Gopro Cameras: Which Models Offer The Longest Battery Life?

If you're planning on using your GoPro camera for long periods, it's important to consider which model has the longest battery life. The battery life of a GoPro camera varies depending on the model and video mode. The GoPro HERO10 Black and HERO9 Black, for example, offer 40% more battery capacity than the HERO8 Black, HERO7 Black, and HERO6 Black. The HERO10 and HERO9 use a 1720mAh battery, while the HERO8 and previous models use a smaller 1220mAh battery.

The video mode you use also affects battery life. Higher resolution and frame rates consume more power, while lower resolutions are more energy efficient. For instance, the HERO10 can record for 120 minutes at 1080p/30fps, but only 83 minutes using HyperSmooth High.

To extend your GoPro's battery life, you can use accessories like the Volta battery grip, which provides an additional 4900mAh of power, or portable power banks, which can offer two to ten times the standard battery life.

The GoPro Hero 12 has the longest battery life of the latest models

The improved battery life of the Hero 12 is due to the removal of support for GPS data. This is a worthwhile trade-off, as the majority of users do not require this feature, and it allows for a much-improved battery performance.

The Hero 12 also comes with a range of new features, including improved video stabilisation, a new wide-angle lens accessory, and new tools for content creators, such as vertical capture for TikTok and Instagram Reels.

While the GoPro Hero 12 has the longest battery life of the latest GoPro models, there are ways to extend the battery life of other GoPro cameras. For example, the Volta battery grip can be used to charge your camera while you use it, providing over four hours of 5.3K recording at 30 frames per second.

Additionally, tailoring your camera settings to your activity can help maximise battery life. GoPro's Video Performance Modes allow you to configure your camera setup to match your activity, such as the Tripod/Stationary Video setting, which offers optimal resolution and frame rates for long video shoots.

The Hero 10 offers 5K resolution at 60fps

The GoPro Hero 10 offers 5K resolution at 60fps, which is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the Hero 9. This means that the Hero 10 can capture super crisp slow-motion videos in resolutions up to 5.3K. The 5K resolution at 60fps can be slowed down by 2X to create amazing, cinematic slow motion. The 5K resolution also allows for cropping to a 4K resolution without losing image quality.

The Hero 10's 5K resolution at 60fps is made possible by the GP2 processor, which is GoPro's 2nd custom-designed silicon to run their cameras. The GP2 processor also enables the Hero 10 to have a smoother live preview experience on the front screen and a more responsive touchscreen on the back.

In addition to the improved resolution and frame rate, the Hero 10 offers several other upgrades over the Hero 9. The Hero 10 has a new hydrophobic lens cover that sheds water better, so water droplets don't form on the lens. The lens is also more scratch-resistant and reduces pink flares in certain lighting conditions. The Hero 10 has improved low-light performance, with reduced noise in 4K/30 and 4K/24 settings. The camera also has a faster transfer speed to your phone via a wired connection and faster WiFi uploads.

The Hero 10 has the same battery life as the Hero 9, which is around 83 minutes in HyperSmooth High mode. To extend the battery life, you can use the recently launched Video Performance Modes, which allow you to configure your camera setup to match your activity and maximize battery life.

Overall, the Hero 10 offers significant upgrades in terms of resolution, frame rate, image quality, and lens coating. The GP2 processor also improves the touchscreen responsiveness and live preview experience. However, the battery life remains similar to the Hero 9, so you may need to configure your camera settings to maximize battery life, especially when shooting at high resolutions and frame rates.

The Hero 9 provides a battery life of up to 145 minutes

The GoPro Hero 9 offers a battery life of up to 145 minutes, depending on the video resolution and frame rate selected. This is a significant improvement over its predecessor, the Hero 8, which has a maximum battery life of 81 minutes. The Hero 9's battery capacity is 1720mAh, which is a notable upgrade from the Hero 8's 1220mAh battery.

The Hero 9's battery life can be attributed to its larger battery capacity, which translates to more extended recording times, especially when shooting in 4K. For instance, the Hero 9 provides around 23 additional minutes of continuous 4K recording compared to the Hero 8. This extended battery life is advantageous for users who require longer recording sessions without frequent interruptions to swap batteries.

It is worth noting that the Hero 9's battery life is influenced by various factors, including the chosen video mode, temperature, and enabled features. Higher resolution video modes, such as 5.3K/60fps, will deplete the battery faster than lower resolution settings like 1080p/30fps. Additionally, extreme temperatures can impact battery performance, with optimal performance typically occurring around 68 °F ± 9 °F.

To maximise the Hero 9's battery life, users can employ several strategies. These include enabling the "Auto Power Off" setting, reducing display brightness, disabling unnecessary settings, and storing batteries in a warm place during cold weather. By optimising these factors, users can ensure they capture their adventures without frequently running out of power.

Overall, the GoPro Hero 9's battery life of up to 145 minutes offers a substantial improvement over previous models, providing users with more flexibility and recording time for their adventures.

The Hero 8 has a removable battery

The GoPro Hero 8 has a removable battery, which is great news for anyone wanting to extend their shooting time. The 1220mAh lithium-ion rechargeable battery can be used as a spare or replacement battery. This means that if you're planning a long day of video shooting, it's a good idea to have a fully charged spare battery on hand to swap in when your first one runs out.

There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to the Hero 8's battery. Firstly, it's important to follow all warnings and instructions in the camera's user manual. Secondly, this battery contains Antimony, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects, so handle with care.

If you're looking for a way to charge your Hero 8 battery without removing the battery door, you might consider purchasing a metal battery door with a Type-C charging port. This will allow you to use a power bank to charge your camera, which is perfect for continuous shooting, especially for recording time-lapse videos or extended footage. However, keep in mind that this will compromise the camera's water-tightness, so it's not suitable if you plan to submerge your camera.

Additionally, there are a variety of third-party replacement batteries available for the Hero 8, which can be purchased individually or in multi-packs, often with charging stations included. These batteries vary in their milliampere-hour (mAh) capacity, so be sure to check that the one you choose suits your needs.

The GoPro Max has a 1,600mAh lithium-ion battery

The GoPro Max's battery life is significantly longer than that of the GoPro Hero 8, which has a battery capacity of 1,220mAh and a battery life of 67 to 81 minutes. The GoPro Max also surpasses the GoPro Hero 7, which offers 45 to 85 minutes of continuous shooting.

The GoPro Max's battery capacity is also greater than that of the GoPro Hero 9, with its 1,720mAh battery, and the GoPro Hero 10, which has the same battery capacity. The GoPro Max's higher battery capacity translates to a longer battery life, making it a good choice for those seeking an action camera with extended recording times.

Additionally, the GoPro Max has the advantage of a removable battery, allowing users to carry spare batteries and swap them out when needed. This feature further enhances the camera's usability for extended periods, making it a versatile option for adventurers and filmmakers alike.

Frequently asked questions