GoPro is a brand that is synonymous with action cameras. Whether you are into surfing, skiing, biking, or any other adventure sport, chances are you have seen or used a GoPro camera to capture your epic moments. GoPro cameras are known for their durability, versatility, and amazing image quality. But what if we told you that GoPro has just released a new camera that takes all of these features to the next level? Meet the GoPro Hero 12 Black, the best HERO camera ever made.
What’s New in the GoPro Hero 12 Black?
The GoPro Hero 12 Black is not just an incremental upgrade from the previous model, the Hero 11 Black. It is a complete overhaul that introduces some groundbreaking features and improvements. Here are some of the highlights:
- HDR (High Dynamic Range) Video + Photo: The Hero 12 Black can capture stunning videos and photos with more vivid colors and details, thanks to the new HDR mode. HDR mode combines multiple exposures to create a single image that preserves the highlights and shadows of the scene. You can shoot in HDR in 5.3K and 4K resolutions, as well as in 8:7 aspect ratio for ultra-wide shots.
- Longer Runtimes: The Hero 12 Black has a redesigned power management system that improves the thermal performance and battery life of the camera. You can now record up to 1.5 hours at 5.3K30 and over 2.5 hours at 1080p30, which is up to 2x longer than the Hero 11 Black.
- Optional Max Lens Mod 2.0: The Hero 12 Black is compatible with the new Max Lens Mod 2.0, an optional accessory that enables an ultra-wide angle, 177-degree field of view in 4K60. This is perfect for capturing immersive and cinematic footage, as well as for vlogging and self-capture. The Max Lens Mod 2.0 also enhances the HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization and the Horizon Lock feature of the camera.
- Bluetooth Audio Support: The Hero 12 Black can now connect to Bluetooth audio devices, such as Apple AirPods and other headphones, for wireless sound recording and voice control. This is a game-changer for vloggers and content creators who want to record high-quality audio without wires or external microphones. You can also use Bluetooth audio devices to give remote voice commands to the camera, such as “GoPro start recording” or “GoPro take a photo”.
- Timecode Sync: The Hero 12 Black can wirelessly synchronize multiple Hero 12 Black cameras at once using timecode. Timecode is a system that assigns a unique timestamp to each frame of video, making it easier to edit and sync multiple cameras in post-production. This is a pro-level feature that is useful for filmmakers and broadcasters who want to create multi-camera productions with GoPro cameras.
- GP-Log and LUT Support: The Hero 12 Black can shoot in GP-Log, a flat color profile that preserves more dynamic range and color information for post-processing. You can also apply LUTs (Look Up Tables) to the GP-Log footage to achieve different color grades and styles. LUTs are preset files that map the colors of the footage to a desired output. GoPro provides some LUTs for the Hero 12 Black on its website, or you can create your own using third-party software.
GoPro Hero 12 Black Specifications
The GoPro Hero 12 Black is packed with impressive specs that make it a powerhouse of an action camera. Here are some of the key specifications of the camera:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Video Resolution | 5.3K60, 4K120, 2.7K240, 1080p240 |
| Photo Resolution | 27MP (8:7), 24.7MP (16:9) |
| Video Format | MP4 (H.264/AVC), MP4 (H.265/HEVC) |
| Photo Format | JPEG, RAW |
| HDR Mode | Yes (5.3K, 4K, 8:7) |
| Stabilization | HyperSmooth 6.0 (All Resolutions) |
| Horizon Lock | Yes (All Resolutions) |
| Field of View | SuperView, Wide, Linear, Narrow |
| Max Lens Mod 2.0 | Yes (4K60, 2.7K120, 1080p240) |
| Bluetooth Audio Support | Yes |
| Timecode Sync | Yes |
| GP-Log | Yes |
| LUT Support | Yes |
| Screen | Front + Rear LCD TouchScreen |
| Voice Control | Yes |
| Live Streaming | Yes (1080p) |
| GPS | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Waterproof | Yes (10m / 33ft) |
| Battery | Enduro Rechargeable Battery (1720mAh) |
| Memory Card | microSD (UHS-I, V30, A2) |
| Dimensions | 71 x 55 x 33.6 mm |
| Weight | 158 g |
GoPro Hero 12 Black Review: Pros and Cons
The GoPro Hero 12 Black is undoubtedly a remarkable action camera that offers unparalleled performance and features. However, no camera is perfect, and there are some pros and cons that you should consider before buying one. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of the Hero 12 Black:
Pros
- Jaw-Dropping Image Quality: The Hero 12 Black delivers stunning videos and photos with incredible resolution, dynamic range, and color. The HDR mode is especially impressive, as it creates images that look more natural and realistic. The 8:7 aspect ratio also allows you to capture more of the scene in a single shot, which is great for landscapes and panoramas.
- Smooth and Stable Footage: The Hero 12 Black has the best stabilization system of any GoPro camera, thanks to the HyperSmooth 6.0 and the Horizon Lock features. The footage is buttery smooth and stable, even in the most challenging conditions. The Horizon Lock feature also keeps the horizon level and straight, regardless of the camera orientation or movement. This gives your videos a professional and cinematic look, without the need for a gimbal or post-processing.
- Versatile and Creative Options: The Hero 12 Black offers a lot of options and features that let you unleash your creativity and capture different perspectives. The Max Lens Mod 2.0 gives you an ultra-wide-angle view that is immersive and dramatic. The Bluetooth audio support lets you record high-quality sound and control the camera with your voice. The timecode sync lets you synchronize multiple cameras for multi-angle shots. The GP-Log and LUT support lets you customize the color and style of your footage. The list goes on and on.
- Durable and Waterproof Design: The Hero 12 Black is built to last and withstand any environment. The camera is waterproof up to 10 meters (33 feet) without housing and can survive drops, bumps, and shocks. The lens cover is also water-repellent, which prevents water droplets from ruining your shots. The camera is also compatible with a wide range of mounts and accessories that let you attach it to almost anything.
Cons
- Expensive: The Hero 12 Black is not a cheap camera. The camera alone costs ₹62990.00, which is quite a hefty price tag for an action camera. If you want to get the most out of the camera, you will also need to buy some additional accessories, such as the Max Lens Mod 2.0, the Media Mod, the Light Mod, extra batteries, and memory cards. These accessories can add up to a significant amount of money, making the Hero 12 Black a pricey investment.
- Complex and Confusing Settings: The Hero 12 Black has a lot of settings and features that can be overwhelming and confusing for some users. The camera has two control options: easy and pro. The easy mode is simple, but it limits the access to some of the advanced features. The pro mode gives you full control over the camera, but it can be hard to navigate and adjust the settings on the small touch screen. You may need to spend some time and effort to learn and master the camera settings or use the GoPro app on your smartphone to control the camera remotely.
- Limited Availability: The Hero 12 Black is a new and popular camera that is in high demand. However, the supply of the camera is limited, due to the global chip shortage and other factors. This means that the camera may be out of stock or sold out in many online and offline stores. You may have to wait for a long time or pay a premium price to get your hands on the camera. You may also face some difficulties in finding the accessories and spare parts for the camera, especially in some regions.
Conclusion
The GoPro Hero 12 Black is an amazing action camera. It has many features and options that make it the best HERO camera ever. You can capture stunning videos and photos with HDR mode, smooth and stable footage with HyperSmooth 6.0 and Horizon Lock, and creative and immersive shots with Max Lens Mod 2.0. You can also record wireless sound and voice commands with Bluetooth audio support, sync multiple cameras with timecode, and customize the color and style of your footage with GP-Log and LUTs. The camera is also durable waterproof and compatible with many mounts and accessories. However, the camera is also expensive, complex, and limited. It costs a lot of money, has many settings and features that can be hard to use, and may be out of stock or sold out in many places. It is not a camera for everyone, but for those who want the best. If you want an action camera that can do everything, and you are ready to pay the price and learn the camera, the GoPro Hero 12 Black is for you.
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