One of the great things about GoPro cameras is that they’re designed to work in a wide range of settings, including cold weather environments. Nonetheless, you’ll want to take some precautions to protect your camera from the cold. Whether you’re shooting winter sports or just documenting a day out in the snow, a few simple tricks can help keep your camera safe.
If you’re using a GoPro in cold weather, make sure the camera is properly charged and bring extra batteries, since cold weather drains power more quickly. Try to keep the camera warm, even when it’s not in use. You can also use waterproof housing to protect the camera from the elements.
Extreme cold weather can have adverse effects on GoPro cameras, such as reducing battery life and causing the camera to freeze. So let’s take a closer look at the steps you can take to prevent any issues while you’re out in the cold with your GoPro.
Do GoPros Work in Cold Weather?
GoPros are designed to function in many different environments, including in moderately cold weather conditions. They also work in sub-zero weather, but some potential issues can occur when they get too cold.
One of the most common issues is that the battery will die more quickly. This is because the battery needs to work harder to power the GoPro in the cold. Another potential issue is that the GoPro may not function properly if the lens gets too cold.
This can cause fogging or streaking on the images or video. To avoid this problem, it’s recommended to keep the GoPro in an insulated case or close to your body to keep it warm.
How Can You Winterize a GoPro?
If you’ll be using your GoPro in cold weather conditions, it’s important to take some steps to winterize it ahead of time. Follow the below tips to ensure that your GoPro continues to function properly in colder temperatures.
Batteries
As we mentioned earlier, cold weather will sap the power from your GoPro’s battery quicker than usual. To avoid this problem, pack extra batteries, and keep them as close to your body as possible to stay warm.
Alternatively, you can purchase a Battery BacPac (on Amazon) or Skeleton Backdoor (also on Amazon) to extend the life of a single charge.
And if you’re shooting long time-lapses or other high-resolution content, consider investing in an external power source.
Storage
When temperatures drop, so does the humidity level — and this can spell disaster for electronic devices like your GoPro. If water vapor condenses on or inside your camera, it could cause severe damage. To prevent this, store your GoPro in an airtight container with a desiccant packet.
You can find desiccant packets (on Amazon) online, or you can make your own by stuffing a cotton ball in the bottom of a Ziploc bag and adding a few grains of rice.
When you’re ready to use your GoPro, simply remove the desiccant packet (and any condensation that may have formed on it) before putting your camera away.
Lenses
If you plan on using your GoPro in freezing weather, there’s a chance that the lens could fog up. To avoid this problem, keep your camera close to your body to stay warm, or invest in an anti-fog insert.
These devices fit inside the camera housing and prevent moisture from condensing on the lens.
Firmware
Finally, before heading out into the cold, ensure your GoPro’s firmware is up to date. As with any electronic device, manufacturers occasionally release updates that improve performance or fix bugs.
And since you won’t be able to connect your camera to the internet while you’re out in the middle of nowhere, it’s best to update before you go.
How Can You Increase Battery Life in Cold Weather?
There are a few things you can do to help extend the life of your GoPro’s battery in cold weather:
- Use a higher-capacity battery. The higher the mAh (milliampere-hours), the longer your GoPro will run before needing a charge.
- Keep your GoPro as warm as possible. The colder it is, the harder your GoPro has to work to stay running, which uses up battery life faster.
- Use an external power source whenever possible. This will take some of the strain off your GoPro’s battery and help it last longer.
- Turn off any unnecessary features. If you don’t need WiFi or Bluetooth, for example, then turn them off. Every little bit helps!
- Store your GoPro in a warm place when you’re not using it. This will help preserve battery life, so that the camera is ready to go when you are.
- Leave the camera on standby rather than turning it off completely. Starting up your GoPro uses up a bit of battery power, so it’s better to leave it on standby in between uses.
- Keep spare batteries handy. This way, you can swap out a dead battery for a fresh one and keep shooting!
By following these tips, you can help make sure that your GoPro’s battery lasts as long as possible in cold weather conditions.
Why Do Batteries Drain So Quickly in Cold Weather?
Batteries tend to drain more quickly in cold weather because chemical reactions proceed more slowly in cold temperatures. This means that the battery can’t produce as much power, which in turn causes it to drain more quickly.
The opposite is true in warm weather — the chemical reaction is faster, so the battery produces more power and lasts longer in the short run. In the long run, however, heat is one of the biggest enemies of batteries, so it’s important not to let them get too hot either!
Insulating the Gopro
If you plan to use your GoPro in cold weather, it’s a good idea to insulate it as much as possible. This will help keep the camera warm and prevent battery drain.
One way to do this is to put your GoPro in a waterproof housing (on Amazon). Another option is to put your GoPro in a zip-top bag before putting it in its housing. This will create an extra layer of insulation between the camera and the outside world.
When the GoPro isn’t in use, it’s also a good idea to store it in a warm place. This will help preserve battery life and keep the camera from being damaged by the cold temperatures.