IF, like many others, you assume that GoPro's latest flagship action camera, the Hero 12 Black, doesn't differ much from its predecessor, the Hero 11 Black, you're in for a surprise.
This compact action camera, which has become a staple for adventure enthusiasts, comes packed with a slew of exciting and highly anticipated new features.
One of the most critical and impressive upgrades is the battery life of the GoPro Hero 12 Black. Thanks to improved battery technology and camera systems, users can now enjoy significantly longer recording times.
With the Enduro battery, Hero 12 Black users can capture footage for extended durations, even in extreme, cold conditions. The latest Hero 12 Black system doubles continuous recording time, offering up to two times more recording time.
At a stunning 5.3K resolution with 60 frames per second (fps), you can record for up to 70 minutes, compared to the 35 minutes of the Hero 11 Black. For those shooting at 4K/120 fps, you get 58 minutes, and some have even managed to record up to 81 minutes at 4K/60 fps.
However, every improvement comes with trade-offs, and one of them is the absence of the built-in GPS in the new Hero 12 Black model. This feature, which was rarely used and often turned off by previous users, has been omitted in favour of enhanced recording time.
It’s worth noting that longer recording times at higher resolutions can lead to increased heat generation in your GoPro due to the heavier processing load, especially at higher frame rates.
Ever since launching their camera systems 19 years ago, GoPro has consistently aimed to empower amateur photographers and videographers to become professionals. They do this by introducing various exciting and superior features.
This commitment is evident in the latest GoPro Hero 12 Black, which maintains its waterproofing capabilities up to a depth of 10 meters without the need for a separate housing. Alternatively, this housing can also be used for deeper dives beyond 10 meters.
The foldable finger grip feature has been retained, with the addition of a 1/4-inch screw hole (1/4-20 thread) for standard tripod mounts without the need for extra mounting accessories.
These seemingly ‘small’ changes in the GoPro Hero 12 Black lead us to some truly exciting advancements in this latest action camera.
The 27-megapixel CMOS sensor with an 8:7 aspect ratio introduced in the Hero 11 Black has been retained. It offers the ability to record footage in a nearly square format, perfect for cropping into either vertical or horizontal formats.
Additionally, GoPro has kept the Protune video profile, giving users the freedom to grade colours. They've also added a new profile, GP-Log, promising a wider dynamic range and more appealing colour grading possibilities.
Previously, high dynamic range (HDR) quality was only available for photos. However, with the Hero 12 Black, HDR has been integrated into video recording as well.
While HDR might seem like a technical setting to some, it's essential even for casual users. During recording, the Hero 12 Black assesses the lighting conditions and adjusts exposure to maintain the best balance, unless you prefer full manual control.
When there are both bright and dark areas in the same shot, HDR plays a crucial role, and the Hero 12 Black claims to handle it better than ever.
For those who often shoot in a vertical format, the Hero 12 Black now offers one-click ease without requiring you to physically rotate the camera. The existing vertical format can be used for both video and photos without compromising on the latest stabilisation features like HyperSmooth 6.0 with Horizon Lock, which adds drama and excitement to your video footage.
Another eagerly awaited feature for professional videographers is Timecode Sync, which allows multiple-angle captures from different cameras to be synchronised easily. Using this feature is straightforward; all it takes is scanning the provided QR code, and the camera and video editing app handle the rest.
While the GoPro Hero 12 Black already boasts an adequate lens width, users can further enhance it with the Max Lens Mod 2.0 lens accessory, increasing the field of view to 177 degrees.
For those who often record from a distance, the Hero 12 Black now provides Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to give voice commands remotely. Even more exciting, it can connect to up to four Bluetooth devices simultaneously.
The GoPro Hero 12 Black isn’t just for videographers; it also offers a range of exciting features for photographers. These include Light Painting, Star Trails, and Vehicle Light Trails effects through the photo settings.
The GoPro Hero 12 Black is brimming with exciting features that can elevate your video and photo captures to new creative heights. It’s now available in the market with a starting price of RM1,999, while the Max Lens Mod 2.0 lens accessory is priced at RM519 at all authorised GoPro retailers. – The Vibes, October 2, 2023
