Today, GoPro unveiled its latest addition to the action camera lineup, the Hero 12 Black. While it boasts numerous incremental improvements over its predecessor, the Hero 11 Black, what truly sets it apart is the remarkable enhancement in battery performance.
In the 5.3K60 recording mode, the Hero 12 can seamlessly capture footage for an impressive 70 minutes on a single charge, a substantial leap compared to the 35 minutes of the Hero 11 Black. Notably, this improvement doesn’t stem from a larger battery capacity; it still retains its 1,720 mAh capacity. GoPro has evidently made significant strides in optimizing battery consumption.
It’s worth noting that in 5.3K30 mode, the maximum recording time extends to 1.5 hours, while in 1080p30, it reaches “over 2.5 hours.” The camera supports various recording resolutions, including 5.3K60, 4K120, and 2.7K240.
One noteworthy addition is Bluetooth support, enabling concurrent audio recording through Bluetooth earbuds or headphones—a substantial enhancement.
The Hero 12 Black introduces the Max Lens Mod 2.0, which expands the field-of-view from the standard 156 degrees to an impressive and industry-leading 177 degrees in 4K60 mode. Additionally, it supports HDR video and photo capture, enabling you to snap 27MP photos and extract 24.7MP stills from videos. Like its predecessor, the Hero 12 maintains its waterproof capabilities, withstanding depths of up to 33 feet (10 meters).
Thanks to Emmy Award-winning HyperSmooth 6.0 + AutoBoost, you can achieve expansive shots with exceptional video stabilization. The built-in Horizon Lock feature ensures a level horizon even during full 360-degree camera rotations (excluding 5.3K60, 4K120, 2.7K240, and 1080p240 modes).
The GoPro Hero 12 Black is now available for pre-order on GoPro.com, priced at $399.99 or €449.99, with a release date set for September 13th. Additionally, the Max Lens Mod 2.0 can be purchased for $99.99 or €109.99.
For those seeking extended reach, GoPro will introduce a 48-inch-long extension pole that collapses to just 10 inches, along with a waterproof Bluetooth shutter remote for effortless control of the Hero 12, even when the pole is fully extended. These accessories will be available in October. Moreover, GoPro’s Quik editing app will be accessible to Mac users starting in November and to Windows PCs the following summer, offered as a complimentary service for GoPro subscribers.
