The HERO13 is just as useful for someone taking it on a holiday or attaching it to a bike as it is for a professional production. Its small size, rugged construction and waterproofing mean it can be put in places where you wouldn't want to risk a larger or more expensive camera. For professional work, that makes it useful for POV shots, vehicles, action sequences, stunts, behind-the-scenes footage and unusual camera positions.

Compared with older models such as the Hero 10 and Hero 11, the 13 brings some useful improvements rather than a complete change in what the camera is for. It still records up to 5.3K at 60fps and 4K at 120fps, but now has HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilisation, 10-bit HLG HDR recording and improved power efficiency. The new 1900mAh Enduro battery also gives longer recording times than the batteries used in the older models.

One of the more interesting additions is the new HB-Series lens system. The HERO13 can automatically recognise compatible lens and filter mods, including an ultra-wide lens, macro lens and ND filters. This gives it more flexibility than older GoPros, particularly for professional use where you may want to control motion blur or achieve a particular field of view.

It also introduces faster Wi-Fi 6 transfers, GPS and wireless timecode synchronisation between multiple HERO13 cameras, which are useful additions when using several cameras on a production. The built-in mounting fingers remain compatible with existing GoPro mounts, while the new magnetic mounting system makes changing between mounts quicker.

The HERO13 remains waterproof to 10m without a housing and uses a removable Enduro battery, with recording to microSD cards. It is still fundamentally a GoPro rather than a replacement for a conventional cinema camera, but that's exactly why they remain so useful on professional shoots.