GoPro Hero 12 Black

Overview

The GoPro Hero 12 Black is a hardy, handy, ultra-wide action camera with incredible stabilization and an abundance of features. The new external and dual-channel audio tools are useful, and filmmakers will appreciate the addition of 10-bit log capture and timecoded footage. It's not perfect, and low-light video is still its Achille's heel compared to its main competition, the DJI Action 4.

-- As reviewed by TechRadar

TechSpot Metascore

Based on 5 expert reviews

Excellent:

4
Good:

1
Average:

0
Bad:

0

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Last revision on January 9, 2024

Reviewers Liked

Improved heat tolerance
The updated controls are easy and intuitive to use, but there are more advanced settings for professionals as well
Twice the battery life compared to the Hero 11 Black
Dual-channel audio
Useful 1/4" 20 tripod thread
Smarter stabilization
Bluetooth audio support

Reviewers Didn't Like

Menu system is awkward compared to competition
The GoPro Quik app struggles with video editing
Misses out on magnetic mounting
Disappointing low-light performance

Competitors and Related Products

Our editors hand-pick these products using a variety of criteria: they might be direct competitors targeting the same market segment, or they could be devices that are similar in size, performance, or feature sets.

Expert reviews and ratings

One of the most impressive things about the GoPro Hero series of cameras is how durable and long-lasting they are. People in the GoPro Reddit regularly post questions about their Hero 4 cameras, which are still working. The Hero 4 was released almost a decade ago, and people are still making great images and videos with them.

By Wired on October 27, 2023

The Hero 12 Black is a great little action camera with fantastically steadied 5.3K footage at up to 8:7 aspect ratio and a newfound freedom to shoot in log, capture HDR video, and record external audio with a Bluetooth microphone. The added dual-channel audio recorded is also welcome. GoPro's limitation has always been lowlight recording, and nothing changes this year, but if you want high resolution and frame rates, and prefer GoPro's sound tuning and color science to DJI's on the Osmo Action 4, the 12 Black is an excellent choice.

By DigitalCameraWorld on October 12, 2023

After exploring all the latest features, big updates, camera settings, quality output and ease of use, we’ve given it an absolutely solid 9/10. The camera this year is more refined than ever, being simpler to use with some noticeable upgrades, nicer-looking footage and of course that unreal battery life improvement.

By NomadaSaurus on October 12, 2023

The Hero 12 Black is the newest action camera from GoPro, and it's an absolute beast. For amateurs, influencers, and professionals, GoPro has added new features and content creation tools that make it easier to edit and share your videos with the world. With a new super wide-angle lens available, two times the battery life, and vertical video mode, it's absolutely worth the upgrade.

By Mashable on October 10, 2023

By TechRadar on October 02, 2023

The GoPro Hero12 Black is the company's most powerful, most advanced Hero camera to date, and it definitely feels like it. With 5.3K video using the full 8:7 aspect ratio sensor, the GoPro Hero12 Black provides excellent quality video and lots of versatility to crop and create the look you want from your action footage. The new vertical video support is handy for easy social media posting, and the image stabilization is some of the best I've ever seen.

By DPReview on October 12, 2023

The GoPro Hero 12 Black gives the company's flagship action camera long-awaited features like Bluetooth headphone support and a built-in mount. It's a great starting point for first-time GoPro buyers, or folks ready to upgrade after a few years.

By CNN on September 11, 2023

Features like HDR video, better stabilization, vertical video and a tripod mount are good regardless of if the camera is for work or pleasure. There's even an updated Easy mode that simplifies controls for those times when you don't want to think about every last option available in the Pro mode.

By cnet on September 08, 2023

I don’t know if the changes are substantial enough to move from the Hero 11, but if you’ve been holding off a while, the Hero 12 might be just what you’re looking for.

By PetaPixel on September 08, 2023

GoPro Hero 12 Black

Overview

Pros & Cons

Reviews

Price: $349

TechSpot Metascore

Reviewers Liked

Reviewers Didn't Like

Competitors and Related Products

GoPro Hero 11 Black

GoPro Hero 11 Mini

DJI Osmo Action 4

Expert reviews and ratings