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On September 6th, GoPro revealed their most recent and most advanced flagship camera, the GoPro Hero 12 Black. It is possible that, at first glance, it does not appear to be very different from its predecessor, the Hero Black 11. However, as someone who has had the chance to use it, I can attest that there are noticeable enhancements that both content creators and casual users like myself can appreciate.
These enhancements can be found in the new version of the software. Although the majority of the changes made to the Hero 12 Black are geared toward professionals, there is one subtle adjustment to the appearance that will excite both long-time enthusiasts and newbies alike. The following are my initial thoughts on the qualities that stick out the most, presented in no particular order of preference.
GoPro Hero 12 Black Specifications
Check out our comprehensive analysis of the new GoPro Hero 12 Black if you are interested in purchasing an action camera.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 1/1.9in (8:7 aspect ratio) |
| Processor | GP2 |
| Photos | 27MP |
| Video (bit-rate) | 10-bit or 8-bit |
| Video (slo-mo) | 4K/120p |
| Check Price |
GoPro Hero 12 Black Review: Design
The GoPro Hero 12 Black follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, the Hero 11 Black, in terms of its overall design. This camera is great for shooting action images in any scenario due to its small size, compact design, and sturdy construction. It is possible to mount the camera to a wide variety of accessories using the built-in folding fingers, and the camera is waterproof up to a depth of 33 feet.
The finish on the front of the camera has been updated with a new texture, which helps to increase grip. Additionally, there is a brand-new LED light that illuminates whenever the camera is either recording something or taking a picture.
The buttons for turning the camera on and off, as well as the shutter button, as well as the new quick-release button for changing the mount, are all located on the top of the camera. The touchscreen display can be found on the rear of the camera. Compared to the model it replaces, this display is more responsive and intuitive to operate, making it a welcome addition to the camera. In addition to that, there is a microphone and a speaker.
GoPro Hero 12 Black ReviewGoPro Hero 12 Black Review: HDR photos and video
In my experience with more recent GoPro models, I’ve discovered that the auto-exposure performance of these cameras has significantly improved. Videos can now quickly and seamlessly adjust to rapid shifts in lighting circumstances, such as coming from a tunnel on a bright sunny day. HDR video was previously only accessible for photographs, but the Hero 12 Black made it possible to record HDR video, which improves shadow quality and controls overexposed highlights.
HDR is available at resolutions of 4K/60 and 5.3K/30 respectively. Even though the outcomes are often satisfactory, HDR often produces an appearance that is little artificial. During my short testing, I did not see any substantial improvements in portraits shot with backlighting. Nevertheless, it is a useful function, particularly because it stabilizes exposure fluctuations when travelling between places with different lighting circumstances, such as moving in and out of tree cover.
GoPro Hero 12 Black Review: Mics made easy
Since I’ve been using GoPro cameras for a time, I’ve seen that they’ve included Bluetooth capabilities, largely for the purpose of connecting to remote controls or cellphones. On the other hand, when I got the Hero 12, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that it now has the capability of connecting to Apple Airpods as well as other types of wireless earbuds. Putting it all together is not difficult: Simply set your earbuds in the mode that allows them to pair with one another, and then on the Dashboard (which can be accessed by sliding down from the top of the screen), hit the Pairing button.
When I put this capability to the test with my Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro earbuds, I found that they paired nearly immediately and connected within a few of seconds at the most. This makes it possible to use wireless earbuds as a microphone even when you are a considerable distance from the camera, whether you are standing in front of it or in a situation such as recording from the outside of a moving vehicle.
In addition to this, spoken commands are supported through the camera, and notification beeps from the camera can even be heard through the earbuds themselves. During the recording process, it is a helpful function that can improve the audio quality and provide convenience.
GoPro Hero 12 Black Review: Performance and Battery Life
An excellent piece of equipment, the GoPro Hero 12 Black has been my go-to action camera as of late. In terms of both performance and battery life, it is really remarkable. It is far quicker and more efficient than its predecessors because to its brand-new GP2 processor, which enables it to record video at 5.3K resolution and 60 frames per second.
The HyperSmooth 6.0 system is able to handle even the most extreme tremors and bumps, which ensures that your action pictures come out very smooth, even in adverse lighting situations. What makes this feature truly remarkable is how well it handles even the most extreme shakes and bumps.
Another benefit of the larger 1720mAh battery is improved battery life, which allows for up to 70 minutes of uninterrupted recording at 5.3K/60 frames per second. When compared to the Hero 11 Black, which only lasted 61 minutes when used with the identical settings, this is a significant improvement.
Price and release date
I recently placed a pre-order for the GoPro Hero 12 Black through the GoPro online store, and the product will be available for purchase across the globe beginning on September 13. The solo action camera has a price tag of $399, or £399, or AU$649. This is the same price as the Hero 11 Black from the previous year; but, as it does not require a GoPro Subscription, you will not be required to make regular payments.
There are also two more bundles that can be purchased: one comes with accessories (an additional Enduro battery, the Handler tripod, and the Head Strap) and costs $449/£449/AU$729, while the other comes with the Max Lens Mod 2.0 and costs $479/£479/AU$785 respectively. It’s a wonderful upgrade for action enthusiasts.
Final Words
I have to admit that I was first somewhat dissatisfied with the Hero 12 Black based on my own experiences with using the device. The reports, as well as our own wishlist, had led us to have quite high expectations, such as a sensor measuring 1 inch and a screen with no bezels. Instead, it appears to be a rather minor change in comparison to the Hero 11 Black, retaining the same sensor, CPU, and design (with the addition of a new tripod thread, of course).
It is clear that GoPro is having trouble pushing the boundaries with the hardware of their action cameras, especially when compared to the DJI Osmo Action 4. However, following careful analysis of the features of the Hero 12 Black, there are some modest enhancements that could still make it an interesting alternative for professional users who are searching for a durable secondary camera. Color graders and other users with high standards can benefit from these features, which include dual-channel audio and GP-Log encoding, among others.
GoPro Hero 12 Black Review: The good and The bad
The long-awaited addition of features like as Bluetooth headphone connectivity and a built-in microphone are both included in the GoPro Hero 12 Black action camera.
The Good
- Excellent performance
- Improved image stabilization
The Bad
- Can be expensive