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Is it Normal for a GoPro to Get Hot?

GoPro cameras can get quite hot to the touch when recording in the high-end video modes. It's normal, and there's also a built-in safety feature in later models.

GoPro gets hot in the snow

By David Coleman | @havecamerawilltraveldc
Last updated about 1 month ago // Categories: Troubleshooting
Tags: GoPro HERO4 Black, GoPro HERO5 Black, GoPro HERO5 Session, GoPro HERO6 Black, GoPro HERO7 Black, GoPro HERO8 Black, GoPro HERO9 Black

Deal: GoPro HERO9 Black Bundle

GoPro is running a deal on the new HERO9 Black, their newest and best camera. It's a bundle that includes the HERO9 Black, a 1-year subscription to GoPro, a Magnetic Swivel Clip, a spare battery, a Floating Hand Grip, and a 32GB SD card. It's all for $399.98.

Wondering whether it’s normal that your GoPro is getting very hot? Yes, it is. And quite hot, at that.

You’ll notice it particularly when recording with the high-end video modes that keep the camera’s internal processor working hard as well as transferring large amounts of data to the memory card. Features like HyperSmooth video stabilization, for example. The camera and memory card can get quite hot to the touch, even to the point that it can be uncomfortable to hold and feel like it’s overheating.

It’s especially noticeable with some of the newer models like the HERO9 Black when you’re using the high-end video modes. Those modes require lots of processing power and large amounts of data being written to the memory card very quickly. The metal rim around the lens port acts as a heat sink, drawing the heat out to dissipate it into the air. The result is that it can become very hot. And if you take the microSD card out right away after recording in the high-end modes, you’ll find that that’s hot too.

But you’re definitely not the first to ask. Indeed, GoPro anticipated the question and addresses it directly in the instruction manuals [PDF]. They also offer some good suggestions for mitigating the heat problem and working around it.

And the good news is that there’s a safety mechanism built in to newer models–the camera will shut down if it gets too hot and show you a message explaining why it’s shutting down (and an icon of a thermometer). While that’s frustrating if you’re in the middle of capturing something important, it’s at least better than causing damage to the camera.

Here’s what the HERO9 Black instruction manual says on the issue (from p.101):

Shooting video at a high resolution and frame rate will also cause your camera to heat up faster, especially in hot environments. Try switching to a lower resolution and frame rate to lower the risk of overheating your GoPro.

And:

The Temperature icon appears on the touch screen if your camera becomes too hot and needs to cool down. Your camera was designed to recognize when it’s at risk of overheating and will shut down when needed. Simply let it sit and cool before using it again. Heads Up: The operating ambient temperature range of your HERO9 Black is 14°F ~ 95°F (10°C ~ 35°C). High temperatures will cause your camera to use more power and drain the battery faster.

Because the heat is only generated when the camera is working, one strategy to keep it within normal operating temperatures is to shoot in short bursts when possible. If you don’t need a long stream of non-stop footage, breaks between recording clips will allow the camera to cool down.

If the camera does start overheating and shows the CAMERA TOO HOT warning, there’s only one thing you can do–let it sit to cool down for a bit before trying again. How long that takes is going to depend on the conditions. It’s probably not a good idea to throw the camera into an ice bath–that kind of jarring extremes could potentially crack the plastic or glass–but letting it sit quietly in cool conditions for a while will bring the temperature down to the normal range naturally.

One of the common scenarios where a lack of airflow around the camera body can become a problem is when using a dive housing such as the Protective Housing. There’s not really a solution–creating airflow is going to mean creating waterflow, which defeats the purpose of the housing. If you’re using the housing purely to help with bumps and knocks rather than for its waterproofness, replacing the back door with a skeleton back door will help a little but won’t completely eliminate the problem.

A related issue is when the heat of the camera combines with humid air trapped inside the housing. You can get fogging up if you take it into cooler water or air. That’s where anti-fog inserts come in handy. You don’t need them–and they won’t work–with the built-in housing of the HERO9 Black, HERO8 Black, HERO7 models, HERO6 Black, HERO5 Black, or HERO (2018). It’s only if adding another layer of housing.

More GoPro Tips & Tricks:

  • GoPro HERO9 Black vs HERO8 Black
    GoPro Deals
  • Protune Photo GoPro vs Flat 300x200 - GoPro Protune Photo Color: GoPro Color vs Flat
    GoPro Protune Photo Color: GoPro Color vs Flat
  • GoPro HERO5 Black vs HERO4 Black Right Side
    How to Turn On a GoPro that Won't Turn On
  • ProMount Gopro Arca-Style Quick Release Plate
    Arca-Style Quick Release Plates for GoPro Cameras
  • GoPro 128GB SD Cards
    Can I Use 128GB, 256GB, 400GB, or 512GB Cards in GoPro Cameras?
By David Coleman
Instagram: @havecamerawilltraveldc

Last updated on January 23, 2021

Categories: Troubleshooting
Tags: GoPro HERO4 Black, GoPro HERO5 Black, GoPro HERO5 Session, GoPro HERO6 Black, GoPro HERO7 Black, GoPro HERO8 Black, GoPro HERO9 Black

I may earn a commission for purchases using links on this page. Learn more.

GoPro News & Deals

New Smart Remote GoPro will be announcing the new Smart Remote for the HERO9 Black on December 17, 2020. The HERO9 Black isn’t compatible with the previous version of the Smart Remote.

HERO8 Black firmware v2.0 now available. Enables webcam mode; enables Display Mod compatibility; expands HyperSmooth 2.0 High and Boost availability to more video settings; general bug fixes. Update through the mobile app or manually.

GoPro Launches New Live Streaming Service for GoPro PLUS. GoPro has launched their own live-streaming platform for PLUS subscribers. It’s a pretty bare-bones offering for now, with livestreams shared with a dedicated URL. This is alongside their efforts to make the HERO8 Black useful as a webcam when connected to a computer (via USB plug-in-play, not requiring the Media Mod accessory with HDMI out). New firmware adds that functionality for Mac users, and the Windows version is in Beta.

New GoPro Zeus Mini Video Light. GoPro has released released a new video LED light designed to complement their GoPro cameras. It’s tiny, waterproof, and has a built-in magnetic swiveling clip. It’s waterproof down to 33 feet (10 meters), has four levels of brightness, and includes a diffuser to cool the color temperature to 5000K. GoPro claims that the built-in battery lasts up to 6 hours (presumably at the lowest brightness setting, although they don’t specify). It’s available now and priced at $69.99.

DJI Osmo Action firmware update adds live streaming. DJI has released a firmware update for the Osmo Action (v. 01.08.00.10) that adds live streaming support, so you can upload directly to platforms like Facebook and YouTube (it goes through the DJI Mimo mobile app). They’ve also improved the in-camera video stabilization. You can find the new firmware here.

New Underwater Housing for GoPro HERO8 Black from Isotta. Isotta, an Italian brand specializing in underwater housings, has announced a new high-quality underwater housing for the HERO8 Black. It’s an aluminum housing depth-rated to 650 feet (200 meters), has a one-handed open/close switch, double o-rings, and can be used with filters. There’s also a dual-handled tray to go along with it. And like all their housings, it’s in their distinctive red. Priced at $450, it’s only for those who need a highly specialized piece of underwater kit. It’s available for preorder from underwater specialists Backscatter.

Light Mod Now Shipping The Light Mod, one of the three new GoPro accessories, is now shipping. It’s a standalone light that is waterproof, rechargeable and compatible with all GoPro mounts. It was originally announced along with the HERO8 Black, but it hasn’t been available until now. It’s priced at $49.99, and you can find them at GoPro.com.

GoPro MAX Now Shipping. The new 360° camera, the MAX, is now shipping.

GoPro HERO8 Black and Max Unveiled. The new GoPro cameras and accessories have been unveiled. I have a rundown of the highlights of the HERO8 Black here.

DJI Osmo Action vs GoPro HERO7 Black. I’ve posted my detailed hands-on comparison of the Osmo Action and the HERO7 Black. There’s a lot similar between the models, but once you start digging down into the details there are differences that can help in choosing between them. And each has strengths the other doesn’t have. You can find my review here.

GoPro HyperSmooth vs DJI RockSteady. The new DJI Osmo Action also has built-in electronic stabilization to smooth out video. They’re calling it RockSteady (GoPro has HyperSmooth). I’ve been out testing them side-by-side. You can see the results here.

GoPro Deals page. I’ve put together a dedicated page on GoPro deals. So if you’re looking for cheap GoPro deals, check it out.

DJI Osmo action 4K Camera. Best known for their camera drones, DJI has released a new 4K action cam that’s taking direct aim at the GoPro HERO7 Black. It shoots up to 4K60 video and 12MP stills, includes electronic stabilization, has high-dynamic range video at 4K30, voice commands, a touchscreen on the back and another smaller live view screen on the front, and is waterproof down to 36 feet (11 meters). It’s priced at $349, and they’re now available at B&H Photo.

Comments

  1. Glen Stowers says

    July 17, 2020 at 6:31 pm

    When I have overheating issues, I turn off the camera, take out the battery, and set it away from direct sunlight with the battery door open. The battery itself will be quite hot. Taking the battery out allows it to cool more quickly while also allowing airflow into the camera to cool that more quickly. When the camera is ready to go, the battery will still be warm, so I swap it out with another battery, alternating use so that one is cooling off while using the other.

    Reply
  2. Andy Wadkins says

    May 18, 2019 at 11:39 pm

    I was able go live on Facebook by downloading the Live 4 app. . So far it has worked great!

    Reply
  3. Merlynda says

    May 10, 2019 at 5:24 pm

    I have a goprohero7black how can I connect to streamlive on facebook? I follow the instruction but it didnt connect.

    Reply
    • David says

      May 13, 2019 at 8:32 am

      I’m not sure I can answer in any more detail than the instructions GoPro provides without knowing more specifically where it’s going wrong. Where in the process are you running into the problem, and are you getting any error messages?

      Reply
  4. David Ewart says

    February 10, 2019 at 7:33 am

    Hi Guys, please help… When my GoPrO is in the process of videoing a print out on the screen appears on the screen saying camera in process then the video stops. What do i do to clear the camera from this to prevent the video from stopping?

    Reply
    • David says

      February 11, 2019 at 11:57 am

      Which camera model are you using? And you definitely have it in video mode and haven’t accidentally switched to a different recording mode? When you’re saving photos, for instance, you usually see a brief “saving” message on the screen. When you’re recording video or time-lapse you should just see the red recording light rather than any message. Another option is that the battery is dead and that it’s saving before shutting down. Or are you viewing using the mobile app? At the high resolutions/framerates, it won’t give you a live stream while recording but will display a message that it’s recording.

      Reply

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About Me

I’m a professional travel & location photographer based in Washington DC and traveling all over. Seven continents. Dozens of countries. Up mountains. Under water. And a bunch of places in between.

I’ve owned and used every GoPro since the HD HERO and particularly like finding new and different ways to use them to capture photos, video, and time-lapse.

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