Between the HERO12 Black and HDR-AS300, the HERO12 Black comes out ahead in max 4k fps and horizon lock, while the HDR-AS300 wins on waterproof depth. Overall, the HERO12 Black scores 95 and the HDR-AS300 scores 58.6 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The HERO12 Black is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 36.4 points on the Mars Score. The margin is wide enough that the underdog only makes sense if its individual strengths line up with what you specifically need.
Pick the HERO12 Black if you care most about max 4k fps and horizon lock. The biggest gaps in its favor are max 4k fps, horizon lock, max video.
Pick the HDR-AS300 if you care most about waterproof depth. Its strongest claims are waterproof depth.
Both ship with comparable stabilization, so those specs don't separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: the HERO12 Black is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.
Why GoPro - HERO12 Black wins
- ▲Max 4K fps — 100.00% more. 120 vs 60.
- ▲Has Horizon lock.
- ▲Max video: 5.3K (vs 4K60).
Why Sony - HDR-AS300 wins
- ▲Waterproof depth — 500.00% more. 60 m vs 10 m.
Spec comparison
Video
| Spec | GoPro - HERO12 Black | Sony - HDR-AS300 |
|---|---|---|
| Max video | 5.3Klead | 4K60 |
| Max 4K fps | 120lead | 60 |
| HDRⓘ | truelead | false |
| Log profileⓘ | truelead | false |
Stabilization
| Spec | GoPro - HERO12 Black | Sony - HDR-AS300 |
|---|---|---|
| Horizon lock | truelead | false |
| Stabilization | advanced | advanced |
Durability
| Spec | GoPro - HERO12 Black | Sony - HDR-AS300 |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof depth | 10 m | 60 mlead |
| Weight | 154 g | 109 glead |
| Removable lens | false | false |
Frequently asked
Spec-level deep dives
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