hero12-black thumbnailvshero6-black thumbnail

Comparisons GoPro HERO12 Black and GoPro HERO6 Black

Compare the latest 2023 model GoPro HERO12 Black with the 2017 model GoPro HERO6 Black in terms of video performance, body specs, and more.

Key Factors

  1. Stabilization Capability

    Significant differences in stabilization precision and the presence of horizon leveling

  2. Body Design

    Differences in front display and mounting mechanism

  3. Bluetooth Audio

    Only HERO12 Black supports wireless voice control

  4. Professional Features

    Differences in features useful for professionals in the field

Image Stabilization Differences

The HERO12 Black features "HyperSmooth 6.01," while the HERO6 Black has GoPro's standard image stabilization.

Although the HERO6 Black's stabilization is considered excellent, the HERO12 Black's HyperSmooth 6.0 includes auto boost and horizon lock features, providing advanced stabilization in high-resolution recording, slow motion, time-lapse, and any other shooting mode. The updated algorithms make the stabilization smoother and more powerful, almost comparable to a gimbal.

For HERO6 Black users, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that the features of HyperSmooth 6.0 alone make it worth upgrading to the HERO12 Black.

Significant Differences in Device Design

At first glance, it may not be noticeable, but the HERO12 Black and HERO6 Black have significant differences in their body design.

  1. The HERO12 Black has a color front display, while the HERO6 Black has a monochrome display.
  2. The HERO12 Black includes built-in mounting tabs (the HERO6 Black requires a case).
  3. The HERO6 Black is slightly smaller in size.
  4. The HERO6 Black is lighter in weight.

In terms of usability, the latest generation HERO12 Black is overwhelmingly superior, but the smaller and lighter design of the HERO6 Black can still be considered an advantage.

Especially if you intend to use it more as a small camera rather than an action camera, the HERO6 Black could still be a good choice.

Bluetooth Audio Support

The HERO12 Black is the first model to support Bluetooth audio, enabling wireless voice control. This allows you to operate the GoPro with a Bluetooth microphone or wireless earbuds like AirPods, making completely hands-free shooting possible.

This feature is particularly useful for shooting action scenes or live streaming, so depending on your usage, the presence or absence of Bluetooth audio support can be a significant difference.

GoPro Voice Control Commands and Generational Differences thumbnail

GoPro Voice Control Commands and Generational Differences

Discover the GoPro voice control commands that are perfect for hands-free operation. Learn about the command list and the differences across generations.

Differences in Professional Features

The HERO12 Black supports "wireless timecode sync" for multiple HERO12 cameras, allowing synchronized footage when shooting with multiple GoPros.

Additionally, the HERO12 Black supports 10-bit color in Log mode. While Log shooting isn't commonly used for general purposes, it's a valuable feature for professional use in post-production, making the HERO12 Black a strong asset for more serious video production.

GoPro's 'Log Shooting' and 'GP-Log Encoding' thumbnail

GoPro's 'Log Shooting' and 'GP-Log Encoding'

Explaining the newly introduced professional shooting format 'GP-Log Encoding' in GoPro HERO12. What are the pros and cons?

Footnotes

  1. What is HyperSmooth?

Compare by shooting performance

FeaturesHERO12 Black thumbnail
GoPro HERO12 Black
HERO6 Black thumbnail
GoPro HERO6 Black
5.6K--
5.3K60 fps -
5.2K--
5K--
4K120 fps 60 fps
3K--
2.7K240 fps 60 fps
1080p240 fps 240 fps
Still Image Resolution27.60 MP12.00 MP

Compare by specifications

FeatureHERO12 Black thumbnail
GoPro HERO12 Black
HERO6 Black thumbnail
GoPro HERO6 Black
Release date2023/09/13 2017/09/29
ChipsetGP2 GP1
Image Sensor Size1/1.9” 1/2.3”
Aperturef/2.5 f/2.8
StabilizationHyperSmooth 6.0 Standard
10 Bit Colorx
Loop Recording
Live Streamingx
Waterproof10 m10 m
Max Storage Size1000 GB128 GB
Body Size71.8 * 50.8 * 33.6 mm62.3 * 44.9 * 33 mm
Weight154 g118 g

Comparison of HERO12 Black with Other Models

Comparison of HERO6 Black with Other Models