Where they actually differ
The most decisive specs, ranked by how much they matter — before the full spec table.
| Spec | GoPro - HERO12 Black | Sony - HDR-AS300 |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof depth | 10 m | 60 m |
| Max 4K fps | 120 | 60 |
| Horizon lock | true | false |
| Max video | 5.3K | 4K60 |
Between the HERO12 Black and HDR-AS300, the HERO12 Black comes out ahead in max 4k fps / horizon lock, while the HDR-AS300 wins on waterproof depth. Overall, the HERO12 Black scores 77.2 and the HDR-AS300 scores 65 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The HERO12 Black is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 12.2 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 / horizon lock. The biggest gaps in its favor are max 4k fps, horizon lock, max video. The single most decisive one: Max 4K fps — 100.00% more. 120 vs 60.
Pick the HDR-AS300 if you care most about waterproof depth. Its strongest claims are waterproof depth. The single most decisive one: Waterproof depth — 500.00% more. 60 m vs 10 m.
Both ship with comparable stabilization, so those specs do not 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.
Which should you buy: GoPro - HERO12 Black or Sony - HDR-AS300?
GoPro - HERO12 Black leads the current Mars Score by 12.2 points.The more useful decision is the trade-off behind that result: compare max video, max 4k fps, waterproof depth against the way you will actually use the product.
Choose GoPro - HERO12 Black if…
GoPro - HERO12 Black has the measurable edge on max fps 4k, has horizon lock, max video.
Choose Sony - HDR-AS300 if…
Sony - HDR-AS300 has the measurable edge on water depth m.
This is a structured comparison of the published catalog values. It is not a claim of identical real-world performance across every workload; use the linked spec drill-downs and methodology page to inspect the inputs.
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 |