GoPro Hero 12 Review – Worth the Upgrade?

The GoPro Hero 12 is the latest addition to GoPro’s portfolio of action cameras, and it comes with a slew of new and improved capabilities. In this review, we will go over the specifications, highlight its important features, compare it to its predecessor, share our hands-on experience, and conclude whether it is worthwhile to upgrade to the Hero 12. It’s evident that GoPro’s latest product is aimed at a specific demographic: the next generation of social media artists. In this review, we’ll go over the Hero 12’s primary features and who it’s intended for.

Specifications

• Price: $399.99
• Video Resolution: 5.3K at 30fps (16:9), 4K at 30fps (8:7), 60fps (16:9)
• Battery Life: Up to 2x longer than Hero 11.
• Stabilisation: HyperSmooth 6.0 with increased field of view
• Water Resistance: A lens that is more resistant to water.
• Max Lens Mod 2.0: Provides a 177-degree field of vision as well as enhanced stabilisation.
• Vertical Video Mode: Makes vertical video recording easier.
• Bluetooth Audio: Record audio with Bluetooth headphones or AirPods.
• Timecode Sync: Use this feature to sync several Hero 12 cameras for quicker editing.
• Bottom Mount: Quarter 20 Mount for adaptability of accessories
• improved Audio: Improved audio quality for improved sound capture.

Features

Design and Hardware

The Hero 12 retains the typical GoPro design, with the exception of a 1/4-inch tripod mount on the bottom. This built-in capability is a great bonus because it eliminates the need for other attachments. The folding fingers make a comeback as well, ensuring compatibility with existing mounts and accessories.

High Dynamic Range Video

The Hero 12 introduces HDR video, which improves video quality by providing a wider dynamic range and more vibrant colours, making your videos appear more cinematic and detailed.

Battery Life Improvement

One of the notable features is the greatly enhanced battery life, which provides up to twice the recording duration of the Hero 11. For those who require extended shooting sessions, this is a game changer. GoPro has been criticised for its poor battery performance in the past, but with the Hero 12, the company claims to have addressed this issue.

While the battery size and capacity remain unchanged, a revised power management system promises up to 155 minutes of 1080p recording time. This puts GoPro in direct competition with the DJI Action 4, which claims a similar 160-minute battery life.

Improved Audio

Audio quality has always been a source of worry for GoPro users. The Hero 12 solves this with improved audio, making it excellent for recording great sound even in difficult settings.
There are two types of audio enhancements. First, dual-channel audio has been added, allowing various audio sources to be manipulated independently in post-production.

More intriguingly, the Hero 12 supports Bluetooth audio, allowing you to use wireless earphones as microphones. This distinguishes the Hero 12 from other action cameras on the market.

The option to attach headphones or AirPods over Bluetooth to capture audio directly from the camera is a surprising addition. For vloggers and content makers, it’s a game changer.

Max Lens Mod 2.0 and Vertical Video Recording

The Max Lens Mod, which is offered separately, has a 177° field of vision, which is approximately half that of a 360° camera. The Hero 12 also includes vertical video recording (9×16 aspect ratio), which eliminates the need to physically spin the camera. Most recording options now support HDR video, which promises increased dynamic range and overall image quality.

With a 177-degree field of view and enhanced stabilisation, this attachment improves your shooting capabilities and is ideal for producing amazing 4K 60 fps film.
The Hero 12 streamlines vertical video recording for social media sites such as TikTok and YouTube Shorts.

Timecode Synchronisation

You can simply align footage from several Hero 12 cameras using the new timecode sync tool, which speeds up the editing process for multi-angle pictures.

Stabilization

In comparison to earlier models, HyperSmooth 6.0 offers stable footage, but what’s even more striking is that it retains a broader field of view, decreasing the need for cropping.

Resistance to Water

While not wholly new, the Hero 12 now has a water-resistant lens, which adds an extra layer of protection for underwater activities.

Bottom Mount

The quarter 20 mount [1/4″-20 thread] at the bottom of the camera offers compatibility with a wide selection of GoPro accessories, allowing you to utilise your Hero 12 in a variety of ways.

Aiming for Social Media Creators

These features clearly indicate that GoPro is strategically targeting social media creators. Bluetooth audio and the native vertical video format are suitable for content aimed at platforms such as TikTok. The Hero 12 may not be the ideal solution for people looking for professional video quality and external microphone capability.

Hardware Comparision to Hero 11

It’s worth noting that several essential hardware components from the Hero 11 remain unaltered. The picture sensor, processor (gp2), and battery capacity are all the identical in both variants. This implies that enhanced battery life could be attained through software optimisations.

Comparison

The Hero 12 outperforms its predecessor, the Hero 11, in terms of battery life, video quality, and audio capture. It keeps GoPro’s famous durability while also introducing new features such as Bluetooth audio and the Max Lens Mod 2.0. These improvements make the Hero 12 an appealing upgrade for current GoPro consumers. But it removes GPS sensor so thats an another buy.

Experience

I am particularly surprised by the Hero 12’s extended battery life, which allowed me to take more footage without constantly worrying about recharging. The HDR footage looked fantastic, and the broader field of view in HyperSmooth 6.0 provided us more freedom in framing our pictures. The Bluetooth audio capability was a wonderful surprise, allowing us to record high-quality audio without the need for additional equipment.

Conclusion

The GoPro Hero 12 is an outstanding addition to GoPro’s arsenal, with a compelling set of features and enhancements. It caters to both casual users and content makers, with improved battery life, HDR video, and features like Bluetooth audio and the Max Lens Mod 2.0. If you want to upgrade your action camera or get started with GoPro, the Hero 12 is unquestionably worth considering. Its $399.99 price tag represents outstanding value for the performance and versatility it provides.

Heat Management Issues

While battery life has improved, heat management remains a concern. GoPros have a reputation for overheating when used for extended periods of time, and it’s unknown whether the Hero 12 improves this issue.

Price Considerations

The Hero 12 starts at $399, but consumers should be mindful of additional charges. The Max Lens Mod 2.0, which is marketed as a crucial feature, costs an additional $100. In addition, if you need an external microphone, the Media Mod will cost you roughly $80. These extra costs can soon mount up.

Finally, the GoPro Hero 12 is a camera geared for social media creators. Its distinct characteristics, such as Bluetooth audio and native vertical video recording, meet the needs of platforms such as TikTok. Those looking for top-tier video quality and professional features, on the other hand, may need to search elsewhere. The Hero 12 is reasonably priced, but prospective purchasers need spend for additional attachments if they wish to maximise its capabilities.