The GoPro Hero 12 Black, GoPro’s latest flagship camera, may seem familiar at first glance, but beneath its surface lies a range of improvements aimed at empowering creators and video professionals alike. In this deep dive, we explore the noteworthy enhancements and capabilities of the GoPro Hero 12 Black.
A standout modification is the design update, featuring flip-down mounting fingers at the base, eliminating the need for additional accessories. With a standard 1/4-20 tripod mount integrated between these fingers, users can seamlessly transition between tripod and GoPro mounts without requiring a separate adapter, streamlining the setup process.
The Hero 12 Black boasts improved battery longevity, thanks to the integration of an Enduro battery and optimisations like omitting GPS support. This results in a doubling of runtime for shooting at 5.3K/60 and 4K/120, offering versatility for various shooting preferences.
However, the compact, waterproof build and powerful processor make managing heat a challenge, leading to occasional shutdowns, especially at higher resolutions and faster frame rates.
The introduction of HDR video capabilities complements the existing HDR photo feature, enhancing shadow details and controlling overexposed highlights. Additionally, a 9:16 framing setting caters to the rise in vertical video content preferences.
The Hero 12 Black also simplifies audio functionalities by enabling the use of wireless earbuds like Apple Airpods via Bluetooth. This facilitates wireless mic usage, accompanied by voice command support and audible camera notification prompts.
For professionals, the incorporation of GP-Log encoding, 10-bit colour, and available LUTs expands colour control and dynamic range, providing unprecedented control over colour correction and grading. The wireless timecode syncing feature simplifies multi-camera editing for professional users.
In summary, the GoPro Hero 12 Black combines professional-grade enhancements with user-friendly features, offering HDR video, enhanced stabilisation, vertical shooting capabilities, and simplified controls in Easy mode. These additions cater to a broad spectrum of users, making it a compelling upgrade from its predecessor.
