GoPro Hero12 User manual

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Check Out the OOBE

That’s short for “Out-of-Box Experience.” It’s our mobile-friendly

site that will help you get started with your GoPro right out of

the box—from set up and recording to automatic highlight videos

and saving your media.

gopro.com/OOBE

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Contents

Meet HERO12 Black 6

Getting Started 

Get to Know Your GoPro 14

Using Easy Controls 25

Using Pro Controls 32

Pro Control Presets 33

Recording Video 39

Taking Photos 45

Capturing Time Lapse 49

Live Streaming + Webcam Mode 55

HERO12 Black Power Tools 56

Exposure Control 61

Using Voice Control 65

Video Encoding 69

Pairing Your GoPro to Other Devices 71

Playing Back Your Media 72

Connecting to the GoPro Quik App 76

Automatic Highlight Videos 78

Saving Your Media 79

Deleting Your Media 83

Setting Your Preferences 85

Contents

Regulatory Model Number CPST1

Important Messages 95

Resetting Your Camera 97

Mounting Your GoPro 99

Removing the Door 104

Maintenance 106

Battery Information 107

Troubleshooting 111

Tech Specs: Video 112

Tech Specs: Photo 124

Tech Specs: Time Lapse 129

Tech Specs: Protune 135

Customer Support 144

Trademarks 144

Regulatory Information 144

6 7

Meet HERO12 Black

1. Shutter Button

2. Door

3. Door Latch

4. Status Light

5. Front Screen

6. microSD™ Card Slot

7. Battery

8. USB-C Port

9. Microphone

10. Removable Lens

Meet HERO12 Black

Learn how to use the accessories that came with your GoPro.

See Mounting Your GoPro (page 99).

11. Mode Button

12. Drain Microphone

(Designed to drain water.

This is not a door/latch.

Do not try to open.)

13. Speaker

14. Touch Screen

15. Folding Fingers

16. 1/4-20 Mounting Threads

8 9

SD CARDS

You’ll need a microSD card (sold separately) to save your videos

and photos. Use a brand-name card that ﬁts these requirements:

• microSD, microSDHC™, or microSDXC™

• Rated Class V30, UHS-3, or higher

• Capacity up to 1TB

For a list of recommended microSD cards,

visit gopro.com/microsdcards.

Be sure your hands are clean and dry before handling your SD card.

Check the manufacturer’s guidelines to see your card’s acceptable

temperature range and other important information.

Heads Up: SD cards can degrade over time and aect your camera’s

ability to save your media. Try swapping out an older card for a new

one if you’re having any problems.

PRO TIP: Keep your SD card in good condition by reformatting it

regularly. This will erase all of your media, so be sure to save it ﬁrst.

1. Swipe down on the rear screen to access the Dashboard.

2. Swipe left and tap Preferences > Reset > Format SD Card.

To learn how to save your videos and photos, see Saving Your Media

(starting page 79).

Getting Started Getting Started

RECHARGEABLE BATTERY

For maximum performance, be sure to use the Enduro Battery that came

with your new GoPro.

PRO TIP: There’s an easy way to check your battery’s status and make

sure you’re using the right one.

1. Swipe down on the rear screen to access the Dashboard.

2. Swipe left and tap Preferences > About > Battery Info.

WARNING: Although non-GoPro batteries may ﬁt in your

HERO12 Black, they could greatly limit your camera's

performance. Use of non-GoPro batteries will also void your

warranty and may cause ﬁre, electric shock, or other safety

risks.

For more important information on battery safety and use,

see Battery Information (page 107).

10 11

Getting Started

SD CARD + BATTERY SETUP

1. Unlock the door latch and ﬂip the door open.

2. With your camera o and battery removed, insert the SD card into

the card slot with the label facing the battery compartment.

You can eject the card by pressing it into the slot with your ﬁngernail.

Getting Started

3. Insert the battery.

4. Connect your camera to a USB charger or computer using the

included USB-C cable.

It takes about 3 hours for the battery to fully charge. The camera

status light will turn o when it’s done. To learn more, see

Battery Information (page 107).

12 13

Getting Started

5. Unplug the cable and shut the door when charging is complete.

Be sure the door latch is closed and locked before using your

camera.

NOTE: Your camera’s door is removable. Be sure that the door is

securely locked and sealed after closing.

UPDATING YOUR CAMERA

You must update your camera before you can use it.

Updating With the GoPro Quik App

1. Download the app to your phone from the Apple©App Store©or

Google Play™.

2. Make sure your have internet access, then turn on your GoPro by

pressing the Mode button .

3. Follow the app’s on-screen instructions to complete the update.

Updating Manually

1. Visit gopro.com/update.

2. Choose HERO12 Black from the list of cameras.

3. Select Update your camera manually and follow the instructions.

PRO TIP: The app will check for the latest camera software every time

it connects to your GoPro. This helps ensure that you'll always have the

latest features and best performance from your GoPro. If new software is

available, the app will tell you how to install it.

WARNING: Do not remove your battery or SD card from your

GoPro while the update is in progress. Removing your battery

or SD card during an update may permanently damage

your GoPro.

Getting Started

14 15

POWERING ON

Press the Mode button to turn on your camera.

POWERING OFF

Press and hold the Mode button for 3 seconds to turn it o.

WARNING: Use caution when using your GoPro and

its mounts and accessories. Always be aware of your

surroundings to avoid injuring yourself and others.

Be sure to follow all local laws including all privacy laws,

which may restrict recording in certain areas.

Get to Know Your GoPro Get to Know Your GoPro

THE FRONT SCREEN

The front LCD screen shows your camera's status, plus a live view

from the lens. This makes it easy to capture perfectly framed shots.

100%

9H:59

4K 16:9 | 30 | W

Video

1. Recording Time/Photos Remaining

2. Battery Status

3. Current Mode (Video, Photo, or Time Lapse)

4. Capture Settings

16 17

Get to Know Your GoPro

DISPLAY OPTIONS

The front screen features 4 display options.

1. Swipe down on the rear screen to access the Dashboard.

2. Tap to access the front screen settings.

3. Tap the icon of the setting that you want.

Setting Description

Full Screen

Displays the live preview as a full-screen shot.

The image is cropped for the display, but will

be captured without cropping.

Actual Screen Displays the live preview from the lens

without cropping.

Status Only Displays camera status without the live

preview from the lens.

Screen O

Turns the screen o. Use this setting in dark

environments where light from the screen

might interfere with your shot. This setting

also maximizes battery life.

Get to Know Your GoPro

USING THE REAR TOUCH SCREEN

Tap

Select an item to turn it on or o.

Swipe Left or Right

Switch between Video, Photo,

and Time Lapse modes.

Swipe Down From the Edge of the Screen

Open the Dashboard when your camera

is in landscape orientation.

Swipe Up From the Edge of the Screen

See the last photo or video you captured

and access the Media Gallery.

Press and Hold the Capture Screen

Turn on and adjust Exposure Control.

PRO TIP: You can hide your camera’s status information and icons

on both the front and rear screen by tapping the rear screen.

Tap the screen again or press a button to bring it all back.

18 19

Get to Know Your GoPro

CAPTURE MODES

Your GoPro has 3 main capture modes.

VIDEO

Using the rear touch screen, swipe left or right to the mode you want.

Video (Default)

Captures your adventure in high-quality traditional video.

Photo

Your GoPro captures 27MP photos using the ultra versatile 8:7 aspect

ratio.

Time Lapse

Time Lapse turns long events into short, shareable videos by taking a

frame of video at set intervals..

PRO TIP: With the camera on, you can press the Mode button

to switch modes.

Get to Know Your GoPro

THE TOUCH SCREEN

The rear touch screen gives you access to your camera’s

capture settings.

100%

9H:59

4K 16:9 | 30 | W

Video

1. Current Mode (Video, Photo, or Time Lapse)

2. Recording Time/Photos Remaining

3. Customizable On-Screen Shortcuts

4. Capture Settings/Center Button

5. Battery Status

Heads Up: The capture settings are not available when you turn your

GoPro to take portrait shots. Be sure to choose the settings you want

before rotating your camera.

PRO TIP: Press the Mode button to quickly jump back to this

screen from almost anywhere.

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