GoPro Hero 11 Vs 12 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Camera

GoPro Hero 11 & 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 11.

Why Do I Recommend The GoPro Hero 12

  • GoPro HERO 12 introduces 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 HERO11 does not include HDR support.
  • 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 11’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 HERO11’s HyperSmooth 5.0.
  • GoPro HERO12 has a vastly superior 70-minute battery life, and it shoots longer without frequently swapping batteries than the 30 minutes of the HERO11.
  • It features night effects like star trails, light painting, and vehicle light trails, which allow for more creative nighttime shooting, but Hero 11 lacks this feature.
  • The HERO12 Black’s ability to shoot continuous, uninterrupted footage without file size restrictions for long & seamless recordings. In contrast, The HERO11 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 11 lacks this feature.

Maybe the GoPro Hero 11 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 11
Release Date September 2023 September 2022
Battery Life Up to 70 minutes longer Standard runtime
Processor Efficiency Optimized GP2 processor GP2 processor
Wireless Connectivity Bluetooth 5.3  Bluetooth 5.0
Image Stabilization HyperSmooth 6.0 with AutoBoost HyperSmooth 5.0 with AutoBoost
HDR Video Available in 5.3K60, 4K120, 2.7K240 video modes Not available
Max Video Bitrate 120 Mbps 100 Mbps
Night Effects Enhanced night modes Basic night modes
Vertical Capture Mode Auto-rotation for vertical videos in all modes Manual vertical framing
Advanced Color Profiles GP Log and LUT support  Standard color profiles only
Max Lens Mod Compatibility Max Lens Mod 2.0  Max Lens Mod 1.0
Max File Size Limit Unlimited 4GB file size limit
Weight Slightly lighter (153g) Slightly heavier (154g)
Quik App Integration Improved GoPro Quik app  Standard GoPro Quik integration
Voice Commands Enhanced voice commands  Standard voice commands
Price Check Hero 12 Price Check Hero 11 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Video and Photo Quality: Both cameras can record at 5.3K60, 4K120, and 2.7K240 and capture 27MP photos, which means they offer the same level of ultra-high-definition video and excellent photo resolution. This makes them ideal for professional videographers and casual users alike who want crisp, clear images and high-speed footage.
  • Waterproof and Durable: Both models are waterproof up to 10 meters and share the same rugged, shockproof design. Whether you’re capturing footage in extreme environments like water sports or mountain biking, both cameras are equally capable of withstanding tough conditions.
  • Stabilization and Horizon Lock: Both models feature HyperSmooth stabilization and 360° horizon lock, making them excellent for capturing stable footage even in highly dynamic or shaky environments. Whether you’re skiing, biking, or running, both cameras keep your footage smooth and level.
  • Live Streaming and Webcam Capabilities: Both cameras support 1080p live streaming and can be used as a webcam, making them perfect for vloggers or streamers who want high-quality live video. The webcam mode offers a wide-angle view, which is great for streaming, online meetings, or virtual events.
  • Voice Control and Hands-Free Operation: Both the HERO12 Black and HERO11 Black feature voice control, enabling users to operate the camera hands-free by simply giving voice commands. This is particularly useful for users who are involved in action sports and can’t manually control the camera.
  • TimeWarp and Scheduled Capture: Both cameras have TimeWarp 3.0 and Scheduled Capture, allowing users to create time-lapse videos with dynamic speed changes and set up recordings in advance. These features are great for time-lapse photography and event documentation, providing a hands-off experience.
  • RAW Photo Capture and Protune: Both models support RAW photo capture and Protune, providing professional users with full control over camera settings and the ability to shoot uncompressed photos. This allows for more flexibility in editing and is especially important for photographers who work in post-production.
  • Quik App and GPS: The Quik app compatibility and built-in GPS on both models provide seamless integration for editing and tracking activities. GPS data is useful for overlaying speed and altitude information on videos, which appeals to adventure sports enthusiasts.

Common Features

Feature GoPro Hero 12 GoPro Hero 11
Photo Resolution 27MP 27MP
Image Sensor 1/1.9″ Image Sensor 1/1.9″ Image Sensor
Waterproof Rating 10 meters (33 feet) 10 meters (33 feet)
HyperSmooth Stabilization HyperSmooth (6.0 for HERO12) HyperSmooth (5.0 for HERO11)
Live Streaming 1080p live streaming 1080p live streaming
Webcam Mode Yes, supports webcam mode Yes, supports webcam mode
Voice Control Yes, with multiple languages supported Yes, with multiple languages supported
TimeWarp TimeWarp 3.0 TimeWarp 3.0
Scheduled Capture Yes Yes
Horizon Lock Yes, full 360° horizon lock Yes, full 360° horizon lock
Digital Lenses SuperView, Wide, Linear, Narrow SuperView, Wide, Linear, Narrow
Enduro Battery Yes, with Enduro battery included Yes, with Enduro battery included
Rugged Design Shockproof and waterproof Shockproof and waterproof
Protune Yes Yes
RAW Photo Capture Yes Yes
GPS Yes Yes
Quik App Compatibility Yes Yes
USB-C Port Yes Yes
SD Card Slot MicroSD card slot for up to 1TB MicroSD card slot for up to 1TB
Price Check Hero 12 Price Check Hero 11 Price

FAQ

Q: Is the video quality the same between the GoPro HERO12 Black and HERO11 Black?
A: Yes, both cameras support 5.3K60, 4K120, and 2.7K240 video resolutions, meaning they offer the same level of ultra-high-definition video quality. However, the HERO12 Black adds HDR (High Dynamic Range) to 5.3K60 and 4K120 video modes, enhancing dynamic range and color accuracy in high-contrast environments.

Q: Do both cameras support live streaming?
A: Yes, both the GoPro HERO12 Black and HERO11 Black support live streaming in 1080p resolution. This makes both cameras suitable for vloggers, content creators, and streamers who want to broadcast in high definition.

Q: Are the GoPro HERO12 Black and HERO11 Black waterproof?
A: Yes, both the HERO12 Black and HERO11 Black are waterproof up to 10 meters (33 feet) without the need for additional housing. This makes both models ideal for underwater activities like snorkeling and shallow diving.

Q: Is there a difference in stabilization between the GoPro HERO12 Black and HERO11 Black?
A: Yes, while both models offer GoPro’s advanced HyperSmooth stabilization, the HERO12 Black features HyperSmooth 6.0, which improves stabilization even further compared to the HERO11 Black’s HyperSmooth 5.0. The HERO12 Black also enhances horizon leveling, making it ideal for high-motion activities like biking or skiing.

Q: Do both cameras support external microphones?
A: The HERO12 Black supports Bluetooth audio devices, allowing you to connect external Bluetooth microphones and wireless headphones directly to the camera. The HERO11 Black, however, does not support this feature, so you would need to use an external adapter to connect wired microphones.

Q: Can I use both cameras as a webcam?
A: Yes, both the GoPro HERO12 Black and HERO11 Black have webcam functionality, allowing them to be used for high-quality video calls or live streaming on platforms like Zoom, Skype, or Twitch.

Q: What about battery life? Is there a difference?
A: Yes, the HERO12 Black has significantly better battery life than the HERO11 Black. Thanks to enhanced power management, the HERO12 Black offers up to 2x longer runtime, making it better suited for extended recording sessions, especially in higher resolutions like 5.3K or 4K.

Q: Do both cameras feature RAW photo capture?
A: Yes, both cameras allow you to capture RAW photos, which provides more flexibility in post-production editing. This feature is essential for photographers who need greater control over color grading, exposure, and details.

Q: Are both cameras compatible with the GoPro Quik app?
A: Yes, both the HERO12 Black and HERO11 Black are compatible with the GoPro Quik app. This app allows you to quickly edit and share footage directly from your smartphone, making it easy to manage your content on the go.

Q: Do both cameras support voice control?
A: Yes, both the GoPro HERO12 Black and HERO11 Black have voice control, allowing you to perform actions like starting or stopping a recording, taking a photo, or switching modes with voice commands. This feature is useful for hands-free operation during action-packed activities.

Q: Can both cameras record in TimeWarp (hyperlapse) mode?
A: Yes, both cameras feature GoPro’s TimeWarp 3.0 mode, which lets you create smooth, stabilized hyperlapse videos. The mode adjusts the speed automatically based on the motion, lighting, and scene, making it easy to capture dynamic time-lapse footage.

Q: Is there any difference in the build quality between the HERO12 Black and HERO11 Black?
A: No, both cameras share GoPro’s signature rugged design, making them equally durable and capable of withstanding rough environments, shocks, and extreme weather. They are also both waterproof and shockproof, designed for adventure and action sports.

Q: Which model is better for night photography and creative shots?
A: The GoPro HERO12 Black includes enhanced night effects like star trails, light painting, and vehicle light trails, making it better suited for creative night photography. While the HERO11 Black also has decent night modes, the HERO12 Black’s updated features give users more creative options in low-light conditions.

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