For more than 20 years, GoPro has been synonymous with action cameras. But if you’re someone wanting to take the plunge on the classic action camera, or expand your preexisting action camera configuration, it might be overwhelming to sort through all their releases and find the best fit. Not to worry. We are going to break down some notable products from GoPro and help you decide which might be best for you.
GoPro’s flagship camera series is the HERO. The pinnacle of durability, HERO action cameras are designed to withstand water and debris to use in high-action image capture. Familiar features of the cameras include image stabilization, high-resolution video, and a two-prong mount that unlocks an entire ecosystem of mounting accessories. As of this year, we are now on the 13th iteration.
HERO13 Black Action Camera
The HERO13 Black captures 5.3K60 video and 27MP photos using its 1/1.9” image sensor. These images remain stable thanks to the camera’s HyperSmooth 6.0 digital image stabilization with AutoBoost, reducing image cropping. HDR and HLG video and photo modes expand details in the shadows and highlights of your footage. If you’re hoping to use your action content for social media, you can easily switch between aspect ratios of 16:9, 9:16, and 8:7 depending on the platform. Additional modes in the camera include Burst Slo-Mo, Star Trails, Light Painting, HindSight, and Duration Capture, among others. These can be accessed using the camera’s onboard touchscreen or by connecting to the GoPro Quik App on your smartphone.
Bluetooth audio devices can be connected to the HERO13 to facilitate improved audio capture for your vlogs or to utilize hands-free Voice Control when you’re in the middle of a mountain biking trail or cross-country motorcycle road trip. You can unlock advanced controls by switching to Pro Control Mode, but if you’re more of a beginner to the action camera world or just want a simple point-and-shoot solution, Easy Control Mode has got you covered. This version features an improved 1900mAh Enduro battery for longer runtimes in inclement weather conditions.
HB-Series Lenses
One of the more exciting aspects of the HERO13 release was the addition of new HB-series lenses. These lenses are compatible with the HB mount on the HERO13 and add new, cine-quality characteristics to your action camera. Each lens is automatically recognized by the camera when attached and the settings are altered accordingly.
The Macro Lens Mod helps capture close-up macro shots on your hiking adventures, music performances, or painting POVs. This mod features a physical focus ring to manually change your focus distance from 4.33” to 2.46’ depending on what you’re trying to shoot. Objects are rendered 4x closer for creative slo-mos and timelapses.
The Ultrawide Lens Mod helps increase your camera’s field-of-view for foolproof capture of high-action activities like mountain biking or surfing. This mod takes the native 156° FOV and expands it to 177°, which is 48% taller than a standard Wide lens. Vertical Capture allows you to take ultrawide vertical shots without needing to rotate your camera and Horizon Lock is enabled. This lens also improves HyperSmooth performance for all video modes up to 4K60.
The Anamorphic Lens Mod is the most cine-esque lens in the lineup, giving your HERO13 the ability to record anamorphic video. The lens provides in-camera de-squeeze for recording in 16:9 or 21:9 aspect ratios. It also creates the horizontal lens flares that are so desired by professional filmmakers and ensures less distortion than wide and ultrawide lenses.
HERO Compact Action Camera
If all of this sounds like too many bells and whistles for you, don’t worry. GoPro has also rolled out the HERO Compact Action Camera. Even though it only weighs 3 oz, the camera is still capable of recording up to UHD 4K video and 12MP photos in practically any adventure application thanks to its rugged design. The HyperSmooth algorithm is also embedded in the HERO for automatic stabilization. Control your camera hands-free with Voice Control and connect to the Quik app to toggle digital lenses and edit your footage. On its own, the HERO can withstand depths up to 16.4’ without a dive case. It features foldable mounting prongs for compatibility with the GoPro mounting ecosystem.
MAX 360 Action Camera
But perhaps you’re interested in 360° video? GoPro’s got you covered for that, too. The MAX 360 Action Camera takes panoramic video and photos in 4992 x 2496 and 5760 x 2880 resolutions, respectively. All of the content you capture is automatically stitched together internally for editing flexibility and easy sharing. Creative modes built-in to the camera include PowerPano, capturing 270° still photos, and TimeWarp, allowing you to record in standard HERO mode with variable speed function to speed your footage up.
Select between four lens sizes—Narrow, Linear, Wide, and Max SuperView—depending on your needs. HyperSmooth stabilization is also integrated for smooth footage and horizon leveling. Spherical audio is recorded using six integrated microphones for immersive sound.
GoPro Media Mod
And maybe, just maybe, you already have a GoPro HERO but are wanting to give it more connectivity options. Easy, the Media Mod is an external housing that also gives your camera a built-in microphone, an additional mic port, a micro-HDMI output, and two cold shoe mounts for accessory integration. The microphone on the mod is directional and has wind-suppression for improved outdoor recording. The mod itself is weather-resistant and maintains access to the camera’s buttons, ports, and display. It is compatible with the HERO9 all the way to the HERO13.
For more information about GoPro products, including additional features, specs, and highlights, be sure to check out the brand page. Or drop us a line below, and we’ll do our best to answer all your comments and questions.
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