(Credit: GoPro)
You can set your calendar on GoPro's release schedule, which almost always gives us a refreshed Hero Black model action camera right after Labor Day, year after year. For 2024, GoPro is doubling its efforts by bringing out two new models: the upmarket Hero13 Black (which ousts last year's Hero12 Black from its flagship perch) and the basic Hero, a more affordable version of the camera that's made for creators who don't want to spend too much on an action cam. The Hero is priced at $199.99, while the Hero13 Black debuts at $399.99.
Small and Tough, With a Touch Screen
With the Hero, GoPro hopes to correct some of the missteps it made a couple years back with the Hero11 Mini, a sized-down action cam that also went after creators on a budget, but came with some headaches. We had a hard time getting good results with the Mini as it doesn't include any sort of display screen for monitoring and suffers from overheating.
(Credit: GoPro)This time around GoPro's engineers have managed to size down its venerable Hero Black while maintaining a rear touch display. The Hero sacrifices the color front display (a mainstay since the Hero9 Black) in favor of a narrower body and large front heat sink, which, along with a maximum 4K30 recording rate, hopefully solves the overheating issues on the Hero11 Mini.
The Hero also supports 2.7K or 1080p video at 60fps, a rate that supports 2x slow-motion on a standard 30fps editing timeline, and sports an ultra wide lens with a 165° angle of view and HyperSmooth digital stabilization. The camera is nearly as tough as entries in the Black series too, the Hero is waterproof down to 16 feet and includes a replaceable Gorilla Glass protective cover over its lens.
(Credit: GoPro)The rear touch display is the main interface for the camera. You'll use swipe gestures to switch modes and access menus, typical for an action cam. The Hero also works with the GoPro Quik app for remote control and file transfers. As for power, an internal battery runs the camera for up to 100 minutes of 4K30 video. An integrated battery comes with some drawbacks—you can't swap to a fresh one when it runs out, and over its capacity will surely diminish—but makes the camera's small, light (3.0 ounces) frame possible.
Pricing and Availability
The GoPro Hero will be available to purchase on Sept. 22 for the aforementioned $199.99 retail price. We've not yet had a chance to test it, but stay tuned for a review once we have.
(Credit: GoPro)In the meantime, you can read our full review of the Hero13 Black, also announced today for $399.99 and in stores next week. Or peruse our list of the best action cameras to help you find the right video camera to use to document your adventures.