Kiwi Rider Podcast 2022 | E28
In this week's show, Ray talked us through his insurance win, we have
Today (as of the release of this story) the GoPro Hero 12 Black was released, and on the face of it, it's just another GoPro, right? If you were to look at the GoPro Hero 12, you would be hard-pressed to tell the difference between this and the previous model, the Hero 11. but there is one key difference that has me fizzing.
We'll give you a rundown on the features and specs later, but right now, I want to plant the seed of an idea. What if you could record your next ride, and talk to the camera while riding, without the need for cables and mics everywhere?
Well, now you can.
The new GoPro Hero 12 has the ability to pare to your favorite Bluetooth headphones, such as Airpods, that have a mic built-in, and this means you can talk and your audio is recorded in the camera.
Do you know what else is Bluetooth? Cardo Packtalk Edge... and the Freecom x, and the Packtalk Neo, Custom, and even Bold...
You can pare your second Bluetooth channel to the GoPro and talk while you ride, completely wirelessly!
How cool is that?!
OK, obviously I'm a little excited about this because up till now, you have had to have a GoPro Mic adapter, a whole coil of cable, and a lapel mic in your helmet... This is a game changer for content creators and motovloggers.
Check out my video on the MotoNZ YouTube channel for more on this.
Key Features & Specs
The new Hero12 Black features the same almost-square 8:7 aspect ratio sensor and GP2 processor as its predecessor, yet is now capable of longer runtime, better image stabilization performance, 10-bit Log video, wireless audio connectivity and more.
Type 1/1.9 (6.3 x 5.5mm) CMOS sensor with native 8:7 aspect ratio
5.3K at up to 60p, 4K at up to 120p
8x slow-mo (2.7K at 240p)
'HDR' video mode
Vertical video support (9:16 ratio)
10-bit video, and new GP-Log video option
24.7MP still photos from video
27MP photos, including Raw + JPEG
Ultra-wide 177° field of view with optional new Max Lens Mod 2.0
2 times longer runtime than the Hero11 Black: 70min at 5.3K60, 58min at 4K120
Improved image stabilization
Wireless audio support for Apple AirPods and other Bluetooth headphones
Waterproof up to 10m (33ft)
Standard 1/4-20 mounting thread on the bottom
Retailing in NZ for $749.99, the GoPro Hero 12 is more of an evolution than a revolution from the Hero 11, bringing a lot fo the same features to the table. it's got the same sensor, the same processor, the same built-in lens and a general array of video formats. However, GoPro claims better battery life in the 12, stating as much as double the battery efficiency. They also say this new model has better image stabilization (the Hero 9 was pretty damn good!). Also there are additional video modes such as HDR video, GP-Log, and dedicated vertical video aspect ratio support for filming your TicToks.
Alongside the GoPro Hero 12, GoPro has released a new Max Lens Mod 2.0, which is a replacement lens attachment for filming wide-angle footage. it offers a 177-degree field of view in 4k60p, and enables the camera to automatically level the horizon, meaning you can actually flip the camera a full 360-degrees, and the footage will remain stable. It's actually pretty amazing, though 360 cameras such as the Insta360 have been able to do this for a while now.
On the face of it, this new Hero 12, will be a big step up from the old Hero 9 we have been using for the last few years. Full disclosure, I bought the GoPro Hero 9 and 12 with my own money. We have not been asked to review it or make any content about it. and no one has any influence over our content. I'm looking forward to putting it through it's paces and showing you what it can do. Keep an eye on the YouTube channel for the video, I will get it up as soon as possible.