GoPro HERO12 Black Review
We've aggregated 9 high-signal reviews and 3 live retailer prices below.
Our editorial take on the GoPro HERO12 Black
The GoPro HERO12 Black is a story of thoughtful refinement rather than revolution. It builds upon the already excellent foundation of its predecessor, solidifying its position as the top action camera on the market through a series of meaningful, creator-focused upgrades. While the core image sensor and video quality remain familiar to anyone who has used the HERO11, the key improvements here address long-standing practical hurdles. This is not a ground-up redesign, but instead a strategic polish that makes the day-to-day experience of using a GoPro significantly better.
The most impactful changes are the ones that extend creative possibility and reduce friction on set. The massive improvement in battery life, effectively doubling runtimes in many scenarios, is a game-changer for long-form recording. For vloggers and professional creators, the addition of native Bluetooth audio support for wireless mics and earbuds is a massive workflow enhancement. The inclusion of a GP-Log profile also opens the door for more sophisticated color grading, bringing the HERO12 closer to professional cinema workflows. While the removal of GPS is a curious omission, its absence will go unnoticed by the majority of users who will be more than satisfied with the new suite of pro-level features.
- Significantly longer recording times and better battery life
- Native support for Bluetooth audio devices like wireless mics
- Addition of GP-Log for professional color grading flexibility
- High-quality 5.3K and 4K HDR video modes
- Industry-leading HyperSmooth 6.0 video stabilization
- Versatile 8:7 sensor allows for reframing to multiple aspect ratios
- Image quality is largely unchanged from the HERO11 Black
- GPS functionality has been removed
- Low-light performance still lags behind larger-sensor cameras
Synthesized by Geared editors from early expert reviews.
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About this product
The GoPro HERO12 Black features a 27MP image sensor capable of 5.3K60 video recording. It has improved battery life and HyperSmooth 6.0 technology with expanded Bluetooth wireless capabilities. The camera can capture 27MP RAW still photos as well as 5.3K60, 4K120, and 2.7K240 video.
Specs
- Upc
- 810116380275
- Weight
- 5.4 oz / 154 g
- Wireless
- Bluetooth
- Battery Type
- Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack (1720 mAh)
- Built In Mic
- Yes
- Digital Zoom
- 2x
- Display Type
- Fixed Touchscreen LCD, Fixed LCD
- Focal Length
- 12 to 39mm (35mm Equivalent)
- Ip Streaming
- H.265, 1920 x 1080
- Max Aperture
- f/2.5
- Charging Time
- 3 Hours
- Field Of View
- 156°
- Shutter Speed
- 1/480 to 1/30 Second
- Built In Light
- No
- Exposure Modes
- Auto, Manual
- Inputs Outputs
- 1x USB-C Power Input/Output
- Audio Recording
- WAV
- Built In Speaker
- No
- Creative Effects
- Horizon Lock, Light Painting, Star Trails, Time-Lapse, Vehicle Light Trails
- Dimensions Wxdxh
- 2.8 x 2.0 x 1.3" / 71.8 x 50.8 x 33.6 mm
- Internal Storage
- No
- Iso Photo Native
- 100 to 3200
- Iso Video Native
- 100 to 6400
- Image Sensor Type
- 1/1.9"-Type CMOS
- Impact Resistance
- Impact-Resistant (Unrated)
- Image Stabilization
- Digital
- Video Resolution 4k
- 3840 x 2160 at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94/100/120 fps
- Video Resolution 5k
- 5312 x 2988 at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps
- White Balance Range
- 2300 to 6500K
- Operating Conditions
- 14 to 95°F / -10 to 35°C
- Mobile App Compatible
- Yes: Android & iOS, App Name: GoPro Quik
- Video Resolution 2.7k
- 2704 x 1520 at 50/59.94/100/120/200/240 fps
- Estimated Battery Life
- 100 Minutes
- Media Memory Card Slot
- Single Slot: microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC (UHS-I) [512 GB Maximum / U3/V30 or Faster Recommended]
- Tripod Mounting Thread
- 1/4"-20 Female
- Video Resolution 1080p
- 1920 x 1080 at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94/100/120/200/240 fps
- Still Image Support Raw
- 27.13 MP (5568 x 4872)
- Environmental Resistance
- Water-Resistant to 32.8' / 10 m (Unrated)
- Internal Recording Format
- MP4 via H.265/HEVC
- Effective Sensor Resolution
- 27.6 Megapixel (5599 x 4927)
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