GoPro Max vs GoPro Hero 12 Black
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Overview of the GoPro Max
GoPro MaxGoPro's 2019 360 camera: 5.7K video
The GoPro Max was GoPro's second attempt at a 360 camera and was released in 2019. It is still offers relatively good performance but it's age is showing in comparision with the more recent competition. It's replacement, the GoPro Max 2, is still to be released.
- Pros
- Good stabilization
- Cons
- Average image quality
- Ageing model
- Still excessively expensive
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Overview of the GoPro Hero 12 Black
GoPro Hero 12 BlackGoPro'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
Comparison of the GoPro Max vs the Hero 12
Quick links:
Video performance
Only the Hero 12 offers HDR video. Both cameras feature slomo video. The two cameras have image stabilization.
GoPro Max
GoPro Hero 12 Black
5.7K 360 video at 30fps
Max 360° resolution
Feature missing
1440p video at 60fps
Max resolution
5.3K video at 60fps
HDR video unsupported
HDR video
5.3K 30fps
2x
Maximum slow motion
8x at 1080p
Max HyperSmooth
Stabilization
HyperSmooth 6.0
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 slightly better battery capacity. Both cameras have removable batteries.
GoPro Max
GoPro Hero 12 Black
1600mAh
Battery capacity
1720mAh
Removable
Removable battery
Removable
85min 5.7K30fps 360° and 105min at 1080p
Battery life
150min at 1080p
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
Neither camera features built-in storage. Both the GoPro Max and the Hero 12 support SD cards. Both support up to 1TB.
GoPro Max
GoPro Hero 12 Black
No built-in storage
Built-in storage
No built-in storage
microSD
Storage format
microSD
1TB
Maximun storage supported
1TB
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 GoPro Max is a slightly smaller camera. Both cameras have the same weight.
GoPro Max
GoPro Hero 12 Black
2.52in x 2.72in x 0.98in / 64mm x 69mm x 25mm
Dimensions
2.83in x 2in x 1.32in / 71.8mm x 50.8mm x 33.6mm
5.43oz / 154g
Weight
5.43oz / 154g
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. Both cameras have the same minimal usage temperature. Both cameras have the same maximum usage temperature.
GoPro Max
GoPro Hero 12 Black
16ft / 5m
Waterproof
33ft / 10m
Feature missing
Waterproof with diving case
197ft / 60m
14°F / -10°C
Min operating temperature
14°F / -10°C
95°F / 35°C
Max operating temperature
95°F / 35°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 Hero 12 offers a slightly higher resolution. The field of view of the GoPro Max is a little better than the Hero 12's. The Hero 12 features a much higher bit rate than the GoPro Max
GoPro Max
GoPro Hero 12 Black
18MP
Pixels
27.6MP
155°
Field of view
148°
78Mbps
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 GoPro Max's. The GoPro Max's +/-4 exposure compensation is far superior.
GoPro Max
GoPro Hero 12 Black
100-3200
ISO range
100-6400
+/-4
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 Max versus GoPro Hero 12 Black specifications
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| Name | GoPro Max | GoPro Hero 12 Black |
| Year of release | 2019 | 2023 |
| Width | 2.52in / 64mm | 2.83in / 71.8mm |
| Height | 2.72in / 69mm | 2in / 50.8mm |
| Depth | 0.98in / 25mm | 1.32in / 33.6mm |
| Weight | 5.43oz / 154g | 5.43oz / 154g |
| Waterproof | 16ft / 5m | 33ft / 10m |
| Waterproof with diving case | - | 197ft / 60m |
| Min operating temperature | 14°F / -10°C | 14°F / -10°C |
| Max operating temperature | 95°F / 35°C | 95°F / 35°C |
| Battery capacity | 1600mAh | 1720mAh |
| Removable battery | Yes | Yes |
| Battery life | 85min 5.7K30fps 360° 105min at 1080p | 150min at 1080p |
| Charging time | 120min | 3h (5W) |
| Storage format | microSD | microSD |
| Storage rating required | Class 10 or UHS-I Rating | V30 or UHS-3 |
| Maximun storage supported | 1TB | 1TB |
| Rear screen size | 1.69in | 2.27in |
| Front screen size | - | 1.4in |
| Field of view | 155° | 148° |
| Sensor | 1/2.3" | 1/1.9" CMOS |
| Pixels | 18MP | 27.6MP |
| Aperture | F2.0 | F2.5 |
| Focal length | 13-27mm | 12-39mm |
| ISO range | 100-3200 | 100-6400 |
| Video zoom | - | 2x |
| Color Depth | 8bit | 10bit |
| Video bite rate | 78Mbps | 120Mbps |
| Exposure Compensation | +/-4 | +/-2 |
| 360-degree video | Yes | No |
| 5.7K 360 video | 30fps | - |
| 360 video format | GoPro 360 file | - |
| 5.3K video | - | 60fps |
| 4K video | - | 60fps |
| 2.7K video | - | 120fps |
| 1440p video | 60fps | - |
| 1080p video | 60fps | 240fps |
| Slow motion at 4K | - | 4x |
| Maximum slow motion | 2x | 8x at 1080p |
| HDR video | - | 5.3K 30fps |
| Stabilization | Max HyperSmooth | HyperSmooth 6.0 |
| Horizon lock | Yes | Yes |
| Video format | H.264 (AVC) H.265 (HEVC) | H.265 (HEVC) |
| Live streaming | 1080p30 | 1080p30 (HyperSmooth) or 1080p60 |
| Webcam mode | - | 1080p30 |
| Timelapse mode | Yes | Yes |
| Starlapse mode | - | Yes |
| Timeshift mode | Yes | Yes |
| Loop recording mode | Yes | Yes |
| Subject tracking | No | - |
| Photo burst mode | No | Yes |
| RAW format supported | Yes | Yes |
| Microphones | 6 | 3 |
| Stereo audio | Yes | Yes |
| Noise reduction | Yes | Yes |
| Audio format | wav | wav |
| 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 4.2 |
| USB | Type-C USB | USB-C |
| GPS integrated | Yes | No |
| Voice commands | Yes | Yes |
| Gesture commands | No | - |