The GoPro Hero 12 Black: Is It Worth The Upgrade?
The GoPro Hero 12 Black has officially arrived, promising to take your action-packed adventures to the next level. While the GoPro Hero 11 Black remains a formidable contender, the new Hero 12 Black boasts some intriguing upgrades that have many wondering if it’s worth trading up. After spending some time with the new camera, here’s a deep dive into what sets the Hero 12 Black apart and if it truly lives up to the hype.
Familiar Design with Subtle Refinements
At first glance, the GoPro Hero 12 Black bears a striking resemblance to its predecessor. It retains the compact, rugged design that GoPro is known for. However, upon closer inspection, you’ll notice a few subtle tweaks. The most noticeable change is the introduction of blue specks, adding a splash of color to the black exterior.
The dimensions remain identical to the Hero 11 Black, ensuring compatibility with existing accessories. The 2.27-inch touchscreen display on the back and the 1.4-inch color front screen remain unchanged.
A New Tripod Thread for Enhanced Versatility
Beneath the camera, you’ll find a welcome addition: a universal tripod thread mount nestled between the two collapsible feet. This allows for greater versatility in mounting, making it easier to set up the camera on tripods and other mounting solutions. The right side features the notorious battery flap, which still requires a bit of effort to open and close – hopefully, GoPro will address this in future models.
HDR Video, Bluetooth Audio, and More
While the hardware may not have undergone a major overhaul, the Hero 12 Black makes significant strides with its software and feature set.
HDR Video for Enhanced Image Quality
The most notable new feature is the inclusion of HDR video. This exciting addition allows for richer, more dynamic footage, especially in high-contrast lighting situations. While HDR video is available in 5.3K resolution, it’s only possible in 16:9 mode. In the 8:7 aspect ratio, HDR video is capped at 4K at 24fps or 30fps.
Bluetooth Audio for Untethered Sound Recording
Another highly anticipated feature is Bluetooth audio recording. This game-changer lets you capture audio wirelessly using any Bluetooth earphones or headphones. This opens up a world of possibilities for recording high-quality audio without the constraints of cables. The Hero 12 Black can record audio from both Bluetooth headphones and its built-in microphones.
Improved Stabilization and Battery Life
The Hero 12 Black boasts HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization with the Auto Boost option, ensuring smooth, shake-free footage. GoPro’s stabilization is already top-notch, and the Hero 12 Black consistently delivers on that promise.
GoPro claims that the Enduro battery, included in the box, offers twice the battery life compared to the Hero 11 Black. While further testing is needed to confirm this claim, I was able to achieve 7-8 hours of on-and-off recording, including a solid 30 minutes of continuous 4K 8:7 video recording.
Other Notable Feature Improvements
Beyond the major features, the Hero 12 Black offers a range of enhancements:
- Max Lens Mod 2.0 support for wider-angle perspectives.
- Improved Time Warp 3.0 with smoother transitions.
- GP-Log with LUTS for greater control over color grading.
- Vertical capture mode for content optimized for social platforms.
- Improved Night Video for capturing impressive low-light footage.
- Star Trails in 8:7 aspect ratio for stunning astro-photography.
Initial Impressions: A Promising Upgrade
Based on my initial experience with the GoPro Hero 12 Black, it’s clear that GoPro has delivered a worthy upgrade over the Hero 11 Black. The addition of HDR video and Bluetooth audio recording are standout features that significantly enhance the camera’s capabilities. The improved stabilization, battery life, and other refinements further solidify the Hero 12 Black as a strong contender in the action camera market.
While the hardware changes are minimal, the software advancements and feature additions make a significant difference. The GoPro Hero 12 Black is a powerful tool for capturing stunning footage and engaging content, whether you’re an experienced action-sports enthusiast or a casual adventure seeker.
The Verdict: Is It Worth the Upgrade?
If you currently own a Hero 11 Black, the decision to upgrade to the Hero 12 Black comes down to your needs and priorities.
If HDR video and Bluetooth audio recording are features you’ve been longing for, then the upgrade is definitely worth considering. These new features offer a significant advantage for capturing high-quality video and audio in various scenarios.
However, if you’re primarily interested in standard video recording and already satisfied with the Hero 11 Black’s performance, then the upgrade may not be essential. The GoPro Hero 12 Black offers a range of improvements, but the core shooting experience remains largely similar to its predecessor.
Ultimately, weigh the benefits of the new features against the cost and decide if the Hero 12 Black aligns with your filmmaking goals. This comprehensive review will provide a more in-depth look at the camera’s capabilities and help you make an informed decision.
