GoPro Hero12 User manual

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the box—from set up and recording to automatic highlight videos
and saving your media.
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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

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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
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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).

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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).

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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

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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.
3s
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.
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1. Recording Time/Photos Remaining
2. Battery Status
3. Current Mode (Video, Photo, or Time Lapse)
4. Capture Settings

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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.

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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.
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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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Get to Know Your GoPro Get to Know Your GoPro
GETTING THE SHOT
1. With your GoPro on, simply press the Shutter button to start
recording.
2. Press the Shutter button again to stop recording (Video,
Time Lapse, and Live Streaming only).
RECORDING WITH QUIKCAPTURE
QuikCapture is the fastest and easiest way to power on your GoPro
and get the shot. All it takes is the push of the Shutter button.
1. With your camera o, press the Shutter button .
2. Press the Shutter button again to stop recording and turn o
your camera.
Heads Up: When using QuikCapture, your camera will start recording
with the video settings that you used last.
For more Video options, see Recording Video (page 39).
Turning O QuikCapture
QuikCapture is on by default, but you can turn it o.
1. Swipe down on the rear screen to access the Dashboard.
2. Tap .
PRO TIP: Since it only turns the camera on when it’s recording,
QuikCapture is a great way to maximize battery life.

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ADDING HILIGHT TAGS
Mark favorite moments in your videos and photos by pressing the Mode
button during recording or playback. This adds a HiLight Tag that
makes those moments easier to find when you’re watching your footage,
creating a video, or looking for a certain shot.
You can also add HiLight Tags by saying, “GoPro, HiLight” when Voice
Control is on and by tapping when watching your footage with
the GoPro Quik app.
PRO TIP: The Quik app looks for HiLight Tags when it creates videos.
This helps to ensure that favorite moments are included in your
highlight videos.
Get to Know Your GoPro Get to Know Your GoPro
LOCKING THE SCREEN ORIENTATION
You can easily switch between landscape and portrait shots by rotating
your camera. It can even capture photos and videos right-side up when
it’s mounted upside down.
The orientation is locked in when you press the Shutter button .
If your camera tilts during recording, like on a roller coaster, your
footage will tilt with it. You’ll capture every twist and turn.
You can lock the screen in landscape or portrait orientation. This
is especially useful when you’re using body and handheld mounts.
That’s when accidentally shooting in the wrong orientation is most
likely to happen.
Swipe down on the rear screen to access the Dashboard.
1. Turn your camera to the orientation you want.
2. Tap on the Dashboard.
The screen is now locked and will match the orientation of your camera.
Heads Up: Locking the screen in this way will only work when the
Orientation is set to All (default) in Preferences.
Setting Landscape Lock
You can also set your GoPro to record only in landscape orientation.
Swipe down on the rear screen to access the Dashboard.
1. Swipe left and tap Preferences > Displays > Orientation.
2. Switch from Auto (default) to Landscape.
Your GoPro will record right-side up whether your camera is right-side up
or upside down. You can also lock the orientation on the Dashboard.

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Get to Know Your GoPro
NAVIGATING WITH THE BUTTONS
Although your GoPro is waterproof, the touch screen won’t work under
water. Use the buttons and front screen to swap modes and presets.
1. With the camera on, you can press the Mode button to
switch modes.
2. Hold down the Mode button and press the Shutter button .
A menu will appear on the front screen.
3. Press the Mode button to scroll through the presets.
4. Use the Shutter button to select a preset.
Heads Up: The Dashboard and Media Gallery are not available when
navigating with the buttons.
Easy Controls make it as easy as possible to point, shoot, and get
amazing results with your GoPro. Each mode is preloaded with ultra
versatile capture settings that are great for most shots.
CHANGING MODES
1. Using the rear touch screen, swipe left or right to the mode
that you want.
VIDEO
2. Each capture mode has 2 or more sub-modes. Access sub-modes by
tapping the capture settings.
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Using Easy Controls

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Using Easy Controls
3. Use the slider to choose from the available options.
VIDEO QUALITY
4K
Captures video in 4K for highest
quality. Some lens and FPS
combinations may use 2.7K.
This quality is ideal for compatibility
with mobile devices.
VIDEO QUALITY OPTIONS
There are 3 recording options in Video mode. Each works by pressing
the Shutter button to start recording, and then press it again to stop.
5.3K Video
Captures your adventure in our highest resolution 5.3K video that
delivers pro-quality footage with 91% more resolution than 4K.
Heads Up: Some footage may be recorded in a lower resolution
depending on the digital lens and slo-mo combination selected.
4K Video (Default)
Captures pro-quality footage with 4K video resolution that makes it ideal
for mobile devices that struggle to playback higher-resolution video.
Heads Up: Some footage may be recorded in a lower resolution
depending on the digital lens and slo-mo combination selected.
Using Easy Controls
1080p Video
Captures full HD 1080p video while also maximizing battery life and
compatibility with older devices.
PHOTO MODE OPTIONS
You have 2 capture options in Photo mode. Each press of the Shutter
button will take a single photo.
SuperPhoto (Default)
Takes single photos using the best image processing for your shot. All
photos are captured at 27MP using the ultra versatile 8:7 aspect ratio.
Night Photo
Night Photo automatically adjusts your camera’s shutter speed to let
in more light for your shot. It's perfect for dim or dark scenes, but not
recommended for handheld or mounted shots when the camera is
moving.
TIME LAPSE MODE OPTIONS
There are 4 Time Lapse capture options. Each works by pressing the
Shutter button to start recording, and then pressing it again to stop.
TimeWarp (Default)
Lets you speed up time by using TimeWarp video stabilization to
capture ultra smooth time lapse video while you're on the move. Tap the
screen during recording to activate Speed Ramp—a special eect that
dramatically slows down your TimeWarp to real speed. Tap the screen
again to speed back up.

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Using Easy Controls
Star Trails
Mount your camera to a stationary object or tripod, point it toward the
night sky, and let physics take over. Star Trails uses the Earth’s rotation
and the stars to create beautiful trails of light across the sky. Use the trail
length eect to choose maximum, long, or short trail lengths.
Vehicle Lights
Mount your camera to a stationary object or tripod and point your
camera at moving vehicles to create stunning light trail footage. Be sure
to use the trail length eect to choose maximum, long, or short trail
lengths.
Light Painting
Light Painting uses a long exposure to let you create brilliant brush
stroke eects with moving light. Mount your camera to a stationary
object or tripod, grab a flashlight, glow stick, or other light source, and
get creative.
Using Easy Controls
ADJUSTING CAPTURE SETTINGS
Each mode features onscreen shortcuts that make it easy to adjust your
GoPro's capture settings. You can change slo-mo speed, digital lenses,
framing, and more.
1. Tap the shortcut of the setting that you want to adjust.
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2. Use the slider to adjust the setting.
LENS
Wide
Records with a wide field
of view that captures as much
as possible within the frame.

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Using Easy Controls
CAPTURE SETTING OPTIONS
The available settings will vary by mode. Available settings will also vary
based on the speed, lens, and frame that you choose for your shot.
Speed (Video)
Set your GoPro to capture video at normal speed (1x), 2x slo-mo, 4x
slo-mo, or 8x slo-mo. All videos recorded in 2x slo-mo and above can be
played back in slow motion or normal speed.
To learn more, see Frames per Second (FPS) (page 116).
Lens (Video, Photo, Lapse)
Changing digital lenses on your GoPro is just like switching out the
lenses on an old-school camera. They aect the field of view, the
cropping, and the fisheye eect in your shot. Your GoPro has Wide,
Linear, Linear + Horizon Lock/Leveling, SuperView, or HyperView digital
lens to choose from.
To learn more, see Digital Lenses (Video) (page 117).
Using Easy Controls
Framing (Video, Lapse)
Set your GoPro to capture Widescreen (16:9 frame/aspect ratio) for
full-screen playback on a TV or posting on YouTube, Vertical (extra-tall
9:16 frame/aspect ratio) for playback on your phone or sharing on social
media, or Full Frame (8:7 frame/aspect ratio) with the flexibility to crop
your footage into widescreen or mobile shots using the GoPro Quik app.
To learn more, see Aspect Ratio (Video) (page 113).
Timer (Photo)
Set up a timer to capture a photo 3 or 10 seconds after pressing the
shutter button .Use it to set up a selfie, group shot, and more.
Trail Length (Lapse)
Set the length of the light trails when recording with the Star Trails, Light
Painting, or Vehicle Light Trails presets. Choose Max for continuous
trails with no breaks, long trails, or short trails.

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Using Pro Controls
Pro Controls unlock your GoPro's preset settings and the ability to take
complete control of all modes, settings, and features.
PRO MODES
Video (Default)
Includes a wide variety of resolutions, frame rates, and aspect ratios.
To learn more, see Recording Video (page 39).
Photo
Includes Photo, Burst, and Night Photo presets.
To learn more, see Taking Photos (page 45).
Time Lapse
Includes TimeWarp, Star Trails, Light Painting, Vehicle Light Trails,
Time Lapse, and Night Lapse presets.
To learn more, see Capturing Time Lapse (page 49).
Heads Up: You can choose which preset will be loaded and ready
to go when you turn on your GoPro.
1. Swipe down on the rear screen to access the Dashboard.
2. Swipe left and tap Preferences > General > Default Preset.
SWITCHING CONTROLS
Your GoPro uses the Easy Controls by default, but you can switch to the
Pro Controls with just a couple of swipes and a tap.
1. Swipe down on the rear screen to access the Dashboard.
2. Swipe left and tap Controls to toggle between the Easy and Pro
Controls.
Pro Control Presets
CHANGING PRESETS
Each capture mode has presets that make it easy to switch back
and forth between the best mode and settings for your shot.
1. From the capture screen, tap the center button .
2. Tap the preset that you want from the list. All of the preset’s settings
will be locked into your camera and ready to go.

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CUSTOMIZING THE PRESETS
You can change the settings in your presets with just a few taps.
1. From the capture screen, tap .
2. Tap the setting that you want to change.
3. Use the slider to scroll through the settings. The on-screen
instructions will help explain your options.
For details on settings, see Tech Specs (starting page 112).
4. Scroll down to access the advanced Protune settings.
To learn more, see Protune (starting page 135).
5. Scroll back to the top and tap to save your changes and return to
the presets screen.
Heads Up: You can’t delete the preloaded presets, but you can
customize them any way you want. You can also create your own custom
presets.
To learn more, see Creating Your Own Presets (page 36).
PRO TIP: You can also get to the settings menu by tapping and holding
the center button of the preset that you want to customize.
Pro Control Presets Pro Control Presets
HIDING + REORDERING PRESETS
You can manage presets by hiding those you aren't currently using and
rearranging your list.
1. From the capture screen, tap the center button .
2. From the list of presets, tap in the upper right corner.
3. Tap next to the preset you want to hide.
4. Tap, hold, and move the presets to reorder them any way you'd like.
5. Tap to save your changes and return to the presets screen.
RESTORING PRESETS TO THEIR ORIGINAL SETTINGS
Restoring All Presets for a Capture Mode
You can restore all of a capture mode's original preset settings at any
time.
1. From the presets screen, tap .
2. Tap to reset all of the presets back to their original settings.
3. Tap Reset when prompted.
PRO TIP: You can also restore all presets for every mode
simultaneously.
1. Swipe down on the rear screen to access the Dashboard.
2. Swipe left and tap Preferences > Reset > Reset Presets.
Restoring an Individual Preset
You can also restore original settings of individual presets.
1. From the capture screen, tap the center button .
2. Tap the preset that you want to restore from the list.
3. Scroll to the bottom of the settings list and tap Restore.

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Pro Control Presets
CREATING YOUR OWN PRESETS
The perfect capture settings for a day on the slopes may not be so great
when you’re recording indoors. Custom presets let you set up and save
settings for both shots so you can switch back and forth in no time.
Creating a Preset from Scratch
1. Select the capture mode for your new preset—Video, Photo, or Time
Lapse.
2. Tap Create New at the bottom of the list of presets.
3. Tap the settings you'd like to use for your new preset. Tap when
you’re finished.
4. Choose an icon and name for your preset.
5. Tap to save your preset.
PRO TIP: You may need to fine-tune your presets after trying them out.
Tap to make adjustments.
Pro Control Presets
Saving Changes to an Existing Preset
1. Go to the capture settings of the preset that you want to modify.
2. Tap the settings to make adjustments to your new preset.
3. Scroll to the bottom of the settings list and tap .
4. Choose an icon and name for your preset.
5. Tap to save your preset.
PRO TIP: You may need to fine-tune your presets after trying them out.
Tap to make adjustments.
DELETING YOUR PRESET
1. Go to your preset's settings.
2. Scroll to the bottom of the settings list and tap .

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PERSONALIZING YOUR ONSCREEN SHORTCUTS
On-screen shortcuts give you quick one-tap access to your camera’s
capture settings. Each mode has its own default shortcuts, but you can
change them to the settings that you use most. You can even set up
dierent shortcuts for each preset.
From the Capture Screen
1. From the capture screen, tap and hold the shortcut you want to
switch.
2. Scroll through all of the available shortcuts on the right and choose
the one you want.
From the Preset Screen
1. Tap the next to the preset you want to adjust.
2. Scroll down to the On-Screen Shortcuts.
3. Tap where you’d like to put your new shortcut.
4. Scroll through all of the available shortcuts and choose the one you
want.
Almost any capture and Protune setting is available as a shortcut.
See Tech Specs (starting page 112) and Protune (starting page 135).
Pro Control Shortcuts Recording Video
Pro Control Video mode gives you the flexibility to record in a wide
range of resolutions from standard HD 1080p video all the way up to
pro-quality 5.3K. You also have full control of frame rates, aspect ratio,
and more.
PRO TIP: After you've found settings that you like, save them as presets.
This will let you switch back and forth between frequently used settings
in just a few taps.
ADJUSTING SETTINGS
You can access and adjust the video settings by tapping the settings
shortcut . Tap any setting that you want for your video.
Heads Up: Available settings will vary based on the aspect ratio,
resolution, and frame rate selected, plus whether or not you choose to
record in HDR.
Aspect Ratio:
Resolution:
VIDEO
Settings
Profile:
Standard
HDR
16:9
9:16
4:3
8:7