Ultimate GoPro HERO12 Black Review: Features, Specs & Performance
As an avid fan of capturing action-packed moments, I was thrilled to try out the GoPro HERO12 Black action camera. With its exciting new upgrades like the 10-bit log profile, improved battery life, and enhanced heat tolerance, this latest GoPro model promises to outshine the HERO11. In this review, I’ll share my hands-on experience with the HERO12 Black and help you determine if it’s worth adding to your gear collection.
Design and Build Quality: The HERO12 Black has a sleek and sturdy design that is both waterproof and drop-proof. It’s small enough to fit in your pocket and comes with a variety of mounting options, making it easy to take with you on any adventure. The camera features a 2.27-inch touchscreen display that is easy to navigate, even when wearing gloves. With the introduction of the enduro battery life, you can last up to 2 hours and 15 minutes of continuous recording.
Key Takeaways
- The GoPro HERO12 Black is a sleek and sturdy action camera with a variety of mounting options.
- The camera features a 2.27-inch rear touchscreen display, 1.4-inch front color display and impressive battery life.
- With 5.3K video and advanced features, the HERO12 Black is a solid investment for anyone looking to capture high-quality action footage.
Design and Build Quality
As I unboxed the GoPro HERO12 Black action camera, I was immediately impressed with its sleek and durable design. The camera is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around for extended periods. The camera is also waterproof up to 33 feet without an external housing, which is a significant improvement over previous models.
The body of the camera is constructed from high quality materials and this gives it a classy look. The camera lens cover is also made of Gorilla Glass which makes it very hard to scratch and also to apply force on. Location of the buttons on the camera is perfect and one does not have to struggle to press a button even with gloved hands.
The design of the HERO12 Black is also functional. It comes with a foldable mounting bracket that can be folded into the camera and fixed back when in use, this makes it easy to attach the camera to any item including helmets or handlebars. In general, I can say that I like the design and the build of the HERO12 Black. The camera is very sturdy, robust and very much utilitarian; it is perfect for anyone who wants to shoot action scenes.
Performance and Features
Image and Video Quality
The GoPro HERO12 Black action camera is equipped with an almost-square 8:7 aspect ratio sensor and the powerful GP2 processor, ensuring that captured images and videos are incredibly sharp and detailed. It offers impressive video capabilities, shooting 5.3K video at 60fps, 4K at 120fps, and 1080p at 240fps, which is remarkable for a camera of its compact size. The new video engine features professional-level functionality, making it a favorite among both amateur and professional filmmakers.
The versatile 8:7 aspect ratio, combined with 5.3K at 24fps, allows for easy cropping into 16:9 or 9:16 formats, perfect for creating content for both horizontal (YouTube) and vertical (Instagram/TikTok) platforms. Additionally, the introduction of 10-bit color, which provides over one billion colors compared to the 16 million colors of 8-bit, greatly benefits those who wish to post-process their footage, offering enhanced color depth and flexibility.
Stabilization and Durability
One of the most significant improvements in the HERO12 Black is the HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization technology, which provides ultra-smooth footage even in the most challenging shooting conditions. The camera also features a rugged and waterproof design, which makes it ideal for capturing footage in extreme environments. The camera can withstand drops, bumps, and harsh weather conditions, making it a reliable choice for outdoor adventurers.
Battery Life and Storage
The HERO12 Black boasts impressive battery life, capable of shooting up to 100 minutes of 5.3K video on a single charge. In my tests, at room temperature with the fan set to the lowest speed and recording at 5.3K 30fps, I was pleased to achieve 98 minutes of battery life. By today’s standards, I believe action cameras should last at least 1.5 hours (90 minutes) when recording at 4K or 5.3K resolution.
The camera also supports up to 256GB of storage, allowing users to capture hours of footage without worrying about running out of space. Additionally, the HERO12 Black offers cloud storage support, making it easy to store and access your footage from anywhere.
Overall, the GoPro HERO12 Black is a powerful and versatile device, delivering exceptional image and video quality, advanced stabilization technology, and rugged durability. With its long battery life and ample storage capacity, it is an excellent choice for anyone looking to capture high-quality footage in any environment.
User Experience
As a frequent user of action cameras, I was excited to test out the GoPro HERO12 Black. In this section, I will discuss my experience using this camera, including its interface and connectivity, as well as accessories and mounting options.
Interface and Connectivity
The GoPro HERO12 Black features a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate, thanks to its responsive and intuitive touch screen display. The icons are clear and well-organized, making it simple to access and adjust the camera’s various settings and features.
In terms of connectivity, the HERO12 Black supports Bluetooth 4.2 and both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi, facilitating easy transfer of photos and videos to your smartphone or tablet. The GoPro app is also user-friendly, offering seamless editing and sharing of your content.
Accessories and Mounting
The GoPro HERO12 Black stands out due to its extensive range of accessories and mounting options. Compatible with various mounts like chest harnesses, helmet mounts, and suction cups, it allows users to capture footage from diverse angles and perspectives effortlessly.
Beyond the standard mounts, the HERO12 Black supports a range of accessories such as external microphones and lights, which can significantly enhance the quality of your footage, especially in low-light conditions. For vlogging, the Media Mod is a valuable addition, providing a flip-up screen to ensure you or your subject remains centered. However, note that the Media Mod housing needs to be removed when swapping batteries.
One minor downside is the lack of magnetic quick-release mounting options, like those found on the DJI Action 4, which would have added convenience.
Overall, the user experience with the GoPro HERO12 Black is impressive. The camera’s intuitive interface and the wide array of accessories and mounting options make it easy to capture high-quality footage from various perspectives.
Pros and Cons
As I’ve been testing the GoPro HERO12 Black action camera, I’ve found some pros and cons that are worth sharing.
Pros
- Excellent Image and Video Quality: 5.3K video at 60fps, 4K at 120fps, and 1080p at 240fps.
- 10-bit Color: Over one billion colors for superior post-processing flexibility.
- Improved Battery Life: Up to 100 minutes of 5.3K video on a single charge.
- Enhanced Heat Tolerance: Better performance in high-temperature environments.
Cons
- No Magnetic Quick Release: Lacks the convenient magnetic mounting options found in competitors like the DJI Action 4.
- Higher Price Point: May be more expensive compared to other action cameras in the market.
Summary
After thoroughly testing the GoPro HERO12 Black action camera, I am genuinely impressed with its performance. This camera is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a high-quality action camera that can capture stunning footage and images.
One of the standout features of the HERO12 Black is its 5.3K video resolution, the highest among all GoPro cameras. This enables you to capture incredibly detailed footage with excellent clarity and color accuracy. Additionally, the camera’s 27 MP sensor allows you to capture high-quality still images with great detail. The battery life is also impressive, providing about 98 minutes of footage before needing a recharge.
Another feature I greatly appreciated is the camera’s HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization technology. This makes it easy to capture smooth and steady footage, even when moving or filming in challenging conditions. The HERO12 Black also boasts a new external and dual-channel audio system, ensuring clear and high-quality audio even in noisy environments.
The camera is incredibly durable and waterproof, making it perfect for outdoor adventures. It can withstand extreme temperatures, shocks, and vibrations, and can be used in water up to 33 feet deep without additional housing. However, I did find the lack of a magnetic quick-release mount disappointing, as competitors have adopted this convenient feature. While its low-light performance is not exceptional, the camera makes up for it by providing stunning video quality during the day.
Overall, I highly recommend the GoPro HERO12 Black action camera to anyone looking for a high-quality camera that can capture stunning footage and images in challenging conditions. Its advanced features, durability, and ease of use make it an excellent choice for both amateur and professional videographers.
Why choose GoPro HERO12 Black
Enhanced Heat Tolerance
Better performance in high-temperature environments.
Excellent Image and Video Quality
5.3K video at 60fps, 4K at 120fps, and 1080p at 240fps.
Improved Battery Life
Up to 100 minutes of 5.3K video on a single charge.
