I dove the 12 two weeks ago on Little Cayman, with two reef sharks showing up on the very first dive. Extremely happy with it. I’ve been diving and rocking a 2016 Hero 5 for the last seven years, so for me, it’s a big upgrade. Cheers from Cayman
Thanks Matthias for the low down. Going to get a decent primary rig before I upgrade the GoPro (currently on Hero 10). Hanging out for something that shoots 240fps in a higher resolution but I reckon that is probably a decent technical jump that’s going to take a few more models.
Great video Matthias. New LUTs would be great! I hope you do a follow up on the new 10-bit color profile after you get your new GoPro camera. Unfortunately I have sworn off GoPros. Their software interface with mobile devices is horrible if you don't pay them money for a subscription. That alone has been enough for me to dump them. Their hardware, however, also has me very frustrated. I have missed so many shots because the battery was dead after I thought I turned the camera off but only switched modes, or because of how long it takes for the camera to power on, or because the battery went dead and now it wants me to set the time and date, or because it is impossible to disable one of the modes (I almost never use TimeLapse and wish I could disable it completely) and it takes too long to cycle through them.
Thanks buddy. 🙏🏻 I will definitely follow up with a detailed review of the new 10bit GP-LOG profile and how it holds up when it comes to grading and such. 👍🏻
I just got mine! Upgrading from the 9 means lots of improvements! Can’t wait to play with it in the Philippines, and to really test it alongside my Divevolk. We lost Narrow FOV though, grrr
Awesome Rebecca. Looking forward to doing some test alongside with you in the Philippines. 😊 Hmmm... no narrow field of view?!? I wonder how the macro mate will work with the 12?!? 🤷🏻♂️
@@MatthiasLebothat reminds me I have to order a new band for my macro mate, mine keep breaking. One place where divevolk+iPhone are the clear winner! Yeah odd that not only do we not get any Zoom capability still but GoPro took away Narrow.
Any chance you could check out the Osmo Action 4? Maybe do a side by side. I changed over to the 4 after years with GoPro, like you as a backup camera. So far from the unedited video looks pretty good, needs color grading of course...not there yet. Your channel is always an excellent source of pro info.
Thank you John! 🙏🏻 Yes I will definitely do a comparison of the Hero 12 and the Osmo Action 4. I'll have both with me on my upcoming trip to the Philippines and will hopefully be able to share some insights with you after that. 😊
I look forward to your review, have a fantastic trip, wish I was coming along. Soon time for my Danish cold water diving season to kick in!! James and I both come from Cornwall originally..say hi from me and does he ever miss a quality Cornish pasty? I am ex BBC Bristol filming/design dept retired now. Underwater filming is such a skill. @@MatthiasLebo
That's exactly what my experience was with the previous GoPro models. I'm hoping that the 12 will be better in low light and will have less noise. We'll see...
Would be interested in a comparison to the DJI Action 4. And would you choose a GoPro or a iPhone with the Divevolk housing if I would like to start shooting underwater videos?
A comparison will be published once I'm back from the Philippines where I'll have both cameras with me and will do some side by side comparisons. Regarding GoPro vs iPhone/Divevolk, I would personally choose the iPhone/Divevolk setup as it is more versatile and will be most likely be able to grow with your abilities as you can more easily add accessories to it than to a GoPro.
I‘m really exited to see the comparison of these cameras. Thank you for your awesome work. Then I will look deeper into the Divevolk housing for my iPhone.
You can use my existing GoPro LUTs with the Hero 12. Just don't use them on GoPro LOG footage or convert it first to Rec709 footage before applying the LUTs. courses.matthiaslebo.com/s/matthiaslebo/gopro-basic-lut-pack
I went with Log instead of HDR, I don’t know what Log even is but I know with HDR I can’t lower my EV Comp (not available) and yeah editing HDR in Final Cut is really frustrating I don’t understand why.
LOG is basically a very flat and desaturated profile, which gives you more leeway for color correction and grading in post. We can look at how you properly work with it in post during the Philippines trip. 👍🏻
I would still go with the MacroMate from Backscatter. From what I know, this is still the best underwater macro lens for GoPros. Keep in mind though, that the GoPros really aren’t ideal for capturing macro shots underwater.
Hi Matthias, thanks for the early review. One question if I may; I noticed that in 3:37-3:44, the light on the yellow coral on the left seems to flicker a little (for lack of a better word), which also happens (a lot) in my videos. Do you have any ideia why and how could it be corrected/minimized? Thanks
Hey Carlos Thanks for your comment. The flickering is the reflection of the sunlight as it hits that coral. Because this shot was taken in very shallow water, the sun is shining brightly and the surface water is not completely calm, the rocking waves break the light penetrating the water for split seconds and that creates that "flickering" on the coral. Do you know what I mean? Does that make sense to you?
Can't really say before I have tested the GoPro Hero 12 in detail. But I'm leaning towards the iPhone & Divevolk because it will still be more versatile than the GoPro.
It’s a con Matthias. The GoPro 11 has a 10-bit profile. I’ve tested both and the 12 has slightly longer runtime but not double as claimed, and it’s only achieved by removing the GPS function. Overall, both have high noise levels deeper than about 10m, and poor underwater colour correction without a red filter. The sensor is just too small. Plus there is major edge of field distortion and lack of sharpness underwater. It’s not properly corrected in camera.
Thanks for letting us know about the battery. I never really have the GPS on anyways. Correct, the GoPro 11 is also capable of recording in 10bit, but not in a LOG profile, which is flatter and more desaturated than the GoPro 11's "flat" profile. This is what I'm really looking forward to testing and seeing if the GoPro 12 footage grades any better when shot in LOG.
@@MatthiasLebo cool. Yes it’s slightly different but strikes me as something GoPro could’ve done as a firmware update. Like many people, I’m really struggling to see how they justify a new model with the lack of genuine new features. Given the low light issues, I’m doubting the Log profile is going to make a significant difference but will give an opinion once I’ve processed and graded my recent videos.
So you did not even test it underwater? Why do a review, when you have not shot with the camera, and don't have actual real video that you shot to show and compare??? This is all stock GoPro video and some of your old videos.
I don’t have the 12 yet. Still waiting for delivery. This video is simply meant as a first impression and a summary of the new features, interesting for underwater video shooter. The full review will come out later this year.
I dove the 12 two weeks ago on Little Cayman, with two reef sharks showing up on the very first dive. Extremely happy with it. I’ve been diving and rocking a 2016 Hero 5 for the last seven years, so for me, it’s a big upgrade.
Cheers from Cayman
Thanks for sharing your experience with us mate. Sounds great. Can't wait to test it for myself now. 😊
Thanks Matthias for the low down. Going to get a decent primary rig before I upgrade the GoPro (currently on Hero 10). Hanging out for something that shoots 240fps in a higher resolution but I reckon that is probably a decent technical jump that’s going to take a few more models.
You're welcome buddy. Yeah I think 240fps in something like 4K will take a few more upgrades to be included in action cams.
Great video Matthias. New LUTs would be great! I hope you do a follow up on the new 10-bit color profile after you get your new GoPro camera. Unfortunately I have sworn off GoPros. Their software interface with mobile devices is horrible if you don't pay them money for a subscription. That alone has been enough for me to dump them. Their hardware, however, also has me very frustrated. I have missed so many shots because the battery was dead after I thought I turned the camera off but only switched modes, or because of how long it takes for the camera to power on, or because the battery went dead and now it wants me to set the time and date, or because it is impossible to disable one of the modes (I almost never use TimeLapse and wish I could disable it completely) and it takes too long to cycle through them.
Thanks buddy. 🙏🏻 I will definitely follow up with a detailed review of the new 10bit GP-LOG profile and how it holds up when it comes to grading and such. 👍🏻
I just got mine! Upgrading from the 9 means lots of improvements! Can’t wait to play with it in the Philippines, and to really test it alongside my Divevolk.
We lost Narrow FOV though, grrr
Awesome Rebecca. Looking forward to doing some test alongside with you in the Philippines. 😊
Hmmm... no narrow field of view?!? I wonder how the macro mate will work with the 12?!? 🤷🏻♂️
@@MatthiasLebothat reminds me I have to order a new band for my macro mate, mine keep breaking. One place where divevolk+iPhone are the clear winner!
Yeah odd that not only do we not get any Zoom capability still but GoPro took away Narrow.
Any chance you could check out the Osmo Action 4? Maybe do a side by side. I changed over to the 4 after years with GoPro, like you as a backup camera.
So far from the unedited video looks pretty good, needs color grading of course...not there yet. Your channel is always an excellent source of pro info.
Good choice the Action 4 is superior in my opinion.
Thank you John! 🙏🏻 Yes I will definitely do a comparison of the Hero 12 and the Osmo Action 4. I'll have both with me on my upcoming trip to the Philippines and will hopefully be able to share some insights with you after that. 😊
I look forward to your review, have a fantastic trip, wish I was coming along.
Soon time for my Danish cold water diving season to kick in!! James and I both come from Cornwall originally..say hi from me and does he ever miss a quality Cornish pasty?
I am ex BBC Bristol filming/design dept retired now. Underwater filming is such a skill. @@MatthiasLebo
They're great in good lighting situations weather it be shallow clear water or close up shots with lighting. Not so good for deep dark areas.
That's exactly what my experience was with the previous GoPro models. I'm hoping that the 12 will be better in low light and will have less noise. We'll see...
@@MatthiasLebo Hopefully, that'd be amazing. I'd upgrade for sure!
Would be interested in a comparison to the DJI Action 4.
And would you choose a GoPro or a iPhone with the Divevolk housing if I would like to start shooting underwater videos?
A comparison will be published once I'm back from the Philippines where I'll have both cameras with me and will do some side by side comparisons.
Regarding GoPro vs iPhone/Divevolk, I would personally choose the iPhone/Divevolk setup as it is more versatile and will be most likely be able to grow with your abilities as you can more easily add accessories to it than to a GoPro.
I‘m really exited to see the comparison of these cameras. Thank you for your awesome work.
Then I will look deeper into the Divevolk housing for my iPhone.
I own the GoPro 7,8,9,10,11 & now 12 with the Lens Mod 2.0 - it is #1 - off the charts
Thank you buddy for your feedback. Can you use the Lens Mod 2.0 underwater?
@MatthiasLebo I am trying it today
Any update on LUTs?
You can use my existing GoPro LUTs with the Hero 12. Just don't use them on GoPro LOG footage or convert it first to Rec709 footage before applying the LUTs.
courses.matthiaslebo.com/s/matthiaslebo/gopro-basic-lut-pack
I went with Log instead of HDR, I don’t know what Log even is but I know with HDR I can’t lower my EV Comp (not available) and yeah editing HDR in Final Cut is really frustrating I don’t understand why.
LOG is basically a very flat and desaturated profile, which gives you more leeway for color correction and grading in post. We can look at how you properly work with it in post during the Philippines trip. 👍🏻
Great video! With the Go Pro Hero 12 and the Go Pro Underwater housing what clip on Macro Lens filter do you recommend?
I would still go with the MacroMate from Backscatter. From what I know, this is still the best underwater macro lens for GoPros. Keep in mind though, that the GoPros really aren’t ideal for capturing macro shots underwater.
Hi Matthias, thanks for the early review. One question if I may; I noticed that in 3:37-3:44, the light on the yellow coral on the left seems to flicker a little (for lack of a better word), which also happens (a lot) in my videos. Do you have any ideia why and how could it be corrected/minimized? Thanks
Hey Carlos
Thanks for your comment. The flickering is the reflection of the sunlight as it hits that coral. Because this shot was taken in very shallow water, the sun is shining brightly and the surface water is not completely calm, the rocking waves break the light penetrating the water for split seconds and that creates that "flickering" on the coral. Do you know what I mean? Does that make sense to you?
Yes, I understand that, thanks a lot!@@MatthiasLebo
GoPro 12 or iPhone 15 Pro Max in Divevolk housing?
Can't really say before I have tested the GoPro Hero 12 in detail. But I'm leaning towards the iPhone & Divevolk because it will still be more versatile than the GoPro.
It’s a con Matthias. The GoPro 11 has a 10-bit profile. I’ve tested both and the 12 has slightly longer runtime but not double as claimed, and it’s only achieved by removing the GPS function. Overall, both have high noise levels deeper than about 10m, and poor underwater colour correction without a red filter. The sensor is just too small. Plus there is major edge of field distortion and lack of sharpness underwater. It’s not properly corrected in camera.
Thanks for letting us know about the battery. I never really have the GPS on anyways.
Correct, the GoPro 11 is also capable of recording in 10bit, but not in a LOG profile, which is flatter and more desaturated than the GoPro 11's "flat" profile. This is what I'm really looking forward to testing and seeing if the GoPro 12 footage grades any better when shot in LOG.
@@MatthiasLebo cool. Yes it’s slightly different but strikes me as something GoPro could’ve done as a firmware update. Like many people, I’m really struggling to see how they justify a new model with the lack of genuine new features. Given the low light issues, I’m doubting the Log profile is going to make a significant difference but will give an opinion once I’ve processed and graded my recent videos.
So you did not even test it underwater? Why do a review, when you have not shot with the camera, and don't have actual real video that you shot to show and compare??? This is all stock GoPro video and some of your old videos.
I don’t have the 12 yet. Still waiting for delivery. This video is simply meant as a first impression and a summary of the new features, interesting for underwater video shooter. The full review will come out later this year.
eeey Steve Carell