GoPro released its latest action camera today: GoPro Hero 12 Black. One of the camera’s big upgrades is support for Ultra Long Recording, which allows for longer continuous video clips when running on the GoPro’s Enduro battery.
GoPro says that thanks to a redesigned power management system, when using the Enduro battery, the battery life can be doubled compared to the previous generation Hero 11 Black, which can record 70 minutes of 5.3K60fps video. However, it needs to be pointed out that GoPro’s double evaluation is based on the use of Enduro batteries. If you use standard GoPro batteries, the battery life will be different.
If you want to use your GoPro camera to record videos for platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts, the Hero 12 Black offers a new 9:16 portrait shooting mode. This mode, combined with support for Bluetooth wireless audio devices like AirPods and microphones, means the Hero 12 Black could be a good choice for creators who want to make vertical video more easily.
The Hero 12 Black also has some features that professionals may appreciate, such as the ability to record in 5.3K (up to 30fps, 16:9 aspect ratio) and 4K (up to 30fps, 8:7 aspect ratio; up to 60fps, 16:9 aspect ratio) Capture HDR photos and videos at resolutions higher than the original, while new GP-Log encoding captures more dynamic range. Users will also be able to use timecode sync between an “unlimited number” of Hero 12 Black cameras, making it easier to edit videos from multiple angles and ensure they line up.
The Hero 12 Black also gets a 177-degree field of view at 4K/60fps with a new Max Lens Mod 2.0 accessory. The larger lens also means users can get a 36% wider field of view in widescreen video and a 48% higher field of view in portrait video, although this lens needs to be purchased separately.
GoPro Hero 12 Black is priced at 3,198 CNY and is available for pre-sale. It is expected to ship on September 14.
GoPro is also launching a Creator Edition package that includes a controller, a “media option” with a microphone, and an LED lighting option. Also good news for GoPro subscribers is that GoPro is updating its GoPro Quik app, which now lets users edit video directly from the cloud, eliminating the need to download video locally to the device.
