The H12PRO is a modified version of the GoPro HERO12 Black, that allows you to attach and switch lenses. Cool side: The ability to switch lenses to your GoPro. Downside: No waterproof, and pricy. Explore it below.

H12PRO: GoPro HERO12 with lenses

If you own a GoPro (which is everyone), you have asked yourself why there isn’t an option to replace/attach lenses. The hidden potential of this camera with interesting lenses can be dramatically multiplied. A company named Back-Bone has managed to modify the HERO12 Black, to strip down and reveal the sensor, so a dedicated lens can be attached to a specific mount on the camera. As stated by Back-Bone: “You can use a cost-effective C-Mount lens or attach your favorite SLR lens with an adapter. Use vintage glass like Bolex and Super-8. Pull focus, zoom, and control iris settings for the perfect look. With the built-in exposure lock and manual exposure controls of the HERO, you can get a perfect, repeatable result”. Let’s do the pictures to speak for themselves. Explore them below:

Price and what’s included

• The price of the modified GoPro is $849. That’s not cheap at all! Here’s what is included:
• H12PRO modified HERO12 Black camera
• Enduro Rechargeable Battery, curved adhesive mount, mounting buckle + thumb screw, and USB-C cable
• C-Mount, CS-Mount, and M12 lens mounts
• Aluminum tripod mount

More info here on Back Bone’s website. 

Note: Back-Bone modified GoPro cameras are not waterproof. H12PRO cameras are not capable of shooting infrared. Furthermore, the tripod mount accessory simply replaces the folding mount on the bottom of the camera to provide three standard tripod mounting points. It’s also fully compatible with the stock GoPro HERO8-12 Black. The original mount is also included. Additionally, the modified HERO12 won’t be covered under GoPro’s warranty program, but Back-Bone does offer a 6-month repair guarantee against faulty parts or defects, and a zero-labor-cost repair warranty for a year (you just pay for parts and shipping). BTW, Back-Bone released some sample footage. Check it out below:

Final thoughts

The option to replace lenses had to be offered by GoPro itself. It doesn’t make sense that after all these years and technology, HERO cameras don’t have the option to switch lenses. Back-Bone’s initiative is cool but pricy. Paying $1,000 for a GoPro with a lens is too much. It’s time for GoPro to enlarge the sensor and allow switching lenses.

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