If you’re a beginner who has just acquired a new Hero 12 and you’re wondering if the GoPro Hero 12 is waterproof without a case, how deep it can dive with a housing, and how to properly set it up, you’ve come to the right place.

I understand these questions can be daunting, especially when you’re eager to protect your valuable equipment.

In this article, you’ll find out if the GoPro Hero 12 is waterproof on its own or if it needs a case, how deep you can take it underwater, and I’ll also guide you through the best underwater accessories and camera setup procedures.

Take a look at my GoPro underwater tutorial where I reveal settings, accessories and tips for diving and snorkeling:

BEST GoPro UNDERWATER Settings, Accessories, Tips for Diving & Snorkeling

Is The GoPro 12 Waterproof?


Before we get into it, let’s talk about the waterproof capabilities of the GoPro Hero 12. The GoPro HERO 12 Black is waterproof down to 33 feet.

Here’s what you can do with them:

  • Swimming
  • Snorkeling
  • Kayaking
  • Paddleboarding
  • Enjoying the rain and waterfalls
  • Protecting against splashes of dirt
  • Handling accidental dips in shallow water

However, if you’re thinking about scuba diving, you’ll need a robust underwater housing to keep your camera safe. 

With the right dive housing, you can even take the Hero 12 Black down to 196 feet. This makes GoPro cameras fantastic for capturing fun in and around water.

Getting a sturdy underwater housing is a smart move because it helps protect your significant investment in a GoPro from leaks, pressure, and the corrosive effects of saltwater.

Here are two of the best underwater housings I recommend:

GoPro Hero 12 Protective Housing Case

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GoPro Protective Housing (HERO13 Black/HERO12 Black/HERO11 Black/HERO10 Black/HERO9 Black) - Official GoPro Accessory
  • Protects your GoPro from mud, dirt and debris during extreme activities
  • Front LCD screen remains accessible for viewing
  • Waterproof down to 196ft (60m) perfect for deep-water diving

When gearing up for underwater adventures, the official GoPro Hero 12 Protective Housing Case is a solid choice. This durable case offers robust protection against dirt and flying debris, safeguarding your camera under tough conditions. It allows you to dive with your camera to depths of up to 60m/196ft, perfect for capturing stunning underwater footage.

What I really appreciate is the ability to easily check my recordings via the front LCD screen while diving. The case also features a skeleton backdoor that improves audio capture and provides access to the camera’s rear touchscreen

Kuptone Waterproof Case

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The Kuptone Waterproof Case stands out as another outstanding choice crafted specifically for the GoPro Hero 12 Black. Its integrated design streamlines the process of both installation and removal, preserving your precious time. This housing case guarantees access to the camera’s power and mode buttons even while submerged, thanks to an external button.

With a waterproof capability extending up to 60m/196ft and a robust exterior, this case proves ideal for a range of activities such as surfing, diving, and snorkeling. Notably, it features an HD Scratch-Proof Lens that shields your camera lens from potential scratches, while its transparent rear cover ensures a crystal-clear view for capturing high-definition underwater photography.

More underwater cases for Hero 12>>>

PRO TIP: If you’re thinking about buying the Protective Housing or other accessories from GoPro.com and you have GoPro Premium, be sure to log into your account to take advantage of special discounts on accessories.

Will my protective housing from another GoPro fit on the Hero 12?

Protective housings designed for models prior to the Hero 9 will not fit the GoPro Hero 12.

For instance, the GoPro Hero 8 may look similar, but it has different dimensions and button placements, necessitating specific housings.

However, the GoPro Hero 9, Hero 10, Hero 11, and Hero 12 share the same designs and dimensions, allowing them to use the same housings. If you have a protective housing from any of these models, it should be compatible with the others in this series. 

 

GoPro Hero 12 Underwater Settings


Here are the recommended GoPro Video Settings for diving with the Hero 12:

  • FOV: Wide
  • Frame Rate: 30fps / 60fps
  • Resolution: 4k / 1080p
  • ISO: Protune -> ISO min. 100 / ISO max. 400
  • Sharpness: Medium
  • Color: “Flat” if you plan to color grade, otherwise “GoPro”
  • White Balance: Auto
  • Stabilization: ON if well lit / OFF if dark
  • Turn Screensaver and Auto Off to Never

Here are the recommended GoPro Photo Settings for diving with the Hero 12:

  • Photo: RAW
  • FOV: Wide
  • Color: “Flat” if you plan to color grade, otherwise “GoPro”
  • ISO: Protune -> ISO min. 100 / ISO max. 800
  • Sharpness: Medium

Explore more settings for diving with your GoPro Hero 12>>>

gopro hero 12 waterproof

It’s essential to make sure the camera’s side door is securely locked and that its rubber seals are clean and intact, preventing any gaps that could let water in. Also, ensure that the lens cover is firmly in place.

To maintain the camera’s waterproof integrity, the side door must be fully closed. This means you won’t be able to access the USB port for external power while underwater.

Keep in mind that the touchscreen won’t work underwater, though it can still be used as a viewing screen. 

So, you should set up your camera before starting your diving adventure.

Best Accessories For Underwater Filming


Here are some of the best accessories that will make your underwater filming better:

Floating Stick/Pole/Grip

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SOONSUN 4in1 Floating Selfie Stick Tripod for GoPro Hero 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 Session Max, AKASO, SJCAM Action Camera - As Waterproof Extension Monopod Pole Floating Handle Grip Tripod Stand
  • Versatile: It can be used as a floating selfie stick tripod, a floating handle grip,...
  • Easy to Use: Unfold the foldout legs to form a stable tripod stand; fold them and...
  • Telescopic Design: This waterproof selfie stick tripod is made of aluminum alloy,...

A Floating Stick/Pole/Grip is an invaluable accessory for your GoPro when underwater. It offers improved camera control and helps prevent the GoPro from sinking.  

The official GoPro Handler Floating Hand Grip keeps your GoPro afloat, allowing you to shoot in and around water without worry. Its bright orange cap helps you spot it easily if it’s dropped in the water, and its non-slip design ensures you maintain a firm grip.

More floating grips>>>

Anti-fog inserts

gopro moisture absorber

Remember to use anti-fog inserts and make sure that your underwater housing is securely sealed to avoid any leaks. With the right settings and equipment, your GoPro HERO 12 will be able to capture stunning underwater photos and videos. 

FiTSTILL Anti-Fog Inserts

FiTSTILL 24PCS Anti Fog Inserts Reusable Moisture Absorbing Strips Humidity Removing Defogger for Go Pro Hero 13/12/11/10/9/8/7/(2018)/6/5/4/3+/3 Session Max Action Camera Underwater Dive Housings
  • 【NO MORE FOG】Using our anti-fog inserts will help prevent excess moisture forming...
  • 【REUSABLE】These inserts can be used multiple times before they need to be thrown...
  • 【HIGH QUALITY ABSORPTIVE MATERIAL】Made with high quality moisture absorbing...

Another great product – FiTSTILL Anti-Fog Inserts helps prevent excess moisture formation on your GoPro camera lens and inside the underwater housing. You get 24 pieces of inserts inside the package, which makes it a great deal. So, go out worry-free and shoot in cold or humid environments without worrying about fogging inside the housing or on camera lens. These inserts work perfectly well with all models of GoPro.

Red Filter Diving Lens

Red Filters are essential for deeper sea dives, as they correct the color loss in low-light underwater environments. They come in three types, each designed to restore the vibrant colors that are lost at greater depths.

gopro red filter

PolarPro Dive Filter 3-Pack (GoPro Hero 12, 11, 10 & 9 Black)

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SOONSUN 4-Pack Dive Filter for GoPro Hero 13 12 11 10 9 8 Black Official Waterproof Housing - Red, Light Red, Magenta, 5X Close-up Macro Filters Color Correction for Underwater Photography and Video
  • Compatibility: These dive filter set is compatible with official GoPro waterproof...
  • Dive Filters: The dive filters offer color correction and helps capture vibrant...
  • 5x Close-up Macro Filter: The 5x close-up macro filter is used to magnify scenery,...

Designed for the GoPro Hero 9 & 10 Black models, this pack includes Red, Magenta, and Snorkel filters, each suited for varying depths. Though this set doesn’t include anti-fog inserts, it excels in providing precise color correction.

More red filters>>>

GoPro LUTs

Alternatively, you can utilize GoPro LUTs in post-production to achieve optimal results without the necessity of purchasing a red filter.

We have released a fresh brand new Color Grading LUT pack optimized for GoPro and Drone. 

Check it out here: GoPro Underwater LUT filters >>

GoPro LUTs Color Grading Filters - Underwater Pack [Download]

This pack includes 100 LUTs in various formats (3D, .CUBE, .look, .XML) to cover most video and photo editing programs. Once installed, you can easily apply (and customize!) these color presets with a single click in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, Final Cut Pro X, DaVinci Resolve, Sony Vegas, Filmora Wondershare, and more!…

Check it out here: GoPro Underwater LUT filters >>

Waterproof LED Lights

Suptig Diving Light High Power Dimmable Waterproof LED Video Light Fill Night Light Diving Underwater Light Waterproof 147ft for Gopro Hero 13/Hero 12/11/10/9/8/7/6/5/5S/4/3+ More Action Cam
  • Widely used: Perfect compatibility with Gopro Hero 13/Hero 12/11/10/9/8/7/6/5/4/3/2/1...
  • GREAT DIVING LIGHTS Take amazing POV underwater video with this Suptig light for...
  • WIDE-ANGLE 500Lumen Max. (5500K-6000K) by 36 LEDs.This is THE underwater light to buy...

Waterproof LED lights are crucial for night-time or deep-water diving, lighting up dark areas where sunlight doesn’t reach.

Compatible with all GoPro models, the Suptig Waterproof LED Light can go down to 45m/147ft underwater. It features three modes—Normal (HI), Power-saving (LOW), and Flash (SOS)—and its wide-angle 500 Lumen output ensures visibility is maintained in challenging underwater conditions.

More Led lights>>>

Large microSD Card

SanDisk Extreme PRO microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card 512 GB + Adapter & RescuePRO Deluxe (for Smartphones, Action Cameras or Drones, A2, Class 10, V30, U3, 200 MB/s Transfer)
  • The SanDisk Extreme Pro microSDXC is ideal for all Android smartphones and tablets,...
  • The microSD card ensures better app performance and faster charging thanks to the...
  • With a read speed of 200 MB/s and a write speed of 140 MB/s, you can transfer your...

Having a large microSD card is crucial for uninterrupted underwater filming, ensuring you don’t run out of space at a critical moment.

The SanDisk Extreme Pro MicroSD Card, available in several capacities including 256GB, 500GB, 512GB, and 1TB, provides plenty of space for all your underwater footage.

More SD Cards>>>

Check out Underwater tips for The GoPro Hero 12>>>

 

 

Thanks for reading!

I hope this guide helped you learn about The GoPro Hero 12 waterproof capacity:)

 

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