GoPro 13 Hero Black
A YouTuber I am not. Yet. However, I have been pondering adding video clips to my column in this space – especially because readers have asked to see demos of many products that I review here. As a result, I’ve made some mock videos with my phone just to see how they might appear on the web. I still have a way to go. But one thing I know I want to use for the job in 2025 is a GoPro camera. And as it happens, I recently got the latest GoPro 13 Hero Black to test out. This portable gem is tiny – 2.8 inches long by 2 inches tall, and 1.3 inches thick – and weighs next to nothing.
While GoPros are popular with people who like to create action adventure videos, they also have a lot of other uses. Many travelers enjoy recording their vacations and journeys in super high resolution with them. They can also be used as dashboard cameras because of the amazingly wide field of vision. And you can even use them as security cameras. I want to use this model in several ways – for crystal clear product reviews, on the driving range in super slo-mo so I can keep my golf swing tuned, to possibly record golf rounds, and to use for golf travel articles at new destinations. Yeah, I have big plans.
Because the camera is so small, it’s easy to pack and carry. But I can also hang it around my neck when traveling and even filming, as it completely stabilizes any shaking for a smooth playback. It’s super easy to operate – essentially it shoots video, time lapse video, and stills. And it’s the first GoPro camera with Burst Slo-Mo, which gives 400 frames per second at 720p for 15 real-time seconds. Or I can shift to a higher resolution with 900p at 360 frames per second for 15 seconds or 5.3K at 120 frames per second. I have been loving experimenting with it – the speed is remarkable and perfect for recording a golf swing and playing it back so slowly that I can actually detect the smallest quirk in my swing.
The camera’s new and larger 1900mAh Enduro battery – specific to this model – is more efficient than prior models and records up to 2.5 hours continuously. Enduro Battery for HERO13 Black is not compatible with older GoPros. The camera is also waterproof, as with previous models.
To accessorize the camera, I got a pair of lens mods that screw into place. The HB-Series Ultra Wide Lens Mod expands the field of view by 36 percent wider and 48 percent taller to 177°. Plus it further smooths the video stabilization with 4K60 video resolution. And the HB-Series Macro Lens Mod is a manual variable focus ring that gets 4x closer to your subject – from 4.33 inches to 2.46 feet. I also tried out some smart neutral density filters that essentially make motion blur more natural, like in the movies. They seem to work fine, but I actually prefer the lack of motion blur I see through using the standard lens.
Regardless, I cannot wait to start making this a regular tool for the job. And if it works, you’ll be able to see the results in some of my future columns.
