GoPro HERO 12 Black: what’s new? Full test

The GoPro HERO 12 Black has been released, and as with every new generation, it’s interesting to see what the leading action camera brand has added to further refine its model. So, what’s new this year? Should you buy it? And if you already own the HERO 11, should you upgrade? All the answers are in this article!

GoPro HERO 12 Black: design and battery

Dimensions (W X H X D)	71.8 x 50.8 x 33.6 mm
Weight	154 g
Touchscreens	Front screen: 1.4″ Rear screen: 2.27″ (touchscreen)
Waterproofing	10 meters
Operating temperature	-10 ºC to 35 ºC
Batteries	1720 mAh removable Enduro battery
Autonomy	5.3K 60 fps: 70 minutes 5.3K 30 fps: 1h30 1080p 30 fps: 2h30

Slight design evolution

The GoPro HERO 12 Black has much the same design as its predecessors:

• same dimensions and weight
• same lens with its detachable
• same front and rear color screens
• same physical buttons
• same side hatch housing the battery

The screens are the same as on the HERO 11, which borrowed them from the HERO 10. While the rear one is touch-sensitive and lets you navigate menus and options, the front one is still not. And for diving enthusiasts, the water resistance remains unchanged at 10 meters.

But there are a few new features. First of all, its shell has evolved a little: in addition to the “12” on the side, which replaces the “11” of the previous generation, its surface is now covered with little blue sequins.

But the biggest change is actually on the underside of the device: a ¼-inch screw thread has been added in the middle of the two classic mounting lugs dear to the firm. A welcome addition, since it will make it much easier to attach the camera to all tripods, selfie poles and other supports equipped with this universal adapter.

Same battery, better autonomy

Another new feature is the GoPro 11’s removable Enduro battery, with its 1720mAh capacity and improved cold resistance.

Logically, we can also expect the same autonomy. However, GoPro has announced up to 2 times the battery life on its new HERO 12, thanks to improved power management, offering 70 minutes in 5.3K resolution at 60 fps, 1.5 hours in 5.3K at 30 fps and up to 2.5 hours in 1080p at 30 fps, according to the manufacturer’s data.

It’s not easy to check this data because of the recurrent problems of overheating that are typical of action cameras, and recording will tend to cut itself off after half an hour or so. However, when several recording sessions are combined, available measurements and user feedback indicate a total recording time of around 1 hour and 10 minutes in 5.3K at 60 fps, in line with the figures announced by the manufacturer.

GoPro HERO 12 Black: features and performance

Sensor	1/1.9 inch CMOS
Opening	F2.5
Field of view	156° in 8:7 format
35 mm equivalent focal length	Min = 12 mm Max = 39 mm
Image formats	16:9 9:16 4:3 8:7
Maximum photo resolution	27.13 MP
Video resolution (16:9)	5.3K up to 60 fps 4K up to 120 fps 2.7K up to 240 fps 1080p up to 240 fps
Video resolution (9:16)	4K up to 60 fps 1080p up to 240 fps
Video resolution (4:3)	2.7K up to 120 fps
Video resolution (8:7)	5.3K up to 30 fps 4K up to 60 fps
Photo format	.jpg .gpr (RAW)
Video format	H.265 (HEVC)
Maximum video rate	120 Mbit/s
Idle time	5.3K : 2x 4K : 4x 2.7K : 8x 1080p : 8x
Zoom (video)	Up to x2
Video stabilization	HyperSmooth 6.0
Audio	3 microphones

Some new photo/video functions

All the traditional photo and video modes of GoPro cameras are included, as well as those that appeared on the previous version, the GoPro 11. So you can still have fun with the different viewing angles available (Superview, Hyperview), time-lapse video (Timelapse, TimeWarp), 360° horizon-keeping and night modes for creating light trail effects (Light Painting, Vehicule Lights and Star Trails).

But there are also a few new features.

On the stabilization front, GoPro introduces HyperSmooth 6.0. The company promises even better results than version 5.0 on the GoPro HERO 11. However, the previous version already delivered excellent results, and the differences appear to be fairly limited according to available analyses and comparisons.

Another addition is HDR video (High Dynamic Range), which aims to improve colors and detail, particularly in bright areas. According to available analyses, this feature is generally less advanced than on some competing cameras, with a more restrained overall contrast. The benefits remain more noticeable in highly contrasted scenes.

The HERO 12’s color profiles are still 10-bit, and GoPro has added a new profile that’s even flatter than the existing ones, allowing even more advanced colorimetry: the GP-Log profile. In particular, the latter allows you to apply LUTs in post-production to obtain specific color styles. An interesting addition, even if it will be of more interest to professionals and advanced videographers.

Another new feature that is sure to appeal to advanced users is Timecode, which lets you synchronize several GoPro HERO 12 cameras to the same reference time. All your rushes shot with different cameras are automatically and perfectly aligned with each other in your editing software.

Finally, the GPS function has disappeared. While all GoPro cameras have integrated a GPS module enabling telemetry information such as speed or altitude to be inserted into videos, this will not be the case for the ^12th version of the camera. GoPro has indicated that this feature is rarely used by its users, and has therefore decided to remove it in order to save battery power and extend the autonomy of its new camera.

🆕 New Max Lens Mod 2.0
The release of the HERO 12 is accompanied by that of the new version of GoPro’s wide-angle lens mode, Max Lens Mod 2.0. It provides an even greater angle of 177 degrees. Another advantage: while the first version captured up to 2.7K, the new Max 2.0 module can now be used in 4K resolution at 60 fps.
For owners of the first Max Lens Mod, there’s good news: it’s compatible with the GoPro HERO 12.

Unchanged resolution and image quality

If there’s one thing that doesn’t change, it’s the image itself. As the lens itself remains unchanged, we inherit the same image quality, even if the integration of functions such as HDR and GP-Log opens up new possibilities for the final result in terms of how the image is processed.

The same resolutions and frame rates as the previous generation are also available. At the same time, this is still GoPro’s strong point compared with its competitors, and the possibilities are already more than sufficient, with 5.3K resolutions at up to 60 fps, 4K at up to 120 fps and 2.7K at 240 fps. These frequencies will enable you to create impressive slow-motion sequences of up to 4 times in 4K, and even up to 8 times in 2.7K.

Bluetooth audio

While the camera is still equipped with three microphones, it is now possible to add up to 4 Bluetooth devices, including Bluetooth headphones such as Airpods.

In addition to the sound captured by the camera’s microphones, it will also be possible to record sound from headphones. Both tracks can be used in editing software. The sound qualities of both are highly variable, so you can choose the best plug, or switch between the two if the situation lends itself to it.

Another advantage is that you can use your earphones for voice commands, so you can start or stop recording remotely.

Interface and application

The interface is as fluid and responsive as ever on the HERO 12’s rear touchscreen. Menus are as easy to navigate as ever, and even better thanks to slightly redesigned menus. In particular, the choice of parameters in Pro mode has been made more visible, allowing you to modify and check your settings more quickly.

With the Quik smartphone application, you can finally view the live feed on your mobile screen. An invaluable framing aid for remote recording. A slight latency may be observed according to available feedback, without any noticeable impact on use.

Lastly, an important point concerns the connection between the camera and the smartphone, which was often affected by bugs on previous versions. Available feedback indicates a faster and more reliable connection overall, with fewer reported dropouts.

GoPro HERO 12 Black: price

GoPro HERO 12 Black	399.99€	See on Amazon
GoPro HERO 12 Black + Accessory Pack	449.99€	See on Amazon
GoPro HERO 12 Black + Max Lens Mod 2.0	489.99€	See on Amazon

The price of the GoPro HERO 12 Black starts at 399.99€ on the company’s website. This basic pack includes an Enduro Battery, a curved adhesive mount, a mounting bracket, a knurled screw and a USB-C cable.

The HERO 12 is also available with an accessory pack including two batteries, a handle, a headband and a carrying case, for 449.99€. For 50 euros more than the basic package, this can be an interesting option for filming for longer and in more varied situations.

Finally, the camera with Max Lens Mod 2.0 is priced at €489.99. This pack allows you to get the precious module for 90€ instead of 109.99€ separately.

GoPro HERO 12 Black conclusion: should you buy it?

The GoPro HERO 12 Black has many of the same qualities as its predecessor, the HERO 11. The main new features are improved battery life, the ability to connect headphones via Bluetooth, and a new, flatter GP-Log color profile that will please even the most serious videographers.

So the HERO 12 is not a revolution in itself. But this update raises the bar even further, making it the best GoPro yet, and probably the best action camera on the market.

Buy it if you want to…

… you don’t own a GoPro, or you haven’t renewed your GoPro in several years. It incorporates just a few more improvements than its predecessor, but if you have a GoPro older than the 11, you’ll notice a big difference.

… you need an action camera with the best image resolution. Even if the DJI Osmo Action 4 is a real quality rival, finally offering image quality worthy of the name, the GoPro remains the only one to offer 5.3K.

Don’t buy it if…

… you already have the GoPro HERO 11. The improvements are too slight, and won’t really be worth the change for most users. Unless you’ve been waiting a long time for a flatter color profile like GP-Log.

… you don ‘t need the novelties it offers. In that case, you might be better off with the GoPro HERO 11, and save a few bucks in the process.

I already have the Gopro HERO 11, should I replace it with the HERO 12?

If you don’t absolutely need to own one of the latest releases, no, you don’t have to sell your HERO 11 to get the twelfth and latest version. The camera hasn’t changed, and battery life was already more than adequate, but it’s the GP-Log profile that brings a plus, and once again, it’s a rather pro-oriented function aimed at more advanced videographers.

Read our full review of the GoPro HERO 11 Black here :
➡️ GoPro HERO 11 Black: our full review

📷 Want to see how the next generation compares? Take a look at our DJI Action 5 Pro review, or check out our GoPro DJI comparison between the HERO 13 Black and the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro.