GoPro Hero 12 vs 13: Eight Differences
By Naila Syifa
Updated September 2024
Released a year after the Hero 12, the GoPro Hero 13 brings several notable improvements. But are the differences between the GoPro 12 vs 13 significant enough to justify the extra cost? Or should you stick with the previous Hero 12 model that's now cheaper?
Key Takeaways
GoPro Hero 13 offers 8 new key improvements over the Hero 12 model, including a new magnetic mounting option, interchangeable HB-Series Lenses support, 13x burst slo-mo, 10-bit HLG HDR, Audio Tuning, GPS data and overlay, Wi-Fi 6 support, and a 10% larger battery. Core recording quality like resolution and FOV remain the same between the GoPro 13 vs 12.
GoPro Hero 12 Black
Professional Action Camera
✓ 5.3K/60 Video + 27 MP Photo
✓ HyperSmooth 6.0 with Horizon Lock
✓ Timecode Sync & 10-bit Log
✓ 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 12
The GoPro Hero 12 was originally priced at US$399 when it debuted last year. However, with the release of the new Hero 13, the Hero 12's price has been reduced to US$349, while the Hero 13 takes the US$399 price point.
This narrows the price gap between the two models to only $50, which is not so big and makes the newly launched Hero 13 very appealing to new users. However, for Hero 12 owners, an immediate upgrade may not be necessary.
#2 Design & Display
GoPro Hero 13
GoPro Hero 13 retains the overall physical specification of the Hero 12. They have the same dimensions, weight, ruggedness, and 33ft (10m) water rating. Both also share a dual LCD screen, featuring a 2.27" rear touch display and a 1.4" front preview screen.
One thing that the Hero 13 newly introduced is the support for the Magnetic Latch Mount, an accessory that allows for quick swapping between mounts. It works by first installing the Magnetic Latch Mounts to the various mounts you have, and then the Hero 13 camera can be quickly attached and detached from them for quick POV change without the need to unscrew the camera from the mount. The Magnetic Latch Mount costs US$24.99 and is compatible with all existing GoPro mounts.
There is also a Magnetic Latch Ball Joint Mount (US$39.99) available for the Hero 13, which works similarly to the Magnetic Latch Mount but provides additional flexibility for adjusting the camera angle.
If you're not interested in paying extra for the Magnetic Latch Mount accessories, the Hero 13 and Hero 12 are virtually identical in terms of mounting options. They have built-in folding fingers for attaching to various GoPro mounts and accessories, as well as a 1/4-20 screw hole for tripods.
#3 Video & Photo Quality
GoPro Hero 12
In terms of imaging, the GoPro 12 and 13 have at least five things in common – 5.4K/60 fps maximum video resolution, 27 MP maximum photo resolution, 1/1.9" CMOS sensor, HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization with Horizon Lock, and 156° maximum field of view in 8:7 aspect ratio.
With a Max Lens Mod 2.0 accessory, a wider 177° field of view at 4K/60 can also be achieved on both action cams for more immersive capture. However, while the GoPro Hero 12 only supports the Max Lens Mod 2.0, the Hero 13 is also compatible with 4 other additional lens mods known as HB-Series Lenses, which include the following:
- Ultra Wide Lens Mod ($99) is similar to the Max Lens Mod 2.0 in that it expands the field of view up to 177°, but it also supports the 1:1 aspect ratio that the Max Lens Mod 2.0 doesn't support.
- Macro Lens Mod ($129) brings closer focus up to 4.3" (11 cm) to the subject, which is 4 times closer than the standard lens.
- ND Filter ($69) is a 4-pack neutral density filters that include ND4, ND8, ND16, and ND32 filters for easy motion blur in different lighting conditions.
- Anamorphic Lens Mod ($129) takes an ultra-wide 21:9 aspect ratio with anamorphic lens flare and soft corners for cinematic footage.
Once the lens mod is attached, the Hero 13 can automatically recognize the lens mod and adjust the capture settings accordingly.
GoPro Hero 13
Another new capability that the GoPro Hero 13 brings is the ability to take 13x burst slo-mo up to 400fps at 720p, which gives new possibility to capture fast-moving action in dramatic slow motion. Imagine capturing a high-speed skateboard trick or a hummingbird's wing beats in exquisite detail.
On top of that, the GoPro Hero 13 also adds 10-bit Hybrid Log Gamma High Dynamic Range (HLG HDR), which provides a broadcast-standard 10-bit color depth and Rec. 2100 color space and a wider color gamut than HDR alone.
Meanwhile, recording modes like Looping Video, HindSight, Scheduled Capture, Duration Capture, TimeWarp, Star Trails, and more remain the same between the GoPro Hero 12 and 13.
#4 Audio Quality
GoPro Hero 12
The only upgrade in terms of audio features that the GoPro Hero 13 offers is the Audio Tuning, which lets users select between "Standard" audio for realistic sound capture or "Voice" audio for clearer voice recording and less ambient noise.
Other than that, both the GoPro Hero 12 and Hero 13 share the same audio recording capabilities, including three microphones, advanced noise reduction, support for external microphones via the separately sold Media Mod or Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter, as well as wireless audio support for Apple AirPods and other compatible Bluetooth earbuds and headphones.
#5 Features
GoPro Hero 13
Every GoPro Hero model since Hero 5 records GPS data like position, altitude, speed, and more, which then can be overlaid on the footage using the GoPro Quik app or third-party software. The Hero 12 omits this feature for battery life purposes, but the Hero 13 now brings back the GPS data capture and overlay feature, which will be useful for activities like cycling, running, or motorsports where telemetry data can enhance the footage.
The GoPro Hero 13 has another advantage with Wi-Fi 6 support, which claims to provide 40% faster data transfer from the camera to the smartphone for quicker uploads and editing.
Aside from those, the GoPro 12 and 13 have the same feature set, including 1080p live streaming, 1080p webcam, Timecode Sync for multi-camera editing, and voice control with 14 commands. The GoPro subscription unlocks unlimited cloud storage, automatic highlight videos, premium editing tools, and discounts for accessories and mounts.
#6 Battery Life
GoPro Hero 12
Runtime is another important consideration aspect when comparing the GoPro 12 vs 13, especially if you're planning to use the camera for extended outdoor activities.
The Hero 12 has a 1720mAh Enduro battery, which can last for up to 155 minutes (1080p/30) or 70 minutes (5.3K/60).
GoPro Hero 13 boasts a 10% larger 1900mAh Enduro battery, which can provide a runtime of up to 163 minutes (1080p/30) or 79 minutes (5.3K/60).
GoPro Hero 12 vs 13
Final Thoughts
GoPro Hero 13
With a $50 more investment in the GoPro Hero 13, you can get a 10% larger battery, 13x burst slo-mo, 10-bit HLG HDR, Audio Tuning, GPS data and overlay, and Wi-Fi 6 support.
The Hero 13 also supports a new magnetic mounting option with the Magnetic Latch Mount/Magnetic Latch Ball Joint Mount and additional HB-Series Lens Mods for expanded creative possibilities, but these accessories come at an extra cost.
However, the core video and photo quality, as well as features like Timecode Sync and voice control remain largely unchanged from the previous Hero 12 model, so the GoPro Hero 12 is still a compelling choice, especially for those on a tighter budget.
If you would like to read more about Action Camera, check out our other relevant guides here:
GoPro Hero 11 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
Don't miss out on tech
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on the latest tech trends and guides on the best gadgets around.
