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Updated Third-Party Batteries for the GoPro HERO5 Black

With a recent firmware update, GoPro killed compatibility with third-party batteries. Wasabi Power are out with a new version of their battery that fixes that and promises to be compatible with all future GoPro firmware updates.

Wasabi Power Batteries for the GoPro HERO5 Black

By David Coleman | @havecamerawilltraveldc
Last updated about 2 months ago // Categories: Batteries & Charging
Tags: GoPro HERO5 Black, GoPro HERO6 Black, GoPro HERO7 Black, Smatree, Wasabi Power

Save $220 on GoPro HERO9 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 free extra battery, and a 64GB SD card. It's all for $349.98.

The battery life of GoPros isn’t what you’d call great. So having some spare batteries on hand certainly comes in handy.

But recently the choice has been rather narrow. You could either get a GoPro-branded one or, well, a GoPro-branded one. The options for less expensive third-party batteries suddenly disappeared.

The reason for that is that in November 2016, GoPro released firmware update v.01.55 for the HERO5 Black. It included a little surprise that wasn’t mentioned in the release notes: after-market batteries from third-party manufacturers would no longer work in the HERO5 Black. The camera now ran a check on the battery and simply wouldn’t power up if it didn’t find an authorized, GoPro-branded one. So if you had third-party batteries from companies like Wasabi Power or Smatree and wanted to use the latest GoPro firmware, those batteries were now useless.

You could, of course, buy GoPro’s own branded batteries–there was no interruption with them. And that’s exactly what GoPro hoped everyone would do. The appeal of third-party options, though, comes down to price–they’re often significantly less expensive than the ones with GoPro’s logo.

In February 2017, Wasabi Power came out with a new version of their batteries (model number BTR-HERO5-JWP-03) that included a new chip. They claim—even explicitly “guarantee”—that these new versions of the batteries will continue to work “with all future firmware updates” that GoPro puts out for the HERO5 Black.

I picked up some as soon as they became available and have been testing them out.

Wasabi Power Batteries for the GoPro HERO5 Black

In my experience, they work well. I’ve run into no issues with firmware versions v.01.57 or v.01.55. I’ve tested the capacity by running them side-by-side with original GoPro-branded batteries and found them to have essentially identical battery life (seconds difference over the course of over 90 minutes of recording). They charge in GoPro’s original dual-dock charger. GoPro’s batteries charge normally in the Wasabi triple-dock charger. And they’re priced very attractively.

Wasabi Power Batteries for the GoPro HERO5 Black

Will They Continue to Work with Future GoPro Firmware Updates?

Wasabi Power gives a somewhat mixed answer to this. On their product listing, they say yes. Their product listing on Amazon, their primary sales outlet in the US, says: “Compatible with firmware v01.55, v01.57 and all future firmware update” [sic]. On their website, they’re less definitive:

At this time, however, we are unable to 100% guarantee that new batteries will continue to work with future firmware updates.

But that appears to have been posted before the new compatible versions came out, so it’s possible they’re now more confident.

GoPro has an official verified compatibility program known as “Works with GoPro.” I’ve not seen any indication that the Wasabi batteries are part of that program. So it’s not clear to me what kind of arrangement they might have (or not have, as the case may be) with GoPro and on what basis they can promise future compatibility and that GoPro won’t break that compatibility again. But one assumes that a reputable company like Wasabi Power wouldn’t throw around words like “guarantee” without a strong basis.

Either way, I have no way to independently confirm these claims of future compatibility. The saving grace, of course, is that they’re not particularly expensive.

Wasabi GoPro HERO5 Batteries New Firmware

Model Number and Where to Buy

If you’re looking to pick some up, make sure you’re getting the revised versions of the batteries. The model number should be BTR-HERO5-JWP-03. The key number is the “03” at the end for version 3. Earlier models of the battery still won’t work with the GoPro firmware after v.01.50.

Wasabi Power GoPro HERO5 Battery (BTR-HERO5-JWP-03)

Other brands, like this one and this one, are also starting to release their own branded batteries that also promise ongoing compatibility with future updates.

At the time of writing, Smatree, another third-party battery brand I’ve had very good experiences with in the past, hasn’t yet released a new version of their batteries for the HERO5 Black. So for now, I’ve only tried the Wasabi ones.

They come in various packs, from individual batteries to multi-packs to packs with multi-slot charger docks.

What About the HERO8 and HERO9 Black?

The HERO8 Black introduced a new model battery. It’s the same size and power rating as the earlier battery, but it’s designed for the more intensive power demands of the HERO8 Black’s in-camera processing. It also supports the HERO8 Black’s new battery health check, something that isn’t compatible with aftermarket batteries. I have a more detailed post on HERO8 Black batteries here.

The HERO9 Black uses a larger battery; larger in terms of both power rating as well physical dimensions. I have a more detailed post on HERO9 Black batteries here.

More GoPro Tips & Tricks:

  • Nitecore UGP5 GoPro Battery Charger
    NiteCore UGP5 Charger for GoPro HERO5 Black Batteries
  • GoPro HERO5 Batteries and Chargers
    Batteries and Chargers for the HERO7 Black, HERO6 Black, HERO5 Black, and HERO (2018)
  • GoPro Batteries and Chargers
    How to Charge GoPro Cameras & Batteries
  • GoPro Format SD Card 2 1 300x200 - How to Format SD Cards in a GoPro
    How to Format SD Cards in a GoPro
  • Extended Batteries for GoPro HERO6 Black and HERO5 Black
    Best Extended Batteries for GoPro HERO7 Black, HERO6 Black, HERO5 Black, and HERO (2018)
  • GoPro HERO6 Black vs HERO5 Black
    GoPro HERO6 Black vs HERO5 Black: Photo Modes
By David Coleman
Instagram: @havecamerawilltraveldc

Last updated on November 6, 2020

Categories: Batteries & Charging
Tags: GoPro HERO5 Black, GoPro HERO6 Black, GoPro HERO7 Black, Smatree, Wasabi Power

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. bata says

    June 5, 2017 at 1:15 am

    Thanks for this great info!

    Reply
  2. TJ015 says

    February 24, 2017 at 12:36 pm

    Very cool! If only Amazon.ca carried it.

    Reply
  3. Dev says

    February 16, 2017 at 10:50 am

    Thanks for the update and the blog!

    Reply
    • David says

      February 16, 2017 at 3:05 pm

      You’re welcome!

      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.

You can find my main site at havecamerawilltravel.com.

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