Head-to-head · Best Action Cameras For Travel

GoPro Hero 13 Black vs GoPro HERO12

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

GoPro Hero 13 Black comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.3 vs 4.0). The gap is mostly about Users wanting a balance of portability and durability — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Action Cameras For Travel

GoPro Hero 13 Black

4.3

$399

The GoPro Hero 13 Black maintains GoPro's reputation for durability and portability, offering a 10% battery life improvement with its new 1900 mAh Enduro battery. Reviewers noted it remains ideal for extreme conditions and underwater use, capable of operating without a housing down to 33 feet. However, the $399 price point and modest upgrade over the Hero 12 have been cited as drawbacks. The camera's small size and rugged build make it suitable for adventurers and athletes seeking reliable action footage.

Strengths

— 10% increase in battery life with new 1900 mAh Enduro battery
— Indestructible design suitable for extreme conditions
— Can operate underwater up to 33 feet without housing

Watch-outs

— Retail price increase to $399
— Limited upgrade from Hero 12 model

$399 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

GoPro HERO12

Ranked #6 in Best Action Cameras For Travel

GoPro HERO12

4.0

$339.99as of May 29

The GoPro HERO12 is an ultralight and ultra-durable action camera designed for outdoor adventurers seeking high-quality video capture. Reviewers praised its excellent image stabilization, impressive battery life, and wide-angle lens performance. The camera excels in rough conditions and is ideal for activities like hiking, biking, and rafting. However, the built-in microphone quality is poor, and the camera is not optimized for still photography. It's best suited for users who prioritize video capture over audio quality and photography.

Strengths

— Excellent image stabilization for capturing smooth video during action sports and outdoor activities
— Impressive battery life with standard battery allowing up to 1.5 hours of 5.3K video recording
— Durable design suitable for extreme weather conditions and temperatures

Watch-outs

— Built-in microphone quality is subpar and not recommended for audio capture
— Not optimized for still photography; primarily a video camera

$339.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

GoPro Hero 13 Black

The GoPro Hero 13 Black improves battery life over the Hero 12 but offers no significant upgrade in video features compared to the GoPro Hero13 Black. It's more durable than the GoPro MAX, which suffers from heat issues, and provides better video quality than the basic GoPro Hero model.

GoPro HERO12

The GoPro HERO12 offers excellent image stabilization and a wide-angle lens, features that the GoPro MAX lacks due to its 360-degree focus. Compared to the GoPro Hero 13 Black, it has a smaller sensor and less advanced stabilization, but it's more affordable and still suitable for basic action use.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	GoPro Hero 13 Black	GoPro HERO12
Video Resolution	Up to 5.3K at 60fps	5.3K at 60 FPS
Photo Resolution	27 megapixels	27MP
Sensor	Sony IMX677L	1/1.9" CMOS
Image Stabilization	HyperSmooth 6.0	HyperSmooth 6.0
Waterproofing	33 ft without housing	Up to 10m (33ft)
Battery	1900 mAh Enduro	Up to 1.5 hours at 5.3K
Weight	154 g to 159 g	5.3 oz (with battery)
Display	2.27in Rear Touch Display, 1.4in Front Display	2.3-inch LCD

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