GoPro has just unveiled its latest action cam model, the Hero12 Black, and it’s packed with technical specs that look very nifty for anyone from pro filmers to beginner content creators.
The most notable upgrade from the previous HERO11 Black, is in its image quality. This new model’s resolution reaches 5.3K60, 4K30 and 1080p30. It can also slow down footage 8x in 2.6K or by 4x in 4K. If you’re using the camera for photos, expect a crisp 24.7-megapixel shot. 

There’s also a new feature that creates an even wider lens than ever before. With the HyperView setting, the HERO12 Black is able to digitally adjust the lens’s field of view to a much wider perspective. What’s more, if you combine this with GoPro’s Max Lens Mod 2.0 accessory (purchased separately), you get a field of view that GoPro claim to be 36% wider than the standard HERO12 lens.

Battery Life Extended and New Image Stabilisation

GoPro say that this new model will run for twice as long as the previous iteration, giving as much as 70 minutes of continuous recording at 5.3K60, that’s even with the brand-new stabilisation tech turned on.

Called HyperSmooth 6.0, this stabilising software will give “impossibly smooth footage no matter how rough it gets”, according to GoPro, and it comes with a built in feature that can “lock” the horizon, keeping it absolutely level even when your camera rotates a full 360°.

Content Creator-Friendly Adjustments

To capture vertical footage for, say, Instagram Reels or Youtube Shorts, one click of a button will activate a 1/1.9-inch sensor that will let you choose from a range of aspect ratios, including vertical at 9:16.  

What’s more, to simplify your editing process when using a number of different GoPros there’s a new feature that, through the use of a QR code, allows you to sync up the time codes across up to four different cameras, so you can easily switch between footage imported into your editing software rather than moving between folders. 

There’s also increased Bluetooth settings allowing you to connect a wireless microphone without having to purchase a separate media mod or having to tolerate a bunch of annoying cables hanging off your cam. If you have a pair of wireless earbuds with built-in mics you can even sync these up to give the camera voice-activated commands. 

The HERO12 Black has only just been unveiled and is available for preorder now ($400) with models shipping from September 13th. Keep an eye on our site where we’ll hopefully be posting a full in-depth review in the coming months.