GoPro Hero 12 Review for Hiking Vloggers: Is it worth it?

Are you wondering if the GoPro Hero 12 would make a good camera for hiking vlogs?

The quick answer is yes and no. It really depends on what you’re wanting to get out of your videos. The long answer is in this ultimate review below.

In this review, I’ll cover everything you need to know about using the GoPro 12 for hiking videos that you might upload to YouTube and other platforms.

I’ve been using the GoPro Hero 12 for my popular hiking channel since its release. I have extensive experience with using it and its previous versions. I’ll definitely be doing this review based on my experience using this camera for my hiking vlogs.

Let’s get started with the review!

What Makes the GoPro Hero 12 Different?

There are several key differences that distinguish the GoPro Hero 12 from other cameras on the market.

As for an upgrade from earlier models, there is improved quality, enhanced stabilization, more customizable features, and longer battery life when using Enduro batteries. It’s different from other types of video cameras because it’s way cheaper and offers excellent quality. It’s different from other action cameras because it’s been around for longer and has a proven reputation.

For hiking vloggers, the GoPro Hero 12 is the right size, weight, and environmentally resistant for any outdoor activity.

However, the GoPro Hero 13 is now available and offers more features than the Hero 12. However, it’s also more expensive right now, too. If you’re looking for something similar to the 13 model, the 12 is a more affordable option that mimics many of the features of the latest GoPro action camera.

In reality, this GoPro is perfect for your hiking vlogging needs.

Video Quality for Outdoor Vlogging

The GoPro Hero 12 is a great camera for hiking vloggers due to the various video resolutions it offers.

You can shoot 5.3K at 60 FPS. You can shoot 4K at 120 FPS, and you can shoot 2.7K at 240 FPS. Of course, it was 1080p and below if you want to film in a lower resolution for a cinematic or similar effect.

High Dynamic Range (HDR) is also available to make photos and images appear vibrant and dynamic.

There is a low-light setting built in that adjusts the camera for different lighting conditions. This is available at 24, 25, 30, 50, and 60 FPS. The minimum burst is 3/1 in low light conditions. Personally, I find the camera to not perform as well in dark or low-light conditions, and I have felt that GoPro has always suffered in this area.

There is a nice mode feature that allows you to set different resolutions, frame rates, and other settings for various activities, including low-light shooting.

While the video quality of the GoPro Hero 12 is superb, there are some considerations to keep in mind when shooting at night.

Audio Quality of the GoPro Hero 12

The built-in mic of the GoPro Hero 12, like with all GoPro models, has always been subpar, but there are at least other options to compensate for it.

The internal mice have been improved over the years, but they have not been perfected. If you don’t need audio, then you can skip this part of the review. Some people simply use the video for the footage and add their own audio, music, or other elements. The microphone isn’t very good; it’s not crisp sounding, and it picks up a lot of feedback.

I highly recommend getting an external microphone for your GoPro Hero 12. I personally use the GoPro Media Mod microphone, which I have found to be the easiest to add. It also sounds really good, and you can record both front and back. There are other great options, too, including using a device like a RODE microphone and attaching it to the camera.

You’ll definitely want to get a wind muff for your camera, as it will not do anything to drown out wind noise.

In my opinion, the microphone issue has always been the main disadvantage of using a GoPro for creating hiking videos, but at least you can deal with it.

Durability and Battery Life on Trail

The GoPro Hero 12 is very durable and, with the right practices, will keep you videoing for your entire day or multi-day hikes.

I’ve used this camera on day hikes, multi-day hikes, kayaking trips, bike rides, spelunking underground in caves, during the hot summer, in the cold winter, and in the rain. The result has always been the same – the camera is very durable and works great. However, like with any electronic device, there are steps you must take to ensure durability.

For starters, use the Enduro batteries instead of the standard blue ones, as they last significantly longer than the standard blue ones.

I definitely recommend getting a power bank or something similar to keep your batteries charged, especially if the weather is extremely hot or cold. I used the GoPro Volta, which is a grip with a built-in tripod and a battery bank, to help keep my GoPro Hero 12 with the media mod charged. In my opinion, the Volta is one of the best accessories GoPro has ever put out.

As you can see, the GoPro is definitely built to handle extreme weather conditions and temperatures, which is ideal for hiking vloggers.

GoPro Hero 12 for Longer Hikes and Backpacking

If you’re into longer day hikes or even multi-day backpacking trips, I still think the GoPro Hero 12 is everything you need in a vlogging camera.

The weight of the camera itself is very little. Accessories don’t weigh that much, either. I’ve never noticed the weight of my GoPro, but I will instantly realize how heavy my DSLR camera is.

The GoPro 12 is easy to use one-handed, and you can even use it with ease when wearing gloves and fully layered up for cold-weather hiking.

If you’re a minimalist hiker, take just the camera (add a media mod for a better microphone) and a few batteries. You won’t really notice that weight, and you can simply hold the camera and be the accessory instead of taking one with you. But even with all the accessories, it’s not that much added weight, in my opinion.

There are also many great mounting options and accessories to make using the GoPro Hero 12 simpler. When I’m trail running, for example, I use a chest mount so that I can be hands-free while running and filming simultaneously. You can also find mounts to put on your backpack, kayak/canoe, bicycle, and even your vehicle. They practically make a mount for everything.

GoPro is perfect for longer hiking trips and overnight backpacking.

Features Hiking Vloggers Will Love

There are several specific features that I believe make the GoPro Hero 12 ideal for hiking vlogs.

Stabilization is one of the main features I love, in my opinion. We used to have to bring a heavy and awkward gimbal with us to stabilize the footage. Now stabilization is built into the camera, fully customizable, and way better than any gimbal ever was.

You can also lock the camera’s view to keep it horizontally focused while you’re moving, so that it’s not going everywhere while you hike.

The GoPro Hero 12 also features a vertical recording mode. This makes it easy to use your GoPro to record videos you’ll use for Reels, Shorts, and TikTok. Your phone will only do so much, but your GoPro can do a lot more.

You can also turn your camera and see yourself in a little screen for selfie mode and even sync it to your smartphone for even more control.

These few feature upgrades have significantly improved the GoPro Hero 12 as a vlogging camera for hiking, making it a better option compared to its previous versions.

Editing and Sharing GoPro Hero 12 Footage

Editing and sharing your GoPro Hero 12 footage is fairly simple and direct,

You can use the free Quik app to edit your footage on your phone or desktop. You could also use other video editing software such as Vegas, Adobe Premiere, and DaVinci Resolve. I use DaVinci Studio for my video editing software, and I really like it a lot.

If you subscribe to GoPro’s premium and plus service, you can get up to 500 GB of cloud storage for non-GoPro footage and unlimited storage for GoPro footage, plus other features like camera and accessory discounts and more.

It’s pretty easy and straightforward to edit and share your GoPro footage, as you can see.

Pricing and Needed Accessories

The GoPro Hero 12 is very affordable, even when you start to customize it to meet your needs.

The current price of the GoPro Hero 12 action camera is $280. The media mod is $100. The Volta is $140. I’d also recommend buying a few extra batteries.

Altogether, the cost will be around $600, which is still significantly cheaper than purchasing a DSLR that offers the same features but is heavier and less weatherproof than the GoPro.

If you buy the subscription, you’ll pay even less. It costs around $100 a year, and if you plan to use it frequently, then you should consider getting it. I believe all accessories are up to 50% off when you have the subscription.

If you’re looking for something cheaper but still performs really good, the GoPro is definitely for you.

Pros and Cons of the GoPro Hero 12

Here are my favorite pros for the GoPro Hero 12 in terms of using it for a hiking camera:

• The camera is lightweight and durable for the extremes of nature
• The video quality, aspect ratio, and stabilization are perfect for outdoor use
• I can use the camera to make long-form video or short-form content
• I can completely customize each mode for all the outdoors activities I do
• I can use the camera for video, photo, timelapse, and more

There are a few cons that I should mention, though:

• Battery life is the best, so you’ll want to use the Volta or bring extra batteries
• The camera will overheat and turn off if it’s being used in direct sunlight
• The microphone that’s built into the camera isn’t very reliable
• Some of the accessories cost more money than I think they’re worth
• The camera isn’t the best when it comes to low-light video

It’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of the GoPro Hero 12 to determine if you think this camera will benefit you or not.

Final Verdict of the GoPro Hero 12 for Hiking Vloggers

In my opinion, the GoPro Hero 12 action camera is a great choice for hiking vloggers.

You’ll want to address the audio/mic concerns, have extra charging capabilities, and be careful in direct sunlight. But other than that, it’s a great camera that can withstand a lot of what nature throws at it. It’s actually the main camera I use for all my hiking videos.

The 12 has improved since the 8, 9, 10, and 11. There are more features, better video quality, and even better stabilization.

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