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GoPro Hero 12 Black launches with HDR, better stabilization, bluetooth audio recording and new Max Lens Mod 2.0

The newly released GoPro Hero 12 Black and (optional) Max Lens Mod 2.0 (Image Source: GoPro)
The newly released GoPro Hero 12 Black and (optional) Max Lens Mod 2.0 (Image Source: GoPro)
GoPro has just launched the Hero 12 Black for pre-order at US$399.99, with shipping starting on September 13. New features include HDR in videos and photos, improved video stabilization, audio recording from bluetooth earbuds and mics, and 2x longer continuous recording. Launched alongside it is the Max Lens Mod 2.0 for the Hero 12, with an ultra-wide 177° FOV.

Over the last month, we’ve seen quite a few leaks about the GoPro Hero 12 Black, including a pre-release eBay listing. Now, GoPro has officially launched the Hero 12 Black, confirming many of the leaked details, but also revealing several new features. It has also released a version 2.0 of its Max Lens Mod ultra wide-angle lens accessory exclusively for the Hero 12.

One key improvement over the Hero 11 is support for High Dynamic Range (HDR) at most video resolutions as well as for photos, which will improve overall exposure in the complex lighting conditions one typically encounters outdoors. GoPro’s HyperSmooth video stabilization feature, now at version 6.0, gets a performance boost and creates lesser cropping while in use. A new Vertical Capture mode enables vertical aspect ratios without physically turning the camera.

The Hero 12 can now record audio wirelessly from devices like bluetooth earbuds and mics, making recording narration and interviews much simpler. An improved power management system effectively doubles the continuous recording time, to 70 minutes at 5.3K60. For professional editing, the Hero 12 features timecode sync to allow synchronizing footage from multiple cameras.

The Hero 12 Black is identical in overall form factor to the Hero 11 (Image Source: GoPro)
The Hero 12 Black is identical in overall form factor to the Hero 11 (Image Source: GoPro)
The Hero 12 carries over the same rugged build and mounting options (Image Source: GoPro)
The Hero 12 carries over the same rugged build and mounting options (Image Source: GoPro)

While the physical design is almost unchanged from the Hero 11, one notable addition is a standard tripod screw mount (aka 1/4-20 mounting thread). While the new Hero 12 adds a number of handy features, at its core, there's no truly groundbreaking upgrade. We get the same 1/1.9” sensor capturing up to 5.3K60 video and 27 MP photos; the dimensions, weight are also unchanged, as is the lens, both LCD displays, battery and the 10 m/33 ft of waterproof rating.

Launched alongside the Hero 12 is the new Max Lens Mod 2.0, which bumps up the field-of-view from 155° to an ultra-wide 177° and can be used at up to 4K60. Its Max HyperSmooth stabilization is now available at all video settings. The lens is lighter and smaller, with a lens that’s “2x more scratch-resistant”, waterproof to 5 m/16 ft when installed, and coated to be water-repellent.

You can now pre-order the GoPro Hero 12 Black on Amazon, with shipping starting on September 13

The Max Lens Mod 2.0 expands the field of view to an ultra-wide 177°, and also supports Vertical Capture (Image Source: GoPro)
The Max Lens Mod 2.0 expands the field of view to an ultra-wide 177°, and also supports Vertical Capture (Image Source: GoPro)

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2023 09 > GoPro Hero 12 Black launches with HDR, better stabilization, bluetooth audio recording and new Max Lens Mod 2.0
Vishal Bhardwaj, 2023-09- 6 (Update: 2023-09- 6)