GoPro Introduces Two New Devices as Significant Overhaul in the Brand's Decade-Long History
GoPro's products are so prevalent, they're essentially the Band-Aid or Kleenex of the action camera category: People tend to refer to all cameras of this type as "GoPros." However, maintaining such a dominant market position can make it challenging to launch a new product annually without it feeling repetitive. I wasn't particularly excited about the GoPro Hero 12 Black, last year's model, as it was mostly an upgrade on the 11 while dropping GPS connectivity and performing less effectively in terms of thermals. This year, GoPro is trying its best to introduce something truly novel, with a two-pronged strategy that might sound a bit confusing at first.
Introducing the GoPro Hero and the GoPro Hero 12 Black. Despite sharing a similar name with the original GoPro from 2004, the Hero is a more streamlined version of GoPro's modern cameras, primarily aimed at leisure users and social media influencers. On the other hand, the Hero 12 Black is GoPro's latest premium offering, equipped with a new modular lens system that seems like the freshest innovation to hit GoPro in a while.
GoPro Hero
Credit: GoProThe GoPro Hero appears to be GoPro's countermeasure to TikTok. A more compact, budget-friendly version of GoPro's design, it still captures video in 4K and boasts the same waterproof and robust chassis for extreme activities. It even offers image stabilization and slow-motion capabilities.
However, GoPro markets it as a grab-and-go device, ideal for shooting TikToks or keeping in your bag as a backup for any unexpected photo opportunities. This is because it's approximately the size of a couple of cherries, weighing just 86g. At $199, it's also half the price of GoPro's premium offering, making it more affordable and less of a financial loss if it gets damaged or misplaced.
Credit: GoPro
It retains its own screen and access to the Quik app for easy editing or cloud backups, but there are certainly compromises. While vertical video is an option, the Hero only supports the 16:9 aspect ratio. Its 2x slow-motion capability is not as generous as the 13x slow-motion offered by the flagship Hero 12 Black. Perhaps most restrictively, the Hero cannot utilize lens attachments like the Max Lens Mod, nor can it work with the new magnetic mounting system that will be available with the Hero 12 Black. Still, it does come equipped with built-in fingers for connecting to other GoPro mounts, although it lacks the standard tripod socket that was introduced with last year's Hero 12.
These limitations are unlikely to bother casual users, but they may mean that the Hero is only a secondary camera on professional shoots. It's available for pre-order now and will be shipped on Sept. 22, but for those who require more power from their main camera, there's the new Hero 12 Black.
GoPro Hero 12 Black
Credit: GoProThe Hero 12 Black features all the advanced specs one would expect from a new GoPro flagship, such as 5.3K video capture, Bluetooth compatibility, and that 13x slow-motion. But being highly advanced isn't what sets it apart—one could have said the same about the Hero 11 Black or Hero 12 Black. Instead, the Hero 12 Black's true allure is the way it breathes fresh life into a potentially stale ecosystem.
Credit: GoPro
First, there's a new quality of life feature: magnetic mounting. While GoPro is not the first action camera to feature a magnetic mount, GoPro's new magnetic accessories make it incredibly easy for the Hero 12 Black to switch between tripods or other mounts. Available with both a latch ($24) and a ball joint ($39), you simply attach a new magnetic connector to the bottom of the camera, screw it into your accessory, and pull the camera out when you're done. It's similar to MagSafe, and during my time with it, it was incredibly secure, holding up well even during shaking and tossing. You can even get a magnetic charger, called the Contacto Magnetic Door and Power Cable Kit ($79), that allows you to charge the camera without removing the battery door. The downside is that each magnetic connector is sold separately, and to get the most convenience out of the system, you'll likely need a different connector for each of your mounts.
Still, it introduces a new level of modularity to the camera, leading me to the next major feature GoPro has planned: a new range of “HB-Series" lens attachments.
While GoPro's existing Max Lens Mod already offers ultrawide functionality, introducing 177-degree angles to the GoPro, the Hero 12 Black will have an even wider selection of options.
First, the Max Lens Mod will be replaced by the Ultra Wide Lens Mod ($99), which now offers a 1:1 aspect ratio, providing a perfect square that can be cropped for both horizontal and vertical video. But the real trick is that it's no longer the only alternate lens available. There's also now the Macro Lens Mod ($129), which can focus on objects as close as 4.33 inches away for better close-up photography. A rotating dial controls focus, and GoPro even suggests that the Macro Lens mod can be used as the main lens by simply adjusting the focus when away from your subject.
Credit: Michelle Ehrhardt
The most captivating aspect could be the Anamorphic Lens Mod ($129), which introduces a 21:9 cinematic aspect ratio for a more "Hollywood-like" appearance in your shots. It also facilitates the capture of lens flares and softens corners, and you can utilize a "de-squeeze" effect on the camera's interface to compress your anamorphic footage into a 16:9 format for YouTube. This preserves the effects while ensuring your video fills the entire screen. However, you'll have to wait until next year to get your hands on it.
There's also a new set of ND Filters in town, which manipulate light and can be employed to add a blur effect to your shots. Your GoPro will identify the application of an ND Filter and adjust settings accordingly. Unfortunately, ND Filters cannot be used alongside the lens mod.
Each lens mod carries a hefty price tag and is exclusively compatible with the Hero 13 Black. Despite the cost, a single mod significantly boosts the camera's capabilities, making it a more potent device than its predecessors. With the right editing, it's plausible to produce an entire movie solely using a GoPro.
Some enhancements include the return of GPS motion data, a faster 13x slo-mo than last year's 8x max, and a longer battery life. Plus, there's the addition of Wi-Fi 6 for faster uploading. Even without buying any accessories, the Hero 13 Black boasts improved capabilities compared to its predecessor. The new accessories provide a compelling argument for an upgrade.
Credit: Michelle Ehrhardt
The Hero 13 Black is now available for pre-order at $399, with shipping commencing on Sept. 10. For those seeking more than just the camera, the Hero 13 Black Creator Edition, priced at $599, includes the camera, a Volta Power Grip, Media Mod, and Light Mod.
Initial thoughts
I've had a brief hands-on experience with the Hero 13 Black and, though not yet ready for a comprehensive review, I can say I'm impressed by the new lenses. I've only tested the Ultra Wide Lens and Macro Lens, but the Ultra Wide Lens generates footage reminiscent of the Max Lens Mod. The Macro Lens, on the other hand, addresses one of my major concerns with GoPro—poor photo quality, specifically blurry close-ups and still shots, even under low light conditions. By contrast, still photos taken with the Macro Lens Mod appear sharp, even in low light, and close-up videos perform just as well. Here's a sneak peek of my early experiments, though I've compressed the footage slightly. Stay tuned for more.
Credit: Michelle EhrhardtCredit: Michelle EhrhardtCredit: Michelle Ehrhardt
Credit: Michelle Ehrhardt
The new GoPro Hero 2024 might build upon the success of the Hero 12 Black by further integrating magnetic mounting technology into its design, making it even easier for users to switch between mounts. This move could help maintain GoPro's position as a leader in the tech industry, ensuring their action cameras continue to be as ubiquitous as Band-Aids or Kleenex in their respective categories.
GoPro's budget-friendly alternative, the GoPro Hero 2024, has the potential to rival TikTok's popularity by offering a more compact and affordable option for social media creators. Its vertical video support, waterproof design, and 4K video capabilities could attract a younger demographic looking to capture their moments on the go, further expanding GoPro's market.
