Once again GoPro delights us with a new release, and once again, the family of action cameras continues to increase in number to reach 12. Yes, this is the new GoPro HERO12 Black, and after having tested it for a few weeks, I am going to tell you everything related to its new features and if there are important differences compared to the HERO11 Black.
Fine-tuning the vertices
It is inevitable to start with the aesthetic section, since this HERO12 Black is literally a copy of its predecessor. The GoPro formula continues to be effective, and we once again have a resistant body, with a very good finish and with two screens to review the recording. There is not much to complain about, however, the rumors that were being heard of a larger screen have not come true. A shame, because we would have liked to have a bigger screen, but perhaps it is somewhat counterproductive in a device that is designed to resist blows.
To differentiate a HERO12 from a HERO11 you only have to look at its front, since its casing has been made with recycled plastic, and now has striking blue specks.
The lens protector once again offers hydrophobic protection to repel water, and we will only find the recording button and the power button. Where there are changes (and they are very interesting) is in the grip tabs, since the new model has finally included a 1/4 inch thread to be able to hold the camera on traditional tripod supports.
Internally the camera continues to mount the 27 megapixel sensor and gp2 processor, so technically we are looking at the same camera in terms of specifications. So, where is the news?
HDR video
Let's start with the most important function of the camera: recording video. Now you will be able to record video in HDR, in 5,5K format at 60 images per second and in 4K at 60 images per second, although without horizon stabilization. The result is technically better compared to the HERO11, since the sensor manages to capture highlights and shadows better. Let's remember that the HERO11 already took photos in HDR, but it is now the HERO12 that manages to capture video with the dynamic range mode.
This is complemented by the possibility of recording in logarithmic format and with 10 bits of color from 4K (8 bits if you record at less than 4K), which allows much more precise adjustments to be applied in terms of colorimetry and dynamic range. That is, there will be much more professional control.
The problem we have found is that activating HDR mode significantly reduces video quality. This obviously reflects a real-time histogram adjustment that inevitably affects video quality, so unless you are sure the image deserves it, our recommendation is to disable HDR in video recording. The results are quite evident:
Crop with 100% detail:
La loss of definition and detail in HDR mode it's pretty obvious.
Hyper Smooth 6.0
The brand's well-known stabilization system has also been updated, which now arrives with version 6.0 and which, well, continues to stabilize at ridiculous levels. The problem is that the HERO11 stabilized so well that we did not notice any special changes in the HERO12, beyond the fact that now we can rotate the camera 360 degrees and the plane will remain stable and without rotation.
The vertical format
If there is something that GoPro did not want to miss, it was being able to enter the TikTok maelstrom. Vertical videos rule today, so the camera is now capable of recording vertically by native cropping of the sensor. It's another feature that we don't know exactly why it didn't arrive sooner, and which again makes us wonder if a simple software update would allow the HERO11 to get this feature.
Record for longer
One point that the brand is trying to emphasize is that the new camera is capable of recording twice as long. This is completely true, but it contains nuances. Indeed, the new HERO12 is capable of doubling the recording time when we do it at 5,3K, going from 35 minutes to 70. And before, with the HERO11, 35 minutes were enough to get the temperature shutdown message. Now, thanks to new adjustments in energy management, the camera is capable of recording at the same resolution for 70 minutes, that is, double.
The same happens in 4K at 120 fps, which goes from 28 to 58 minutes, but there are not so many differences in the most common modes, since at 4K 60 FPS it goes from 70 to 81 minutes. However, it is an improvement that is greatly appreciated, but which again sounds like parameters that perhaps would not be difficult to include in the HERO11.
A more professional touch
To the already mentioned function of logarithmic recording, two more functions must be added aimed at a more professional audience. One of them is the possibility of use Bluetooth accessories such as wireless headphones or a Bluetooth microphone to obtain a cleaner and more direct sound recording. The other function is the possibility of recording with time codes to synchronize the videos in a multi-camera configuration. As we say, they are somewhat more advanced functions that those who use a GoPro professionally will appreciate.
GoPro HERO12 Black vs HERO11Black
In the tests that we have been able to carry out we have verified that the HDR mode achieves a more complete image where the highlights are present, but in very specific situations. In most cases, the resulting image was extremely identical to the one captured on a HERO11, so it is quite difficult to say that one records better than the other, something to be expected if we take into account that all the internal components are the same. Not to mention the loss of quality in HDR mode, which directly invites us to deactivate the mode.
When we have the analysis video ready we will publish a comparison between one and the other.
Is it worth the purchase?
If you are looking for an action camera for the first time, don't even think about it. The performance of this HERO12 Black is great, and you will obtain incredible results in all types of situations. On the contrary, if you already had a HERO11 and you were thinking about changing cameras, unless you want a multi-camera configuration and have more than one, it is not worth buying the new model, since you will get the same image quality.
The interesting thing about the launch is that GoPro has placed a price of EUR 449, a price 100 euros lower than the HERO11 had with its 559 euros at its launch (it could be purchased for 449 euros if you subscribed to the GoPro plan). This possibly shows that we are dealing with hardware that already sounds familiar to us, hence it does not have a price as high as previous releases.