GoPro HERO12 Black

William Brawley from DPReview highlights the GoPro Hero12 Black as a powerful and versatile flagship action camera that builds thoughtfully on its predecessor, the Hero11 Black. While the design and core sensor remain largely unchanged, the Hero12 Black impresses with significantly improved battery life, enhanced image stabilization (including a remarkable 360° Horizon Lock), and new features like native vertical video support and wireless audio connectivity. Brawley praises the camera’s solid build quality, intuitive dual-mode user interface, and seamless smartphone app integration, which together cater to both beginners and advanced users. However, he notes some drawbacks, including the removal of GPS, occasional overheating during extended 5.3K recording, and the somewhat frustrating need to frequently re-pair AirPods for wireless audio. The Max Lens Mod 2.0 accessory offers dramatic ultra-wide perspectives but introduces noticeable distortion. Overall, Brawley views the Hero12 Black as an impressive, feature-rich upgrade ideal for serious creators, though casual users may find limited justification for upgrading from the Hero11.

Jim Fisher from PCMag highlights the GoPro HERO12 Black as a refined and highly capable action camera that builds meaningfully on its predecessor, the HERO11. Praising its improved Easy Controls interface, HDR video profile, and the addition of a standard tripod mount, Fisher emphasizes how these enhancements make the camera more accessible to non-experts while still offering advanced features for professionals. The HERO12’s robust build, versatile 8:7 aspect sensor, and excellent HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization deliver class-leading video quality, earning it PCMag’s Editors’ Choice award. While the removal of GPS and some quirks with wireless audio support are noted drawbacks, the reviewer finds the battery life improvements and expanded accessory ecosystem compelling. Fisher also provides useful comparisons to competitors like the DJI Osmo Action 4, underscoring the HERO12’s strengths in image processing and user-friendly presets. Overall, the review conveys a very positive, enthusiastic tone with balanced insights, recommending the HERO12 as the best GoPro to date.

Basil Kronfli from Digital Camera World highlights the GoPro HERO12 Black as a refined and powerful action camera, especially appealing to editors and users upgrading from older models. While the hardware changes from the HERO11 Black are minimal, the addition of pro features like log capture, HDR video, dual-channel Bluetooth audio, and a new 1/4-inch tripod thread enhance its versatility and editing potential. The review praises the camera’s superb stabilization, high-resolution 5.3K footage, and improved battery life, making it well-suited for bright, outdoor shooting. However, low-light performance remains a notable weakness, with noise handling lagging behind competitors like the DJI Osmo Action 4. The HERO12 Black’s user-friendly Easy Mode and advanced Pro Mode offer a balanced experience for novices and professionals alike. Overall, Kronfli considers it the best action camera of 2023 for those prioritizing detail and editing flexibility, though existing HERO11 owners may find limited incentive to upgrade.

Stuff’s Basil Kronfli highlights the GoPro HERO12 Black as a refined, highly accessible action camera that builds on the strengths of its predecessor rather than reinventing the wheel. While the hardware and core image quality remain largely unchanged from the HERO11 Black, the addition of HDR video, Bluetooth wireless mic support, and improved thermal management enhance usability and versatility. The review praises the camera’s class-leading stabilization, resolution, and intuitive software ecosystem, especially the powerful Quik app, making it ideal for vloggers and adventure enthusiasts alike. However, Kronfli notes that low-light video performance still lags behind competitors like the DJI Osmo Action 4, and Bluetooth audio quality can be inconsistent. The HERO12 Black’s compatibility with existing accessories and new features like the Max Lens Mod 2.0’s ultra-wide field of view add value without disrupting the user experience. Overall, the review conveys a cautiously enthusiastic tone, positioning the HERO12 Black as a solid, polished upgrade rather than a groundbreaking leap.

Kyle Alsberry from Videomaker highlights the GoPro HERO12 Black as a strong evolution in the action camera lineup, particularly praising its improved battery life and thermal management that allow for significantly longer recording times in high-quality modes. The review emphasizes new features like GPLog for enhanced color grading, wireless microphone support, and advanced stabilization with HyperSmooth 6.0 and Horizon Lock, which together elevate the camera’s appeal to both casual users and professional videographers. Alsberry notes the camera’s rugged design, versatile shooting modes, and enhanced HDR video quality as standout strengths. However, the review also points out drawbacks such as the absence of GPS functionality, ongoing issues with the GoPro Quik app’s stability and usability, and limited audio control with wireless mics. Despite these caveats, the HERO12 Black is positioned as the best GoPro yet, especially for those upgrading from older models, offering a compelling balance of innovation and reliability for a wide range of shooting scenarios.

Scott Gilbertson from WIRED highlights the GoPro HERO12 Black as a solid, reliable action camera that builds on its predecessor’s strengths with thoughtful incremental improvements. While the design and core hardware remain largely unchanged from the HERO11, the HERO12 impresses with significantly better battery life and, notably, the elimination of overheating issues that plagued earlier models during demanding shoots. New features like 10-bit Log video, timecode syncing, and a standard tripod mount add professional appeal, while wireless mic and headphone support enhance audio flexibility. However, Gilbertson notes the menu system still lags behind competitors like DJI and Insta360, making navigation less intuitive. Despite these minor frustrations, the HERO12’s durability, consistent performance, and improved thermal management make it a worthy upgrade for users facing overheating or needing advanced video features. For most users satisfied with recent models, an immediate upgrade isn’t essential, but the HERO12 remains a dependable choice for action camera enthusiasts.

Nate Mitka from GearJunkie highlights the GoPro HERO12 Black as a solid incremental upgrade over its predecessor, with the standout improvement being the enhanced user experience through the Quik app and subscription service. While the camera introduces new features like the Max Lens Mod 2.0, HDR mode, longer battery life, and wireless audio connectivity, the actual video quality remains largely on par with the HERO11 and comparable competitors. Mitka praises the app’s seamless Wi-Fi transfer, quick editing capabilities, and cloud storage options, which significantly simplify content creation and encourage more frequent use. However, he notes drawbacks such as the expensive and somewhat distortion-prone Max Lens Mod 2.0, subtle HDR effects, and slow cloud uploads. Overall, the review conveys a cautiously positive tone, suggesting the HERO12 is best suited for new users or those returning to GoPro, while existing HERO10 or HERO11 owners might find limited incentive to upgrade.

Nick Woodard from Reviewed highlights the GoPro HERO12 Black as an impressively easy-to-use and durable action camera that delivers outstanding video quality straight out of the box. Testing the camera across hiking, biking, and indoor editing scenarios, Woodard was particularly struck by the Hero12’s 5.3K resolution, vibrant colors, and revolutionary HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization, which produced remarkably smooth footage without extra effort. The review emphasizes the seamless integration with the Quik app for quick editing and social sharing, though notes the lack of a PC-compatible desktop editor as a minor drawback. Audio performance is solid in calm conditions but suffers in windy environments unless supplemented by the pricey Media Mod accessory. Woodard appreciates the camera’s ruggedness, waterproofing, and improved cold-weather battery life, making it a reliable companion for outdoor adventures. Overall, the HERO12 Black is praised for balancing simplicity and high-end features, making it an excellent choice for both newcomers and seasoned users seeking hassle-free, professional-quality action footage.

Rachael Penn from Creative Bloq highlights the GoPro HERO12 Black as a versatile and powerful action camera, especially suited for social media content creators. She praises its improved sensor, dual color displays, and advanced HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization, which deliver vibrant, crisp footage even in challenging lighting and movement conditions. Unique features like vertical video recording and Bluetooth audio support for devices such as AirPods make it a standout choice for TikTok and YouTube creators. While the battery life shows some improvement over previous models, it still falls short for extended high-resolution shooting sessions. Penn also notes the camera’s user-friendly interface and the value of bundles including the Max Lens Mod 2.0 for enhanced wide-angle shots. Overall, she considers the HERO12 Black a worthy upgrade from the HERO11, ideal for both professionals and beginners focused on dynamic, platform-ready video content, though casual users might prefer a high-end smartphone instead.

Timothy Beck Werth from Mashable highlights the GoPro HERO12 Black as a powerful and versatile action camera that impresses both amateurs and professionals alike. Praising its doubled battery life, enhanced HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization with horizon lock, and new vertical video mode tailored for social media creators, Werth emphasizes the camera’s ability to deliver professional-quality 5.3K video at an accessible price point. He also notes valuable features for advanced users, such as timecode syncing and Bluetooth audio support. However, the review balances enthusiasm with candid critiques, pointing out the camera’s tendency to overheat during extended use and the GoPro Quik app’s struggles with editing longer 4K videos, especially on older phones. The removal of GPS data support is acknowledged as a reasonable tradeoff for improved battery life. Overall, Werth finds the HERO12 Black a significant upgrade that “lives up to the hype,” offering a compelling mix of ease of use, innovative features, and impressive performance for a wide range of users.