GoPro
HERO
Smallest GoPro with a screen — 86g rugged body with 4K30 video, 2.7K60 slo-mo, 12MP photos, built-in Enduro battery, and 5m waterproofing at an entry price.
$200
Launch priceReleased Sep 2024
GoPro
HERO12 Black
1/1.9-inch action camera with HDR 5.3K60, 4K120, 2.7K240 slow-mo, HyperSmooth 6.0, and 10m waterproof body.
$349
Launch priceReleased Sep 2023
HERO is 1.1 years newer.
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Wins
HERO
Wins
HERO12 Black
7 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BHERO12 Black has higher IBIS effectiveness (6 stops vs 0 stops)
- AHERO has higher ISO max (native) (25,600 vs 6,400)
- BHERO12 Black has lower Weight (154 g vs 580 g)
- BHERO12 Black has higher Resolution (27.6 MP vs 12 MP)
- BHERO12 Black has higher 4K max frame rate (120 fps vs 60 fps)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareHERO
134 × 91 × 72 mm
580 g (1.28 lb / 20.46 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
HERO12 Black
72 × 34 × 51 mm
154 g (0.34 lb / 5.43 oz)
HERO is 62mm wider, 57mm taller, and 21mm thicker than HERO12 Black.
HERO is 426 g heavier than HERO12 Black.
Depth (front-to-back): 72mm HERO · 51mm HERO12 Black
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
HERO
134 × 91 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
HERO12 Black
72 × 34 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
HERO
134 × 72 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
HERO12 Black
72 × 51 mm
Sensor size, to scale
HERO
17.3 × 13 mm · Micro Four Thirds
225 mm² area
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
HERO
Subject recognition
Adds Human, Animal, Bird…
Codecs
Adds H.265, H.264, ProRes
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 134, 91, 72
Card types
Adds SD UHS-II
ISO max (native)
25,600 vs 6,400 — higher is better
AA filter
Only HERO supports it
Eye AF
Only HERO supports it
Microphone jack (3.5mm)
Only HERO supports it
Reasons to choose
HERO12 Black
Codecs
Adds H.265/HEVC
IBIS effectiveness
6 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
Stabilization modes
Adds HyperSmooth 6.0, 360° Horizon Lock, AutoBoost
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 71.8, 33.6, 50.8
Card types
Adds microSD, microSDHC, microSDXC
Weight
154 g vs 580 g — lower is better
Resolution
27.6 MP vs 12 MP — higher is better
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only HERO12 Black supports it
Both cameras share
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓Burst (mechanical) — Both 6 fps
- ✓RAW buffer depth — Both 60 frames
- ✓Max video bit rate — Both 200 Mbps
- ✓Battery life (CIPA) — Both 640 shots
- ✓Card slots — Both 1
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
HERO
Pros
- ✓Smallest/lightest GoPro with screen (86g)
- ✓4K30 + 2.7K60 slo-mo
- ✓Built-in mounting fingers
- ✓5m waterproof rugged body
- ✓Simple 3-mode interface
Cons
- –No removable battery
- –HyperSmooth via Quik app only
- –No 4K60 or 5.3K modes
- –Not compatible with HB-Series lenses
HERO12 Black
Pros
- ✓HDR 5.3K and 4K120
- ✓HyperSmooth 6.0
- ✓10m waterproof
- ✓Strong used value
Cons
- –Superseded by HERO13
- –Fixed lens
- –Smaller battery than HERO13
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the HERO and HERO12 Black at major authorized retailers.
GoPro HERO
GoPro HERO12 Black
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, HERO or HERO12 Black?
HERO12 Black scores 10.0/10 versus 3.0/10 for HERO — 15fps burst — fast action ready.
What's the resolution difference between the HERO and HERO12 Black?
HERO is 12 MP and HERO12 Black is 27.6 MP, so the HERO12 Black captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
How does stabilization compare between the HERO and HERO12 Black?
HERO does not have IBIS, while HERO12 Black does not have IBIS.
Which shoots faster bursts — the HERO or the HERO12 Black?
HERO reaches 11 fps electronic. HERO12 Black reaches 15 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the HERO and HERO12 Black?
HERO weighs 580 g and HERO12 Black weighs 154 g, so the HERO12 Black is 426 g lighter.
Do the HERO and HERO12 Black record 4K video?
HERO: 4K up to 60p. HERO12 Black: 4K up to 120p.
Are the HERO and HERO12 Black weather sealed?
HERO: No. HERO12 Black: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the HERO and 640 shots for the HERO12 Black, giving the HERO12 Black the edge.
How much does each cost?
HERO launched at $200 and HERO12 Black at $349. The HERO is $149 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way HERO vs HERO12 Black vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.
Product images courtesy of GoPro press materials.