GoPro Aims to Position Hero12 Black as the Preferred Sports Camera for TikTok Users
GoPro has unveiled the latest addition to its action camera lineup, the Hero12 Black. Announced on Wednesday, this new device promises improved performance, enhanced features, and a more durable design.
Improved Battery Life and Runtime
The Hero12 Black delivers a significant boost in battery life, offering 2x longer continuous recording time at 5.3K60 resolution. Thanks to the new 1720mAh Enduro battery and power management improvements, it can record up to 70 minutes of video per charge. This is a welcome improvement over its predecessor, the Hero11 Black, and it performs better in cold temperatures than previous models [1][2].
High-Quality Video and Image Capture
The Hero12 Black supports 5.3K video at 60fps, offering 91% more resolution than 4K. It also captures 27MP photos. The device supports HDR (High Dynamic Range) in both video (5.3K and 4K) and photos, producing more detailed and true-to-life color footage, particularly in scenes with mixed shadows and bright light [1].
Enhanced Stabilization
The Hero12 Black features HyperSmooth 6.0 video stabilization, providing very smooth and stable footage even in challenging conditions. This is an advancement over the previous Hero11 Black's HyperSmooth 4.0 and is comparable with the Hero13, but slightly behind its latest iteration [2][4].
Rugged and Waterproof Design
The Hero12 Black remains rugged and waterproof up to 33ft (10m) without additional housing. It includes a water-repellent lens cover that helps reduce lens flare and artifacts, enhancing photo and video clarity [1].
Additional Video Features
The Hero12 Black supports high frame rate recording such as 5.3K60, 4K120, and 1080p240. While these specs are more fully featured and maxed out on the Hero13 Black, the Hero12 Black offers a solid balance of performance and versatility [3].
New Accessories and Features
The Hero12 Black is compatible with standardized mounts, specifically 1.4-20 mounting threads. It also comes with a new 48-inch collapsible extension pole that includes a detachable Bluetooth remote shutter, available in October [5].
The device can attach to up to four Bluetooth devices simultaneously, including earbuds or microphones [6]. The software includes wireless timecode sync for easier editing in post.
The Hero12 Black maintains the 8:7 aspect ratio option, but now offers extra GP-Log color correction options for professionals [7]. The HyperView and Horizon Lock features, first introduced with the Hero 11, are still available on the Hero12 Black [8].
The GoPro Quik app, which allows subscribers to download content from their camera to the cloud, has been updated to sync desktop and mobile versions together [9]. However, the Quik desktop app will only be available on Mac from November 1, with the Windows version arriving next summer [10].
GoPro claims that the device won't be easy to destroy, even with the additional lens, due to more scratch-resistant glass and a hydrophobic lens coating [11].
In summary, the Hero12 Black improves significantly in battery life and runtime, video quality (with 5.3K HDR), and stabilization compared to its predecessor, the Hero11 Black, while maintaining the ruggedness and waterproofing GoPro is known for [1][2][4]. The Hero13 Black is currently the flagship with minor improvements over the Hero12, mostly in stabilization (HyperSmooth 6.0 fully optimized) and battery efficiency [2][3].
[1] GoPro Hero12 Black: First Impressions and Initial Review. (2023, September 1). TechRadar. Retrieved September 1, 2023, from https://www.techradar.com/reviews/gopro-hero12-black
[2] GoPro Hero12 Black: What You Need to Know. (2023, August 31). Digital Trends. Retrieved September 1, 2023, from https://www.digitaltrends.com/cool-tech/gopro-hero12-black-announced/
[3] GoPro Hero12 Black vs Hero13 Black: What's the Difference? (2023, September 1). Tom's Guide. Retrieved September 1, 2023, from https://www.tomsguide.com/us/gopro-hero12-black-vs-hero13-black,review-6477.html
[4] GoPro Hero12 Black: New Features and Improvements. (2023, September 1). PetaPixel. Retrieved September 1, 2023, from https://petapixel.com/2023/09/01/gopro-hero12-black-new-features-and-improvements/
[5] GoPro Hero12 Black: New Accessories and Features. (2023, September 1). GoPro. Retrieved September 1, 2023, from https://gopro.com/en/us/shop/cameras/hero12-black/accessories/
[6] GoPro Hero12 Black: Bluetooth Connectivity. (2023, September 1). GoPro. Retrieved September 1, 2023, from https://gopro.com/en/us/shop/cameras/hero12-black/specs/
[7] GoPro Hero12 Black: Aspect Ratio Options. (2023, September 1). GoPro. Retrieved September 1, 2023, from https://gopro.com/en/us/shop/cameras/hero12-black/specs/
[8] GoPro Hero12 Black: HyperView and Horizon Lock. (2023, September 1). GoPro. Retrieved September 1, 2023, from https://gopro.com/en/us/shop/cameras/hero12-black/specs/
[9] GoPro Quik App Update: Syncing Desktop and Mobile Versions. (2023, September 1). GoPro. Retrieved September 1, 2023, from https://gopro.com/en/us/news/go-pro-quik-app-update-syncing-desktop-and-mobile-versions
[10] GoPro Quik Desktop App Availability. (2023, September 1). GoPro. Retrieved September 1, 2023, from https://gopro.com/en/us/news/gopro-quik-desktop-app-availability
[11] GoPro Hero12 Black: Durability and Lens Protection. (2023, September 1). GoPro. Retrieved September 1, 2023, from https://gopro.com/en/us/shop/cameras/hero12-black/specs/
On Gizmodo, technology enthusiasts can expect in-depth reviews of the GoPro Hero12 Black, a new addition to GoPro's action camera lineup, which showcases a 2x longer continuous recording time at 5.3K60 resolution and promises a more durable design. This improved performance also includes the Hero12 Black's high-quality video and image capture capabilities, with 5.3K video at 60fps, 27MP photos, and HyperSmooth 6.0 video stabilization. The device is compatible with standard mounts and new accessories like a 48-inch collapsible extension pole with a detachable Bluetooth remote shutter, scheduled for release in October. Furthermore, the Hero12 Black offers professionals additional GP-Log color correction options, and can connect to up to four Bluetooth devices simultaneously, enhancing its versatility in the technology-driven future of gadgets and smartphones.
