As an unconventional photographer and content creator, I’ll take any opportunity to improve my work and streamline my process. This often comes down to the gear I use. Therefore, when Adorama reached out for a first look and review of the all-new GoPro HERO12 Black, I couldn’t resist.
A GoPro camera has been a staple in my bag for years now. After having the HERO12 for only a few days, that won’t be changing. My producer Jason (@im_jasonanthony) and I ran the HERO12 through a gauntlet of scenarios and tests — both in the field and in post-production — which I’ll breakdown further in this article. Trust me, those fresh blue speckles won’t be the only thing users notice once they get their hands on the all-new GoPro HERO12 Black.
Key Features of the GoPro HERO12
- 5.3K video including TimeWarp 3.0
- HDR for photo and video
- Continuous recording up to 70 minutes (at 5.3K60)
- 8-bit, 10-bit or Log encoding with GP-Log
- 27MP photos including SuperPhoto, HDR and RAW
- Star Trails, Light Painting and Vehicle Light Trails effects
- HyperSmooth 6.0 with AutoBoost
- Live streaming in 1080p
- Frame grab with the GoPro Quik app
- Large 2.27” rear touch screen with touch zoom
- 1.4” front screen for preview or status
- Waterproof up to 33 feet
- Compatible with new Max Lens Mod 2.0
High Dynamic Range Video + Photo
Since I’m a photographer first, that’s of course where I had to start. The GoPro HERO12 has taken the already amazing image quality from the previous model by maintaining 27MP while adding HDR for both videos (5.3K and 4K) and photos.
HDR (or bracketing) is a method professional photographers use constantly to capture different exposures of high dynamic range scenes. After dropping the files in Lightroom, I couldn’t believe how far I was able to push my edits and still retain smooth gradient color and luminance. The addition of HDR is an absolute game changer for advanced users and professional creators.
Battery Efficiency
What I’m most excited about has to be the drastically improved battery life. The 1720mAh Enduro battery delivers a 2x increase in 5.3K60 video runtime. You’ll also get 70 minutes of continuous recording at 5.3K60, plus over 1.5 hours at 5.3K30 and over 2.5 hours of continuous recording at 1080p30.6. Not only that, the Enduro also boosts battery performance in cold temperatures so you can keep creating longer. Additional battery life means less time charging, but also less batteries. For me, that’s a win in itself.
HyperSmooth 6.0 Stabilization
Stabilization has been one of the cornerstones of GoPro since the company was founded in 2002. The HERO12 takes stabilization even further. The HyperSmooth 6.0 maximizes performance with more stabilization while still delivering less image cropping. I put it to the test and was able to capture incredible footage — both on land and in the air.
I attached the HERO12 to my skateboard, e-bike, and even called my good friend Cole (@colepark.er) who’s a 107 licensed FPV drone pilot. The footage came out smooth as can be over rough pavement, gravel, and even while riding at over 60mph through the air.
8-Bit, 10-Bit and Log Encoding with GP-Log
The HERO12 lets you choose between capturing in 8-bit and 10-bit plus, for advanced users, Log encoding with the new GP-Log. This feature not only helps to get more detail in your footage, but also pushes color adjustments in post-production for stunning results. GP-Log expands the artistic possibilities for creators by allowing them to take their vision and editing further.
GoPro Hero11 vs Hero12 Comparison Chart
| GoPro HERO11 | GoPro HERO12 | |
| Video Resolution | 5.3K60 | 5.3K60 |
| Photo Resolution | 27MP | 27MP |
| Stabilization | HyperSmooth 5.0 | HyperSmooth 6.0 |
| Battery | Approx. 60 minutes (at 5.3K60) | Up to 70 minutes (at 5.3K60) |
| Waterproof | Up to 33 feet | Up to 33 feet |
Final Thoughts
While maintaining professional-grade results and cutting edge features, the GoPro HERO12 Black expands on battery efficiency, image quality and stabilization. You don’t have to look far to see why GoPro is the industry-leading action camera. With the addition of HyperSmooth 6.0, HDR imaging, and GP-Log, GoPro looks to cement itself even further.
But what I love most about GoPro doesn’t have anything to do with specs, image quality, or any of the above mentioned features. It’s all about the UX design for me. The in-camera application and Quik app allows anyone to pick up a GoPro and start capturing incredible moments. Even as a professional, sharing the world and storytelling through imagery is what it’s all about. GoPro continues to provide unlimited possibilities for us to do that with the HERO12.
