GoPro Hero 11 vs 13: Unveiling 13 Key Upgrades
By Naila Syifa
Updated September 2024
The 2024-released GoPro Hero 13 offers at least thirteen major improvements over the 2022-released Hero 11 model. What are these improvements and do they matter to your shooting needs?
Key Takeaways
GoPro Hero 13 is a big leap compared to the Hero 11, offering 13 upgrades: HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization, a portrait aspect ratio, HDR for video, 13x burst slo-mo, 10-bit HLG HDR, HB-Series Lenses support, Audio Tuning, Bluetooth audio support, Timecode Sync, Wi-Fi 6 support, 1/4-20 screw hole, magnetic mounting option, and a 10% larger battery.
GoPro Hero 11 Black
Reliable Action Camera
✓ 5.3K/60 Video + 27 MP Photo
✓ 10-Bit Color
✓ HyperSmooth 5.0 with Horizon Lock
✓ 1720mAh Enduro
GoPro Hero 13 Black
Endless Creative Possibilities
✓ 5.3K/60 Video + 27 MP Photo
✓ 400fps Burst Slo-Mo
✓ Combine with HB-Series Lenses
✓ 1900mAh Enduro
#1 Price
GoPro Hero 11
The GoPro Hero 13 retails at US$399, the exact same price as the Hero 11 when it was first released 2 years back. However, the Hero 11 is now available for US$299, making it $100 more cost-effective than the latest Hero 13 model.
#2 Design & Display
GoPro Hero 13
GoPro Hero 11 and Hero 13 are almost identical in design, featuring GoPro's legendary compact and rugged form factor with the same 50.8 x 71.8 x 33.6 mm dimensions, 154 g weight, and 33ft (10m) water rating. A dual LCD screen setup is also present on both models, with a front-facing 1.4" display for selfies and a rear 2.27" touchscreen for framing shots.
What sets the GoPro 11 vs 13 apart is the mounting system on the Hero 13, which now features a 1/4-20 screw hole for tripods and magnetic latch support for quick snapping and detaching from various mounts, in addition to the built-in folding fingers already present on the Hero 11. The Magnetic Latch Mount costs US$24.99 and is compatible with all existing GoPro mounts.
#3 Video & Photo Quality
GoPro Hero 11
Basic video and photo specifications remain the same between the GoPro Hero 11 and 13, including 5.4K/60 fps maximum video resolution, 27 MP maximum photo resolution, 1/1.9" CMOS sensor, and 156° maximum field of view in an 8:7 aspect ratio.
While the GoPro Hero 11 only offers HDR for photo, the Hero 13 supports HDR for both photo and video. HDR video mode can be particularly useful for capturing high-contrast scenes with better dynamic range and highlight/shadow detail.
Stabilization technology also got improved in the GoPro Hero 13, with the inclusion of the latest HyperSmooth 6.0 compared to the HyperSmooth 5.0 in the Hero 11.
The GoPro Hero 13 also has an advantage in capturing fast-moving action in dramatic slow motion, with 13x burst slo-mo up to 400fps at 720p resolution. The Hero 11, on the other hand, only supports up to 8x slo-mo at 2.7K.
In addition, it includes a 10-bit Hybrid Log Gamma High Dynamic Range (HLG HDR), which offers a broadcast-standard 10-bit color depth, Rec. 2100 color space, and a wider color gamut than standard HDR.
GoPro Hero 13
The release of the GoPro 13 is accompanied by the introduction of HB-Series Lenses, a suite of interchangeable lens mod accessories compatible with the GoPro Hero 13 that makes it a more versatile action camera for professional and advanced users.
The HB-Series Lenses consist of 4 lens mods, which the camera will auto-detect and optimize settings for when attached. Each is sold separately with different pricing as follows:
- Ultra Wide Lens Mod ($99) gets you an expanded field of view up to 177° in 16:9 or 176° in 1:1.
- Macro Lens Mod ($129) allows you to focus up to 4.3" (11 cm) from the subject, which is 4 times closer than the standard lens.
- ND Filter ($69) is a 4-pack of neutral density filters including ND4, ND8, ND16, and ND32, enabling you to create motion blur in different lighting conditions.
- Anamorphic Lens Mod ($129) captures an ultra-wide 21:9 aspect ratio with anamorphic lens flare and soft corners for a cinematic look.
Meanwhile, the GoPro Hero 11 is only compatible with the Max Lens Mod accessory, which slightly widens the field of view up to 155° in 4:3 with the HyperSmooth on or 169° with the HyperSmooth off.
#4 Audio Quality
GoPro Hero 11
Both the GoPro 11 and 13 are equipped with three microphones with advanced noise reduction, delivering high-quality audio recording.
For professional audio capture, both action cams are compatible with the separately sold Media Mod or Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter, allowing users to connect an external microphone for improved audio quality.
One advantage that the GoPro Hero 13 offers is wireless audio support, which allows connection to Apple AirPods and other compatible Bluetooth earbuds/headphones for wireless audio recording.
On top of that, the GoPro Hero 13 offers more customization with the new Audio Tuning feature, letting users select between 'Standard' audio for realistic sound capture or 'Voice' audio for voice prioritization over ambient noise.
#5 Features
GoPro Hero 13
GoPro Hero 11 and 13 offer a range of similar additional features, including live streaming, webcam mode, voice control, GPS data capture and overlay, and a suite of editing tools via the Quik app.
What mainly sets the Hero 13 apart is the Timecode Sync feature, which makes it easier to synchronize footage from multiple GoPro cameras during post-production. This gives the GoPro Hero 13 an advantage in professional video production where multi-camera setups are commonly used.
In addition, the Hero 13 also now supports Wi-Fi 6, claiming to deliver 40% faster file transfers to the mobile device for quicker editing and sharing.
#6 Battery Life
GoPro Hero 13
GoPro Hero 13 offers a 1900mAh Enduro battery, which is 10% larger than the 1720mAh Enduro battery capacity on the Hero 11.
As a result, the Hero 13 has a longer battery life of up to 163 minutes (1080p/30) or 79 minutes (5.3K/60), compared to the Hero 11 with up to 137 minutes (1080p/30) or 61 minutes (5.3K/60) of runtime.
GoPro Hero 11 vs 13
Final Thoughts
GoPro Hero 13
The GoPro Hero 13 represents a significant upgrade over the Hero 11, offering a range of improvements that cater to the needs of both casual and professional users.
The addition of features like HDR video, 13x burst slo-mo, 10-bit HLG HDR, the HB-Series Lenses, and magnetic mounting option provide enhanced creative capabilities, while the Timecode Sync and Wi-Fi 6 support streamline the workflow for multi-camera setups and faster file transfers. With a larger battery and improved stabilization, the Hero 13 also delivers better performance and longer runtime, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a more capable action camera.
If you would like to read more about Action Camera, check out our other relevant guides here:
GoPro Hero 12 vs 13
GoPro Hero 11 vs 12
GoPro Hero 13 vs Insta360 X4
GoPro Hero 13 vs Insta360 X3
GoPro Hero 12 vs Insta360 X4
GoPro Hero 12 vs Insta360 X3
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