GoPro
HERO
Smallest GoPro with a screen — 86g rugged body with 4K30 video, 2.7K60 slo-mo, 12MP photos, built-in Enduro battery, and 5m waterproofing at an entry price.
$200
Launch priceReleased Sep 2024
GoPro
HERO13 Black
Flagship GoPro with 1/1.9-inch sensor, 5.3K60 video, 4K120, HyperSmooth 6.0, HB-Series lens auto-detect, and 10m waterproofing.
$399
Launch priceReleased Sep 2024
Released within a month of each other.
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Wins
HERO
Wins
HERO13 Black
3 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BHERO13 Black has higher IBIS effectiveness (7 stops vs 0 stops)
- BHERO13 Black has lower Weight (121 g vs 580 g)
- AHERO has higher ISO max (native) (25,600 vs 6,400)
- BHERO13 Black has higher Resolution (27.6 MP vs 12 MP)
- BHERO13 Black has higher RAW buffer depth (120 frames vs 60 frames)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareHERO
134 × 91 × 72 mm
580 g (1.28 lb / 20.46 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
HERO13 Black
72 × 51 × 34 mm
121 g (0.27 lb / 4.27 oz)
HERO is 62mm wider, 40mm taller, and 38mm thicker than HERO13 Black.
HERO is 459 g heavier than HERO13 Black.
Depth (front-to-back): 72mm HERO · 34mm HERO13 Black
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
HERO
134 × 91 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
HERO13 Black
72 × 51 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
HERO
134 × 72 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
HERO13 Black
72 × 34 mm
Sensor size, to scale
HERO
17.3 × 13 mm · Micro Four Thirds
225 mm² area
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
HERO
Subject recognition
Adds Human, Animal, Bird…
Codecs
Adds H.265, H.264, ProRes
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 134, 91, 72
Card types
Adds SD UHS-II
ISO max (native)
25,600 vs 6,400 — higher is better
AA filter
Only HERO supports it
Eye AF
Only HERO supports it
Microphone jack (3.5mm)
Only HERO supports it
Reasons to choose
HERO13 Black
Codecs
Adds H.265/HEVC
IBIS effectiveness
7 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
Stabilization modes
Adds HyperSmooth 6.0, 360° Horizon Lock, AutoBoost
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 71.8, 50.8, 33.6
Card types
Adds microSD, microSDHC, microSDXC
Weight
121 g vs 580 g — lower is better
Resolution
27.6 MP vs 12 MP — higher is better
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only HERO13 Black supports it
Both cameras share
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓Card slots — Both 1
- ✓Wi-Fi — Both support wi-fi
- ✓Bluetooth — Both support bluetooth
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
HERO
Pros
- ✓Smallest/lightest GoPro with screen (86g)
- ✓4K30 + 2.7K60 slo-mo
- ✓Built-in mounting fingers
- ✓5m waterproof rugged body
- ✓Simple 3-mode interface
Cons
- –No removable battery
- –HyperSmooth via Quik app only
- –No 4K60 or 5.3K modes
- –Not compatible with HB-Series lenses
HERO13 Black
Pros
- ✓5.3K60 and 4K120 video
- ✓1/1.9-inch sensor
- ✓HyperSmooth 6.0 + Burst Slo-Mo
- ✓10m waterproof
Cons
- –Small sensor vs Action 5 Pro
- –Fixed lens
- –Enduro battery not backward compatible
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the HERO and HERO13 Black at major authorized retailers.
GoPro HERO
GoPro HERO13 Black
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, HERO or HERO13 Black?
HERO13 Black scores 10.0/10 versus 3.0/10 for HERO — 20fps burst — fast action ready.
What's the resolution difference between the HERO and HERO13 Black?
HERO is 12 MP and HERO13 Black is 27.6 MP, so the HERO13 Black captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
How does stabilization compare between the HERO and HERO13 Black?
HERO does not have IBIS, while HERO13 Black does not have IBIS.
Which shoots faster bursts — the HERO or the HERO13 Black?
HERO reaches 11 fps electronic. HERO13 Black reaches 20 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the HERO and HERO13 Black?
HERO weighs 580 g and HERO13 Black weighs 121 g, so the HERO13 Black is 459 g lighter.
Do the HERO and HERO13 Black record 4K video?
HERO: 4K up to 60p. HERO13 Black: 4K up to 120p.
Are the HERO and HERO13 Black weather sealed?
HERO: No. HERO13 Black: Yes.
How much does each cost?
HERO launched at $200 and HERO13 Black at $399. The HERO is $199 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way HERO vs HERO13 Black vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.
Product images courtesy of GoPro press materials.