Comparison GoPro HERO12 Black vs GoPro HERO11 Black Mini

The presence of a 1/4" threaded socket on the camera body. It is this size that is standard for modern tripods and is used in most of these devices. So this feature allows you to mount the camera on a tripod without using adapters and other additional equipment.

For models with several lenses, as a rule, this parameter is indicated for each lens.

Most often (unless otherwise indicated), the specifications indicate the field of view by the diagonal of the frame; in some ultra-wide-angle lenses it can exceed 180°. A special case is made up of lenses for which a 360° view is declared: this means that the optics cover the entire hemisphere in front of it. Such lenses are found in panoramic and 360-degree cameras (see “Product type”).

In general, the field of view primarily determines what area of the scene is being captured into the frame. Accordingly, the wider it is, the more space the camera captures, and the lower the likelihood that something that is happening will be off-screen. On the other hand, it is worth considering that a strong increase in the field of view leads to distortions of the “picture”, especially at the edges, as well as, to a decrease in the size of visible objects and a decrease in detail. Detailed recommendations regarding choosing a camera based on this parameter can be found in special sources.

The number of built-in microphones provided in the camera.

This parameter is indicated only for models that have more than one microphone. This design provides additional capabilities, but the range of these capabilities depends on the number of microphones and the features of a particular model. So, most often such devices have two microphones; this can be a pair for recording stereo sound, or one microphone can work to record sound, and the second one can act as a sensor for the noise reduction system (see above). A larger number - 3 or 4 microphones - is found mainly in 360-degree cameras (see “Product type”), where such equipment is used to record “surround” multi-channel sound.

The maximum resolution at which the action camera can take photos. Specified in pixels horizontally and vertically.

This parameter is directly related to the resolution of the image sensor(see above): the total number of pixels in the photo, usually, corresponds to the number of pixels in the sensor. For example, a photo resolution of 4608x3456 corresponds to a sensor of 15925248 pixels, or approximately 16 megapixels. If the number of pixels in the photo is greater than the claimed resolution of the sensor, then the manufacturer uses software tricks that allow you to improve the photo resolution to a higher one than originally. This reduces the cost of devices but also affects the quality of images.

Theoretically, high-resolution images can provide good detail, but in fact, much depends on the specs of the sensor (primarily physical size) and image processing features.

— Photo during video. The ability to take photos directly while recording a video — usually using a separate button. Thus, it is convenient to fix the most significant moments of what is happening. Such photos are much better in quality than "freeze frames" from the captured video.

— Serial photo shoot. This feature allows you to take several pictures at once in a short period (usually it is a fraction of a second). A series of shots increases the chance of capturing a good moment, which can be very important given the specifics of using action cameras.

— One click recording. The ability to quickly turn on the camera for recording — literally at the touch of a button, by the name. Moreover, such a button works even if the device is turned off. However, the recording inevitably starts with some delay; but often this delay is a fraction of a second.

— Online streaming. Ability to stream video to popular services like YouTube and social networks (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc.). Usually, the online streaming function is implemented when the action camera is connected to the Internet via a Wi-Fi network, less often via a wired connection. Communication with the World Wide Web can be held directly or through a smartphone or computer. It will require the use of appropriate software.

— Time lapse. A special mode of operation of the action camera, in which video recording is carried out at a slower frequency is mainly used for filming slow processes. Thus, for example, a long journey or a long sunset can fit into a 3-minute video.

— Auto-rotate. The function of automatic rotation of the captured photos and videos to the position corresponding to the position of the camera. Without this feature, all footage during playback would be displayed strictly in landscape orientation, and footage shot with the camera upside down or upside down would have to be rotated in a photo or video editor. Usually, at the beginning of video recording, auto-rotation is blocked — so that the position of the frame at any time corresponds to the rotation of the camera itself relative to its original position.

— Photo panoramas shooting. The ability to use the camera to take panoramic photos. In traditional action cameras (see "Product type"), such shooting is carried out as follows: the camera takes several separate photos, which are then glued into one image. Regarding panoramic and 360-degree models (see ibid.), it is worth noting that not all such models support shooting in panoramic format, so it is advisable to check the availability of this function separately.

— Key points labels. The ability to add special marks to the footage that indicate key moments. While viewing such videos, you can go directly to the labels — this is easier than manually searching for the right moment. This feature is especially useful when shooting long videos, as well as when numerous individual files. The label, usually, is placed right during the shooting by pressing a special button or by voice command.

— Night shooting. Special mode for recording in low light conditions. The specific implementation of this function may be different: in some models, the sensitivity of the sensor is increased, in others, shooting in the IR range is used. Accordingly, specific features may vary: not every camera with this function can shoot in complete darkness, and these nuances should be clarified separately.

— Diagonal. The larger the screen, the more convenient it is to watch (and also to control if the display is touch-sensitive). On the other hand, the diagonal of the built-in display directly affects the size of the case, and action cameras should be quite compact. Thus, there are practically no screens larger than 2.5" in modern action cameras.

— Resolution. Theoretically, the higher the resolution, the clearer and better image the screen produces. On the other hand, displays in action cameras are designed mainly for menu operation and footage preview — and for these purposes, especially high resolutions are not needed. For models with two screens, the rear display is considered the main display.

— Touch screen. Display equipped with a sensor and responsive to touch like in smartphones/tablets. Control through such a display is simpler and more intuitive than using buttons, rotary knobs, etc. On the other hand, for more or less convenient control, the touch screen must be quite large, which affects the dimensions of the entire camera.

The presence in the camera of a screen mounted on the front panel, next to the lens. Other displays may not be present at all; in such cases, the diagonal, resolution and other parameters are given for the front screen.

It is worth noting that most often the simplest black-and-white displays are installed on the front panel, suitable only for text and basic graphic information. However, even on such a screen, you can display a wide variety of service data: the current mode of operation (photo, video, standby), the resolution used, the shooting time, the amount of free space on the drive, etc. But more advanced displays are not used as front displays: a full-colour screen is needed only for taking a selfie, and for this you can use a remote display with a remote control(see "Control") or a smartphone connected to the camera.

— GPS module. Built-in satellite navigation module that allows you to determine the current coordinates of the device. Options for using data from GPS can be different: geotagging footage, recording travelled routes, determining the speed of movement, or even full-fledged navigation on the map.

— Wi-Fi module. The Wi-Fi wireless module in action cameras can be used in different formats: in some models, it is responsible for connecting to the Internet, in others it is for communicating with a smartphone or other gadget, in others both options are available at once. Anyway, the main use of this connection is to transfer footage to an external device or to the Internet (including broadcasting in the online streaming format, see “Filming capabilities”). In addition, more specific functions can be provided, for example, using a smartphone as an external viewfinder and remote control. Specific features of the use of Wi-Fi in each case should be clarified separately.

— Bluetooth. Direct wireless communication technology for exchanging information between two electronic devices. In action cameras, it is most often used to connect remote controls, selfie sticks and smartphones, which can also act as a remote control. Unlike the Wi-Fi module, it consumes battery power more economically, but at the same time, the range of wireless communication is reduced to 10 m...etres.

— NFC chip. NFC is a wireless communication technology over short distances (up to 10 cm). In action cameras, this technology is mainly used as an auxiliary one, to facilitate connection with a smartphone or other gadget via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. If such a gadget is also equipped with NFC, just bring the camera to it and confirm the connection — it's easier than fiddling with the settings.

— USB-C. A relatively new type of USB interface that uses a miniature double-sided connector, slightly larger than microUSB. Most often used for similar purposes — as a universal connector through which you can charge the battery and connect the camera to a computer (for copying photos and videos, updating software, etc.). P.). At the same time, USB-C provides a higher data transfer rate than microUSB, supports more power supply, and also has a more convenient plug. Occasionally, there are more specific ways to use this interface — for example, direct connection to a smartphone or tablet that has a USB-C port.

— HDMI output. HDMI is a digital interface specially designed for high-definition video and multi-channel audio. With this output, you can connect the camera to a TV, monitor or other device as an external player and play the footage directly. The convenience of HDMI is that almost all modern video equipment with support for HD standards is equipped with such inputs.

Note that the cameras can be equipped with a smaller version of the connector — miniHDMI or microHDMI; however, finding an adapter cable is usually not a problem, it can even be supplied in the kit.

— Microphone connection. Almost any modern action camera has a built-in microphone that allows you to record sound. However, the quality of its sound is often quite low. Thus, many models can connect an external microphone — you can fix it, for example, on the helmet strap and record the comments of the athlete in the process of movement. Note that different types of connectors can be used for such a connection. As a result, the specific connector type and supported accessories depend on the action camera model, and some devices are only compatible with branded microphones.

All action cameras are, by definition, self-powered, but the sources used may vary:

— Removable battery. The proprietary battery, not related to standard batteries like AA. The main advantage of this option is that the battery comes with the camera, so you do not have to spend time and money on buying a power source. Specs of original batteries can significantly exceed primary cells. However, when discharging, the only option is usually recharging, it takes quite a long time and requires an external power supply. This design has several useful features: the battery can be charged in an external charger, and another battery of the same type can be installed in the camera during the procedure.

— Non-removable battery. The proprietary battery (see above), has a non-removable design. Such batteries are generally less convenient than removable ones — they cannot be removed for charging, replaced with other batteries, etc. However, the non-removable design gives one important advantage: the camera body can be made almost integral, which has a positive effect on reliability and tightness.

— Non-rechargeable batteries(AA / AAA). Powered by replaceable batteries of a standard size — AA or AAA. This option is convenient because when the charge is exhausted, you do not need to look for a source of electricity and wait until the charging is over — dead batteries can be replaced with ne...w ones in just a couple of minutes. On the other hand, such a power supply is considered less suitable for action cameras than special batteries, and is quite rare, mainly in low-cost models. The main reason for this is that primary batteries are bulkier and, at the same time, less capacious than proprietary batteries, and when using them it is difficult to achieve a combination of compactness and good battery life.