Mod is removable, and a standard lens is included in the package. This allows you to switch to a more traditional field of view when needed.
Q: Can I use my old GoPro accessories with the HERO13 Black?
A: Yes, the HERO13 Black maintains the same form factor as previous models, so it is compatible with most existing GoPro mounts and accessories.
Q: How does the 1:1 aspect ratio work?
A: The camera’s sensor captures a square image. In the GoPro Quik app, you can then choose to crop this square image to a horizontal (16:9), vertical (9:16), or other aspect ratio without a significant loss in quality compared to cropping from a traditional rectangular sensor.
Q: Is the GoPro subscription worth it with the HERO13 Black?
A: The GoPro subscription offers benefits like unlimited cloud storage, discounts on accessories, and a no-questions-asked camera replacement. If you’re a heavy user and want peace of mind, it can be a good value.
Q: How does the HERO13 Black compare to the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro in low light?
A: The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro has a larger sensor and is generally considered to have better low-light performance than the GoPro. If you frequently shoot in dark environments, the Osmo Action 5 Pro might be a better choice.
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