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There are few names in action cameras as ubiquitous as the GoPro: compact and capable of stunning photos and video, these have been the de facto choice for podcasters, sportspeople, and videographers looking for durable and dependable all-rounder cameras. After 20 years and 12 generations, it’s no surprise that there is GoPro Hero 13 speculation abound. The latest iteration of this flagship action camera is a highly anticipated addition to the market.
We’ve taken a look at the current rumors and speculation surrounding the GoPro Hero 13: from a release date window to possible specifications, to see what the new action camera could possibly offer upon release. GoPro is a household name for a reason, and we’re expecting the usual standard of quality from these top action cameras.
GoPro Hero 13 Release Window Speculation
Though there’s nothing concrete on the ground regarding the GoPro Hero 13 release date, we can use the company’s previous release record as a sounding board for their future plans. GoPro favors a September release near-annually: the Hero 10 launched in September 2021, the Hero 11 in September 2022, and the Hero 12 in September 2023.
With that in mind, we’re confident in predicting a September 2024 release date for the GoPro Hero 13. This gives retailers plenty of time to stock the new camera, and consumers to buy it in the run-up to Christmas.
GoPro Hero 13 Features We’d Like to See
Before we break down what to expect from the Hero 13, let’s see what we’ve currently got in the Hero 12:
GoPro Hero 12
27MP CMOS sensor
5.3K video resolution
Ultra wide 16:9 aspect ratio
The GoPro Hero 12 packs a 1″ x 1.19″ CMOS sensor capable of 27MP still resolution. The sensor comes with High Dynamic Range (HDR) for both static images and video – and the latter is where the action camera truly excels. With 5.3K resolution at 60FPS, you can capture the most jaw-dropping sports or action video with stellar clarity. The HyperSmooth 6.0 In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS) means that that footage will have little-to-no motion disturbance at all, for smooth and cinematic shots. For even more refined color grading, you can use GoPro’s G-Log cinematic 10-bit color profile for in-depth filmmaking customization.
The major selling point of GoPros is their durability, and the Hero 12 continued to deliver on that promise when it was released. Waterproof up to 33ft of submersion and built to withstand the punishment of extreme sports, this camera manages to retain its build quality whilst still maintaining an insanely compact form factor. With GoPro’s array of accessories allowing you to mount the camera to everything from an airplane to your own forehead, this is a stellar all-around action camera for sports, first-person videography or travel photography.
That said, it’s far from perfect: the GoPro Hero 12 is prone to overheating, especially when charging, and in a strange downgrade from the Hero 11 lacks GPS functionality – meaning that geo-tagging your photo and video has to be done manually in post. So not only is there room for improvement, but the Hero 13 must look backward as well as forward to be a worthwhile upgrade to the GoPro system.
Naturally, one of the first features we’d like to see re-implemented is the GPS function: when everything from smartphones to drone cameras can track the location of where photos are taken, it is the epitome of missed opportunity to not do so automatically in the Hero 13.
In terms of sensor systems, we can expect a same-size or similar physical sensor, but with an improved resolution. Given that competitive action camera manufacturers like Insta360 or DJI are capable of compact sensors up to 48MP in equivalent still resolution, we hope that the Hero 13 can keep up with its contemporaries. Naturally, the overall quality is limited by the sensor size – hence why a dedicated camera body will always outpace a GoPro by virtue of being simply larger – but action cameras excel at high-resolution sensors in small footprints. We’d hope for a 40MP equivalent, at least.
In terms of video capabilities, the same dynamic HDR and G-Log settings will likely apply, perhaps with some tweaks to make the resulting footage more compatible. And, should the sensor gain an upgrade, the video should also follow suit. Whilst we think 5.3K at 120FPS is unlikely, we can hope for improved framerates on top-performance video settings. We’d predict either 6K at 60FPS, or possibly 4K at 240FPS.
One area in which all action cameras suffer is low-light performance: a CMOS sensor physically reads incoming light, and the larger the sensor, the more light can be let in. This is where a full-fledged camera remains the better choice, but with advances in digital post-processing thanks to deep-learning AI, we’re curious if the Hero 13 could break the cycle. If the Hero 13 can implement some AI-powered noise reduction or active night sensitivity to its sensor, then low-light image quality could be improved tenfold – and it would set a new precedent not only in action cameras but cameras in general. There’s nothing concrete to suggest this will be a feature, however, as GoPro has shown no signs of investing in AI technology.
To help with the aforementioned overheating issue, we’d also hope for an improved battery – and hopefully an improved processor. The GP2 chip first introduced with the Hero 10 in 2021 is due an upgrade, especially given the incredible leaps in processing power that are achieved almost annually in camera technology. A GP3 processor would be a valuable addition and would set a new standard for GoPros going forward.
In terms of design, the core GoPro design likely won’t change – there’s little that needs innovating. An articulating screen may be a worthwhile inclusion – as seen in compact mirrorless models from Canon or Sony, and competitive action cameras from Insta360 – but this may add to the footprint of the overall model. The general GoPro design remains the gold standard for action cameras – with lots of emulation and little innovation from contemporary brands – so the Hero 13 simply needs to continue doing the right things, instead of correcting something wrong.
FAQs
Depending on your use case, a GoPro may be a smarter investment than a camera. GoPros are capable of high-resolution photo and video, are highly durable and compact, and are significantly cheaper than a full-fledged camera and lens. However, the overall quality in a camera will always be better due to the physically larger sensor, and though they’re more fragile, cameras offer you refined control over your image – especially when factoring in lens choices.
Yes: It’s a common misconception that GoPros are only capable of video recording. They are capable of simultaneous photo and video capturing, provided you have adequate card space.
In Summary
Though the evidence points to a September 2024 GoPro Hero 13 release date, there’s currently no concrete word on the new action camera. We hope that GoPro can meet – and exceed – our expectations, and can create a stellar new addition to the action camera market. And as we’ve speculated above, we won’t have to wait long…
