Overall, this is a decent improvement compared to Hero 11 Black, though GoPro still needs to find an effective solution for managing thermals. Of course, there's still some juice left if the camera overheats, but the cooling process may take some time. With HyperSmooth 6.0 at 1080p30, I was able to record videos for up to 50 minutes at a stretch (compared to the claimed 155 minutes by GoPro). In places like Delhi, where the average temperature remains consistently above 30 degrees in August-September, you get roughly 30 minutes of continuous recording at 5.3K60fps (compared to the claimed 70 minutes by GoPro). To some extent, these claims are true, but only if you can maintain the ideal temperature of 25 degrees Celsius and a wind speed of 0.6m/sec. GoPro is making tall claims about Hero 12 Black's battery backup. In case you're wondering how videos look, here is an Instagram Reel I completely shot on the GoPro Hero 12 Black. If you get the Max Lens Mod 2.0, the Hero 12 Black can capture videos at 4K60fps with the widest FOV at 177 degrees. You can now record videos in vertical format (9:16), which is very useful for Instagram. For professional creators, the Hero 12 Black features options, including GP-Log encoding with available LUTs.Īs mentioned, the new Hero 12 Black focuses on optimisation, and it finally offers some long-awaited features. There are options to record HDR videos at 5.3K (up to 30fps in a 16:9 aspect ratio) and 4K (up to 30fps in 8:7 and 60fps in a 16:9 aspect ratio). It works best when the camera is level and the subject remains centred in the shot.

Hyperview allows you to capture videos in an 8:7 frame, which can be quite handy if you intend to use different aspect ratios later. You can utilise SuperView, GoPro's term for a wider field of view (16mm). The support for HDR works quite well, and the stabilisation remains consistent.

I primarily used the camera in auto-boost mode, although it does crop a portion of the background in the wide frame. I recommend users to get a GoPro Handler, the company's floating hand grip that can be very useful if you're shooting under water. It works like butter (under adequate lighting conditions) even when the camera is hand-held. Speaking of stabilisation, the Hero 12 Black features Hypersmooth 6.0 - GoPro's next iteration of in-built camera stabilisation. The stabilisation also falters under low light. That means, be it a blade of grass or ripples on water, the Hero 12 Black will capture them reliably.Īt night, videos can be soft or noisy depending on the amount of light. The GP2 processor has been excellent at detecting colours and sharpness. Typically, GoPros are known for capturing natural colours - be it in linear, wide or Hyperview modes. That does not mean the video output is poor by any means. That's because the Hero 12 Black uses the same 1/1.9-inch sensor and GP2 processor. Simply based on the output, there is a marginal jump in the quality, though it is not dramatically different from what the Hero 11 Black offers. The latter is useful as it allows extracting the perfect moment from the video without losing details, especially for your social media posts. The Hero 12 Black can still capture 27MP photos with the option to take 24.7MP screen grabs directly from the video. Pro tip: You can wash your latest GoPros with fresh water to clean dust and salt particles, especially after spending time at the beach. Thanks to the same-old design, this case is also compatible with the Hero 9 Black and Hero 10 Black models. If you opt for the protective housing (priced at Rs 5,500), the GoPro Hero 12 Black can operate at depths of up to 196ft. I can confidently vouch for its 10-foot waterproofing based on my snorkelling experience in Rameshwaram. The GoPro Hero 12 Black also boasts a waterproof design. Overall, it won't be a concern for most users. Somehow, the Hero 11 Black's front display offers more sharpness. Thankfully, the lag on the display next to the lens keeps getting smaller, especially while recording videos. After using the camera for a week, even in the sea, here's what you need to know. Even for upcoming content creators who care about Reels and YouTube vlogs, the Hero 12 Black is much easier to operate. It also makes it easy for me to recommend the GoPro Hero 12 Black if someone is looking for a reliable action camera to capture sharp and stable videos on the go. Mind you, the GoPro Hero 11 is currently selling in India for Rs 40,990, therefore the margin to get something newer and up-to-date is very low. This year's Hero 12 Black starts at Rs 45,000, while the Hero 12 Black Creator Edition costs Rs 65,000. While these are small steps towards a wholesome package, GoPro, unlike my tech companies, also understands the value of incremental changes. Bluetooth earphones and earbuds support. Some of the key features of Hero 12 Black include:

Go pro microphone