Upgrade Guide
GoPro HERO13 Black→GoPro HERO
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
→
Skip it
The HERO offers little measurable spec improvement over the HERO13 Black. Spend the money on glass instead.
Unchanged or similar
-
Resolution12MP (down from 27MP — optimised for low light)
Suitability by genre
Base scores — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. The Upgrade Checker adjusts them for your skill level.
| Genre | HERO13 Black | HERO | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel | -0.5 | ||
| Vlogging & Video | — | ||
| Filmmaking | -1.3 | ||
| Documentary | -0.9 | ||
| Landscape | -1.1 | ||
| Underwater | -1.1 |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | HERO13 Black | HERO | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £380 | £199 | |
| Released | 2024 | 2024 | |
| Sensor | 1/1.9" CMOS | 1/2.8" CMOS | |
| Resolution | 27MP | 12MP | ↓ |
| Video | 5.3K 60fps, 4K 120fps, 10-bit GP-Log | 4K 30fps, 2.7K 60fps | |
| Autofocus | Fixed focus (ultra-wide); varies with lens mod | — | |
| Stabilisation | HyperSmooth 6.0 (EIS) | HyperSmooth (applied in the Quik app) | |
| Burst Rate | 27MP RAW burst | — | |
| Battery Life | ~80 min at 5.3K/30p (Enduro battery) | — | |
| Weight | 159g (with battery) | 86g | ↑ |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes | |
| Viewfinder | 2.27" rear touchscreen + 1.4" front display | — | |
| Screen | 2.27" rear touchscreen; 1.4" front colour display | — | |
| Mount | Fixed lens (12–39 mm-eq f/2.5) | Fixed lens (15 mm-eq f/2.3) | |
| Memory Cards | 1× microSD (A2 V30) | 1× microSD (A2 V30) |
Compare side-by-side
⚖️ Compare these cameras
See HERO13 Black and HERO next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.
Get a personalised upgrade score
Run the upgrade checker →
Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the HERO against your specific genres — not just specs.
Other upgrades from the HERO13 Black
Related buying guides
Camera family history