The GoPro Max was released 4 years prior to the recent GoPro Hero 12, yet it remains a strong contender for the title of best action camera.

After testing both cameras in various conditions, I’m ready to share my thoughts on the GoPro Hero 12 vs GoPro Max.

In this article, you’ll discover the primary specifications and features of each camera, as well as my personal preference.

QUICK TAKE

  • The GoPro Hero 12 is the second-to-last GoPro, featuring a 27MP photo resolution and up to 2.5 hours of battery life
  • GoPro Max is a 360-degree camera with 16,6MP photo resolution and 1,5h battery life

Specs Comparison


Here’s a specs comparison table between the GoPro HERO 12 Black and the HERO MAX:

SpecificationsGoPro Hero 12GoPro Hero MAX
Sensor Size1/1.9″1/2.3"
Photo Resolution27 MP16.6 MP
Video Resolution5.3K605.6K 30fps
StabilizationHyperSmooth 6.0Max HyperSmooth
Field of ViewUp to 177°Up to 360°
Optical ZoomNo Yes
WaterproofUp to 10mUp to 5m
Remote Control NoYes
Battery LifeUp to 2 hoursUp to 1.5 hours

Check the Current Price of GoPro HERO 12:

GoPro HERO12 Black - Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K60 Ultra HD Video, 27MP Photos, HDR, 1/1.9" Image Sensor, Live Streaming, Webcam, Stabilization
  • 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...

Check the Current Price of GoPro HERO MAX:

SPECIAL SALE
GoPro MAX — Waterproof 360 + Traditional Camera with Touch Screen Spherical 5.6K30 HD Video 16.6MP 360 Photos 1080p Live Streaming Stabilization
  • Three Cameras in One: Maximize your creative freedom. With MAX you can shoot...
  • Max HyperSmooth: MAX gives you unbreakable stabilization by using 180-degree capture...
  • Live Streaming in 1080p: Shoot in HERO mode and share while you’re there. Live...

 

GoPro HERO 12 Review 


To begin with, watch my GoPro Hero 12 review:

How to Use GoPro HERO 12 [Beginner’s Guide 2024]

The GoPro Hero 12 Black is a remarkable addition to the action camera world, pushing the boundaries with its outstanding video capabilities. It sets new industry standards, offering the ability to shoot at resolutions like 5.3K at 60fps, 4K at 120fps, and an impressive 2.7K at 240fps.

gopro hero 12

This versatility caters to both action enthusiasts and content creators, ensuring the capture of intricate details in fast-paced action or the creation of seamless slow-motion sequences.

GoPro HERO12 Black - Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K60 Ultra HD Video, 27MP Photos, HDR, 1/1.9" Image Sensor, Live Streaming, Webcam, Stabilization
  • 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 the photography department, the Hero 12 doesn’t disappoint either, boasting 27 megapixels and the capability to extract 24.7-megapixel stills from videos, consistently delivering sharp and vibrant photos.

With its ultra-wide 156° field of view, this camera is perfect for capturing sweeping panoramic shots of breathtaking landscapes or immersing your audience in action sequences.

Furthermore, the inclusion of HyperSmooth 6.0 with 360° Horizon Lock sets a new standard for video stabilization in action cameras, effectively eliminating shakes and jitters to ensure exceptionally smooth footage, even during the most intense activities.

 

GoPro HERO Max Review 


UPDATE: GoPro has currently stopped producing the GoPro Hero Max and is working on an improved Max 2 model. The only purchasing options for the Hero Max now are to look in retail shops or consider buying a used one.

GoPro MAX offers the versatility of three cameras in one, allowing you to unlock your creative potential. Whether you’re shooting traditional Hero-style video and photos or diving into the world of immersive 360-degree footage, MAX has you covered.

Experience Max HyperSmooth technology, providing unbreakable stabilization through 180-degree capture, acting as the ultimate buffer against shakes and bumps.

SPECIAL SALE
GoPro MAX — Waterproof 360 + Traditional Camera with Touch Screen Spherical 5.6K30 HD Video 16.6MP 360 Photos 1080p Live Streaming Stabilization
  • Three Cameras in One: Maximize your creative freedom. With MAX you can shoot...
  • Max HyperSmooth: MAX gives you unbreakable stabilization by using 180-degree capture...
  • Live Streaming in 1080p: Shoot in HERO mode and share while you’re there. Live...

Go live with confidence in 1080p quality using HERO mode. Say goodbye to crooked horizons in HERO mode, thanks to game-changing horizon leveling. Achieve that silky-smooth cinematic look, whether you’re racing sideways, flipping through the air, or chasing after your kids.

PowerPano makes panoramic photography effortless. Capture stunning 270-degree distortion-free panoramic photos without the need to pan the camera. Take captivating PowerPano selfies, action shots, and vertical pictures, all with a perfectly level horizon.

MAX delivers premium 360-degree audio with the help of six microphones, ensuring true-to-life sound capture and the best stereo audio quality ever offered by a GoPro.

With the flexibility of digital lenses in HERO mode, you can select from four options: Narrow, Linear, Wide, and Max SuperView – our widest view yet. Capture both videos and photos with the perfect perspective to tell your story.

 

GoPro HERO 12 vs GoPro MAX: Detailed Comparison


comparsion btw hero 12 vs max

In this section, we delve deeper into the fundamental differences between GoPro Hero 12 Black vs MAX cameras:

Design

The GoPro Hero 12 Black and the GoPro Max exhibit distinct designs tailored for specific purposes. The Hero 12 Black, with its rectangular form measuring 2.6 x 1.9 x 1.3 inches, features a single front lens for traditional HERO-style capture. In contrast, the GoPro Max sports a square shape at 2.5 x 2.7 x 1.6 inches, equipped with dual lenses on both sides to enable immersive 360-degree spherical footage.

Moreover, the Hero 12 Black boasts a larger, higher-resolution touch screen (2.27-inch, 960 x 480 pixels) compared to the Max’s 1.7-inch screen with a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels. This touchscreen functionality empowers users to adjust settings and preview shots. Both cameras share built-in mounting fingers for versatile attachment options, and offer a waterproof rating of up to 10 meters without external housing, but differ in body materials and colors.

Microphone placement differs between the two models, with the Hero 12 Black having three microphones and the Max equipped with six, enabling it to capture immersive 360-degree audio compared to the Hero 12 Black’s stereo audio capture capabilities.

Video Quality

The GoPro Hero 12 Black sets a new benchmark in video capabilities, boasting remarkable resolutions of up to 5.3K at 60 frames per second (fps) and 4K at 120 fps.

In contrast, the GoPro Max offers video resolutions of up to 5.6K at 30 fps and 3K at 60 fps. While the Hero 12 excels in traditional video recording, the Max shines with its unique 360-degree mode, opening up a world of creative possibilities for capturing and editing truly distinctive footage.

Photography Capabilities

The Hero 12 Black packs impressive photography features, allowing it to extract 24.7-megapixel still photos from its videos and shoot 27-megapixel photos in dedicated photo mode. It provides users with a range of burst mode options, from capturing 3 images in just 1 second to a rapid 30 images in 10 seconds.

In contrast, the GoPro Max, while still offering good photo capabilities, extracts 16.6-megapixel stills from videos and captures 18-megapixel photos in standard photo mode. Its burst mode settings allow for shooting anywhere from 3 images in 1 second to 30 images in 6 seconds.

Image Stabilization and Horizon Lock

The Hero 12 Black is equipped with HyperSmooth 6.0, which stands as GoPro’s pinnacle of image stabilization technology. This feature ensures incredibly stable footage, even in challenging conditions, and comes with a horizon lock that keeps your shots level and steady, even if the camera tilts or rotates.

On the other hand, the GoPro Max features Max HyperSmooth, offering similar powerful stabilization but with the added capability to work seamlessly in its 360-degree mode. The horizon lock is a versatile feature available in both Hero mode and 360 mode on the GoPro Max, guaranteeing smooth and steady footage across various shooting scenarios.

Max Lens Mod 2.0

The GoPro Max is a dedicated 360-degree camera, doesn’t require the Max Lens Mod.

The Hero 12 Black offers compatibility with the Max Lens Mod 2.0, an accessory that can be attached to the camera to enhance its performance. This mod significantly widens the field of view to 177 degrees, enabling 4K recording at 60 fps and improving the already impressive HyperSmooth stabilization and horizon lock features. It’s designed for easy attachment and is water-repellent, making it suitable for water-based shooting. 

Additional Features

Both the GoPro Hero 12 Black and the GoPro Max come well-equipped with a host of features, including high dynamic range (HDR) video, GP-Log picture profile, timecode sync, wireless audio support, vertical capture mode, live streaming capabilities, voice control, touch screen functionality, waterproofing, GPS, and more.

 

My Choice


I love filming my skiing and diving adventures and occasionally lend my GoPro to my surfer friends. Therefore, I require a camera that’s waterproof and has a dependable battery. The GoPro Hero 12 Black, with its superior resolution, extended battery life, and enhanced waterproofing, is perfect for my needs compared to the GoPro Max.

The GoPro Max, on the other hand, has a wider field of view, optical zoom, and remote control, as well as the ability to shoot in 360 degrees, making it perfect for those who want to capture immersive and creative videos from different perspectives. 

Take a look at another interesting comparison: GoPro HERO 11 vs MAX (Differences, Specs, Price, Quality)

 

 

Thanks for reading!

I hope this guide helped you learn about the GoPro HERO 12 vs GoPro MAX  🙂

 

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