Why Did a Non-Outdoor Enthusiast Purchase a Go Pro Action Camera?
I will first say that I do not surf, water ski, snow ski, or jet ski. So, now you’re wondering why I would even consider purchasing a Go Pro Hero13 Action Camera.
Well, I travel a lot, and I thought an action camera would add life to my dull travel videos. It’s so much fun to capture action videos while hiking, biking, maneuvering water slides, swimming, snorkeling, boating, stargazing, animal spotting, birdwatching, or even sightseeing from an open tour bus.
You may think a cell phone is good enough to take videos. However, I wanted a waterproof camera that would capture action videos in a variety of outdoor environments. It’s nice to once and awhile put my cell phone away and not be tempted to read texts and emails or browse social media. The Go Pro Hero13 captures awesome videos hold great vacation memories.
Everything In The Box
:: HERO13 Black Camera
:: Enduro high-capacity battery
:: Curved adhesive mount to attach GoPro to curved surfaces
:: Mounting buckle to connect your GoPro to mounts
:: Thumbscrew to secure camera to mounting buckle
:: USB-C cable for charging
:: 4 decorative stickers
About this Newest Go Pro Model
GoPro Hero13 Black is the latest model of GoPro’s Hero series of cameras. I learned that GoPro made some major improvements from previous models. GoPro Hero13 is a 27.0MP Action Camera with a 1/1.9-inch sized CMOS sensor, weather-sealed body, and a 12mm F2.8 lens. GoPro replaced the older Hero12 Black with this model.
Highlights of a Go Pro Action Camera:
:: Camera size compares to height and width of a standard credit card
:: Waterproof down to 30 feet below the surface
:: Available in black and a new color, forest green
Special Features of the Go Pro Hero 13 Action Camera
Just as I don’t consider myself an extreme sports enthusiast who uses the Go Pro Hero13 Action Camera to jump out of an airplane or slalom down a ski slope, I am also not very technologically advanced. I know how to charge my Go Pro … take amazing videos … transfer the videos to my laptop.
However, to explain the special features of this Go Pro Hero 13 model accurately, I will mention the technical aspects promoted as per the Go Pro brand. If you understand action cameras, these specific features will make more sense to you than to me.
>> New Feature: HB-Series Lenses with Auto-Detect
The lenses automatically put you in the right mode with the right settings for the shots you want.
>> Macro Lens Mod provides 4X closer than HERO13 Black alone, plus variable focus distance.
>> Ultra-Wide Lens Mod offers 36% wider + 48% taller FOV than HERO13 Black alone for ultimate point of view.
>> Smart Motion Blur ND Filter automatically adjusts camera settings for pro-quality motion blur.
>> Anamorphic Lens Mod offers an undistorted 21:9 cinematic aspect ratio with lens flares.
>> New feature: Next-gen Batteries Provide Longer Run Times
The new larger 1900mAh Enduro Battery delivers improved efficiency with run times up to 2.5 hours of continuous recording.
>> New feature: Go Pro Hero13 is a Power Magnet
The magnetic power cable forms a weatherproof seal with the door and connects to any USB-C power source to continuously power the camera.
>> New feature: Magnetic Mounting
Built-in mounting fingers work with any GoPro accessory, and 1/4-20 threads are compatible with industry-standard tripods.
>> Professional 5.3K Video
Video output provides 5.3K60, 4K120, 2.7K120 + 1080p240 video.
>> New feature: 400 FPS Slo-Mo
The HERO13 Black is the first Go Pro camera offering Burst Slo-Mo, providing 400fps at 720p for 15 seconds.
>> Waterproof to 33 feet below the surface
Features a water-repelling replaceable lens cover and a hydrophobic lens that sheds water to provide clarity to action shots in wet environments.
>> EMMY®-Winning Video Stabilization
HyperSmooth 6.0 raises the bar for in-camera video stabilization.
>> Tall image sensors add versatility
Capture wide, vertical, or full-frame images whether for traditional playback, social media, or full frame.
:: Wide angle digital lenses: HyperView and SuperView enable 16:9 capture
:: 156° field of view in full 8:7 available in 5.3K and 4K.
>> New feature: Industry-standard HDR Video
Hybrid Log Gamma High Dynamic Range (HLG HDR) video delivers richer details and more vibrant colors.
:: 10-bit color enables enhanced color depth, smoother gradations and more realism.
:: Timecode sync wirelessly synchronizes multiple Hero13 cameras via timecode in the Quik app. Compatible with Final Cut and Adobe Premier editing software.
:: Stunning 27MP photos + 24.7MP video frame grabs provide high-resolution professional quality stills whether shooting photos or pulling stills from your videos.
:: Capture GPS data as real-time animated graphics to display speed, altitude and more in the Quik app.
>> Enhanced Sound
:: Bluetooth audio support plus voice commands
Use Apple AirPods, Bluetooth earbuds or other wireless mics during interviews or when narrating. Give voice commands remotely. Hear alerts from the camera.
>> Edit easily in the Quik App
:: New feature: Faster wireless transfers from GoPro to cell phone are over 40% faster with Wi-Fi 6 or go with lightning-fast wired transfers with a USB-C cable.
:: While GoPro is charging, shots auto-upload to the cloud and highlight the videos sent to your cell phone.
Technical Specifications
:: Available colors: Black and forest green
:: Height: 2″ H x 2.23″ W x 1.32″D
:: Weight: 2.71 lbs.
:: Display Type: LCD
:: Screen Size: 2.27 inches
:: Image Resolution: 5.3K
:: Digital Zoom: 2x
:: Image Stabilization: Digital
:: Integrated speaker
:: WIFI and Bluetooth connectivity
:: Built-in microphone
:: Charging Interface: USB-C Power
:: Rechargeable Battery
:: Battery Life: Up to 2.5 hours
:: Battery Size: 3.7V
:: Image File Format: JPEG
:: Auto/Manual Focus
:: Maximum Aperture: f/2.5
:: Maximum Focal Length: 34 millimeters
:: Minimum Focal Length: 16.5 millimeters
:: Effective Pixels: 27 megapixels
:: Aspect Ratios: 16:9, 4:3
:: Standardized Video Resolution: 5K
:: Maximum Video Frame Rate: Up to 120 fps
:: Video Encoding Formats: MP4
:: Number of Memory Card Slots: 1
:: Tripod/Monopod mountable
My First Go Pro Camera
If you’re familiar with Go Pro cameras, you know this fun piece of gear comes with a high price tag. To justify the cost, I looked at it as a family investment. I lend it to any family member who wants to borrow it. That lessens the blow of paying $359.00 at Best Buy. It’s been used dozens of times in different cities, states, and countries, and for a variety of adventures. The outstanding videos produced certainly justify the cost of the Go Pro Hero13 Action Camera.
My Go Pro Hero13 camera has exceeded all my expectations. I love the small size, and it was so easy to set up and use. The camera produces amazing video quality, good stabilization, while offering many cool features that I am slowly but surely learning about. The fact that it is waterproof has added an adventurous element to the water excursions that I go on when taking cruises. Instead of rushing out of the water, I actively look for sea life to capture on my Go Pro. The GoPro Quik app is user friendly to make content edits quickly. And the battery life is great.
I will continue to watch Go Pro tutorials on YouTube and from other influencers to gain more video capturing skills. My simple travel videos are looking more professional and cinematic, but I won’t be quitting my day job to become a content creator just yet.
