The Top 3 GoPro Hero Cameras Compared
GoPro Hero 13 Black GoPro Hero 13 GoPro Hero 12 Black Price $430 $220 $370 Video Capabilities 5.3K (8:7) @30/25/24 fps5.3K (16:9) @60/50/30/25/24 fps4K (8:7) @60/50/30/25 fps4K (9:16) @ 60/50/30/25 fps4K (16:9) @120/100/60/50/30/25/24 fps2.7K (4:3) @120/100 fps2.7K (16:9) @240/200 fps1080 (9:16) @ 60/50/30/25 fps1080p (16:9) @240/200/120/100/60/50/30/25 fps 4K 16:9 @30/25 fps1080p 16:9 @30/25 fps2.7K 16:9 @60/50 fps 5.3K (8:7) @30/25/24 fps5.3K (16:9) @60/50/30/25/24 fps4K (8:7) @60/50/30/25/24 fps4K (9:16) @ 60/50/30/25 fps4K (16:9) @120/100/60/50/30/25/24 fps2.7K (4:3) @120/100/60/50 fps2.7K (16:9) @240/200 fps1080 (9:16) @ 60/50/30/25 fps1080p (16:9) @240/200/120/100/60/50/30/25/24 fps Video Modes VideoHDR Video with HLGBurst Slo-MoLooping Video Video VideoHDR VideoLooping Video Video Stabilization HyperSmooth 6.0 HyperSmooth stabilization applied via the GoPro Quik app. HyperSmooth 6.0 Horizon Leveling Up to 27°, 5.3K60, 4K120, 2.7K240 and 1080/240 None Up to 27°, 5.3K60, 4K120, 2.7K240 and 1080/240 Digital Lens / FOV Options HyperView, SuperView, Wide, Linear, Linear + Horizon Lock / Leveling — HyperView, SuperView, Wide, Linear, Linear + Horizon Lock / Leveling Photo Resolution 27.13 MP (5568x4872) 12 MP 27.13 MP (5568x4872) Max Still Size (from video) 24.69MP from (8:7) 5.3K Video 21.16MP from (4:3) 5.3K Video 15.87MP from (16:9) 5.3K Video 8.29MP from 4K 16:9 4.11MP from 2.7K 16:9 2.1MP from 1080p 16:9 24.69MP from (8:7) 5.3K Video 21.16MP from (4:3) 5.3K Video 15.87MP from (16:9) 5.3K Video Rear Display Size 2.27" Touch LCD 1.76" Touch LCD 2.27" Touch LCD Front Display 1.4" Color LCD None 1.4" Color LCD HindSight Yes No Yes Scheduled Capture Yes No Yes Duration Capture Yes No Yes Photo Capabilities SuperPhoto HDR Standard RAW (27.13MP - 5568x4872) Standard SuperPhoto HDR Standard RAW (27.13MP - 5568x4872)
GoPros to Avoid
GoPro doesn't sell anything older than the Hero 12, but there are plenty of Hero 11s and even Hero 10s out there for sale on the internet. We suggest avoiding them. They may work fine, but modern accessories designed for later models won't work, and these cameras have likely been through the wringer. (They are action cameras, after all.)
What About the GoPro Max?
Photograph: GoPro
What most people call a “GoPro” is in fact the Hero Black camera. GoPro makes a few other cameras as well, most notably the Max. The Max is GoPro's attempt at three cameras in one. It can shoot 360 footage and Hero-style video and photos, and it works as a vlogging camera. While the 360-degree time lapse feature is awesome, and the sound is pretty good, it's been a while since GoPro updated it, and there are better 360 cameras. Our top pick is Insta360's X5. The GoPro Max might be more durable, but in nearly every other way the X5 bests it. Hopefully, GoPro will update the Max in 2025.
The Best GoPro Accessories
Photograph: GoPro
Should you buy a bundle? Generally, I say no. Get the camera, figure it out, and see how you end up using it. When you find yourself trying to solve a problem, start looking for an accessory. Here are some of my favorite things that I've tested and used, but if you have favorites you think I should try, drop a comment below.
A good MicroSD card for $60: According to GoPro's recommendations, you want a microSD card with a V30 or UHS-3 rating. That said, GoPros can be finicky about SD cards. I've had good luck with, and recommend, the Samsung linked here. Another card I've used extensively is the Sandisk Extreme Pro.
GoPro Media Mod for $80: By far my most used accessory, the media mod does add some bulk, but in most cases this is more than made up for by the fact that you can plug in a real microphone (I use mine with a Rode Wireless). Sound quality is radically improved with this one. This may be less necessary if you get the Hero 12 or later, since those models do have support for Bluetooth mics.
GoPro Handlebar Mount for $40: I've been doing a lot more riding lately and this mount pretty much lives on my bike these days. It's been rock solid in my testing, and beats any of the third-party mounts I've tested.
GoPro Tripod Mount Adapters for $30: Unless you have the Hero 12 or 13, which have a tripod mount built-in, you'll need a few of these to mount your GoPro to a tripod like the GorillaPod above.
GoPro Floaty for $35: If you're getting anywhere near the water, grab one of these. Trust me, you will drop your GoPro and when you do, you will glad you have this (unless the water is clear and you're a good free diver.) GoPro also makes a Floating Hand Grip ($23), which not only floats but has a leash for diving or surfing.
GoPro Selfie Stick for $80: This 48-inch extension pole collapses up surprisingly small and isn't very heavy. It's the best selfie stick I've used. I rarely use it for selfies, but it makes a great monopod on soft ground, like a sandy beach.
DaVinci Resolve Studio for $300: This is my video editing software of choice. There is a free version, but I got tired of converting media to fit the restrictions of the free version. Best money I ever spent when it comes to making better videos.