GoPro Hero 12 Black vs Ricoh Theta X
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Overview of the GoPro Hero 12 Black

GoPro's 2023 camera: 5.3K video, HDR video, great stabilization
The Hero 12 is GoPro's 2023 flagship action camera. It is an incremental improvement over the Hero 11 and introduces HDR video but does not feature GPS like models before and after it. HDR video can really improve results when filming with big lighting changes and will avoid your footage being overexposed.
- Pros
- Performance similar to newer model
- HDR video introduction
- Cons
- No integrated GPS
Overview of the Ricoh Theta X
Comparison of the Hero 12 vs the Theta X
Quick links:
Video performance
Only the Hero 12 offers HDR video. Only the Hero 12 features slow motion video. Only the Hero 12 has image stabilization.
GoPro Hero 12 Black
Ricoh Theta X
Feature missing
Max 360° resolution
5.7K 360 video at 30fps
5.3K video at 60fps
Max resolution
4K video at 60fps
5.3K 30fps
HDR video
HDR video unsupported
8x at 1080p
Maximum slow motion
No slow motion video
HyperSmooth 6.0
Stabilization
No image stabilization
Why it matters:
A high resolution will give you crisp footage but also allow you to reframe your video without losing too much quality. A higher framerate (fps) will result in smoother video and is important when filming action scenes or fast moving subjects. Image stabilization is a crucial feature for an action camera, as it removes camera shake, vibrations, rotation and other movements that deteriorate your final footage.
Battery life
The Hero 12 offers a much larger battery capacity. The Hero 12 has a removable battery whereas the Theta X's battery is not removable
GoPro Hero 12 Black
Ricoh Theta X
1720mAh
Battery capacity
1350mAh
Removable
Removable battery
Non removable
150min at 1080p
Battery life
30min 5.7K30fps 360° and 55min 4K30fps 360°
Why battery life matters:
Nothing worse than running out of battery just before capturing the best footage of the day! A long battery life is reassuring and convenient when shooting footage outdoors where options to charge are limited. Even the use of a power bank can be tedious or simply impossible like when filming watersports. Having removable batteries allows battery swapping on the go which further extends your runtime.
Storage
Only the Theta X features built-in storage. Both the Hero 12 and the Theta X support SD cards.
GoPro Hero 12 Black
Ricoh Theta X
No built-in storage
Built-in storage
46GB
microSD
Storage format
microSDXC
1TB
Maximun storage supported
Feature missing
Why storage matters:
High quality footage can quickly take up lots of space and insufficient storage can soon be frustrating. Having a large amount of storage and the possiblity to extend it or swap SD cards while on a outing will ensure you will always be able to capture the footage you want. However, smaller, wearable action cameras often rely on built-in storage because of their small size.
Weight and size
The Hero 12 is a lot more compact than the Theta X. The Hero 12 weighs a little less than the Theta X.
GoPro Hero 12 Black
Ricoh Theta X
2.83in x 2in x 1.32in / 71.8mm x 50.8mm x 33.6mm
Dimensions
2.04in x 5.36in x 1.14in / 51.7mm x 136.2mm x 29mm
5.43oz / 154g
Weight
6oz / 170g
Why size and weight matter:
Weight is important for action cameras because we often mount them on helmets, or hold them at the end of a selfie stick while moving. Therefore a heavier camera can be difficult or uncomfortable to film with. Weight is even more crucial for certain sports like road cycling or running.
Waterproofing and usage conditions
The Hero 12 is a lot more waterproof when using a diving case. The Theta X beats the Hero 12 in high heat conditions.
GoPro Hero 12 Black
Ricoh Theta X
33ft / 10m
Waterproof
Feature missing
197ft / 60m
Waterproof with diving case
131ft / 40m
14°F / -10°C
Min operating temperature
32°F / 0°C
95°F / 35°C
Max operating temperature
104°F / 40°C
Why it matters:
Most action cameras are waterproof for accidental splashing or use above water, but if you plan on Snorkeling or Scuba Diving, we recommend choosing a camera which offers a diving case and always using it for underwater footage. If you plan on filming Snowboarding, Skiing or other wintersports in extremely cold conditions, you should pick a camera that is rated for those temperatures, most cameras are only rated down to 14°F / -10°C. Many action cameras are prone to overheating, even in ordinary conditions, so if you plan on filming in hot environments, you should choose a camera that can function at high temperatures.
Camera and sensor technology
The Theta X features a much higher resolution. Both cameras feature 120Mbps bit rate video.
GoPro Hero 12 Black
Ricoh Theta X
27.6MP
Pixels
60MP
148°
Field of view
Feature missing
120Mbps
Video bite rate
120Mbps
Why it matters:
A higher amount of pixels will offer better quality footage and higher resolution photos. A higher field of view means that the camera captures over a wider angle and therefore more action can be seen in the final footage. Some cameras require accessories to enable the maximum FOV. A higher bitrate at a similar resolution will offer higher quality video.
Camera settings
The Hero 12's 100-6400 ISO range is far superior to Theta X's. Both cameras have the same exposure compensation adjustments.
GoPro Hero 12 Black
Ricoh Theta X
100-6400
ISO range
50-3200
+/-2
Exposure Compensation
+/-2
Why these settings matter:
The ISO range and exposure compensation settings will mostly allow you to tweak your action camera for low light situations.
GoPro Hero 12 Black versus Ricoh Theta X specifications
Name | GoPro Hero 12 Black | Ricoh Theta X |
Year of release | 2023 | 2022 |
Width | 2.83in / 71.8mm | 2.04in / 51.7mm |
Height | 2in / 50.8mm | 5.36in / 136.2mm |
Depth | 1.32in / 33.6mm | 1.14in / 29mm |
Weight | 5.43oz / 154g | 6oz / 170g |
Waterproof | 33ft / 10m | - |
Waterproof with diving case | 197ft / 60m | 131ft / 40m |
Min operating temperature | 14°F / -10°C | 32°F / 0°C |
Max operating temperature | 95°F / 35°C | 104°F / 40°C |
Battery capacity | 1720mAh | 1350mAh |
Removable battery | Yes | - |
Battery life | 150min at 1080p | 30min 5.7K30fps 360° 55min 4K30fps 360° |
Charging time | 3h (5W) | - |
Built-in storage | - | 46GB |
Storage format | microSD | microSDXC |
Storage rating required | V30 or UHS-3 | V30 |
Maximun storage supported | 1TB | - |
Rear screen size | 2.27in | 2.25in |
Front screen size | 1.4in | - |
Field of view | 148° | - |
Sensor | 1/1.9" CMOS | 1/1.7" BSI-COMS |
Pixels | 27.6MP | 60MP |
Aperture | F2.5 | F2.4 |
Focal length | 12-39mm | - |
ISO range | 100-6400 | 50-3200 |
Video zoom | 2x | - |
Color Depth | 10bit | 8bit |
Video bite rate | 120Mbps | 120Mbps |
Exposure Compensation | +/-2 | +/-2 |
360-degree video | No | Yes |
5.7K 360 video | - | 30fps |
4K 360 video | - | 60fps |
5.3K video | 60fps | - |
4K video | 60fps | 60fps |
2.7K video | 120fps | 100fps |
1080p video | 240fps | - |
Slow motion at 4K | 4x | - |
Maximum slow motion | 8x at 1080p | - |
HDR video | 5.3K 30fps | - |
Stabilization | HyperSmooth 6.0 | - |
Horizon lock | Yes | Yes |
Video format | H.265 (HEVC) | H.264 (MP4) |
Live streaming | 1080p30 (HyperSmooth) or 1080p60 | - |
Webcam mode | 1080p30 | Yes |
Timelapse mode | Yes | Yes |
Starlapse mode | Yes | - |
Timeshift mode | Yes | Yes |
Loop recording mode | Yes | Yes |
Photo burst mode | Yes | - |
RAW format supported | Yes | Yes |
Microphones | 3 | 1 |
Stereo audio | Yes | No |
Noise reduction | Yes | Yes |
Audio format | wav | aac |
Audio input | Media Mod (H9B/H10B/H11B) Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter | - |
Wifi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
Bluetooth | BLE 4.2 | BLE 5.0 |
USB | USB-C | Type-C USB |
GPS integrated | No | Yes |
Voice commands | Yes | - |