The new GoPro Hero 12 Black is here, but it might not be as exciting as some people hoped. People were expecting a big upgrade, like a brand-new camera sensor. But the Hero 12 Black turned out to be quite similar to the Hero 11 Black.
However, this doesn’t mean it’s a bad camera. It still has a good sensor for shooting high-quality video and photos, along with excellent image stabilization. The camera’s design is almost the same as the previous model, and it can work with the Media Mod. There’s also a new Media Mod 2.0 that can give you a super-wide view, and GoPro has a new desktop app called GoPro Quik.
The GoPro Hero Black series is renowned among adventure and action enthusiasts worldwide. Its combination of exceptional image quality, portability, and a diverse set of features at an affordable price point has won the hearts of countless users. Now, let’s check out and see what the new camera has in store for us.
GoPro Hero 12 release date
Exciting news has surfaced that the GoPro HERO 12 Black is set to hit the market on September 13th, 2023. This highly anticipated addition to the GoPro family is expected to bring advanced features and cutting-edge technology, which will undoubtedly elevate the experience of adventure photography and action-packed adventures to new heights.
GoPro Hero 12 price
GoPro Hero 12 Black is priced at $399.99 and can be preordered starting this Wednesday. On the same day, the Max Lens Mod 2.0 will also be released, available at $99.99 (or $79.99 for GoPro subscribers). Both cameras will be purchasable in-store from September 13th. GoPro is also introducing a “Creator Edition” for $599.99, which includes a grip, a “media mod” attachment with a microphone, and an LED light attachment.
The Hero 12 Black and Hero 11 Black have both been released at the same regular price. But, if the price of the Hero 11 Black drops, it could be a great choice for most people.
Specs
The new GoPro HERO12 Black has some similar hardware as the previous version, like a 27MP camera and the ability to record 5.3K60 video. But it has some cool upgrades too! The battery lasts longer, there’s HyperSmooth 6.0 tech for smoother videos, and it has better Bluetooth options.
The camera can take really sharp 27MP photos and shoot great videos like 5.3K60, 4K120, and 2.7K240. HyperSmooth 6.0 makes sure your videos look steady, and it won’t cut off parts of the picture. Plus, the HERO12 manages power better, so you can record video twice as fast as the older models.
New video modes
The Hero 12 Black keeps the same video quality as the Hero 11 Black, going up to 5.3K at 60 frames per second. You can also do slow-motion video, but it won’t be as clear. But there are some new features to be excited about! Now, you can use the whole camera sensor when shooting videos, and the HDR video option for better picture quality. Plus, there are new color options for people who like to edit their videos, which is great for sharing on social media or making your videos look just the way you want in editing.
The HERO12 offers two modes to cater to different preferences. In “easy control” mode, taking photos is a breeze. Just frame your shot and press the button. You can also use the touchscreen to select various picture styles and apply effects. On the other hand, “pro controls” mode is for those who want complete customization. It allows you to fine-tune modes, settings, and features, even letting you save your preferred settings as presets for added convenience, giving you full control over your camera.
The improved HyperSmooth 6.0 comes with a neat feature called AutoBoost. This helps make your videos look better by cutting down on how much of your image is lost, so your framing stays intact. Plus, there’s a 360° Horizon Lock that keeps your video stable and level, even if your camera spins around completely.
A tripod mount
There are other neat changes too. It has a standard tripod mount now, so you can easily attach it to tripods.
Adding a standard 1/4-inch tripod thread might seem like a small thing, but it’s actually quite handy. It means you can now use the Hero 12 Black with other brands’ mounts, accessories, tripods, and monopods, not just GoPro ones. You’ll find this thread on the bottom of the camera, right between the fold-out legs.
You can also shoot vertical videos even when the GoPro is held horizontally, which is perfect for sharing on social media. Lastly, there are improvements for better video control and color editing when you’re editing your videos.
Dual channel audio
The Hero 12 Black now has a cool feature called dual channel audio support. This means it can record two different sounds at the same time. One sound can come from an outside microphone or the microphone on GoPro’s Media Mod, and you can mix it with the sound it picks up on its own. This can make your action videos sound way better! For instance, you can capture the sounds around you using the camera’s microphone and also record your voice with a better microphone that’s protected from wind noise. Mixing these sounds together can make your videos sound awesome!
The new model also lets you use any wireless Bluetooth microphone, like Apple AirPods. This means you can give voice commands even if you’re not close to the camera. For example, if you have a camera on the outside of your car, you can start recording a video just by talking to your AirPods from inside the car. The same goes for when you’re doing extreme sports and have the camera on your helmet. It’s a really handy way to control the camera without using your hands.
Improved battery power
The GoPro Hero 12 Black can now last much longer on a single charge compared to the Hero 11 Black. It can record up to 70 minutes of high-quality 5.3K video at 60 frames per second, or 95 minutes at 30 frames per second. If you prefer full HD recording, it can keep going for over 155 minutes without stopping. What’s really cool is that this improvement isn’t because they changed the battery type. Actually, both the Hero 12 Black and Hero 11 Black use the same battery, so you can switch them out if you want. The reason for the longer battery life is thanks to a new and improved way the camera manages its power.
More lens options in GoPro Hero 12
GoPro has introduced a new accessory called the Max Lens Mod 2.0 alongside the GoPro Hero 12 Black. This lens easily attaches to the GoPro camera and lets you capture footage with a super wide 177-degree view and high-quality 4K resolution at 60 frames per second. When you use it with the GoPro Hero 12 Black, your recordings will be 36% wider! The Max Lens Mod 2.0 is also waterproof, so you can use it for shooting in and around water without any worries.
Upgraded display
The new rear display on the GoPro HERO 12 seems super cool. It’s a full edge-to-edge touch screen, which means it covers the whole back of the camera and is way more modern than the older displays on previous models. This is really exciting because it makes using the camera a breeze. Anyone can feel like a pro videographer now, capturing stunning shots.
Final word
In conclusion, the GoPro Hero 12 Black offers some new features and improvements, like better color options and a tripod thread, but it may not be a major upgrade for those who already own the Hero 11 Black. It still delivers high-quality video and photo capabilities, making it a solid choice for action camera enthusiasts.
