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
GoPro
MAX2
True 8K 360 action camera with twist-and-go replaceable lenses, 29MP 360 photos, 4K100 spherical slo-mo, 10-bit GP-Log, six mics, and 5m waterproof rugged body.
$500
Launch priceReleased Sep 2025
MAX2 is 2.1 years newer.
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Wins
HERO12 Black
Wins
MAX2
4 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BMAX2 has higher ISO max (native) (25,600 vs 6,400)
- AHERO12 Black has lower Weight (154 g vs 580 g)
- BMAX2 has higher RAW buffer depth (120 frames vs 60 frames)
- AHERO12 Black has higher 4K max frame rate (120 fps vs 60 fps)
- BMAX2 has higher Card slots (2 vs 1)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to share
HERO12 Black
72 × 34 × 51 mm
154 g (0.34 lb / 5.43 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
MAX2
134 × 91 × 72 mm
580 g (1.28 lb / 20.46 oz)
HERO12 Black is 62mm narrower, 57mm shorter, and 21mm thinner than MAX2.
HERO12 Black is 426 g lighter than MAX2.
Depth (front-to-back): 51mm HERO12 Black · 72mm MAX2
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
HERO12 Black
72 × 34 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
MAX2
134 × 91 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
HERO12 Black
72 × 51 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
MAX2
134 × 72 mm
Sensor size, to scale
MAX2
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
HERO12 Black
Codecs
Adds H.265/HEVC
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
4K max frame rate
120 fps vs 60 fps — higher is better
Reasons to choose
MAX2
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 MAX2 supports it
Eye AF
Only MAX2 supports it
Animal / bird AF
Only MAX2 supports it
Both cameras share
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓Pre-Capture / Pre-Release — Both support pre-capture / pre-release
- ✓Max video bit rate — Both 200 Mbps
- ✓Weather sealing — Both support weather sealing
- ✓Battery life (CIPA) — Both 640 shots
- ✓Touchscreen — Both support touchscreen
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
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
MAX2
Pros
- ✓True 8K 360 video (21% more pixels vs rivals)
- ✓Field-replaceable twist-on lenses
- ✓4K100 360 slo-mo + 5.6K60 360
- ✓10-bit GP-Log + 300Mbps (GoPro Labs)
- ✓4K60 single-lens + 180° HyperView POV
Cons
- –360 workflow needs reframing in Quik
- –$100 more than HERO13 Black
- –1/2.3-inch dual sensors
- –8K runtime shorter than 5.6K modes
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the HERO12 Black and MAX2 at major authorized retailers.
GoPro HERO12 Black
GoPro MAX2
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for video, HERO12 Black or MAX2?
MAX2 scores 7.5/10 versus 3.0/10 for HERO12 Black — 4K recording.
What's the resolution difference between the HERO12 Black and MAX2?
HERO12 Black is 27.6 MP and MAX2 is 29 MP, so the MAX2 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the HERO12 Black and MAX2 have in-body image stabilization?
HERO12 Black does not have IBIS, while MAX2 has 7-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the HERO12 Black or the MAX2?
HERO12 Black reaches 15 fps electronic. MAX2 reaches 20 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the HERO12 Black and MAX2?
HERO12 Black weighs 154 g and MAX2 weighs 580 g, so the HERO12 Black is 426 g lighter.
Do the HERO12 Black and MAX2 record 4K video?
HERO12 Black: 4K up to 120p. MAX2: 4K up to 60p.
Are the HERO12 Black and MAX2 weather sealed?
HERO12 Black: Yes. MAX2: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the HERO12 Black and 640 shots for the MAX2, giving the MAX2 the edge.
How much does each cost?
HERO12 Black launched at $349 and MAX2 at $500. The HERO12 Black is $151 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way HERO12 Black vs MAX2 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.
Product images courtesy of GoPro press materials.