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If you're looking for an action camera with top-tier performance, the GoPro Hero12 Black might be exactly what you need, especially now that it’s priced at $249, down from $399.99—the lowest it’s ever been, according to online price trackers. It features a 5.3K video format that gives you three times the pixel count of 4K (each frame is 24MP) and high dynamic range (HDR) video support, meaning you’ll be able to capture incredibly detailed footage. As for aspect ratios, you can choose between the traditional widescreen (16:9) or the open gate (8:7) aspect ratio, which is great for social media as it lets you pull both widescreen and vertical video from the same clip.
The camera’s 1.4-inch front and 2.3-inch rear touch screens are reportedly bright and responsive, even in wet conditions, and the voice command feature adds hands-free convenience for capturing action shots or switching modes mid-adventure. The built-in mic gets points for clarity but reportedly lacks depth, which could be a letdown for those hoping for richer audio. On the plus side, the Hero12 comes with a tripod thread, eliminating the need for adapters—a small detail that creators juggling multiple gadgets will appreciate.
For those who prefer simplicity, the Easy Controls make it easy to grab quality footage without getting bogged down in settings. Meanwhile, Pro Controls opens up a suite of customizable options like frame rate, angle of view, and SDR/HDR settings, which you can then save as presets, according to this PCMag review. That said, you can’t transfer those presets between cameras, which might feel limiting for GoPro loyalists. Additionally, the Hero12 offers no internal storage, so you’ll need a reliable V30 or UHS-3 SD card to make the most of its capabilities.
For a more budget-friendly option, the DJI Osmo Action 4 is a solid alternative at $209 (down from $299).
