GoPro Hero 12: The Complete Beginners Guide

Here's everything you need to get started on the GoPro Hero 12 Black, from unboxing to the most advanced features on the camera.
Buy the GoPro Hero 12 Black here: amzn.to/3LykYUg (which helps support the channel, thanks!!!)
0:00 Quick Intro
0:24 Hero 12 Unboxing & Hardware Components
5:55 Pairing & Initial App Updating
7:23 Hero 12 Main Video/Camera Modes
14:32 Camera Settings
19:04 Video Presets & Customization
22:22 Timewarp and Timelapse
25:35 Night Effects (Vehicle Lights/Star Trails/Light Painting)
27:23 Hero 12 Photo Modes/Interval Modes
30:25 HDR/LOG/High Bitrate/10-Bit
33:18 Bluetooth Mics
35:18 GoPro Media Mod
37:02 GoPro Max Lens Mod 2.0
39:28 GoPro Quick App Top Features
43:15 Top GoPro Accessories
/// Accessories List
256GB MicroSD Cards I use: amzn.to/3rh5PzQ
Big Pack of Cheap GoPro Accessories: amzn.to/3rdKTtq
Shorty Stick (Smaller one): amzn.to/45R6Mhr
GoPro 3-Way Stick (Bigger one): amzn.to/3PiFFVi
Cheap Floating Handle: amzn.to/3PBbrhD
Clamp Mount + Gooseneck: amzn.to/3ZlSYsT
GoPro Suction Cup Mount: amzn.to/3rj4Vmn
GoPro Volta Battery Stick/Grip: amzn.to/46hvzel
GoPro Remote (small one): amzn.to/3EBZ7HP
Amazon affiliate links, I may earn a commission at no cost to you.
#GoProHero12 #GoPro #Hero12

[@GoPro]

RAY! Thank you for taking so much time to create this beginner’s guide! If you ever want to join our Global Training Team, give us a ☎

[@Vortex001_MLG]

Pls enable GPS and make backwards compatible FIRMWARE UPDATES (such as HyperSmooth 6.0 on HERO 11 since they use the same chip architecture)

[@iam_riro]

I wonder what made you decide to give the body a grainy effect. The grainy effect on the body looks just looks cheap and distracting 😂 Its still new but it looks dirty already

[@fade1473]

please make a magnetic mount like dji and make the battery life better than dji and then gopro would be without a doubt the best on the market

[@Daniel-uj1nu]

I agree! I'm thinking (not sure) of getting one of these cameras, and seeing this beginner's guide is incredibly helpful!

[@KenFagan]

@GoPro, be good if you made it clear that you only get the $100 off, if you have a annual subscription. I've been paying monthly for about 2-3 years, so i pay more but apparently im not entitled to the discount ! even though this shows up as a Benefit of my subscription. Love to hear your feed back on this please @GoPro

[@shareksolutions]

Really appreciate you putting this together for everyone! Thank you!

[@chrishowell9499]

this is by far the best gopro intro I have seen yet. Thank you for making this video!

[@AngelaAng-nearaquietstream]

I am preparing to get a GoPro12. I learned so much!! 🌟 I appreciated your concise explanations and real-life applications on: the two types of sticky mounts and their prevalence so no need to overthink them, how GoPro's figure mount and screw works and its use for high-speed situations vs using the tripod mount, why not to open the microphone protective cover, why not to lick the lens, why updating the firmware is important, the Highlight function, the different views and when/how you use them with brief real-life examples, the video qualities and aspect ratios, how the sensor captures in 8:7 aspect ratio and how GoPro's square sensor frames and crops other aspect ratios from that, how Slow Motion works and recommended fps, the front screen, the anti-flicker setting (60Hz vs 50Hz), why Hypersmooth should generally be on and what Auto-Boost does, how Hindsight works (great explanation!) and 30-sec recommendation (makes sense), how timewarp and timelapse each work and how they are different (really appreciated this explanation) and recommended settings to use and why, recommended video resolution settings for most flexibility, Scheduled Capture option, Star Trails, Vehicle Lights options, timelapse vs interval photos, recommended SuperPhoto settings, 15MP vs 24.7MP (8:7), what does HDR do, bit rate and bit depth, how GoPro 12's wind reduction works and where the mic locations are, the audio comparison with bluetooth vs in-camera mic, what the Media mod is, how the Max Lens mod attaches, best case scenarios when you would use the Max Hyperview (e.g. with focus object not landscape only), recommendation about voice control (makes sense), how the GoPro Quik App works and how easy it is to download a still and make auto edits, 8-hour bluetooth power reserve to locate GoPro, and the GoPro accessories you recommend including GoPro vs generic brand version, the different configurations of the 3-Way, what is the Volta Grip and 4-batteries worth of battery life, and the remote control. Thank you for this HELPFUL and super informative video!! ❤

[@homevideos4749]

Just made the jump from GoPro5 Black to GoPro12. This was the most informative Beginner's guide. Perfect for an old-school guy like me. Thank you !

[@Dr.DaleCressman]

Thanks so much for taking time to do these. My early Christmas gift just arrived and wow, these things have really changed in the six years or so since I last purchased one.

[@Bonuscommentary]

Thank you so much for this tutorial. i expect to return many many times to remind myself of everything this thing can do! thanks again!

[@stevep959]

Great presentation! Thank you. Just got my GoPro 12 yesterday and this has helped a lot. Liked and subscribed

[@stuartmorley6338]

I am new to GoPro and your video was the best. Quick and concise and covered all the points I needed to know. Thanks for putting this together.

[@02suprassv]

Thanks for making such a great video. As some one who just upgraded to the Hero 12 from a Hero 4, all the new settings and features can feel a little overwhelming to wrap your head around. I will definitely be coming back and using the chapters when I need a refresher on a specific setting or feature.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!!!

[@gbplayer3972]

I just want to say this was so helpful love the video I have to say it was THE BEST beginner video I have seen

[@practicingretirement7732]

Super video. I'm new to GoPro and will watch this more than once. Thanks!

[@grahamehm1446]

Thanks so much for putting this together. Very helpful.

[@thompsy2k6]

great video, as always your tutorials are just great

[@williamharling9604]

Thanks for the walk through.Just got a 12 and now i can go and play..

[@dankirkjuggler]

Whoa! Just got my GoPro. Thanks for all the info. I'm overwhelmed. I'll refer to your video many times. Thanks for shortening the learning curve!!

[@hellonwheels341]

Really great tutorial very well explained and good sampling. Thanks for posting.

[@RoadRunnerThreeJay]

Just get my new GoPro Hero 12 and this stuff is pretty helpful to me. Thanks a lot!

[@LeeBoris974]

Perfect, thank you so much, I need the help! Although, your Hero 10 guide was very helpful last night when I got the camera as well.

[@f1f278]

Thank you for this concise informative video!!! Had no clue about GPs, now i know what i need and want... liked!

[@lisamoore431]

Thankyou, this video is super helpful!!

[@user-nt9lw4mi1x]

Just purchased my first GoPro. 12 Creator Thanks for the detailed video. I’ll definitely review it as I start to use the camera more.

[@wilsonlee63]

Love the in depth on the GpPro Hero 12 Black upgrading from the Hero 6 just recently, GoPro is proven quality.

[@lyndseeharrison3134]

Very helpful. Thanks so much!

[@Michaela_M_Bowling]

Thank you so much!! That was very helpful video!! True life saver of hours of fiuagring out how to work my first GoPro!! Thank you again so much!!

[@spudz27]

Great video as always DC. Just unboxing our new Hero 12 so vid is on the TV as we are new to GP. Your our go to for all tech guides, Thankyou for making this.

[@xJEC23]

Thanks Ray, the perfect tutorial for a GoPro newbie 🎉

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks - very much appreciated!!!

[@carlyntucker5280]

Again a very helpful video! You have been my go to guy for my technology, Garmin bike computers/watches, fitbits, drones, GoPros, etc. since 2008. Thank you, and keep up the good work!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks - very much appreciated!

[@ramrodbldm9876]

Gulp GULP!

[@Jamie_Outdoor]

Thank you, I'm brand new to gopro and this video is very helpful!

[@user-wb7cx5uo1n]

Brilliant teaching, thank you

[@matsmnd]

Thanks as a 1st time GoPro user I found it very useful easy to understand

[@ecosseclan]

Thank you very much for making this guide for us 👍🏻

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!!!

[@keithmeline7485]

Just got mine in the mail last night - opening up and watching this video at the same time, good timing!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Enjoy!

[@timecode407]

Great information,I had no idea the 12 could do all of this. I’ve got the original GoPro, and the 2,3,3+,4,5,7,9 and now the 12.

[@betokzr57]

Mr Ray, thank you so much for this video! I got mine last night and I wasn't sure how it works. I bought the same basic bundle; but I want to get the Max Lense Mod and some other stuff for my trips. Really... Thank you so much man 🤝🙌 Got a massively deserved like and a new sub.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Awesome, glad I could help!

[@Streetglide2021]

Good info thanks!

[@jessicapayne]

You are an amazing teacher! I just got my new GoPro Hero 12 and your video has helped tremendously. Thank you so much for taking the time to go through everything so clearly. I can't wait to get recording. Thank youuuuuu again!

[@bigguy1403]

How do you like this camera? Is it hard to work them?

[@ItsGordo2]

Outstanding video, thanks for the time and effort

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!!!

[@Pryflex]

Great video I loved it!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!

[@dementeconmochila]

Amazing video, thanks!

[@1000CC_Mandra]

Nice Job Thank You

[@shosha1983]

Amazing explanation 👌🏻💯 Really helpful and easy to understand 💯💯

[@SayWhatAboutBob]

Many thanks for this video, helped a lot. 😀

[@SayWhatAboutBob]

Has anyone ever figured out why i cannot get my GoPro Hero 12 to connect for auto uploads

[@TheWorlds770]

Thanks bro so much ❤ I just bought this camera yesterday and learned alot from Ur tutorial 💕🌹🌹big love and respect to U from Afghanistan 🇦🇫🇦🇫🇦🇫

[@dale356bc]

Very helpful video. Thank youj sir. A+

[@notmuchtime33OUTDOORS]

Excellent video, I just bought my first GoPro a hero 12, , learned a lot. Thank You

[@oscarmiranda2000]

I freaking love your videos man thank you I bought my first go pro and know I understand it more thank you !!!!

[@TheLillianYoung]

I just upgraded from 9 to 12. I’ve only used my GoPros as dash cams when riding and my Insta 360 as the fun footage capture. This is the first I’ve dived into the menus. Thanks for this.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks! Enjoy!!

[@DENMONKEY]

They only have the Bluetooth earphones option because of the dji action. If they didn't move first GoPro would still be charging 100 bucks for an adapter because they could. I think that provides insight into how GoPro views it's customers. Like piggy banks

[@JFactor6]

Great video. For a heavy GoPro user as myself, I did learn a few things here. Always appreciate your content.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks - great to hear!

[@ChaChaCafe]

This is probably the best how to video I’ve ever seen. Thank you for taking the time to do this. I just upgraded from the Hero 9 to the 12 and some of the things in this video I could have used on the 9 as it answered a lot of questions I had. Subscribed immediately.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks - very much appreciated!!!

[@robertdilaura9695]

Holy moses! If this was for beginners, I must be a total dunce. Super post, with tons of great info. Thank you very much for letting newbies get dropped in the shallow end of the pool.

[@lifetimefitness3491]

Nice video ❤

[@davidlarson3419]

Gnarly video!

[@Bicycleboy13]

Great video! Thank you :-)

[@hurricanelopez]

Extremely helpful great video for a go pro noob coming from dslr dinosaur land. Thank you. This cut my learning curve way down to size. Peace

[@1XX1]

FINALLY! A 1/4-inch mount on the bottom!

[@Caterina29]

Thank You.

[@panosfpv]

Didn't see the video got the action 4 . But I know for a fact your is video is amazing as always!❤❤❤😊 Probably will watch it though

[@Heavenlight100]

very nice tutorial buddy

[@ExploreEmpires]

Fantastic video for beginners! Your step-by-step guide and clear explanations made it so much easier to understand the capabilities of the GoPro Hero 12. I'm excited to put my new camera to use, thanks to your helpful tutorial.

[@arkie1248]

Thank you so much for this super-informative video. One thing, and if you mentioned this and I missed it, sorry, but this may help another new 12 owner. As you were going through all the advanced features, I was looking at my 12 thinking, "What, did they dumb it all down in the latest firmware update?" No, they didn't. Apparently the default setting is the "easy" mode where you have just a couple of choices of settings in each mode. To get to the advanced settings, open the app on your phone. When paired with the camera, look for the "pro" button on the phone. Click it once and it unlocks all the advanced features so they can be accessed from the camera. Cheers!

[@doom2095]

From hero 9 now i upgrade to hero12, definitely worth it and i notice lots of changes.

[@setas1616]

tanks for vidos

[@bobytim726]

Well done 👍🏽

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thank you 😁

[@Inpreesme]

Thank you

[@paulfinney7905]

Excellent Video, and super informative as ever! Thanks Ray. The only problem was that you couldn't remember it's Paragliding (42:16) jumping off the side of a mountain with a wing. D'oh! I would've thought it'd be more memorable. No worries, ignore me as I am biased since I LOVE Paragliding. Cheers!

[@indoors-outdoorshobbies]

Holy Mackerel that was a lot of information! What have I purchased LOL? Hopefully I'm not too far over my head. At least with KZbin I can watch it over and over until it sinks in :) Thanks so much for taking the time to help the beginners. I find it strange there was no manual with the kit. I bought the 50 piece accessory kit with the GoPro as a package deal and no instructions with either. Maybe not meant for old people 🤣 Thanks again, Kevin

[@jhais_life]

Just got mine today. I’m so thrilled to get this, now that I have it I don’t know how to use it haha

[@MrGaborseres]

Cool 😎 👍 but for this senior citizen it is immensely complicated.... Thank you for your time and effort to make it so detailed 🙂👍

[@mikedonnelly18]

I am so glad I found this channel. Getting ready for our 10 day trip to Ireland and I wanted to film our journey. I saw Best Buy has this Creator Kit and I plan on buying this tomorrow. This will be my first Gopro and this channel has explained everything. Do you have any suggestions for a first time ever GoPro user ?

[@BayAreaMotorcycleCommuting]

At 29:27, you mention 15MP stills from a 5.3K video. That's if you're only shooting 16:9. In 8:7, the still frames are 24.7MP, which is a closer / more apt comparison to the dedicated photo mode

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yup, very good point!

[@sekathor]

My god! Thanks for explaining these "other doors". I just bought the camera and didn't know what it was. I started wondering how to open it and what it hides. 😂

[@abbild]

Thanks for your great videos. I just bought the hero 12. I allready have the hero 6 and the dji pocket 2. I have made some observations with the video quality and i am surprised that nobody is talkling about that. Maybe you can say something about that. 1. the video quality with HDR enabled is terrible. A lot of details are missing compared with non HDR. 2. same with 4K 100/120fps. The video gets mushy. 3. 4K looks a bit oversharpened. If you select low sharpening, its like no sharpening - unuseable. On the other hand: When you select 5K you have to put the sharpening to high to get a compareable image. Overall i have to say that i am disappointed about GoPros development. There are 6 years (!!!) between Hero 6 and 12 and the difference is not that much - at least for a boring family guy like me.

[@mat13174]

Just got one of these. Will have to watch this tomorrow as I’m a complete beginner and the product doesn’t seem to include a manual.

[@TypicalZain]

thank youu

[@gordon3988]

Wow…so comprehensive! Well done! Still on the fence…a great action camera like the OA4 or the GP 12 (or 11). Former is so reliable and wonderful functionality (no media mod needed either) or what I think are slightly better GP colours and some cool light effects (light trails etc), but reliability question popping up?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks - appreciate it! For choice, I'd say it depends on your needs. I think as long as you use a good/reliable SD card bought from a major vendor (where chance of fake cards is low), you won't have issues either way.

[@d_ak4918]

I couldn't figure out the flip down legs for the mount 😂 thanks

[@Kaliber2011]

Go pro here 12 top

[@marc70.3]

For Bluetooth Audio, I’ve tried with the Beats Studio Buds+, AirPods Pro and Beats Fit Pro buds. I don’t know why this is, but the only ‘decent’ sounding one has been the Beats Fit Pro. Doesn’t make any sense as the mic is the most recessed. But those are the buds that I’m most likely to have in while biking, running or hiking. Still not as good as recording with the camera mic - but kinda usable for some situations.

[@MrCoco2344]

I'm interested in the Samsung buds pro or similar buds if you know someone with them.

[@ASVideo]

Hi, great review/tutorial as always! I've just received the new Hero 12. I tried with the same settings (iso max 100, low sharpness, 10 bit, high bitrate, 5.3k) in sunlight the H12 with gp-log and the same video with the H12 standard with flat profile. Without the official LUT the GP-Log seems just a flat profile underexposed, while wit the LUT applied looks like a flat profile but a little bit brighter and with a bit of extra saturation. But the problem is that also at iso100 the log has noise, moreover the general quality looks worse than the flat profile. It looks like a compressed 4K. Am i missing something? I hope that this is just a huge bug that will be fixed as soon as possible.

[@LonnieBrownell]

Great runthrough of the new camera as usual, but...Time Warp's main claim to fame is that it allows you transition from time lapse speed to normal speed, and back, smoothly. That's what makes it a very cool mode.

[@Dcrainmaker]

That's true, that's a useful feature as well - but only for those that use it. For me, I tend to use Timewarp more in b-roll, than as part of the continual action. So if you're time-warping and then using that same camera, it's useful. But if it's just a tiny 1-3 seconds of b-roll, then that option isn't used much.

[@LonnieBrownell]

@@Dcrainmaker Agreed, and the "if you use it, it's cool, if not, eh..." applies to all the features! I've used it on long walks in new/interesting places, slowing to real time to focus on something particularly worth a longer look.

[@christinahamiltonracing]

Great guide! Is there an 11 Mini review coming or is it already obsolete?

[@M1dnightCrashB]

Great video! so detailed, question do you post some of your mode settings anywhere? i.e. if you go mountainbiking with a chestcam what settings would you use.

[@dccoletrain]

I love that you’re still using a GH5.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Keeps on chugging! Eventually I’ll probably join Team Sony.

[@dccoletrain]

@@Dcrainmaker Boo… Lol I’m with Fuji (mostly for photography) but I do appreciate the autofocus of my ZV-1 and can only imagine the new ones with the AI chip.

[@nikolapetrovic4259]

YES you can name your presets in the app

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yup, they added it back about 4 weeks ago. Finally!

[@ActiveCityNomad]

Amazing video, I was actually taking notes. How did you manage to take the road biking shot with the 3-Way accessory? Did you mount it to your bike somehow?

[@ryu_da_bear]

so my last gopro was gopro5 which is quite old and I was thinking of getting the new one . I recently ordered the iPhone 15pro and thinking about the go pro12 .

[@atropicali]

Awesome informative video thanks 🙏🏼 Is it possible to do time lapse interval 0.5 or 1sec in raw output ! Thanks 🙏🏼

[@fabio_mussi]

Thanks for the video Ray, great job. Do you think there will be other kind of lens in addition to the max 2.0 ?

[@Dcrainmaker]

I always keep hoping for a zoom or macro lens (like DJI has), but alas, nothing to date. Historically speaking, GoPro would have announced something like that at launch, even if not available till later.

[@SingaporeUntold]

3:00 actually it's still better to use a tripod GoPro accessory. I've found that it cools better with those flaps open rather than closed. also I 99% use a battery door that has an opening for the type C as another way to cool the GoPro. works fine in the rain too. Just not underwater.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yeah, I haven’t used the tripod mount for heat testing, but that makes sense.

[@beekeepingtoday]

Thanks for this (and all of your) videos! Just a quick note. I believe there is a problem with the Hero-12 and the GoPro Remote - especially in 'multicam' mode. The Remote and the 12 will not stay paired via bluetooth. When connected and the 12 goes into power save mode(?), the BT drops and the Remote freezes/hangs, requiring a power-off/power-on reset. Then the Bluetooth pairing is lost to the 12, even though the Remote remains paired to a second camera - in my case the 11-mini. I have an open ticket with GoPro Support. Have you or any one reading this, experience this problem?

[@eddiegarcia6008]

I'm new to the gopro world. This has very helpful information. Thank you. After used in saltwater. What other then rinse it with fresh water should I do?

[@nickthinkpainting1978]

I’ll keep my 9 I’m used to overheating,freezing up, voice commands don’t work. But it does take good pics. lol.

[@IanCraigie-wh2hk]

Amazing. So much valuable information here. Newbie here! Is it even possible to live stream via iPhone hot spot with the Hero 12 (say on a cross country motorcycle ride)?

[@THE_HMRC]

great job....as usual. Thanks.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!!!

[@davidd6171]

Great video!! the thing you said at 7:56 about mode. How are people going to press that while skiing, or climbing, or filming a super crazy political event?

[@davidd6171]

Is this the best-performing and durable GoPro? Or should I get an older model?

[@emmanuelgomes9811]

strange, I got mine with a carrying case and also a 64gb sandisk micros as well.

[@matthewsaveal9575]

So, a random question if I can as a complete beginner who has just bought his first GoPro. A star trail video will take a while, advice I have seen is to connect an external battery but clearly then the GoPro is then not waterproof as the door is opened. This time of year there will be a lot of moisture around over night. What do people normally do?