GoPro Hero 10 Vs 12 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?
GoPro Hero 10 & 12 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features & design. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the GoPro Hero 12 rather than the GoPro Hero 10.
Why Do I Recommend The GoPro Hero 12?
- GoPro HERO 12 introduces 27MP with HDR for both video (5.3K and 4K) and photos to improve image quality, especially in shadows and bright light environments with more dynamic color, while the HERO10 does not include HDR support.
- The HERO12 offers 16x slow motion at 1080p for capturing fast-moving action shoots, while the HERO10 Black is capped at 8x slow motion.
- It works with the Max Lens Mod 2.0, offering a 177° ultra-wide field of view at 4K60 resolution to enhance ultra-wide shots without sacrificing resolution or field of view compared to GoPro Hero 10’s Max Lens Mod 1.0.
- The HERO12 Black’s HyperSmooth 6.0 provides improved horizon leveling stabilization and ensures ultra-smooth footage during fast-moving or unstable activities compared to the HERO10’s HyperSmooth 4.0.
- The HERO12 Black includes the Enduro battery and power management features, offering up to 70% longer battery life than the HERO10.
- It features night effects like star trails, light painting, and vehicle light trails, which allow for more creative nighttime shooting, but Hero 10 lacks this feature.
- The HERO12 Black’s ability to shoot continuous, uninterrupted footage without file size restrictions for long & seamless recordings. In contrast, The HERO10 Black has a 4GB file size limit.
- Additionally, the HERO12 Black’s Bluetooth audio device support allows creators to connect external Bluetooth microphones or wireless headphones for clearer sound quality without additional adapters, but Hero 10 lacks this feature.
Maybe the GoPro Hero 10 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the GoPro Hero 12. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
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Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | GoPro Hero 12 | GoPro Hero 10 |
| Release Date | September 2023 | September 2021 |
| Video Resolution | 5.3K60, 4K120, 2.7K240 with HyperSmooth 6.0 | 5.3K60, 4K120, 2.7K240 with HyperSmooth 4.0 |
| Frame Rate Options | 5.3K60, 4K120, 2.7K240, 1080p480 | 5.3K60, 4K120, 2.7K240, 1080p240 |
| Photo Resolution | 27MP with SuperPhoto + HDR and RAW format | 23MP with SuperPhoto |
| Image Sensor Size | 1/1.9″ Image Sensor | 1/2.3″ Image Sensor |
| HDR Video | HDR available in 5.3K and 4K modes | No HDR support for video |
| Low-Light Performance | Improved low-light capture with enhanced Night Effects | Lacks Night Effects and HDR improvements |
| Processor | GP2 Processor with enhanced firmware | GP2 Processor |
| HyperSmooth Stabilization | HyperSmooth 6.0 with AutoBoost, Horizon Lock (360° horizon leveling) | HyperSmooth 4.0 |
| Battery | Enduro battery (1720 mAh) included; Up to 70% longer battery life | Standard GoPro battery (1720 mAh) |
| Live Streaming | 1080p live streaming with enhanced quality and stabilization | 1080p live streaming |
| Photo Modes | SuperPhoto, HDR Photo, Burst Mode, Night Photo, RAW | SuperPhoto, Burst Mode (30 photos per second), Night Photo |
| Slow Motion | 8x slow motion at 2.7K, 16x slow motion at 1080p | 8x slow motion at 2.7K |
| Bluetooth Microphone Support | Yes, supports Bluetooth microphones for better audio capture | No Bluetooth microphone support |
| Audio | Advanced wind noise reduction, 3-mic stereo with new Audio Boost | 3-mic stereo with basic wind noise reduction |
| Color Depth | 10-bit color for video and photo | 8-bit color for video and photo |
| Price | Check Hero 12 Price | Check Hero 10 Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Processor (GP2): Both the HERO12 Black and HERO10 Black utilize the GP2 processor, GoPro’s high-performance chipset. The GP2 allows for faster photo and video processing, better low-light handling, and overall smooth performance. This processor is responsible for enabling advanced features such as fast frame rates, excellent stabilization, and live streaming capabilities.
- Touch Rear and Front LCD Screens: Both cameras come equipped with the same 2.27-inch rear touchscreen and 1.4-inch front LCD display. The rear screen offers responsive touch controls, while the front screen is particularly useful for vlogging or framing yourself in shots, especially when using the camera for selfies or recording solo content.
- Live Streaming and Webcam Mode: Both cameras support 1080p live streaming with stabilization, meaning you can broadcast live in full HD. Additionally, both can function as a webcam, making them great for live streaming on platforms such as YouTube or Twitch, or for video conferencing with high-quality video output.
- Waterproofing: Both cameras are waterproof up to 33ft (10m) without needing an additional housing. This feature is ideal for underwater footage, snorkeling, or shooting in wet conditions. Whether you are diving, surfing, or skiing, both models perform equally well in water environments.
- Durability: Both models are designed to be rugged and durable, built to withstand the elements, whether it’s mud, dust, or snow. This makes both cameras ideal for outdoor adventurers or users who require robust gear for extreme conditions.
- Voice Control: Both the HERO12 and HERO10 include voice control, allowing users to control their camera hands-free. This is particularly useful when the camera is mounted out of reach, such as on a helmet or vehicle.
- TimeWarp Mode: Both cameras feature TimeWarp 3.0, GoPro’s mode for creating stabilized time-lapse videos while in motion. This is useful for capturing longer adventures or movements like hikes, drives, or rides in a smooth, accelerated format.
- Auto Upload to Cloud: With a GoPro subscription, both cameras can automatically upload their footage to the cloud when charging. This feature ensures your footage is backed up and accessible without manual transfers.
- Quik App Compatibility: Both cameras are fully compatible with the GoPro Quik app, which allows users to easily transfer, edit, and share their footage. The app also offers auto-edits, music synchronization, and quick trimming of videos for social sharing.
- Mount Compatibility: Both cameras are compatible with the entire range of GoPro mounts and accessories, meaning users can swap out mounts between devices, whether using them for helmets, handlebars, chest mounts, or tripods.
Common Features
| Feature | GoPro Hero 12 | GoPro Hero 10 |
| Video Resolution | 5.3K60, 4K120, 2.7K240 (Ultra HD) | 5.3K60, 4K120, 2.7K240 (Ultra HD) |
| Processor | GP2 Processor | GP2 Processor |
| Touch Rear Screen | 2.27-inch rear touchscreen | 2.27-inch rear touchscreen |
| Front LCD Display | 1.4-inch front-facing LCD for preview and status | 1.4-inch front-facing LCD for preview and status |
| Live Streaming | 1080p live streaming with stabilization | 1080p live streaming with stabilization |
| Webcam Mode | Yes (1080p) | Yes (1080p) |
| Waterproof | Waterproof up to 33ft (10m) without housing | Waterproof up to 33ft (10m) without housing |
| Slow Motion | 8x slow motion at 2.7K resolution | 8x slow motion at 2.7K resolution |
| Durability | Rugged and waterproof without additional housing | Rugged and waterproof without additional housing |
| Voice Control | Voice control with multiple languages | Voice control with multiple languages |
| Battery Capacity | 1720mAh battery | 1720mAh battery |
| TimeWarp Mode | Yes (TimeWarp 3.0) | Yes (TimeWarp 3.0) |
| Night Mode | Yes, for photos and videos | Yes, for photos and videos |
| Auto Upload to Cloud | Yes | Yes |
| Quik App Compatibility | Fully compatible with GoPro Quik app | Fully compatible with GoPro Quik app |
| Mount Compatibility | Compatible with all GoPro mounts and accessories | Compatible with all GoPro mounts and accessories |
| Price | Check Hero 12 Price | Check Hero 10 Price |
FAQ
| Q1: What are the video recording capabilities of both the GoPro HERO12 Black and GoPro HERO10 Black?
A1: Both the GoPro HERO12 Black and GoPro HERO10 Black support video recording at up to 5.3K resolution at 60 frames per second (fps). They also offer 4K video at 120fps and 2.7K video at 240fps, allowing for ultra-smooth slow-motion footage. This means both models provide exceptional video quality with support for higher frame rates, suitable for both professional and casual creators. Q2: Do both cameras have the same image sensor and low-light capabilities? A2: No, while both cameras perform well in most lighting conditions, the GoPro HERO12 Black features a larger 1/1.9″ image sensor, which offers better low-light performance compared to the 1/2.3″ sensor in the GoPro HERO10 Black. The larger sensor on the HERO12 Black captures more light, making it better suited for darker environments or night photography. Q3: Are both cameras equipped with the same processor? A3: Yes, both the HERO12 Black and HERO10 Black are powered by the GP2 processor. This high-performance processor enables fast video processing, better low-light performance, and overall smooth operation in both models, allowing users to record at high resolutions and frame rates without sacrificing quality. Q4: How does the stabilization system compare between the HERO12 Black and HERO10 Black? A4: Both cameras offer GoPro’s HyperSmooth stabilization, though the HERO12 Black has HyperSmooth 6.0, whereas the HERO10 Black features HyperSmooth 4.0. While both offer excellent stabilization for smooth footage, the HERO12 Black has a more advanced version, providing even better results with the addition of Horizon Lock for 360° horizon leveling. This makes the HERO12 Black more suitable for extreme sports and fast-moving activities. Q5: Can both cameras be used for live streaming and as a webcam? A5: Yes, both the HERO12 Black and HERO10 Black support 1080p live streaming and can be used as a webcam. This makes both cameras ideal for live broadcasting, whether for social media platforms like YouTube or for virtual meetings. The quality of the webcam mode is 1080p, which ensures crisp and clear video output. Q6: Are the GoPro HERO12 Black and HERO10 Black waterproof? A6: Yes, both the HERO12 Black and HERO10 Black are waterproof up to 33 feet (10 meters) without the need for additional housing. This means they can be used for underwater footage during activities such as snorkeling, diving, and swimming, with both offering the same level of waterproof protection. Q7: Do both cameras have front and rear touchscreens? A7: Yes, both cameras feature a 2.27-inch rear touchscreen for easy navigation and settings control, and a 1.4-inch front-facing display for previewing shots and viewing status information. The front display is particularly useful for vlogging or framing shots when facing the camera. Q8: Is there a difference in the slow-motion capabilities between the two models? A8: Both the HERO12 Black and HERO10 Black offer 8x slow-motion recording at 2.7K resolution, allowing users to capture detailed slow-motion footage. While the HERO12 does support higher frame rates for other resolutions, both cameras provide similar slow-motion performance at 2.7K. Q9: Can I use the same accessories and mounts with both cameras? A9: Yes, both the GoPro HERO12 Black and HERO10 Black are compatible with the full range of GoPro mounts and accessories. This includes mounts for helmets, chest harnesses, tripods, and more. If you already own GoPro accessories, you can use them interchangeably with both models. Q10: Do both cameras support voice control? A10: Yes, both cameras have voice control functionality, allowing users to operate the camera hands-free using voice commands. This feature is available in multiple languages, making it easy to start and stop recording, take photos, or change settings without physically touching the camera. Q11: How does the cloud upload feature work on both cameras? A11: Both the HERO12 Black and HERO10 Black support automatic cloud uploads when charging, provided the user has a GoPro subscription. This feature allows for seamless backup of footage to the GoPro cloud without needing to manually transfer files. Q12: Is there any difference in battery capacity between the two cameras? A12: Both cameras come with a 1720mAh battery. However, the HERO12 Black includes the Enduro battery, which offers improved performance in extreme temperatures and longer overall battery life compared to the standard battery in the HERO10 Black. While the capacity remains the same, the Enduro battery provides more reliable performance in challenging conditions. Q13: Are the night modes the same for both cameras? A13: Yes, both the HERO12 Black and HERO10 Black offer Night Mode for improved low-light photo and video capture. This feature enhances the quality of footage shot in low-light environments, although the HERO12’s larger sensor makes it slightly better for night shooting. Q14: Is there a significant difference in pricing between the two models? A14: Yes, the GoPro HERO12 Black is typically priced higher than the GoPro HERO10 Black due to its newer features and improvements. The HERO10 Black, being an older model, generally comes at a lower price, making it a more budget-friendly option while still offering excellent performance. |