Action cameras
review: exploring the durability of the gopro hero 12 black
By Alex Ramsey
Published: 27 Feb 2025
My GoPro Hero 12 Black Mishap - A Cautionary Tale
Let me start with a confession: I'm a bit clumsy. Seriously, I've tripped over air. So when I got my hands on the shiny new GoPro Hero 12 Black, I knew I needed to treat it like a Fabergé egg—except, you know, way more rugged. Or so I thought. I took it white-water rafting—amazing footage, by the way—and then, bam, I dropped it. Yep, right into the churning rapids. It survived! But that got me thinking...how durable is this thing, really?
This review isn't just about pretty pictures and fancy features; it's the inside scoop on the Hero 12 Black's resilience after a fair amount of, shall we say, enthusiastic testing. I'm going to share my real-world experiences, the good, the bad, and the slightly muddy.
GoPro Hero 12 Black in white water rafting | Image: Supplied
Diving Deep: The Hero 12 Black's Underwater Prowess
GoPro's are known for their underwater capabilities, and the Hero 12 Black doesn't disappoint. I tested it in various depths—from shallow snorkeling to slightly deeper dives (within its specified limits, of course!). The image stabilization is superb; the footage was remarkably clear, even in murky water. I managed to capture some pretty incredible underwater scenes, from playful seals to a school of fish doing that weird fish-thing where they all swim together. Amazing stuff!
One minor issue: the touchscreen can be a little tricky to use when wet, but that's a small price to pay for the stunning underwater shots. Overall, its waterproof capabilities are spot on, even surpassing my expectations.
GoPro Hero 12 Black underwater footage | Image: Supplied
Beyond the Depths: Testing Limits on Land
Okay, so I didn't throw it from a plane or anything, but the Hero 12 Black has seen some serious action on land. I took it snowboarding, mountain biking, and even used it to film my cat trying (and failing) to catch a laser pointer. (Seriously, Mittens needs to work on her pouncing skills).
It handled every bump, jump, and unexpected tumble like a champ. The HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization was a lifesaver, especially during the slightly more chaotic moments of my snowboarding attempts (Let's just say I'm still working on the graceful part). The footage was smooth, steady, and captured all the action perfectly—even when I wasn't. There's even a cool new feature for improved low-light performance that worked wonders during those evening mountain bike rides.
GoPro Hero 12 Black in action | Image: Supplied
The Durability Verdict: Is it Indestructible?
So, after all the drops, bumps, and splashes, is the GoPro Hero 12 Black truly indestructible? Well, no, nothing's indestructible, not even a really tough action camera. But it's darn close. It’s easily the most rugged and durable GoPro I've ever used; the build quality is exceptional, the casing feels solid, and it's clearly built to withstand a beating. I'm incredibly impressed by its ability to survive my clumsy handling and unexpectedly harsh environments. My initial concerns about its durability were utterly unfounded.
However, I'd still advise using the protective housing when engaging in particularly extreme activities, particularly if water is involved. It's better to be safe than sorry. Right?
GoPro Hero 12 Black durability test | Image: Supplied
Final Thoughts: A Worthy Investment?
If you're in the market for a seriously tough and versatile action camera, then yes, the GoPro Hero 12 Black is totally worth the investment. Its exceptional image quality, robust features, and truly impressive durability make it a top contender in the action camera world. It's a workhorse, and if you're like me and prone to accidental mishaps, its robust design will definitely put your mind at ease. Seriously, this thing is a beast. I highly recommend it!
But remember, even the toughest camera needs a little TLC. So treat it with respect... mostly.
GoPro Hero 12 Black review | Image: Supplied
