The GoPro Hero 12 Black exceeds expectations amidst the hype.

The GoPro Hero 12 Black: A Game-Changing Action Camera

The GoPro Hero 12 Black, released on September 13, 2023, is the latest addition to the GoPro lineup. Known for their exceptional action cameras, GoPro continues to set new benchmarks with the Hero 12 Black. Packed with features like improved battery life, video stabilization, and new tools for content creators, this camera is a true game-changer.

Is the new GoPro Hero 12 Black worth it?

Let’s address the burning question right away: is this action camera worth the $399.99 price tag? Absolutely! With its feature-packed design, the Hero 12 Black justifies the investment. However, it’s important to note that additional accessories like the wide-angle Max Lens Mod 2.0, mounting accessories, and cloud storage come at an extra cost.

For those who recently purchased the Hero 11 or rely heavily on GPS features, upgrading to the Hero 12 may not be necessary. The Hero 12 sacrifices GPS support to deliver superior battery life, resolving the issue of overheating and short battery life that plagued its predecessor. While most users won’t miss this feature, motorsports enthusiasts and hikers might.

How does the Hero 12 compare to the Hero 11?

Having tested both the Hero 11 and the Hero 12, I can confidently say that both cameras left me longing for a career as a professional stuntman or skydiver. If you recently purchased the Hero 11, the incremental upgrades in the Hero 12 might not warrant an immediate upgrade. However, if you own an older GoPro model or rely on this camera for professional use, upgrading to the Hero 12 is a no-brainer.

The Hero 12 offers significant enhancements in battery life, runtime, timecode encoding, and Bluetooth audio device syncing. Additionally, it introduces vertical capture mode for social media content creators, allowing for easy recording of vertical-frame video for platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels.

What’s new with the GoPro Hero 12 Black camera?

The GoPro Hero 12 Black comes with several key upgrades compared to its predecessor:

Improved battery life providing double the runtime.
Enhanced HyperSmooth 6.0 video stabilization and horizon lock.
New editing tools for professional content creators.
Vertical capture mode for social media.
New super wide-angle video mode with the Max Lens 2.0 attachment.

The most notable improvement is the increased battery life. GoPro promises up to 70 minutes of continuous recording at the highest performance setting of 5.3K60, and over 95 minutes at 5.3K30. With an additional battery, users can record uninterrupted for almost 2.5 hours.

The Hero 12 also boasts enhanced video stabilization technology, winning an Emmy award for its remarkable performance. The addition of horizon lock ensures that footage remains steady even during spins or flips. In my tests, the camera delivered on its promises, capturing incredibly smooth footage during a cycling trip across New York City.

Reviewing the GoPro Hero 12 Black’s video capabilities

Using the GoPro Hero 12 Black is a breeze, thanks to the user-friendly controls. The camera’s quick controls have been updated to provide a foolproof experience. However, the accompanying GoPro app called “Quik” didn’t live up to expectations during editing. While the app offers straightforward options for uploading and accessing footage, it struggles with longer video files, frequently crashing or freezing. However, after freeing up space on my phone, I was able to edit smaller video clips without any issues.

GoPro Hero 12 Black offers new tools for professionals

GoPro has introduced handy features for content creators and professionals. The Hero 12 offers timecode syncing for multiple cameras and Bluetooth support for audio devices like microphones. Additionally, the camera automatically uploads video footage to the cloud, simplifying post-production workflows.

The Hero 12 also comes with the Max Lens Mod 2.0 accessory, allowing users to achieve a 177-degree field of view at 4K resolution and 60 frames per second. This wide-angle lens, combined with the new “Hyperview” setting, captures even more immersive action shots. Although I didn’t have the opportunity to test this feature in extreme sports scenarios, the footage I captured while cycling across the Williamsburg Bridge impressed me.

Even casual users can benefit from the GoPro Hero 12 Black’s new features. The camera’s vertical video mode is particularly exciting, catering to social media enthusiasts and TikTok creators. It not only allows recording in vertical format but also automatically transforms horizontal-frame video into vertical, making it a versatile tool for content creation on platforms like YouTube and TikTok. The Quik app also generates short video montages, which can be a time-saving option for those who don’t want to spend hours editing.

However, it’s worth noting that the video montages created by the Quik app may not always meet expectations, occasionally including random footage or misaligned shots. Editing longer 4K videos within the app can also pose challenges, especially on older phones with limited memory.

GoPro Hero 12 Black captures 27MP images

In addition to its impressive video capabilities, the GoPro Hero 12 Black excels in photography. With the ability to capture 27MP images, this camera rivals the detail captured by many popular DSLR and mirrorless cameras. While it may lack the extensive customization options of other cameras, the Hero 12 Black offers a valuable feature for users who want to snap high-quality photos alongside their videos and time-lapse footage.

The biggest downsides to the new GoPro camera

As exceptional as the GoPro Hero 12 Black is, a few minor drawbacks were worth mentioning. The camera tends to overheat when uploading video or nearing the end of a recording session, though it remains manageable. The Quik app also experienced some issues during editing, especially with longer 4K video files.

The bottom line: The GoPro Hero 12 Black is a beast of a camera

The GoPro Hero 12 Black lives up to its reputation as a top-of-the-line action camera. Packed with features, incredible video stabilization, and professional-grade quality, it sets the bar high for the competition. While it may not be perfect and has a few minor quirks, this camera offers unparalleled performance at a reasonable price point. Whether you’re a professional content creator or an amateur looking to capture stunning footage, the GoPro Hero 12 Black is a worthy investment that delivers exceptional results.

The GoPro Hero 12 Black exceeds expectations amidst the hype.