Gopro Camera Battery Life: How Long Does It Last?

GoPro users have long been complaining about the battery life of their cameras. The battery life of a GoPro camera depends on a number of factors, including the video mode, external temperature, and on-camera settings. On average, GoPro batteries last for about 60 to 90 minutes of filming. However, this duration can be extended by up to 30 minutes by tweaking certain settings. The latest GoPro model, the Hero 12 Black, promises a battery life of 1 hour and 43 minutes, but this may vary depending on the filming resolution and frame rate.

To improve battery life, users are advised to turn off features such as voice control, WiFi, GPS, and the LCD display. Additionally, using a wall charger and keeping the firmware up to date can also enhance battery performance. For those seeking longer filming times, investing in accessories like spare batteries, chargers, and power banks can be a worthwhile option.

How to extend the battery life of a GoPro camera

GoPro cameras are known for their short battery life, which can be a cause of concern when capturing experiences and living in the moment. Here are some tips, tricks, and accessories to help extend the battery life of your GoPro camera and ensure it lasts longer.

Tailor Your Camera Settings

The best way to extend the life of your GoPro battery is to adjust your camera settings according to your activity. GoPro's Video Performance Modes allow you to configure your camera setup to match your activity and maximize battery life.

The "Maximum Video Performance" mode optimizes video resolution and frame rate combinations to extend battery life while delivering the best image quality.

The "Tripod/Stationary Video" setting is ideal for stationary setups like webcams, live streams, and B-roll, offering optimal resolution and frame rates for long video shoots.

Use the "Auto Power Off" Setting

If you often forget to turn off your camera, enable the "Auto Power Off" setting. This setting automatically shuts down your camera after a certain period of inactivity, helping to conserve battery life. You can usually find this setting in the camera's menu, and you can set the timeout duration to 60, 120, or 300 seconds.

Turn Off Unnecessary Features

Features like Wi-Fi, GPS, voice control, and Protune can drain your battery quickly. Unless you need them, turn these features off. Additionally, consider turning off the red indicator and beeping lights, as they can be a distraction and cause unnecessary battery drainage.

Update Your Firmware

Keeping your GoPro's firmware updated can help fix recurrent problems and improve battery life. The company may implement fixes that optimize battery usage, so connect your camera to a smartphone via Wi-Fi and update it using the GoPro app. For older models, download the firmware from the GoPro website and transfer it to your GoPro SD card to run the update.

Reduce Display Brightness

A high display brightness setting can consume a lot of power. Lowering the brightness to 30-50% can help extend your battery life without sacrificing too much visibility.

Turn Off the LCD Screen

The LCD screen on newer GoPros can drain the battery substantially. If you're willing to shoot in the old-school way, turning off the LCD screen can help you capture more footage on a single charge.

Use a Wall Charger

Using a wall charger instead of a USB cable from your PC or laptop can provide a faster and better charge for your GoPro battery.

Store Batteries in a Warm Place

In cold weather, keep your batteries warm. Place them in an inside zippered pocket of your jacket or bag to protect them from extreme temperatures, which can negatively impact battery life.

Use GoPro Accessories

GoPro offers various accessories to extend your camera's battery life:

• Volta Grip/Charger: This versatile battery grip can provide over four hours of recording time at 5.3K resolution and 30 frames per second. It also has integrated camera buttons, wireless remote capabilities, built-in tripod legs, and weather resistance.
• Dual Battery Charger + Spare Battery: This charger has room for two batteries and is ideal for a quick top-up after a long day of shooting.
• Mobile Power Bank: A power bank can provide ample power for your GoPro, offering two to ten times the standard battery life. However, using a power bank will make your GoPro non-water-resistant.
• Portable Solar Charger: If you enjoy camping or long hiking trips, a solar charger can be a great way to keep your GoPro charged.

Additionally, always having some extra batteries on hand can ensure you never run out of power.

Factors that affect the battery life of a GoPro camera

Several factors can influence the battery life of a GoPro camera, and understanding these factors can help you extend your camera's battery life and ensure it doesn't run out of power at a crucial moment. Here are the key factors that affect the battery life of a GoPro camera:

Video Resolution and Frame Rate

The higher the video resolution and frame rate you choose, the more power your GoPro will consume, leading to shorter battery life. For instance, shooting in 4K or 5.3K resolution will deplete the battery faster than recording at 1080p or 720p. Similarly, higher frame rates like 60fps or 120fps will result in shorter battery life compared to 30fps.

On-Camera Settings and Features

The various settings and features enabled on your GoPro can significantly impact battery life. Features like Wi-Fi, GPS, voice control, and Protune can all contribute to faster battery drainage. Each of these features draws a small amount of power, so turning off any unnecessary features can help extend your battery life.

Temperature

Temperature plays a crucial role in GoPro battery life, with both extreme heat and cold negatively affecting battery performance. GoPro batteries work optimally at moderate temperatures, typically around 68 °F (20 °C). Exposure to direct sunlight, high temperatures, or freezing conditions can cause the battery to drain faster and shorten its overall lifespan.

Age of the Battery

Over time, GoPro batteries tend to lose some of their capacity, which is a common trait among rechargeable batteries. As a result, you may notice a gradual decrease in battery life as your GoPro camera and its battery age. Older GoPro models with older batteries will generally have shorter battery lives than newer models with newer batteries.

LCD Screen Usage

The LCD screens on newer GoPro cameras can be a significant drain on battery life. Keeping the LCD screen turned on while recording will reduce the amount of filming time you can get from a single charge. Turning off the LCD screen can help you capture more footage before needing to recharge.

Remote Control and Smartphone App Usage

Using the GoPro remote control or connecting your camera to a smartphone app can be convenient, but these wireless connections consume a considerable amount of power. Limiting the use of the remote control and smartphone app can help you conserve battery power for extended shooting.

Firmware Updates

Keeping your GoPro's firmware updated is essential for fixing recurrent issues and improving battery life. GoPro may release updates that include features optimising camera power usage, so regularly checking for and installing the latest firmware can help extend your camera's battery life.

External Power Sources

Using external power sources, such as portable power banks or solar chargers, can significantly extend your GoPro's battery life, making them ideal for camping, long trips, or extended shooting sessions. However, it's important to note that connecting your GoPro to an external power source will affect its waterproof capabilities.

How to charge a GoPro camera battery

The battery life of a GoPro camera depends on a variety of factors, including the video mode, external temperature, and on-camera settings. On average, GoPro batteries last for around 60 to 90 minutes of filming.

To charge a GoPro camera battery, you can either keep the battery inside the camera or remove it and use a charging cradle. Here's a step-by-step guide for both methods:

Charging with the Battery Inside the Camera:

• Connect the GoPro charging cable to your camera.
• Plug the other end of the cable into a power source, either a computer or a wall outlet. If using a wall outlet, you'll need an adapter that allows you to plug the USB cable into a standard outlet, similar to what you use for a smartphone.
• The type of USB cable you need depends on your GoPro model. For instance, the GoPro HERO12 Creator Edition and HERO11 Black Mini are compatible with USB-C, while older models like the GoPro HD HERO Original use Mini-USB.
• The charging time varies depending on the power source. Charging through a wall outlet usually takes around two hours, while charging via a computer can take up to four hours.

Charging with the Battery Outside the Camera:

• Remove the battery from the camera. The procedure for doing this depends on your GoPro model. For example, for the GoPro HERO5 Black Edition, locate the button on the bottom panel, press it, slide the door to the side, swing it out to access the battery, and then remove the battery by pulling on the attached plastic strip.
• Insert the battery into a charging cradle.
• Plug the charging cradle into a power source, either a wall adapter or a computer.
• Charging an empty battery to full typically takes around two to four hours. Most cradles have indicator lights to show the charging status: red for charging and green for fully charged.

Tips for Extending Battery Life:

• Avoid using extra settings like Wi-Fi, GPS, and voice control, as these can drain the battery faster.
• Keep your batteries warm in cold weather.
• Turn off the screen and any extra lights when not in use.
• Avoid using a remote or smartphone app.
• Use a wall charger instead of a USB cable from your PC for faster and more efficient charging.
• Keep your GoPro firmware up to date by downloading the latest version.
• Consider purchasing additional batteries and chargers to ensure you always have a fully charged battery on hand.

By following these charging instructions and battery-saving tips, you can maximise the battery life of your GoPro camera and ensure you're always ready to capture your adventures.

How to store a GoPro camera battery

GoPro batteries typically last between 60 and 120 minutes, depending on the model and settings. To ensure you're getting the most out of your GoPro battery, here are some detailed instructions on how to store your GoPro camera battery:

Keep the battery warm in cold weather

Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can drain your GoPro battery faster. If you're in a cold environment, consider storing your battery in an inside zippered pocket of your jacket to keep it warm. This will help extend the battery life.

Use a protective storage case

It is recommended to use a protective storage case to store your GoPro camera battery when not in use. This will protect the battery from physical damage and keep it organised. There are many options available on Amazon, such as plastic protective storage cases, battery carrying cases, and waterproof hard cases. Some cases also have memory card slots, allowing you to store memory cards and batteries together.

Store the battery separately from the camera

If you're not using the camera for an extended period, consider removing the battery and storing it separately. This will prevent any unnecessary drain on the battery and ensure it remains charged when you need to use it.

Keep the battery charged

It is advisable to keep your GoPro battery charged and ready for use. Store fully charged batteries in a safe place and consider investing in extra batteries so you always have a backup. Additionally, using a battery grip like the GoPro Volta can provide a power boost while you're using the camera.

Optimise your camera settings

Certain camera settings can help extend battery life. For example, you can disable extra settings like Wi-Fi, GPS, and voice control when not in use. Turning off the screen, extra lights, and remote or smartphone apps can also help conserve battery power.

Use recommended chargers

Using recommended chargers, such as the GoPro Dual Battery Charger or the GoPro SuperCharger, can help you charge your batteries efficiently. The Dual Battery Charger can charge two batteries simultaneously, which is convenient after a long day of shooting. The SuperCharger enables USB-C-to-C wall charging for a faster charging experience.

Consider battery-saving accessories

There are various accessories available to help extend your GoPro's battery life. These include the Volta grip/charger, which can be used as an external power source, and power banks, such as mobile power banks or solar chargers. These accessories can significantly increase your shooting time, allowing you to capture unforgettable experiences without worrying about battery life.

How long does a GoPro camera battery last in different modes

The battery life of a GoPro camera varies depending on the model, usage, and settings. On average, GoPro batteries last between 60 and 90 minutes when continually shooting in 4K or 5.3K with no other features enabled. However, the battery life can be extended by up to 30 minutes by tweaking certain settings.

GoPro HERO12 Black:

• 5.3K at 60fps: 70 minutes
• 5.3K at 30fps: 90 minutes
• 1080p at 30fps: 155 minutes

GoPro HERO11 Black:

• 5.3K at 60fps: 61 minutes
• 5.3K at 30fps: 80 minutes
• 4K at 120fps: 54 minutes
• 4K at 60fps: 70 minutes
• 4K at 30fps: 88 minutes
• 1080p at 30fps: 137 minutes

GoPro HERO10 Black:

• 5.3K at 60fps: 62 minutes
• 4K at 120fps: 68 minutes
• 4K at 60fps: 94 minutes
• 4K at 30fps: 72 minutes
• 1080p at 240fps: 126 minutes
• 1080p at 60fps: 173 minutes

GoPro HERO9 Black:

• 5K at 30fps: 90 minutes
• 4K at 60fps: 72 minutes
• 4K at 30fps: 112 minutes
• 2.7K at 120fps: 80 minutes
• 1080p at 240fps: 83 minutes
• 1080p at 60fps: 104 minutes

GoPro HERO8 Black:

• 4K at 60fps: 47 minutes
• 4K at 30fps: 74 minutes
• 2.7K at 120fps: 45 minutes
• 1080p at 240fps: 50 minutes
• 1080p at 60fps: 81 minutes

GoPro HERO7 Black:

• 4K at 60fps: 50 minutes
• 4K at 30fps: 90 minutes
• 2.7K at 120fps: 45 minutes
• 1080p at 240fps: 50 minutes
• 1080p at 60fps: 90 minutes

GoPro HERO6 Black:

• 4K at 60fps: 70 minutes
• 4K at 30fps: 95 minutes
• 1080p at 240fps: 60 minutes
• 1080p at 60fps: 100 minutes

GoPro HERO5 Black:

• 4K at 30fps: 90 minutes
• 2.7K at 30fps: 109 minutes
• 1080p at 60fps: 120 minutes
• 1080p at 30fps: 150 minutes

GoPro HERO4 Black:

• 4K at 30fps: 65 minutes
• 2.7K at 30fps: 70 minutes
• 1080p at 60fps: 80 minutes
• 1080p at 30fps: 90 minutes

It is important to note that the battery life can be affected by various factors such as temperature, age of the battery, and the number of features enabled. To maximize battery life, it is recommended to keep the batteries warm in cold weather, turn off extra settings like Wi-Fi and GPS, and use a wall charger instead of a USB cable.

Frequently asked questions