The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →The GoPro HERO12 Black is an excellent, capable action camera, but it is not a major leap over the HERO11 Black. Stuff’s review found sharp bright-scene footage and impressive stabilization, alongside noisy low-light video and only fair battery life. HDR video, Bluetooth audio, interface refinements and a standard tripod thread are useful additions; whether they justify an upgrade depends largely on which GoPro you already own.
What is new in the HERO12 Black?
GoPro’s flagship keeps much of the HERO11’s core hardware and imaging experience. The headline additions are HDR video, support for Bluetooth audio devices, refinements to the interface and a standard 1/4-20 mounting thread. GoPro also lists HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization, GP-Log, timecode synchronization and 8:7 capture among the camera’s features. These are real improvements, but Stuff’s review found overall image and video quality largely unchanged from the previous model. Stuff’s HERO12 Black review and GoPro’s 6 September 2023 announcement describe the changes.
The body layout and front and rear screens remain familiar. The new tripod thread sits between the folding mounting fingers, adding a convenient way to attach the camera to standard tripod hardware without replacing the established GoPro mount approach. The camera is waterproof to 10 metres without a separate housing, according to Stuff’s review.
How good are the video and stabilization?
Bright scenes and movement
Stuff reports crisp footage in bright conditions and calls the stabilization a strength. In the reviewer’s tests, HyperSmooth 6.0 and AutoBoost handled bumps in a vehicle and tilting on a boat well. The review also describes horizon locking up to 5.3K in the mode it tested. These are review observations, not a guarantee for every resolution, frame rate or recording condition.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →#1 Best Overall
- High Dynamic Range Video + Photo: HERO12 Black takes its best-in-class image quality to the next level with HDR for both videos (5.3K and 4K) and photos. Great in environments with both shadows and bright light, HDR captures the subtle details of the scene that might typically blend into the darkness of shadows or disappear in the bright spots of your shot. The result is dynamic footage with true-to-life color and precision.
- Unbelieveable Image Quality: With 5.3K video that gives you 91% more resolution than 4K and an incredible 665% more than 1080p, HERO12 Black captures the action with crisp detail and cinematic image quality with High Dynamic Range (HDR) while also taking 27MP photos. You can also grab stunning photos up to 24.7MP of your favorite shots from your videos using the GoPro Quik app.
- Emmy Award- Winning HyperSmooth 6.0 Stabilization: HyperSmooth continues to set the bar for insanely smooth footage and has the hardware to back it up—a 2021 Emmy for In-Camera Sensor and Software Stabilization. HERO12 Black makes it even better by maximizing HyperSmooth AutoBoost performance with more stabilization while still delivering less image cropping. Bike, skate, ski, chase your kids through the park or get awesome pet POV shots—even the shakiest footage comes out silky smooth.
- Rugged + Waterproof to 33ft (10m): Completely waterproof and as tough as ever, HERO12 Black is ready to capture the fun on any adventure. Its legendary durability can take a beating and keep going, whether you’re ripping through mud, snow or water (down to 33ft/10m). A water-repelling lens cover even helps eliminate lens flare and other artifacts to make your photos and videos even more stunning.
- What's Included: HERO12 Black, Enduro Rechargeable Battery, Curved Adhesive Mount, Mounting Buckle + Thumb Screw, USB-C Cable
GoPro specifies video capture up to 5.3K, 4K at up to 120 frames per second and 2.7K slow motion at up to 240 frames per second. The camera has a 1/1.9-inch sensor with an 8:7 aspect ratio. GoPro says this taller capture format is suited to reframing for portrait or landscape output; Stuff found it possible to crop 8:7 5.3K footage to tall or wide 4K video without loss of resolution in the resulting 4K frame. That flexibility can be especially useful when one recording needs to serve different social and widescreen formats.
HDR and difficult lighting
Stuff says HDR can help control harsh highlights, but also notes that overcast scenes can look flat. The reviewer found low-light video noisy, so the camera’s high resolution and HDR option do not make it a strong choice for consistently dim scenes. Treat those comments as the reviewer’s assessment in the scenes tested, rather than as laboratory measurements.
Rank #2
- What's Included: Hero12 Black Camera, enduro battery, usb-c charging cable, curved adhesive mount, mounting buckle, and thumb screw
- Rugged & Waterproof to 33ft (10m): HERO12 Black is built to withstand extreme conditions and is fully waterproof, making it the ultimate adventure companion in any environment.
- 2x Longer Runtime: Achieve up to 70 minutes of continuous recording at 5.3K60 with dramatically improved battery efficiency and the powerful 1720mAh Enduro battery.
- Unbelievable 5.3K Video & 27MP Photos: Capture your adventures in stunning detail with 91% more resolution than 4K and 665% more than 1080p, plus grab 24.7MP photos from your videos using the GoPro Quik app.
- High Dynamic Range (HDR) Video & Photo: HDR captures more detail in both bright and shadowy scenes, ensuring true-to-life colors and precision in every shot.
How long does the HERO12 battery last?
There is no single runtime that applies to every recording session: resolution, frame rate, stabilization and heat all matter. GoPro’s 6 September 2023 launch announcement gives these continuous-recording figures with HyperSmooth 6.0 on:
| Recording setting | GoPro’s stated runtime |
|---|---|
| 5.3K at 60 fps | 70 minutes |
| 5.3K at 30 fps | Over 95 minutes |
| 1080p at 30 fps | Over 155 minutes |
Those are manufacturer claims from the launch announcement, not a promise for every user or environment. In Stuff’s own test conditions, 5.3K clips exceeded 30 minutes without issues, and the reviewer estimated roughly an hour of cumulative capture at the top resolutions. The review characterizes battery life as fair rather than excellent and warns that hotter conditions can lead to thermal shutdowns. These field observations are not a controlled comparison with GoPro’s figures.
Rank #3
- Bundle Includes: GoPro HERO12 Black, Sandisk Extreme 128GB microSDXC Card, High Speed USB Card Reader, Chest Mount, Head Strap Mount, Wrist Mount, Suction Mount, Floating Handle Grip, Strap, 360-Degree Rotation Clip, Tether Straps, Wrist Strap, Monopod, Bicycle Mount, Tripod Mount Adapters, Helmet Extension Arm, Helmet Strap Mount, Mini Tripod, 2X Switch Support, 2X Surface J-Hook Buckle, 8X Mounts, 5X Adhesive Pads, 12X Anti-Fog Inserts
- High-Quality HDR Images: Enabled HDR for both video (5.3K and 4K) and photo modes to render more detail in your shadows and highlights. The GoPro Hero12 Black captures up to 5.3K60 video or up to 27MP RAW photos with crisp details and cinematic image quality. You can even grab 24.7MP frames from your videos using the Quik app. Record 2.7K video at a 240 frame rate for playback at 8x slow motion. Dual LCD Screens: The GoPro HERO12 Black features dual LCD screens, making it incredibly versatile for any shooting scenario.
- Durable and Waterproof: Built to withstand the elements, the GoPro HERO12 Black is as tough as your adventures. It's waterproof down to 33 feet (10 meters) right out of the box, without the need for an additional housing. This rugged design makes it perfect for underwater exploration, rainy hikes, or dusty trails. The durable construction means it can handle drops, impacts, and extreme conditions, so you can take it anywhere with confidence.
- HyperSmooth 6.0 with AutoBoost: Upgraded HyperSmooth 6.0 features AutoBoost performance that reduces image cropping, which might otherwise compromise your framing. The GoPro Hero12 Black 360° Horizon Lock keeps your footage steady and level, even if your camera rotates completely.
- Improved Battery Life: The HERO12 Black has better battery efficiency that, combined with the Enduro battery, delivers a 2x power longevity increase compared to the previous model. Record continuous 5.3K60 footage for 70 minutes or 1080p30 video for over 1.5 hours. With the new high-efficiency battery, the GoPro HERO12 Black lets you capture more of your adventures on a single charge. Enjoy significantly longer recording times compared to previous models, so you can keep filming without worrying about running out of power.
Does Bluetooth audio work well?
Bluetooth connectivity lets the HERO12 pair with devices such as wireless microphones or earbuds, which can help when the camera is positioned away from the person speaking. In Stuff’s tests, results were mixed: at close range, the built-in microphone and voice isolation sounded better than the earbuds the reviewer tried. Bluetooth audio is therefore a useful option to have, not a reason to assume every headset will produce better sound.
What accessories and software does it support?
The camera works with GoPro’s accessory line, and Stuff notes compatibility with SPBL1B batteries used by the HERO9, HERO10 and HERO11. The HERO12 itself includes an Enduro rechargeable battery, curved adhesive mount, mounting buckle, thumb screw and USB-C cable, according to GoPro’s product page. A microSD card is used for storage; the available information does not establish a particular card model or capacity to recommend.
Rank #4
- High Dynamic Range Video plus Photo: HERO12 Black takes its best-in-class image quality to the next level with HDR for both videos (5.3K and 4K) and photos. Great in environments with both shadows and bright light, HDR captures the subtle details of the scene that might typically blend into the darkness of shadows or disappear in the bright spots of your shot. The result is dynamic footage with true-to-life color and precision.
- Unbelieveable Image Quality: With 5.3K video that gives you 91% more resolution than 4K and an incredible 665% more than 1080p, HERO12 Black captures the action with crisp detail and cinematic image quality with High Dynamic Range (HDR) while also taking 27MP photos. You can also grab stunning photos up to 24.7MP of your favorite shots from your videos using the GoPro Quik app.
- Emmy Award- Winning HyperSmooth 6.0 Stabilization: HyperSmooth continues to set the bar for insanely smooth footage and has the hardware to back it up—a 2021 Emmy for In-Camera Sensor and Software Stabilization. HERO12 Black makes it even better by maximizing HyperSmooth AutoBoost performance with more stabilization while still delivering less image cropping. Bike, skate, ski, chase your kids through the park or get awesome pet POV shots—even the shakiest footage comes out silky smooth.
- Rugged plus Waterproof to 33ft (10m): Completely waterproof and as tough as ever, HERO12 Black is ready to capture the fun on any adventure. Its legendary durability can take a beating and keep going, whether you’re ripping through mud, snow or water (down to 33ft/10m). A water-repelling lens cover even helps eliminate lens flare and other artifacts to make your photos and videos even more stunning.
- What's Included: HERO12 Black, Enduro Rechargeable Battery, Curved Adhesive Mount, Mounting Buckle plus Thumb Screw, USB-C Cable
For an even wider point of view, the optional Max Lens Mod 2.0 is rated by GoPro for a 177-degree field of view at 4K60. GoPro describes that framing as 36% wider for widescreen video and 48% taller for vertical video than the standard HERO12 lens. The accessory is not necessary for ordinary use. GoPro’s current Max Lens Mod 2.0 page says it is waterproof but not recommended for underwater use because of image distortion; follow the current accessory instructions if you use it.
Stuff says the Quik app supports wired file transfers and can combine smartphone and GoPro footage. Its review also described unlimited cloud storage, automatic uploads and automatically generated highlight clips as requiring GoPro membership in the publication context. Subscription terms can change, so check GoPro’s current terms rather than relying on those older details.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Best Value
- INCLUDES – GoPro HERO13 Black Camera | 3 High-Capacity 1900mAh Enduro Batteries | Dual-Battery Charger with USB Input | 64GB SanDisk microSD Card | Adhesive Helmet Mount Kit | Camera Case | GoPro 1-Year Limited Warranty | Bundle Includes 47-Piece Adventure Accessory Kit | Extra Enduro batteries and dual charger help extend recording time for travel, sports, vacations, and all-day adventures with less downtime and uninterrupted shooting
- PRO-GRADE VIDEO & ADVANCED STABILIZATION – Capture stunning 27MP photos and ultra-detailed 5.3K60 video with 91% more resolution than 4K, plus 4K120 and 2.7K240 slow motion for smooth cinematic playback | HDR/HLG recording, 10-Bit Color & GP-Log support deliver rich color and enhanced dynamic range | HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization with Horizon Lock keeps footage steady and level during action scenes | Compatible with HB-Series auto-detect lenses | Front & rear LCD screens with Bluetooth audio support
- EXTENDED POWER & FAST CHARGING – Includes 3 high-capacity 1900mAh Enduro Batteries and Dual-Battery Charger for longer shooting sessions and reliable all-day power | With each battery Capture over 1.5 hours of continuous 5.3K30 or 4K30 recording, plus over 2.5 hours at 1080p30 | Dual charger powers 2 batteries simultaneously for fast, efficient charging | Dual LED indicators and battery quick-check display charging status even when unplugged | Enduro batteries deliver enhanced cold-weather performance down to 14°F (-10°C)
- RUGGED, WATERPROOF & ADVENTURE READY – Built tough for travel, sports, mud, snow, and underwater adventures with a durable waterproof body up to 33ft (10m) | Lightweight portable design mounts easily to helmets, bikes, chest harnesses, vehicles, and gear for immersive first-person action recording almost anywhere | HyperSmooth stabilization helps capture smooth footage during high-action activities
- CREATOR-READY & EXPANDABLE SYSTEM – Front and rear LCD screens simplify vlogging, selfies, live streaming, and social media content creation | Compatible with GoPro mounts, HB-Series lenses, wireless audio accessories, and creative tools for POV recording, cinematic video, vertical capture, and multi-angle shooting flexibility
Should you buy the HERO12 Black or upgrade?
If you are buying your first action camera
The HERO12 is a strong first action camera if you want stabilized, high-resolution footage, flexible 8:7 reframing, multiple slow-motion options and a broad accessory ecosystem. Stuff calls it a fantastic first action camera. Its main compromises are weak low-light results in the review and battery life that the reviewer considered merely fair.
If you own a HERO9 Black or older
Stuff considers the HERO12 a solid upgrade for HERO9 Black owners and earlier models. It brings newer stabilization and capture features, HDR video, Bluetooth audio support and the tripod thread, while retaining compatibility with the noted older SPBL1B batteries.
If you own a HERO11 Black
The case is narrower. Because Stuff found image and video quality largely unchanged, an HERO11 owner should upgrade for a specific need: HDR video, Bluetooth audio, GP-Log or timecode workflow, simpler switching among landscape, portrait and 8:7 modes, or the built-in tripod thread. If none of those changes solves a problem you currently have, the HERO12 is closer to a refinement than a necessary replacement.
Price and availability
GoPro announced a US launch MSRP of $399.99 on 6 September 2023 and planned worldwide store availability from 13 September 2023. That is historical launch pricing, not a current price or guarantee of stock. Check a retailer or GoPro’s current listing for today’s price, regional bundles and availability.
Overall, the HERO12 Black pairs excellent stabilization and versatile capture options with incremental changes over the HERO11. Its appeal is clearest to first-time action-camera buyers and owners of older GoPros; HERO11 owners have a better reason to wait unless one of the new features matters to their work or setup.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
