When it comes to capturing life’s most thrilling moments, GoPro’s Hero5 is undoubtedly one of the most popular and reliable action cameras on the market. With its stunning 4K video capabilities, rugged design, and user-friendly interface, it’s no wonder why adventure-seekers and content creators alike swear by this tiny but mighty device. However, one crucial aspect often overlooked is the battery life of this powerhouse. How long does a GoPro 5 battery last, exactly? In this in-depth article, we’ll dive into the nitty-gritty details to give you a comprehensive understanding of what to expect from your Hero5’s battery performance.
Factors Affecting GoPro 5 Battery Life
Before we dive into the actual battery life expectations, it’s essential to understand the various factors that can impact your GoPro 5’s performance. These include:
Resolution and Frame Rate
Recording in higher resolutions (such as 4K at 30fps) and frame rates will naturally drain your battery faster than lower resolutions (like 1080p at 60fps). The more demanding the video settings, the more power your camera will consume.
Screen On/Off
Leaving the screen on will reduce battery life, as it requires constant power to operate. Turning it off when not in use can help conserve energy.
Wi-Fi and GPS
Enabling Wi-Fi and GPS can also impact battery life, as these features require additional power to function.
Temperature and Environment
Extreme temperatures, humidity, and weather conditions can affect battery performance. For example, using your GoPro in freezing temperatures can reduce battery life.
Age and Health of the Battery
As your battery ages, its capacity to hold a charge will gradually decrease. Regularly calibrating and maintaining your battery can help prolong its lifespan.
Battery Life Expectations: Real-World Testing
To give you a better understanding of the GoPro 5’s battery life, let’s examine some real-world testing results:
Default Settings
With the camera set to its default settings (1080p at 60fps, screen off, Wi-Fi and GPS disabled), the battery life can last around 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours.
High-Performance Mode
When recording in 4K at 30fps with the screen on, Wi-Fi and GPS enabled, the battery life drops significantly to around 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Low-Power Mode
By reducing the video quality to 720p at 60fps, turning off the screen, and disabling Wi-Fi and GPS, you can extend the battery life to around 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours.
Tips for Maximizing GoPro 5 Battery Life
To get the most out of your Hero5’s battery, follow these expert tips:
Turn Off Wi-Fi and GPS When Not Needed
Disable these features when you’re not using them to conserve energy.
Use Low-Power Mode
Switch to lower video resolutions and frame rates when possible to reduce power consumption.
Turn Off the Screen
When not in use, turn off the screen to avoid unnecessary power drain.
Calibrate Your Battery
Regularly calibrate your battery to maintain its optimal performance.
Update Your Firmware
Ensure you’re running the latest firmware to take advantage of any battery life improvements.
Battery Care and Maintenance
To prolong the lifespan of your GoPro 5 battery, it’s crucial to follow proper care and maintenance tips:
Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Store your GoPro in a cool, dry place to prevent damage from extreme temperatures.
Avoid Deep Discharging
Try to keep your battery level between 20% and 80% if possible, as deep discharging can reduce its overall capacity.
Update Your Battery Firmware
Regularly update your battery firmware to ensure you have the latest features and improvements.
Store Your Battery Properly
When not in use, store your battery in a cool, dry place away from metal objects.
Conclusion
The GoPro 5’s battery life can vary greatly depending on your usage and settings. By understanding the factors that affect performance and following our expert tips, you can maximize your battery life and capture more of your favorite moments. Remember to properly care for and maintain your battery to ensure optimal performance throughout its lifespan.
With the Hero5, you can expect a battery life of around 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours in default settings, and up to 3 hours in low-power mode. By being mindful of your camera’s power consumption, you can unleash the full potential of your GoPro 5 and take your content creation to the next level.
How long does a GoPro Hero 5 battery last?
The GoPro Hero 5 battery life varies depending on the usage and mode. On average, the battery can last around 40-50 minutes of continuous 4K video recording at 30fps. However, this can extend up to 2 hours when recording in lower resolutions or using the device’s built-in Wi-Fi.
It’s also important to note that other factors such as the ambient temperature, the age of the battery, and the usage of certain features like GPS or voice commands can affect the battery life. Additionally, it’s recommended to turn off the device when not in use, use a battery-saving mode, and update the firmware regularly to optimize the battery performance.
Can I extend the battery life of my GoPro Hero 5?
Yes, there are several ways to extend the battery life of your GoPro Hero 5. One of the most effective ways is to use an external battery pack or a portable power bank. These devices can provide additional power to your camera, allowing you to record for longer periods. You can also adjust the camera settings to reduce power consumption, such as turning off the GPS or using a lower video resolution.
Another way to extend the battery life is to use a battery-saving mode. This feature reduces the power consumption of the camera by turning off certain features like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Additionally, you can turn off the camera when not in use, and avoid extreme temperatures, which can affect the battery performance.
How do I charge my GoPro Hero 5 battery?
To charge your GoPro Hero 5 battery, you’ll need to use the USB-C cable that came with the device. Simply connect the cable to a power source, such as a wall adapter or a computer, and plug the other end into the camera. The camera will automatically start charging the battery.
It’s recommended to charge the battery for at least 30 minutes before use, and to keep the camera away from extreme temperatures during charging. Additionally, you can use a portable power bank or an external battery pack to charge your camera on the go.
Can I replace the battery of my GoPro Hero 5?
Yes, the battery of your GoPro Hero 5 is removable and replaceable. You can purchase a replacement battery from the GoPro website or from authorized retailers. However, it’s recommended to only use genuine GoPro batteries to ensure compatibility and safety.
Before replacing the battery, make sure to turn off the camera and remove any external accessories. Then, simply pull out the old battery and insert the new one, making sure it’s properly aligned and secure. Replace the battery door and you’re ready to go.
How many times can I charge my GoPro Hero 5 battery?
The GoPro Hero 5 battery is designed to last for around 300-400 charge cycles. A charge cycle is defined as a full discharge followed by a full recharge. After this number of cycles, the battery may start to lose its capacity and overall performance.
However, with proper care and maintenance, you can extend the life of your battery. Avoid extreme temperatures, keep the battery away from moisture, and avoid deep discharging (allowing the battery to drain to 0% frequently).
Can I use my GoPro Hero 5 while it’s charging?
Yes, you can use your GoPro Hero 5 while it’s charging, but there are some limitations. The camera will not record video or take photos while it’s charging, but you can use it to adjust settings, review footage, or access other features.
However, it’s not recommended to use the camera extensively while it’s charging, as this can increase the charging time and reduce the overall battery life. Additionally, using the camera while charging may also generate heat, which can affect the performance and longevity of the battery.
How do I maintain my GoPro Hero 5 battery?
To maintain your GoPro Hero 5 battery, it’s recommended to follow a few best practices. Avoid extreme temperatures, such as leaving the camera in a hot car or in freezing conditions. Also, keep the battery away from moisture, and avoid deep discharging (allowing the battery to drain to 0% frequently).
Additionally, you can calibrate the battery by letting it drain to 0% and then charging it to 100%. This can help to maintain the battery’s accuracy and overall performance. It’s also recommended to update the camera’s firmware regularly to ensure that you have the latest features and performance optimizations.