GoPro Hero 13 vs GoPro Hero 8: Time To Upgrade?

When stacking up the GoPro Hero 13 vs GoPro Hero 8, it’s good to remember that six years separate these two models.

Since the Hero 8 hit the market back in 2019, action cameras have come a long way, with new tech and features making a real difference.

In this article, I’ll break down the key upgrades and improvements of the Hero 13 to help you decide if upgrading is worth it for your needs—or if sticking with the Hero 8 still gets the job done.

GoPro Hero 13 vs GoPro Hero 8: A Quick Look at the Specs

Here’s an overview of the key features and technical specs of the GoPro Hero 13 and Hero 8 to help you compare them side by side.

GoPro Hero 13

The GoPro Hero 13 Black takes everything great from previous models and makes it even better. 

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One of the biggest upgrades is the 1900mAh Enduro battery. It lasts longer and performs well in both hot and cold conditions, so you can focus on filming instead of charging. Whether you’re shooting in 5.3K at 60fps or out on a cold morning hike, the Hero 13 is ready to keep up with your adventures.

The new magnetic mounting system makes switching mounts quick and easy. Instead of fiddling with screws, just snap it onto a new mount and go. This feature is especially handy if you’re switching between setups, like from a helmet mount to a selfie stick mid-activity.

Another great addition is the range of interchangeable lenses. The Macro Lens Mod is perfect for close-ups, the Ultra Wide Mod gives you a 177° field of view for epic landscapes, and ND filters help you create smooth, cinematic footage in bright conditions. Plus, with HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization and Horizon Lock, your footage stays steady and perfectly level—even if the camera spins a full 360°.

With its waterproof design, the Hero 13 is ready to dive up to 33 feet (10 meters) without a case. Whether you’re snorkeling, skiing, or just recording everyday moments, this camera has you covered. While the improvements might not feel revolutionary, the thoughtful upgrades make it an easy recommendation for anyone looking to upgrade or dive into action cameras for the first time.

GoPro Hero 8

Released in 2019, the GoPro Hero 8 Black remains a reliable and versatile action camera, even though newer models have since hit the market.

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What set the Hero 8 apart at launch was its improved HyperSmooth 2.0 stabilization, which allows users to capture steady footage in any situation. With three modes—On, High, and Boost—it offered a level of customization that made it ideal for both casual users and professionals.

Even though it’s a few years old, the Hero 8 still performs well, supporting 1080p live streaming so users can share their adventures in real-time on social media. Thanks to its in-app horizon leveling, footage stays perfectly aligned, giving videos a polished and professional look. You can also save live streams to an SD card, so you don’t lose any content and can rewatch or edit it later.

The TimeWarp 2.0 feature was another standout, offering dynamic time-lapse videos that automatically adjust speed based on motion and lighting changes. Users can slow the footage down to real-time with a tap, then speed it back up for an engaging visual effect, making it easy to highlight key moments creatively.

Though newer models like the Hero 12 and 13 have built upon the Hero 8’s foundation with better resolution and battery life, the Hero 8 Black still holds up well for casual adventurers and content creators looking for a reliable, affordable action camera.

GoPro Hero 13 vs GoPro Hero 8: In-Depth Comparison

Let’s take a closer look on these cameras:

Design

The Hero 8, released in 2019, features a sleek design with folding fingers, eliminating the need for an external mounting frame and making it more compact.

The Hero 13 maintains this design but introduces a magnetic mounting system, allowing quicker transitions between mounts—perfect for fast-paced shooting. The Hero 13 also includes a heatsink under the lens to prevent overheating during long sessions, offering better thermal management compared to the Hero 8.

Processor

The Hero 8 relies on an older processor that limits it to simpler tasks and lower resolutions. In contrast, the Hero 13 is powered by the GP2 processor, first introduced in the Hero 10, with further optimizations for the Hero 13. This allows smoother operation, faster processing, and better handling of high-resolution videos like 5.3K at 60fps.

Photo Quality

The Hero 8 captures 12MP photos, which were solid at the time of release but lack HDR, limiting their dynamic range. The Hero 13 offers a major upgrade with 27MP photos with HDR, capturing more detail and balancing highlights and shadows more effectively, making it ideal for landscape and action photography.

Video Quality

The Hero 8 records video up to 4K at 60fps, providing great results for casual users but lacking some advanced features. The Hero 13 significantly improves on this with 5.3K at 60fps and 4K at 120fps options. It also introduces burst slow-motion mode, making it a better choice for action-packed scenes where smooth playback is essential.

Accessories (Ultra Wide Lenses and New Accessories)

The Hero 8 supports basic GoPro accessories but lacks the modular lens options found in newer models. The Hero 13 introduces several new interchangeable lens mods, including the Ultra Wide Lens Mod with a 177° field of view, ideal for capturing immersive landscapes or action footage. The Macro Lens Mod allows close-up shots, and ND filters provide better control in bright conditions, enhancing creative possibilities.

Mounting System

The Hero 8 was the first GoPro to introduce folding fingers for easy attachment to mounts. The Hero 13 retains the folding fingers but adds a magnetic mounting system, allowing even faster mount changes. This feature makes it more convenient for users who need to switch between different setups quickly.

Battery Life

The Hero 8 uses a 1220mAh standard battery, which limits recording time, especially in demanding conditions. The Hero 13 comes with a 1900mAh Enduro battery, offering longer runtimes and better performance in extreme temperatures. This makes the Hero 13 more reliable for long adventures or intense shooting sessions.

Low Light Performance

The Hero 8 struggles with low light performance, producing grainy and noisy footage in darker environments. The Hero 13 performs much better, thanks to HDR support and improved processing, capturing more detail in shadows and highlights. This makes it a better choice for filming at dawn, dusk, or in other low-light situations, where clarity is essential.

Time To Upgrade?

The GoPro Hero 13 is a clear upgrade from the Hero 8, and I’ve found it to be my go-to camera for professional video production. It brings advanced features like higher resolution, better stabilization, and new modular accessories that cater specifically to creators, making it a great option for serious work.

That said, the Hero 8 still holds its ground as a solid, budget-friendly option for casual users. If you’re only using an action camera occasionally—say, for vacations or family events—the Hero 8 might be all you need without stretching your budget for the Hero 13’s higher price tag.

Cannot make up your mind?

Find more GoPro battles:

• GoPro Hero 12 vs GoPro Hero 11
• GoPro Hero 12 vs GoPro Hero 9
• GoPro Hero 12 vs GoPro Hero 10

Thanks for reading! 🙏

I hope this guide helped you learn about which GoPro is better for you – GoPro Hero 13 vs GoPro Hero 8 🙂

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