In the action camera world, a year can bring big changes, but does it apply to GoPro? If you’re comparing GoPro Hero 12 vs GoPro Hero 11, you’re in the right spot for some honest advice.
Spoiler alert: my quick answer is no, but there’s more to it.
Stay with me, and in this article, you’ll find an in-depth review, along with my take on whether upgrading to the Hero 12 is really worth it.
QUICK TAKE
- Both cameras are good for professional use
- Hero 12 films up to 1.5 hours at 5.3K/30p, Hero 11 up to 1 hour
- Hero 12 offers HDR in videos for enhanced detail in mixed lighting, unlike Hero 11.
- Hero 12 features HyperSmooth 6.0 for superior stabilization over Hero 11’s HyperSmooth 5.0.
- Hero 12 lacks GPS, that has been removed from the camera
Quick Specs Comparison
Here’s the full specs comparison of the GoPro Hero 12 Black and the GoPro Hero 11 Black:
Specifications | GoPro Hero 12 | GoPro Hero 11 |
---|---|---|
Video Resolution | Up to 5.3K/60fps | Up to 5.3K/60fps |
Photo Resolution | 27 MP | 27 MP |
HDR video | Yes | No |
Battery Life | Up to 70 minutes (5.3K/30fps) | Up to 35 minutes (5.3K/30fps) |
Wireless Audio | Yes (Bluetooth) | No |
Mounting threads | Yes (1/4-20) | No |
Hypersmooth Stabilization | 6.0 | 5.0 |
Aspect Ratio Support | All resolutions and modes (8:7) | Limited resolutions and modes (8:7) |
Waterproof | Yes, Upto 33ft | Yes, Upto 33ft |
Bluetooth Connections | Up to 4 simultaneous | 1 |
Timecode Sync | Yes | No |
GoPro Hero 12 Review
The GoPro HERO 12 Black redefines image quality with High Dynamic Range (HDR) for both videos (5.3K and 4K) and photos.
- High Dynamic Range Video plus Photo: HERO12 Black takes its best-in-class image...
- Unbelieveable Image Quality: With 5.3K video that gives you 91% more resolution than...
- Emmy Award- Winning HyperSmooth 6.0 Stabilization: HyperSmooth continues to set the...
In challenging settings with varying light, HDR preserves intricate scene details that might typically be lost in shadows or overexposed in bright spots, resulting in vivid, true-to-life visuals.
Offering a 5.3K video, the HERO12 Black provides 91% more detail than 4K and an astonishing 665% more than standard 1080p. Coupled with HDR, it delivers cinematic image quality.
This powerhouse also captures 27MP photos. You can extract stunning 24.7MP photos from your favorite video moments using the GoPro Quik app.
The HERO12 Black takes stabilization to an Emmy Award-winning level with HyperSmooth 6.0. It combines hardware prowess and software magic to offer astonishingly smooth footage, even in the most turbulent scenarios.
It is a great choice for anyone looking for a versatile and powerful action camera that can handle various shooting scenarios and conditions. It is especially suitable.
It’s compatible with Max Lens Mod 2.0 for wider filming angles.
This comparison might also interest you: GoPro Hero 13 vs GoPro Hero 12
To learn how to use GoPro Hero 12 watch my tutorial:
GoPro Hero 11 Black Review
The GoPro Hero 11 Black stands as a pinnacle within GoPro’s illustrious action camera lineup, offering a remarkable array of advanced features and capabilities for those who demand top-tier video and photography performance.
- Revolutionary New Image Sensor: expansive field of view ever on a HERO camera out of...
- Unbelievable Image Quality: With 5.3K video that gives you 91% more resolution than...
- High-Res Photos + Videos, High Frame Rate: HERO11 Black’s new image sensor boosts...
At its core, this camera boasts a mighty 27-megapixel sensor, capable of unleashing the power to capture breathtaking 5.3K video at a buttery-smooth 60 frames per second, all while effortlessly snapping 27-megapixel still photos.
One of the true gems of the Hero 11 is its enhanced HyperSmooth 5.0 video stabilization technology. This innovation sets a new standard for silky-smooth and rock-steady footage, leaving the competition in the dust.
The Hero 11 also dazzles with features like an improved TimeWarp, which crafts flawlessly smooth time-lapse videos, and LiveBurst, a genius addition that captures 1.5 seconds of video both before and after taking a photo, granting you the luxury of cherry-picking the perfect still image.
Furthermore, this powerhouse action camera sports a more expansive front-facing display for effortless framing of your shots and a larger rear touch screen, perfect for reviewing your footage and adjusting settings with ease.
Its water-resistant design ensures it can dive with you down to depths of 33 feet (10 meters), all without the need for any external housing.
Voice control adds a touch of convenience, while compatibility with GoPro’s Max Lens Mod opens up the doors to even wider and more immersive shots.
Check out this comparison to know how different is the Hero 11 in comparison to the Hero 13: GoPro Hero 13 vs GoPro Hero 11
Key Differences
Here are the main differences between the two cameras:
Design
The design evolution of the GoPro Hero 11 and GoPro Hero 12 closely follows the body design introduced with the Hero 9, marking a departure from previous GoPro Hero iterations. Both cameras feature a modern and streamlined aesthetic. They share a robust construction, crafted from rugged polycarbonate plastic.
They are equipped with identical 1/1.9-inch CMOS image sensors, resulting in similar image and video resolutions. Furthermore, these cameras maintain parity in their waterproof ratings and utilize batteries of the same size.
This uniformity in design and core specifications ensures that users transitioning between the two models will find a seamless and familiar experience, making it easier to adapt to the newer iteration without a significant learning curve.
In terms of weight, both cameras strike a balance, offering a substantial feel without becoming overly heavy, ensuring a comfortable and reliable shooting experience.
Battery Life
Despite sharing the same sensor, GP2 image processing unit, and battery pack as its predecessor, the GoPro Hero 12 Black manages to achieve significantly improved runtime performance, courtesy of enhanced power management and processing efficiency. And this is the features I really appreciate, no more dead battery on the mountain during skiing for me!
GoPro’s claims of up to two times longer runtime than the Hero11 are substantiated in practice, with the Hero 12 Black capable of recording up to an impressive 70 minutes of 5.3K 60p video or up to 58 minutes of 4K 120p video on a single charge. If your memory card allows, you can even record over 90 minutes of 5.3K 30p video, a testament to its optimized power utilization.
More on GoPro Hero 11 Battery Life>>>
HDR Video Capabilities
The Hero 12 Black elevates your video experience with support for High Dynamic Range (HDR). This feature allows for capturing finer details in scenes with both bright and dark elements, enhancing overall image quality.
Unfortunately, the GoPro Hero 11 Black does not offer HDR video capabilities, potentially limiting its performance in challenging lighting conditions.
Stabilization Expertise
With the Hero 12 Black, GoPro takes stabilization to a whole new level. HyperSmooth 6.0 technology automatically adjusts stabilization levels and cropping based on the scene, resulting in incredibly smooth footage.
Conversely, the GoPro Hero 11 Black comes equipped with HyperSmooth 5.0, which is also great but HyperSmooth 6.0 is a better choice for anyone who wants to capture the best quality videos with their GoPro Hero 12 Black.
More on Hypersmooth 5.0 by GoPro Hero 11>>>
Wireless Audio Connectivity
The GoPro Hero 12 Black simplifies audio connectivity by allowing users to pair the camera with wireless audio devices like AirPods, headphones via Bluetooth, but you should still get a mic adapter or media mod to connect an external microphone.
The GoPro Hero 11 Black requires an external microphone adapter to connect to audio devices through a 3.5mm jack, which adds an extra layer of complexity.
Built-in Mounting Threads
Distinguishing itself in terms of convenience, the Hero 12 Black incorporates built-in mounting threads. This means the camera can directly attach to standard camera mounts and accessories without the need for a separate frame or case.
Conversely, the GoPro Hero 11 Black necessitates the use of a frame or case to mount accessories, potentially adding bulk and complexity to your setup.
Aspect Ratio
Both the Hero 12 Black and the Hero 11 Black are capable of capturing stills and video with an 8:7 aspect ratio. This aspect ratio can be useful for various shooting scenarios, including social media sharing, where it can be more compatible with certain platforms.
But, the Hero 12 Black, supports this 8:7 aspect ratio across all video resolutions and more shooting modes. This means that users have more flexibility and consistency when shooting video in different modes, such as TimeWarp, Time Lapse, Night Lapse, and Night Effects.
GPS
It’s really a letdown for biking enthusiasts: the Hero 11 comes equipped with GPS, a handy feature for tracking your routes and speed, but it seems the Hero 12 has taken a different path.
While initial indications suggest that geo-tagging for photos is still on board, it appears the brand may have chosen to disable GPS during video recording, likely in a bid to conserve battery life and keep the device cool.
Previously, users had the choice to turn this feature off themselves and that was amazing in my opinion, but now, GoPro has decided to streamline the process by removing the option altogether. This change might leave those who love to review their rides a little in the lurch.
Price
Price is an important factor to consider when deciding between the GoPro Hero 12 and Hero 11.
The Hero 12 is a penultimate model and is 70$ more expansive than the Hero 11, which has been on the market for a longer time.
Here’s the current price of the GoPro Hero 12 Black on Amazon:
- High Dynamic Range Video plus Photo: HERO12 Black takes its best-in-class image...
- Unbelieveable Image Quality: With 5.3K video that gives you 91% more resolution than...
- Emmy Award- Winning HyperSmooth 6.0 Stabilization: HyperSmooth continues to set the...
Here’s the current price of the GoPro Hero 11 Black on Amazon:
- Revolutionary New Image Sensor: expansive field of view ever on a HERO camera out of...
- Unbelievable Image Quality: With 5.3K video that gives you 91% more resolution than...
- High-Res Photos + Videos, High Frame Rate: HERO11 Black’s new image sensor boosts...
GoPro Hero 12 vs GoPro Hero 11: Worth the Upgrade?
Just like I hinted at the start, and you’ve probably gathered from my review, making the jump from the Hero 11 to the Hero 12 isn’t really a must-do.
They’re pretty similar, and both are top-notch for the pros.
With a price difference of $70, the similarities between the two models are striking, and both stand as excellent choices for professional use.
While the Hero 12 offers improved stabilization and battery life, it’s worth noting that the Hero 11 comes with GPS functionality—a feature that many users find invaluable.
So, if you’re in the market for a new camera and trying to decide between these two, weigh the benefits of battery performance against the utility of GPS to find the perfect fit for your adventures.
Cannot make up your mind?
Find more GoPro battles:
- GoPro Hero 12 vs 11 vs 10
- GoPro Hero 12 vs GoPro Hero 10
- GoPro Hero 12 vs GoPro Hero 9
- GoPro Hero 12 vs GoPro Hero 8
Thanks for reading! 🙏
I hope this guide helped you learn about which one is better for you – GoPro Hero 12 vs GoPro Hero 11 🙂
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