GoPro Hero 12 Black
Announced September 6, 2023
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The GoPro Hero 12 Black is a refined action camera that introduces useful features like Bluetooth audio support, a standard tripod mount, and improved battery efficiency. That said, it is an iterative update that lacks a GPS module and continues to struggle with image quality in low-light environments.
Weighted from 44 reviewer scores
Pros
- Advanced video features like HDR, GP-Log, and vertical capture mode
- Versatile mounting and connectivity options including a 1/4-20 tripod thread and Bluetooth audio support
- Improved battery runtime and efficiency
- Highly effective HyperSmooth image stabilization
- Durable and rugged build quality
Cons
- Incremental hardware upgrades compared to previous models
- Poor low-light performance and noisy footage
- Lack of onboard GPS functionality
- Non-touchscreen front display and interface limitations
- Overheating issues during extended recording sessions
- Launch price $399.99 (USD)
- Sensor 27.6MP Smaller than 1-inch CMOS
- Video 5.3K 59.94p 4K 120p
- Stabilization In-body IS
What the Reviewers Say
All 44 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- PetaPixel 7/10
What we have is essentially a minor evolution of the Hero11.
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The GoPro Hero12 Black is the company’s most powerful, most advanced Hero camera to date, and it definitely feels like it.
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The GoPro HERO12 Black creates some well-lit, great looking footage – if not shooting in low light. There are plenty of features to get your teeth into and the stabilisation is second to none – making it a great action camera and suitable for all kinds of users.
- WIRED 8/10
The Hero 12 is a worthy successor to the Hero 11. I have no doubt that, a decade from now, on some future version of Reddit, someone will be asking questions about their Hero 12.
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The GoPro Hero 12 Black offers sharp HDR video, impressive image stabilisation, and plenty of creative features and shooting modes in a rugged, waterproof package. However, the action camera still suffers from many of the same drawbacks as its predecessors.
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Unless you really need log recording or external audio capture, the GoPro Hero 12 Black probably won't justify an upgrade from the Hero 11 Black.
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It captures great-looking footage in well-lit scenes, though, and thanks to its streamlined interface and upgraded features, it's still the best GoPro around.
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The GoPro Hero12 Black focuses on what matters most, boasting incredible video performance, outstanding dynamic range, and superior stabilization.
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It’s worth considering for both action-packed adventures and more serious videography projects.
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Basically, GoPro continues to pump up the features for pros and enthusiasts. But the Hero 12 Black still adds some new options that’ll appeal to any user.
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[A]s an overall package there are so many features in the GoPro that are super useful, things like those light trail modes and all the specialty modes, the larger resolution, having 5.3K versus 4K and their competitors, those are all advantages [...]
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The GoPro Hero12 Black, on the surface, mirrors its predecessor in design and basic specs like resolution and frame rates. Yet, delve deeper, and you'll discover subtle but significant enhancements.
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An array of small upgrades make the GoPro Hero 12 Black the best GoPro to date, but only by a small margin.
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The GoPro Hero12 Black is an excellent choice for anyone looking at getting an action camera.
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If you want the best action camera - you need the GoPro Hero 12 Black.
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In practice, however, the Hero 12 Black feels like a much refined action camera. GoPro’s image quality and stabilisation efficacy continue to be market-leading.
- SlashGear 9/10
The GoPro Hero 12 Black is a fantastic camera, and in many ways, it remains the king of action cameras. However, at the same time, it really isn't a huge jump from last year's Hero 11 Black, with most major improvements being on the software side.
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An iteration rather than a revelation, the 12 Black is nevertheless a seriously powerful and intuitive action camera.
- Creative Bloq 9.5/10
While the battery on this camera has improved from previous models, it’s still not quite up to scratch and struggles to go a whole day without needing to be charged.
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Packing tons of cool features in a tiny, durable package, the Hero 12 is well worth the upgrade.
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If you are looking for an all-round action camera for traveling or sports, I can highly recommend GoPro Hero 12 Black.
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The GoPro Hero 12 has competition among rival action camera, but it remains the top go-anywhere camera, according to our nearly year-long testing.
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I think it entirely depends on what GoPro you currently have and if you need a new one, like if your current one's broken, because to be honest, while there are some very nice upgrades with this guy, I wouldn't chuck my old one in the bin just yet.
- CGMagazine 9/10
The GoPro Hero 12 Black is a massive jump in the GoPro series, with functions to let you shoot like a pro and to do so for longer periods with better battery life and improving the overall experience while you do it.
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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.
- BGR 9/10
The GoPro Hero12 Black doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it does add tons of subtle improvements -- and it's the best action cam out there.
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The GoPro Hero 12 Black is easily the best GoPro yet and still my default choice for an action camera.
- GadgetGuy 8.9/10
GoPros are synonymous with action cameras because they’re so good, durable and versatile, a legacy the GoPro Hero 12 Black continues.
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So all in all, the GoPro Hero 12 Black is a solid camera.
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After testing the GoPro 12 out, I wasn’t that impressed with the footage and upgrades when compared to the HERO11. The footage from the HERO12 is on par with the 11 and the DJI Osmo Action 4 [...]
- Showmetech 9/10
When new products are released annually, many people wonder if it was really necessary, considering that sometimes the improvements are minor. However, the HERO12 Black arrives as an interesting upgrade.
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The GoPro Hero 12 Black is an ultralight and ultra-durable camera ideal for shooting videos during action sports. It shoots ultra-wide angle video and still photos, has excellent image stabilization, and superb battery life.
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It’s still the best action camera on the market, but thanks to a new vertical video mode and the option of an ultrawide 177-degree FOV, thanks to the new Max Lens 2.0, it’s offering more flexibility for all types of content creators.
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[T]he GoPro Hero 12 Black is still at the top of the action camera market, and it's definitely a camera I would recommend.
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If you have the HERO11 model or earlier, use your GoPro more than twice a week or make social media content, then it is definitely worth upgrading to the GoPro HERO12 to enjoy the extra battery life and quality of HDR video.
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With all the above features and then some, it’s no wonder why the GoPro Hero12 Black’s tagline is “the official camera of fun”. I’d daresay having one in your gadget drawer, by extension, makes you a proponent of fun too.
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To cut to the chase, the GoPro Hero12 Black isn’t a revolutionary new model in the GoPro series, but some of the new features it brings to the table are super handy, particularly for those who tend to use GoPros in a professional capacity.
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Regardless of which group you are in, the new GoPro HERO12 is without a doubt the best GoPro ever made and is the standard by which all other action cameras are measured.
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Pair that with an attractive price point, and the GoPro Hero 12 Black continues to be the go-to choice for adventure-seekers looking to document their escapades.
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With its compact and rugged design, stellar image quality, and advanced features tailored specifically for spending time on the road, the GoPro Hero 12 Black is a must-have accessory for anyone who wants to document their travels with video.
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The GoPro Hero 12 Black prioritises the user experience (especially precious battery life!) over pushing the capture quality envelope, and for that reason its place in this year’s Whitelines 100 was never in doubt.
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In the kingdom of content, the GoPro Hero12 Black is indeed a reigning monarch, setting new standards in personal videography.
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When comparing the GoPro Hero 12 Black to some of the GoPros in the past, I think it's probably the best GoPro they've made.
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I would comfortably say yes.
