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

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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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Video
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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.
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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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Video
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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.