Extending Action Camera Battery Life: Tips And Tricks

Action cameras are great for capturing your adventures, but their battery life can be a limiting factor. Here are some tips to help you extend the battery life of your action camera and make the most of your device:

- Update the firmware: Manufacturers often release firmware updates that can improve battery life and add new features to your camera.

- Record with a lower resolution and frame rate: Recording in high resolution, such as 4K or 5.3K, consumes more power. Switching to Full HD resolution can help extend battery life, but keep in mind that this will affect image quality.

- Turn off the screen: The LCD screen on your action camera uses a lot of power. Turning it off during recording can help conserve battery.

- Disable Wi-Fi: Connecting your camera to an app via Wi-Fi can drain the battery faster. Turning off Wi-Fi can give you 10 to 15 extra minutes of recording time.

- Turn off the camera when not in use: This may seem obvious, but it's easy to accidentally turn on the camera. Always check that it's off when you're not recording to prevent unnecessary battery drain.

- Use an external power supply: If your camera supports it, you can connect it to an external power bank or plug it into your car's 12V socket to extend recording time.

- Carry spare batteries: If you're going to be using your camera for extended periods, carrying spare batteries or a portable charger is recommended.

- Choose the right type of battery: Rechargeable NiMH batteries are a good choice for action cameras as they are designed for high-power applications and are environmentally friendly. Lithium-ion batteries also offer longer life and predictable consumption.

Turn off the screen

To lengthen the battery life of an action camera, one of the most effective steps is to turn off the screen while recording. The LCD screen on newer action cameras consumes a lot of energy, so turning it off can significantly extend the battery life. This is especially true for cameras with screens on the front, such as the DJI Osmo Action and GoPro HERO 9 or newer models.

To compensate for the lack of a screen, some action cameras can be controlled via a mobile app. However, connecting to an app will also drain the battery faster, so it is recommended to only use this feature when necessary. Additionally, make sure to keep the camera firmware updated, as manufacturers often release updates that can improve power efficiency and overall battery life.

Another way to conserve battery life is to lower the resolution and frame rate of the camera. Recording in high resolution requires more pixels, which consumes more energy. Similarly, a higher frame rate will result in higher energy consumption. Therefore, choosing a lower resolution and frame rate can help extend the battery life of your action camera.

Other power-saving measures include disabling Wi-Fi and other connectivity features, avoiding extreme temperatures, and carrying spare batteries or a portable charger. By following these tips, you can effectively lengthen the battery life of your action camera and ensure uninterrupted recording.

Record with a lower resolution

Recording with a lower resolution is one of the most effective ways to extend the battery life of your action camera. This is because recording in high resolutions such as 5.3K or 4K consumes more energy, as the camera has to process and store more pixels. By choosing a lower resolution such as Full HD (1080p), your camera's battery will last significantly longer.

For example, the GoPro HERO10 with the new Enduro Battery can record for 120 minutes at 1080p/30fps, whereas at higher resolutions and frame rates, the battery life decreases. The GoPro HERO9, for instance, can only record for 97 minutes at Hypersmooth High, and the GoPro HERO8 for 81 minutes.

Similarly, the DJI Osmo Action has a battery life of up to 135 minutes when recording at 1080p resolution, but this will be shorter if you opt for a higher resolution.

Recording at a lower resolution is a simple way to make your battery last longer, but it's important to note that it will affect the image quality of your footage. If image quality is a priority for you, there are other ways to extend your battery life, such as updating the firmware, turning off the screen when not in use, and disabling WiFi.

If you're planning on using your action camera for an extended period, it's a good idea to carry spare batteries or a portable charger, as well as implementing these battery-saving measures.

Turn off Wi-Fi

One of the most effective ways to lengthen the battery life of an action camera is to turn off Wi-Fi. When Wi-Fi is enabled, devices are constantly searching for a connection, which consumes a significant amount of power. By disabling Wi-Fi, you can extend the battery life by 10 to 15 minutes. This is especially useful if you are not using features that require a Wi-Fi connection, such as transferring files or streaming live footage.

To turn off Wi-Fi on your action camera, you can usually do so through the settings menu. The exact steps may vary depending on the camera model and manufacturer. However, for most cameras, you can access the Wi-Fi settings and simply toggle the switch to turn it off. Some cameras may also have a physical switch or button that allows you to turn off Wi-Fi instantly.

It is important to note that turning off Wi-Fi will prevent your camera from connecting to wireless networks. If you need to transfer footage or use other Wi-Fi-dependent features, you can temporarily enable Wi-Fi. However, remember to turn it off again when you're done to conserve battery power.

Additionally, some cameras offer power-saving modes that automatically turn off Wi-Fi when it's not in use. These modes can be useful if you want to save battery power without having to manually manage your Wi-Fi settings. Check your camera's settings or user manual to see if this feature is available.

By following these simple steps and turning off Wi-Fi when not in use, you can significantly improve the battery life of your action camera, allowing you to capture more moments without worrying about a dead battery.

Turn off the camera when not in use

Turning off your action camera when not in use is one of the most effective ways to conserve its battery life. This may seem obvious, but it's easy to accidentally press the power button, leaving the camera running and wasting valuable battery power. By regularly checking that the camera is off when not in use, you can prevent this from happening and save your battery for when you need it.

• Always check that the camera is turned off when you finish recording. Even if you're just taking a short break, it's best to turn it off to conserve power.
• Be mindful of accidental button presses. Some cameras can be turned on with a single press of the power button, so be careful not to press it accidentally when handling the camera.
• If you're not going to be using the camera for an extended period, remove the battery and store it in a cool, dry place. This will help maintain the battery's charge and longevity.
• Consider using an external power supply or battery bank if you need to record for long periods. Some action cameras have a "loop and dashcam mode" that allows you to connect to a 12V power source, such as a car's cigarette lighter or USB sockets.
• Invest in spare batteries. If you're going to be out and about without access to a charger, having spare batteries can ensure your camera keeps running.
• Keep your camera firmware up to date. Manufacturers often release firmware updates that improve battery life, so make sure to check for updates regularly.
• Use the camera's power-saving features. Many modern action cameras have power-saving modes that automatically turn off non-essential functions when not in use, helping to extend battery life.
• Be mindful of extreme temperatures. Both cold and hot temperatures can affect battery life, so try to keep your camera at room temperature when possible.

Use an external power supply

Using an external power supply is a great way to extend the battery life of your action camera, especially if you're planning on filming for long periods. This is a particularly good option if your camera has a loop and dashcam mode, also known as car mode. This will allow you to plug your camera into the 12v cigarette lighter or USB sockets in your car, keeping it recording continuously while on your car's dash.

You can also use an external power bank or battery extender to keep your camera charged while filming. This is a good option if you're filming for an extended period and don't want to stop to swap out batteries. It's worth noting that some cameras can overheat if you use an external power supply while also using the internal battery, so consider removing the internal battery if your model allows it.

If you're using an external power bank, make sure it's powerful enough to keep your camera charged. A 26,800 mAh portable charger, for example, can provide ample power to a GoPro camera.

While using an external power supply, it's important to manage your camera's battery usage. Features like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth can drain the battery quickly, so consider turning these off if you don't need them.

Using an external power supply is a great way to ensure your action camera keeps recording for extended periods, but it's always a good idea to carry spare batteries or a portable charger as a backup.

Frequently asked questions