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
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
Weight and size
The GoPro Max is a slightly smaller camera. Both cameras have the same weight.
GoPro Max
64mm x 69mm x 25mm / 2.52in x 2.72in x 0.98in
5.43oz / 154g
Features
Dimensions
Weight
GoPro Hero 12 Black
71.8mm x 50.8mm x 33.6mm / 2.83in x 2in x 1.32in
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 dvifficult to use or uncomfortable. Weight is even more crucial for certain sports like road cycling or running.
Battery life
The Hero 12 offers a slightly better battery capacity. Both cameras have removable batteries.
GoPro Max
1600mAh
Removable
85min 5.7K30fps 360° and 105min at 1080p
Features
Battery capacity
Removable battery
Battery life
GoPro Hero 12 Black
1720mAh
Removable
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 removeable 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.
GoPro Max
No built-in storage
microSD
Features
Built-in storage
Storage format
GoPro Hero 12 Black
No built-in storage
microSD
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.
Video performance
Only the Hero 12 offers HDR video.
GoPro Max
1440p video at 60fps
HDR video unsupported
Features
Max resolution
HDR video
GoPro Hero 12 Black
5.3K video at 60fps
5.3K 30fps
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
18MP
155°
78Mbps
Features
Pixels
Field of view
Video bite rate
GoPro Hero 12 Black
27.6MP
148°
120Mbps
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
100-3200
+/-4
Features
ISO range
Exposure Compensation
GoPro Hero 12 Black
100-6400
+/-2
GoPro Max vs Hero 12 specifications
| 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 | - |