New GoPro Hero12 Doubles Battery Life and Adds Tripod Threads (Finally)
GoPro’s new Hero12 Black action camera promises 100% longer runtime, 5.3K and 4K HDR video options, support for Bluetooth audio devices, and connectivity with standard tripod mounts, all for $400.
This new action camera takes everything that came with the bigger, better sensor in the Hero11 Black and adds to it with other technical advancements including optimized encoding for smaller files with the promise that it won’t sacrifice image quality. It also has wireless timecode sync, making multi-camera editing easier. Plus, the GoPro now supports vertical capture mode, making it easy to get the perfect TikTok or Instagram REEL clip without cropping manually in post-production.
On that note, the Hero12 uses the same Type 1/1.9 sensor as last year’s model that enables an 8:7 aspect ratio that can be cropped into vertical 9:16, widescreen 16:9, traditional 4:3, or full-frame 8:7 aspect ratios. This new model allows all those aspect ratios to be used during TimeWarp, Time Lapse, Night Lapse, and all Night Effects modes. The Hero12 Black can capture light painting, star trails, and vehicle lights with long exposure modes, too. Speaking of modes, GoPro says that the new Hero12 Black has an updated user interface that has more simplified controls.
The new action camera has the GP-LOG capture feature and available LUTs that allow high-level users to have more control in post-production and editing when it comes to color grading. It also supports wireless audio via Bluetooth that works with earbuds, headphones, and microphones.
GoPro’s latest flagship model also supports the new Max Lens Mod 2.0 accessory, which allows for a 177-degree view. It offers three field-of-view settings: Max Wide, Max SuperView, and Max HyperView. With the Max Lens Mod, the Hero12’s perspective becomes 36% wider and 48% taller. It’s also just as rugged as the GoPro with super scratch-resistant glass twice and a hydrophobic lens coating that makes keeping water, mud, and grime off the optic a cinch. It does not, however, come with the Hero12 and must be bought separately.
The company says that it has dramatically improved the power management system on the Hero12 Black so that it can deliver 70 minutes of continuous recording in 5.3K at 60p (the highest performance setting), over 95 minutes at 5.3K 30p, and over 155 minutes of continuous recording at 1080 30p — all with HyperSmooth 6.0 video stabilization on.
“Hero12 Black resets the bar for immersive life-capture,” Nicholas Woodman, GoPro CEO and Founder, says. “Our new flagship camera is the culmination of GoPro’s 21 years of experience and our passion for helping you capture and share your life in an immersive, dream-like way that makes you and your audience feel like you’re right there again, reliving your favorite experiences in vivid detail.”
The new model also brings the usual details many have come to expect from the GoPro. It’s waterproof up to 33 feet and has simplified controls (though it’s possible to access full options in Pro mode). The Hero12 Black’s mounting fingers also feature a standard tripod mounting thread (1/4-20) that makes it more compatible with general camera mounts and accessories. It’s unclear why this took 12 versions of the camera to finally make a feature, but filmmakers will no doubt be grateful.
GoPro further announced a new extension pole — a handy GoPro companion — that reaches 48 inches long and collapses to a mere 10 inches. It also comes with a waterproof wireless shutter, just in case your arms aren’t four feet long.
The Hero12 Black is available to preorder now for $400, and the Max Lens Mod 2.0 for $100 (or $80 for GoPro subscribers, which costs $25 the first year and $50 in the years following).
