GoPro Hero 5 batteries are crucial for capturing your adventures. Keep your camera powered up with reliable alternatives and understand charging best practices to avoid lost moments.
Ever been mid-adventure, just as the perfect shot is about to happen, only to see that dreaded low battery icon? It’s frustrating, right? Your GoPro Hero 5 is ready to capture epic moments, but without a good battery, it’s just a piece of cool gear. Don’t let a dead battery cut your fun short. This guide is here to make powering your GoPro Hero 5 simple and stress-free. We’ll explore the best battery options, how to charge them right, and some handy tips to keep you shooting longer. Get ready to unlock your GoPro’s full potential!
Understanding Your GoPro Hero 5 Battery
The GoPro Hero 5 uses a specific type of lithium-ion battery designed just for its model. These batteries are rechargeable and provide the power your camera needs to record videos and take photos. Like any battery, they have a lifespan and can be affected by temperature and usage.
What Makes a GoPro Hero 5 Battery Unique?
GoPro batteries are engineered for action. They are built to withstand some of the rough conditions you might put your camera through. However, they are still sensitive and need proper care. Understanding their basic workings will help you get the most out of them.
- Capacity: Measured in milliampere-hours (mAh), this tells you how much power the battery can hold. Higher mAh generally means longer recording times.
- Voltage: The electrical potential. GoPro batteries operate at a standard voltage suitable for the camera.
- Rechargeable: These are not disposable. You can recharge them many times, which is great for your wallet and the environment.
The Original GoPro Hero 5 Battery
The battery that comes with your GoPro Hero 5 is designed to work perfectly with your camera. It’s a reliable choice and ensures optimal performance. However, as batteries age, their capacity decreases, meaning they won’t hold a charge as long as they used to.
Choosing the Right Replacement Battery
When it’s time to replace your old battery or you just need a spare, you have a few options. It’s important to choose a battery that is compatible and safe for your GoPro Hero 5.
Original vs. Third-Party Batteries
You can buy official GoPro batteries, or you can choose from a wide range of third-party options. Each has its pros and cons.
- Original GoPro Batteries:
- Pros: Guaranteed compatibility, often come with a warranty, made to GoPro’s high standards.
- Cons: Can be more expensive.
- Third-Party Batteries:
- Pros: Often more affordable, some offer higher capacity than original batteries, widely available.
- Cons: Quality can vary significantly, some may not perform as well, potential for compatibility issues or safety concerns if not from a reputable brand.
When looking at third-party batteries, always check reviews and choose brands known for quality and safety. Look for batteries that specifically state they are compatible with the GoPro Hero 5.
Higher Capacity Batteries
Some aftermarket manufacturers offer batteries with higher mAh ratings than the standard GoPro battery. These can potentially give you longer recording times on a single charge. However, be aware that unofficial batteries might not perform exactly as advertised, and in some rare cases, a significantly higher capacity might impact battery temperature during heavy use.
Where to Buy Confidently
Stick to reputable retailers and well-known brands. Buying directly from GoPro or authorized dealers is always the safest bet for genuine parts. For third-party batteries, check online marketplaces, but always scrutinize reviews and seller ratings. Reputable sources often include detailed specifications and safety certifications.
Charging Your GoPro Hero 5 Battery Safely
How you charge your battery is just as important as the battery itself. Proper charging not only keeps your battery healthy but also prevents potential hazards.
GoPro Dual Battery Charger
This is one of the most convenient ways to charge your GoPro batteries. The official dual charger allows you to charge two batteries at once.
- Benefits: Charges batteries faster than charging them inside the camera, allows you to have a spare battery ready to go at all times, often comes with a USB port to charge your camera simultaneously.
- How it works: Simply slide your GoPro Hero 5 battery into the dedicated slot. The charger will have indicator lights to show charging status.
You can power the dual charger using a standard USB cable connected to a computer, a USB wall adapter, or even a power bank like those from Anker, which is fantastic for charging on the go.
Charging Inside the Camera
You can also charge your GoPro Hero 5 battery directly by plugging a USB cable into the camera’s side port and connecting it to a power source. While convenient, it’s generally slower than using a dedicated charger.
- Pros: Simple, requires fewer accessories if you only have one battery.
- Cons: Slower charging, you can’t use your camera for shooting while it’s plugged in and charging.
For best results and faster charging, especially if you have multiple batteries, the dual battery charger is usually the preferred method.
What to Look For in a Charger
If you’re buying a third-party charger or a multi-battery charging system, ensure it’s designed for GoPro Hero 5 batteries. Look for features like:
- Overcharge Protection: Prevents the battery from being damaged by overcharging.
- Short Circuit Protection: Guards against electrical shorts.
- Temperature Control: Ensures the battery doesn’t overheat during charging.
Many reputable third-party chargers will list compatibility with GoPro Hero 5 batteries. Always verify this.
Battery Life Tips for Your GoPro Hero 5
Even with a brand new battery, you can extend its life and get more recording time with a few smart habits.
Manage Your Camera Settings
Certain settings drain the battery faster than others.
- Screen Brightness: Lowering the screen brightness can save power.
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when you’re not actively using them to transfer files or control your camera remotely. These wireless connections use a significant amount of power.
- Voice Control: While convenient, voice commands can consume battery if the microphone is constantly active.
- Video Resolution and Frame Rate: Shooting in very high resolutions (like 4K) and frame rates (like 120fps) uses more power than shooting in lower settings.
Temperature Matters
Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can negatively impact battery performance and longevity.
- Cold Weather: Batteries perform poorly in cold. Keep your spare batteries in an inside pocket, close to your body, to keep them warm.
- Hot Weather: Don’t leave your GoPro or its batteries in direct sunlight or a hot car. Heat can degrade the battery faster and, in extreme cases, pose a safety risk. If your camera feels very hot, let it cool down before continuing to shoot or charge.
Store Batteries Properly
When you’re not using your GoPro for an extended period, it’s best to store the batteries partially charged, around 50% capacity. Storing them fully charged or completely drained for long durations can reduce their overall lifespan.
- Storage Location: Keep them in a cool, dry place.
- Battery Cases: Use protective cases that prevent accidental discharge and damage.
Troubleshooting Common Battery Issues
Sometimes, you might encounter problems with your GoPro Hero 5 battery. Here are a few common issues and how to address them.
Battery Not Charging
If your battery isn’t charging, check a few simple things:
- Clean the Contacts: Gently clean the metal contacts on both the battery and the charger (or camera) with a dry, soft cloth or a pencil eraser.
- Try a Different Charger/Cable: Test your charger and USB cable with another device, or try a different known-good USB cable and power adapter with your GoPro charger.
- Use a Different Power Source: Plug into a different wall outlet or USB port.
- Inspect the Battery: Look for any physical damage to the battery. If it appears swollen, leaking, or damaged, discontinue use immediately and dispose of it safely.
- Try Charging Inside Camera: If it won’t charge in the dual charger, try charging it directly in the camera. If it charges there, the issue might be with the dual charger.
Battery Drains Too Quickly
If your battery life has suddenly become very short, even after a full charge, consider these points:
- Age: Batteries degrade over time and with use. An older battery will naturally hold less charge.
- Settings: Review our “Battery Life Tips” section above. High resolutions, constant Wi-Fi, or a very bright screen will drain it faster.
- Extreme Temperatures: Using or storing the camera in very hot or cold conditions can significantly reduce battery performance.
- Background Processes: Ensure there are no software updates or background downloads running on the camera that you aren’t aware of.
If the battery is old or shows signs of significant performance degradation, it’s likely time for a replacement.
Battery Error or Not Recognized
Sometimes, your GoPro might display an error message or simply not recognize the battery.
- Reseat the Battery: Remove the battery, wait a few seconds, and reinsert it firmly.
- Check for Firmware Updates: Ensure your GoPro Hero 5 has the latest firmware installed. Sometimes, firmware updates improve battery management and compatibility. You can check for updates on the GoPro support website.
- Try Another Battery: If you have a known-good battery, test it in your camera. If it works, the issue is with the original battery. If neither battery works, the problem might be with the camera itself.
- Third-Party Compatibility: If you’re using a third-party battery, it might occasionally experience compatibility glitches. Try an original GoPro battery to see if the issue resolves.
Comparing Battery Options: A Quick Look
To help you decide, here’s a simple comparison of battery types you might consider for your GoPro Hero 5.
| Feature | Original GoPro Battery | Reputable Third-Party Battery | High-Capacity Third-Party Battery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $$$ | $$ | $$ |
| Reliability | Excellent | Good to Very Good (Brand Dependent) | Variable (Check Reviews) |
| Performance | Optimized for GoPro | Generally good, may vary | Potentially longer runtime, but check specifications |
| Safety Certifications | High | Varies (Look for CE, FCC) | Varies (Look for CE, FCC) |
| Availability | GoPro Stores, Authorized Retailers | Online Retailers, Electronics Stores | Online Retailers |
| Warranty | Standard GoPro Warranty | Varies by brand/retailer | Varies by brand/retailer |
Frequently Asked Questions About GoPro Hero 5 Batteries
Q1: How long should a GoPro Hero 5 battery last on a full charge?
A1: A genuine GoPro Hero 5 battery typically lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours of continuous recording in good conditions. This can vary greatly depending on the recording resolution, frame rate, and use of features like Wi-Fi.
Q2: Can I use any USB charger for my GoPro Hero 5 battery?
A2: While you can use most standard USB chargers (5V, 1A or 2A) to charge your GoPro Hero 5 via its USB port or a dual charger, it’s best to use chargers from reputable brands. Very low-quality chargers might charge slowly or, in rare cases, pose a risk. Using the official GoPro charger or a well-known brand like Anker is recommended.
Q3: How do I dispose of an old GoPro battery?
A3: Old lithium-ion batteries should never be thrown in regular trash. They can be a fire hazard. Many electronic stores have battery recycling drop-off points. You can also check with your local waste management facility or search online for battery recycling centers in your area. Alternatively, check with GoPro’s website for any specific disposal guidance.
Q4: What does the “low temperature” warning mean on my GoPro?
A4: This warning means the battery temperature is too low to operate the camera effectively or safely. In cold weather, batteries lose power faster. Storing spare batteries in an inside pocket can help keep them warm and extend their usability.
Q5: Is it okay to leave my GoPro battery in the charger overnight?
A5: Most modern chargers, including official GoPro chargers, have overcharge protection. This means they will stop charging once the battery is full. So, it’s generally safe to leave it overnight. However, for optimal battery health, it’s often recommended to remove batteries once they are fully charged rather than keeping them constantly topped up.
Q6: How can I check the health of my GoPro battery?
A6: GoPro cameras don’t have a built-in battery health indicator. The best way to gauge battery health is by observing its performance. If you notice a significant decrease in recording time, or if the battery drains very quickly even with minimal usage, it’s likely a sign that the battery is aging and its capacity has reduced.
Conclusion
Keeping your GoPro Hero 5 powered during your adventures is essential for capturing all those amazing moments. We’ve explored how the GoPro Hero 5 battery works, highlighted the differences between original and third-party options, and shared crucial tips on safe charging and extending battery life. Remember, whether you choose an official GoPro battery or a well-vetted alternative, proper care and smart usage habits will ensure your camera is ready when inspiration strikes.
Don’t let a forgotten charger or a drained battery stop your next epic story. By understanding your power source and following these simple guidelines, you can confidently hit record and focus on the adventure ahead. Happy shooting!