Increasing the GoPro recording time is one of the things that many of us try to better when we want to use this action camera to work or to record our daily lives.
Recording a sporting event, a wedding or a vlog can last longer than we planned. And often, recording these moments is important so that we can watch them later and relive the memories, or so we have all the footage we need to deliver the project.
Any model of GoPro camera can be ideal for this type of recording, as it’s more automatic and doesn’t require so much technical knowledge. However, you need to consider several aspects, such as the GoPro’s recording time.
Although GoPro cameras can withstand almost any condition, they are limited by their own recording time. A GoPro camera can record until the battery life runs out or the storage space is full.
Unfortunately, it’s not possible to record for very long with GoPro cameras, compared to regular-sized cameras. One of the reasons is GoPro batteries are smaller batteries due to their compact size.
So, for how long can a GoPro action camera record? There are a few factors that affect the GoPro recording time. And we’ll cover them here in today’s article.
In today’s guide, I’ll explain the different factors that affect a GoPro recording time and tips that will help increase recording time so you can get the most out of your camera.
Read on to find out!
GoPro Recording Time: How Long Can GoPro Cameras Record Continuously?
GoPro recording time depends on a number of factors. The main factors are the SD card and the video quality.
In addition, another point is power or battery life and overheating, for example.
GoPro.com
GoPro SD Card Capacity
When we talk about the SD card in the GoPro, the GoPro recording time with a 128 GB card is different from the recording time of the 64 GB SD card and the recording time of the 16 GBSD card.
This is because the card’s influence is on its storage capacity. For the sake of understanding, if we keep the settings the same, we can say that a 64 GB card will record half as much as a 128 GB card. The 32 GB card records twice as much as the 16 GB card.
The point here is simple mathematics. Since 32 GB is twice as much as 16 GB, you’ll be able to record twice as much. Or 64 GB is half of 128 GB, so with the 64 GB card you record half as much as with the larger card. Smaller cards will fill up faster.
There are obviously other factors that can get in the way, but the bigger your card, the more time you’ll have.
SD card capacity in each video configuration
GoPro Recording time changes depending on the resolution/bitrate setting used and the capacity of the SD card. Here are the average recording storage times for the HERO11 Black with a 128 GB SD card (according to GoPro itself).
NOTES:
- You can multiply or divide the amount of time in relation to the size of your SD card.
- These are estimates of storage capacity for the SD card (not taking the battery into consideration).
- Different SD card brands may have slightly different times.
GoPro.com
Which Size SD Card Is Best for GoPros?
The bigger the SD card the more likely the camera is to overheat & the more likely you are to have corrupt data while shooting. 32GB cards are the least likely to cause rapid overheating. If you choose to use a bigger SD card, your safest best is to drop down to 1080 60. If you’re going to record for long periods at a time, you want to avoid overheating as much as possible.
Bad SD Cards are an extremely common problem for GoPro camera. You should only use a card approved for your camera from this list. Failing to get an approved card or accidentally buying a knock-off/counterfeit card can result in slowdowns, stopped recordings, low quality, glitching video, corrupted files, total data loss, camera freezes, and boot issues.
If you are specifically using a SanDisk Ultra, please be aware that this card has been known to VERY commonly cause issues and should be avoided at all costs. You can read more on that in this thread.
GoPro Video Settings
The GoPro record time changes depending on the resolution setting. The higher the resolution, the shorter the recording time. Higher resolutions consume more space on the card and require more energy.
In other words, a better setting will have a direct impact on the memory card and also on battery power. This changes the entire recording limit of a GoPro.
So, with a 64 GB memory card, you’ll get more minutes of recording when you use a resolution like 1080p. On the other hand, changing the resolution to 4K means that the recording time decreases.
GoPro Battery Recording Time
The GoPro battery power is significant to the GoPro recording time.
However, there is no set time for battery life. What does exist are estimates that can change according to various factors, as seen above.
Therefore, the higher the power or the better the battery life, the longer the continuous recording time and the longer it will take for your battery to die.
GoPro.com
Other factors can directly influence the recording time, such as the frame rates or the GoPro model you are using. That’s why I say it’s almost impossible to determine exact recording values.
GoPro overheating
Overheating GoPro cameras can cause them to automatically shut down before the battery runs out or the SD card is full.
These cameras are action cameras and are therefore designed to be on the move – cycling, snorkeling, surfing. Movement makes the cameras work better, as they will dissipate heat through the air or water.
On hot days and in direct sunlight, the GoPro camera is more prone to overheating and shutting down. So, keep the camera cool!
How to Increase the GoPro Video Recording Time
Based on the factors we’ve outlined above, it’s clear that there are a few tips that can help keep your camera running longer so you won’t have to deal with clips being cut short.
The best recording time is when you record for as long as you need until the GoPro’s battery runs out.
Here are some easy ways to improve your GoPro’s recording time that can help you.
GoPro.com
Choosing the right camera configuration
Keep in mind what your goal is when you’re going to shoot your videos, so you can select the ideal settings for when you record.
If you just want to capture something for a souvenir, you certainly won’t need a 4k or higher recording. If you consider a lower resolution and frame rate, you’ll get more recording time, as it won’t require as much battery power and won’t take up as much space on your SD card.
But if you’re doing professional work and need to zoom in, you’ll need 4k or 5.3k recording. But bear in mind that the available recording time will be shorter.
Another thing is to choose is the frame rate. Do you really need to slow-motion? Then, choosing high frame rates is essential. If not, you can use a simple 24p or 30p frame rate for your recordings.
One tip is to activate Extended Battery Mode. This will limit the quality of the video, but will give you a more extended period of shooting time.
To prevent your battery from draining faster, you can disable WiFi, GPS, and voice activation. Some minor features that can be adjusted include turning off the indicator lights and beeps.
Camera firmware update
Updating the GoPro firmware can fix many problems. These include how battery power is managed, how the camera handles heat and various video capture settings. This can even help to avoid damaging your equipment.
With this in mind, go to the GoPro website and search for an update that can be performed on your camera. If you can’t find it, contact GoPro support.
GoPro.com
Fully charge your batteries
GoPro batteries drain over time, even when we’re not using them. To get the most recording time possible, make sure you charge your GoPro batteries to 100% before heading out on your adventure.
Tip: Have extra batteries! To make the most of it and get more footage, don’t forget to take a few extra (fully charged) batteries. This is the easiest way to extend your recording session. That’s a good way to get more power.
Have extra SD cards
Always carry extra cards, because if your main card fills up, you’ll be able to keep video recording. And if you have an extra battery, you’ll have more recording time.
Keep it cool
When the GoPro overheats, it will shut down automatically. Here are some tips for keeping your GoPro Hero cool.
- Avoid direct sunlight while video recording if you’re not doing any action activities. Consider filming in the shade or even creating a shadow to make your footage.
- If it’s an exceptionally hot day, try filming short clips, allowing your GoPro to cool down during filming.
- Avoid using the outer case when you’re not diving. It forms a thermal barrier and retains heat.
Now, how about taking these tips and putting them into action to see if your GoPro will increase your recording time.
Even for photo enthusiasts who like to time lapse, these tips will help you get longer time lapses, with more photos.
If you’re going to make a recording, make sure you use the tips above to get the longest recording time.
