GoPro’s Hero 12 Has Arrived With Whole New Features

GoPro has finally introduced its new Hero 12 camera for orders and added several new features, such as double the battery power and runtime.

Other features of the brand-spanking new device include 5.3K video, 4K HDR video and Bluetooth support. It will also include a threaded tripod mount, a first for the long-lived Hero lineup of cameras.

Overall the sensor in the new Hero 12 model is in essence the same as the 1/1.9 sensor of the Hero 11, but with many new and useful shooting features.

These include improved encoding technology for better compression without a corresponding loss in picture quality and timecode sync for easier editing across multiple cameras.

What’s more, the Hero 12 comes with a vertical capture mode for videos that are easy to digest by social media platforms and instantly uploadable without post-creation editing for an IG or TikTok clip.

The Hero 12 sensor supports an 8:7 aspect ratio that can be cropped to vertical 9:16, widescreen 16:9, 4:3 and full-frame 8:7. Also, All of these ratios work with Timewarp, Time Lapse, Night Lapse and Night effects modes.

GoPro has also given the Hero 12 the ability to capture long exposure shots that let you “paint” light from stars, vehicle lights, and so forth.

Other features of the Hero 12 are GP-LOG capture and LUTS for better post-production and editing control of color grading in video.

For managing all of the above, the user interface of the Hero 12 is more efficient and simpler to use than that of previous Hero cameras, according to GoPro.

Another shooting addition in the Hero 12 flagship camera is support for GoPro’s new Max Lens Mod 2.0 accessory that allows for a 177-degree FOV. This comes in three settings: Max Wide, Max SuperView and Max HyperView. Together, these let the Hero 12’s lens have a 36% wider and 48% taller recording field.

Unfortunately, though, the durably built and for some users very useful Max Head Lens Mod 2.0 is sold separately from the Hero 12 itself. Too bad..

Connectivity-wise, the Hero 12 can handle wireless audio via Bluetooth through earbuds, microphones and headphones too. It also features automated cloud+ backup of photos and videos, letting you at least avoid losing your precious footage if your own Hero 12 camera itself goes deep into the drink one day.

The video performance of the Hero 12 lets it shoot 5.3K video for a continuous 70 minutes at 60p and just under 100 minutes of 5.3K at 30p. Its shooting time bumps up to an absolute max of 155 minutes in 1080p resolution at 30p

For 4K video her Hero 12 works at a whole range of different settings including 60, 50, 30 and 25 fps with a 9:16 ratio and 120, 100, 60, 50, 30, 25, and 24 fps with a 16:9 ratio.

Overall the camera can capture video at many different frame rates in assorted aspect ratios that include 2.7K at 4:3 and 16:9, and 1080p at the same ratios and several more frame rates.

GoPro’s HyperSmooth 6.0 video stabilization technology operates throughout all of the above recording settings. What’s more, the little 154g (with battery) action camera shoots stills at a resolution of 27.13MP, though photo frame grabs from its 5.3K video settings are set at 24.69MP.

The secret sauce behind all of the above robust shooting times and frame rates is a dramatically improved battery life for this latest Hero camera.

According to GoPro, they’ve truly given the Hero 12 a dramatic boost in battery life that lets it shoot for twice as long overall compared to the Hero 11. With a hands-on review, we’ll have to see for ourselves how this pans out in practice.

According to Nicholas Woodman, CEO and founder of GoPro,

“Our new flagship camera is the culmination of GoPro’s 21 years of experience and our passion for helping you capture and share your life in an immersive, dream-like way that makes you and your audience feel like you’re right there again, reliving your favorite experiences in vivid detail.”

With its improved shooting performance and battery life, the Hero 12 certainly lays a strong claim to being superb at capturing exciting moments vividly and at length.

The compact camera is also robustly built, with waterproofing that lets it work down to a depth of 33 feet or 10 meters underwater. This can be extended dramatically to 197 feet or 60 meters if you also splurge on GoPro’s external protective casing for the camera.

Another completely new thing in the Hero 12 is a ¼-20 mounting thread that makes it easier to use in the field with third-party mounts and accessories.

GoPro really took its sweet time in finally including that last feature, since you’d think it would be an obvious addition since, I don’t know, at least the second Hero, but okay, good to see it finally arrive.

Physically, in case you’re wondering, the Hero 12 looks almost the same as the Hero 11, except for minor cosmetic differences. It comes with both front and rear LCD screens and offers up to 14 voice commands in 11 languages and 6 accents.

GoPro is also releasing a new extension pole for the Hero 12. This stretches to a length of 48 inches from a collapsed length of just 10” and includes its own waterproof wireless shutter for easy shooting even if fully extended.

Finally, to get your hands on all of the above for your next outdoor adventure, you only need to wait until sometime later this month, though you can preorder the camera now for $399. Another option is the creator’s bundle edition with pro filming extras for $599.

Highly Recommended

8 Tools for Photographers

Check out these 8 essential tools to help you succeed as a professional photographer.

Includes limited-time discounts.

Learn more here

You'll Also Like These:

GoPro Comparison Chart & Buyers Guide 5 Best GoPro Cameras in 2023 (Different Models Compared) Gopro Hero 7 vs 8 Action Cam Comparison Best GoPro Settings in 2023 for Travel, Action, Sports & More Best GoPro Accessories to Buy in 2023 (for HERO 8 to 11) Best Gopro Gimbal for Every Hero Model in 2023