how to set up the lenght recording on action camera

The world of action cameras is exhilarating, allowing us to capture breathtaking moments from unique perspectives – whether you’re shredding trails, diving into crystal-clear waters, or simply documenting a memorable road trip. However, many users find themselves grappling with a common challenge: managing video recording length. Is your footage too long, cumbersome to edit, and quickly filling up your storage? Or perhaps it’s too short, cutting off crucial moments just when the action peaks? Mastering how to control and optimize your camera’s recording duration is key to unlocking its full potential.

Understanding how to set up the length recording on action camera isn’t just about pressing the record button; it’s about making informed choices that impact file size, battery life, storage management, and ultimately, the usability of your captured content. From continuous long-form videos to intelligent loop recording for specific scenarios, your action camera offers a range of options that, when properly configured, can elevate your videography game and simplify your post-production workflow.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about customizing and optimizing your action camera’s recording length settings. We’ll delve into different recording modes, explore how various settings impact duration, provide step-by-step configuration instructions, and offer practical tips for specific use cases. Get ready to take full control of your footage and ensure you capture every moment exactly as you intend, without unnecessary hassle or wasted resources.

Quick Answers to Common Questions

Why would I want to set a specific recording length on my action camera?

Setting a defined recording length, often called “loop recording” or “segment recording,” helps manage file sizes, prevents individual videos from becoming too large, and ensures your camera keeps recording by overwriting older footage if your memory card gets full.

Where do I actually find the setting to adjust the length recording?

You’ll typically find this option within your action camera’s video settings menu. Look for terms like “Loop Recording,” “Video Segment,” or “Duration” to set up the length recording.

What common recording length options are usually available?

Most action cameras offer segment lengths such as 1, 3, 5, 10, or 15 minutes. Some also have an “Off” or “Max” option if you prefer to record one continuous file without segments.

Once I set the length recording, does it stop when that time is up?

No, it doesn’t stop recording! When you set up the length recording, your camera will simply save the current segment and immediately start a new one, ensuring continuous capture without interruption.

Can I turn off the length recording and just record one long video?

Absolutely! If you prefer to record one continuous clip until your memory card is full or the battery runs out, just set the “Loop Recording” or “Video Segment” option to “Off” or “Max” in your camera’s settings.

Understanding “Length Recording” on Your Action Camera

When we talk about “length recording” in the context of an action camera, we’re referring to more than just how long your battery lasts or how much data your SD card can hold. It encompasses the various ways your camera manages the duration and segmentation of your video files. This understanding is foundational to effectively set up the length recording on action camera for any given activity.

At its core, managing recording length is vital for several reasons. Firstly, it directly impacts file size. A single, unsegmented 4K video from a long activity can be enormous, making it difficult to transfer, edit, and store. Secondly, it affects battery life and storage efficiency. Optimizing your recording length ensures you capture what’s important without running out of power or space. Lastly, different scenarios demand different recording strategies. A dashcam application needs continuous, overwriting footage, while a stunt video requires short, high-quality bursts.

Action cameras typically offer a few primary methods for controlling how video length is managed:

• Continuous Recording: This is the standard mode where the camera records one long file until manually stopped, the battery dies, or storage runs out. While straightforward, it can lead to unwieldy files.
• Loop Recording: An incredibly useful feature for specific applications. Here, the camera records video in segments (e.g., 1, 5, 10 minutes). Once the storage card is full, it automatically overwrites the oldest segments, creating a continuous loop. This is perfect for dashcams or surveillance where you only care about the most recent footage.
• Segmented Recording (File Chaptering): Many action cameras automatically split long continuous recordings into smaller, more manageable file segments (e.g., 4GB or 12-minute chunks). This isn’t loop recording, as it doesn’t overwrite old files, but rather makes large files easier to handle without interrupting the recording process itself. Understanding this automatic segmentation is crucial for managing your footage effectively.

By grasping these fundamental concepts, you can begin to make informed decisions about how to set up the length recording on action camera to suit your specific needs.

Exploring Your Action Camera’s Recording Modes and Settings

Action cameras are designed with versatility in mind, offering a range of recording modes beyond just simple “record.” To truly master how to set up the length recording on action camera, you need to be familiar with these modes and how they influence the duration and segmentation of your footage.

Continuous Recording: The Standard Approach

This is the default setting for most action cameras. When you press record, the camera continues to capture footage until you press record again, the battery depletes, or the storage card becomes full. While seemingly simple, continuous recording has its nuances:

• Limitations: High-resolution and high-frame-rate footage generates massive files. A single, unbroken recording of an hour-long activity at 4K/60fps can quickly exceed typical file system limits (like FAT32’s 4GB limit, though most modern cameras use exFAT which handles larger files). Even with exFAT, extremely large files can be difficult to transfer and edit.
• Automatic Segmentation: As mentioned, many cameras automatically split long continuous recordings into smaller, chaptered files (e.g., GoPro often creates 4GB files or approximately 12-minute segments at 4K/30fps). This process is seamless and doesn’t interrupt the recording, but it’s important to be aware that your single “clip” might be composed of multiple files.

To adjust continuous recording settings, you’ll typically navigate to the video settings menu and select your desired resolution, frame rate, and field of view. These choices directly affect the total recording time you can achieve on a given battery and SD card.

Loop Recording: For Continuous Cycling Footage

Loop recording is a powerful feature, especially when you need to capture a potentially important event without worrying about filling up your storage. This mode is excellent for applications like:

• Dashcams: Continuously records your journey, ensuring you always have recent footage in case of an incident.
• Security/Surveillance: Monitoring an area where only the latest activity is relevant.
• Long Journeys with Limited Storage: If you’re on a multi-day trip and only want to keep the most recent few hours of footage.

When you enable loop recording, you’ll usually be prompted to select a “segment length” – common options include 1 minute, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or even “Max” (meaning it records the longest possible segment before looping). Once the SD card is full, the camera begins to overwrite the oldest recorded segment with new footage. This ensures you always have a rolling window of recent events.

How to set up the length recording on action camera for loop mode usually involves:

1. Navigating to the video mode settings.
2. Selecting “Loop Recording” or a similar option.
3. Choosing your preferred segment length (e.g., “5 minutes”).

It’s crucial to understand that if you stop the recording in loop mode, the most recent segments will be saved, but the older, overwritten footage is permanently lost.

Time-Lapse and TimeWarp: Condensing Long Periods

While not “length recording” in the traditional sense of managing video clip duration, time-lapse modes are designed to capture very long periods and condense them into short, impactful videos. This is another way your action camera allows you to manage the “length” of a visual narrative. For example, a 4-hour sunset can be condensed into a 30-second video, effectively managing the final output’s length.

• Time-Lapse Video: Captures still photos at set intervals and stitches them into a video.
• TimeWarp (GoPro) / HyperSmooth Video (DJI): Records video at a higher frame rate and then intelligently speeds it up, applying stabilization for a smooth, hyper-lapse effect.

These modes inherently manage the output length by compressing time, making them excellent choices for documenting environmental changes, construction projects, or long journeys where a full real-time video isn’t necessary.

By understanding these different modes, you’re better equipped to select the right tool for the job and make informed decisions about how to set up the length recording on action camera for optimal results.

Step-by-Step Guide: Configuring Length Recording Settings

Regardless of your action camera brand – be it GoPro, DJI Osmo Action, Insta360, or another – the general process for configuring recording length settings follows a similar pattern. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you set up the length recording on action camera effectively.

Step 1: Power On and Access Main Menu

Turn on your action camera. Most modern action cameras feature a touchscreen interface, while older models or budget options might rely on a combination of physical buttons. Familiarize yourself with how to navigate your specific camera’s menu system.

Step 2: Navigate to Video Settings

From the main screen, you’ll typically need to swipe, tap, or press a button to enter the main settings menu. Look for an icon that resembles a gear, a wrench, or explicitly says “Settings” or “Video Mode.”

• GoPro: From the main video screen, swipe down to access preferences, or tap the mode icon at the bottom to cycle through modes.
• DJI Osmo Action: Swipe up, down, left, or right to access various menus and settings.
• Insta360: Navigate via the touchscreen or app.

Step 3: Select Your Desired Recording Mode

Within the video settings, you’ll find options for different recording modes. This is where you decide if you want continuous recording, loop recording, or perhaps a time-lapse.

1. For Continuous Recording: Simply ensure “Video” mode is selected. Your camera will then record one continuous stream (automatically chaptered if it’s a long recording, as discussed earlier).
2. For Loop Recording: Look for an option explicitly labeled “Loop Recording” or similar. Tap to select it. Some cameras might have this as a sub-setting within the general video mode.

Step 4: Adjust Segment Lengths (for Loop Recording)

If you’ve selected Loop Recording, this is the critical step to set up the length recording on action camera for this specific mode. The camera will present you with options for how long each video segment should be before it starts overwriting. Common choices include:

• 1 Minute
• 5 Minutes
• 10 Minutes
• 15 Minutes
• 30 Minutes
• MAX (records until the card is full, then loops, keeping the longest possible segments)

Choose the segment length that best suits your needs. For dashcam use, 5-10 minute segments are often ideal as they provide a good balance between capturing enough context and having manageable file sizes for review.

Step 5: Consider Resolution, Frame Rate, and Other Settings

While not directly “length recording” settings, your choices for resolution and frame rate profoundly impact how long you can record on a single battery charge and SD card. Higher resolutions (e.g., 5.3K, 4K) and higher frame rates (e.g., 60fps, 120fps) consume significantly more power and storage space, thus shortening your overall recording duration.

• Resolution: (e.g., 4K, 2.7K, 1080p). Lower resolutions extend recording time.
• Frame Rate: (e.g., 60fps, 30fps). Lower frame rates extend recording time.
• Lens/FOV: Wider fields of view sometimes require more processing.
• ProTune/Advanced Settings: Enabling high bitrates (e.g., 100Mbps) for better image quality will drastically increase file size and reduce total recording time.

Adjust these settings based on your priority: maximum quality for short, impactful clips, or extended duration for longer adventures.

Step 6: Utilize the Companion App (If Available)

Most modern action cameras come with a dedicated smartphone app (e.g., GoPro Quik, DJI Mimo, Insta360 App). These apps often provide a more intuitive and visual way to adjust all camera settings, including recording modes and segment lengths. Connecting your camera to the app via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth can make the configuration process much smoother.

By following these steps, you can confidently set up the length recording on action camera to precisely match your filming requirements, ensuring optimal performance and efficient resource management.

Optimizing for Specific Scenarios: When and How to Adjust

The “best” way to set up the length recording on action camera isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It depends entirely on what you’re trying to capture. Let’s explore how to optimize your settings for various common scenarios.

Scenario 1: Long-Duration Activities (Hiking, Cycling, Road Trips, Vlogging)

For activities spanning hours, where you want to document the entire experience, managing recording length is critical to avoid running out of battery or storage. The goal here is often maximum coverage with acceptable quality.

• Strategy:
  • Continuous Recording with Power Bank: If you have access to external power (e.g., a power bank for hiking, car charger for road trips), continuous recording at a moderate resolution (e.g., 1080p/30fps or 2.7K/30fps) is a solid choice. This provides a full record, and cameras will automatically chapter files into manageable segments.
  • Lower Resolution/Frame Rate: For extremely long durations or when battery life is paramount, dropping to 1080p/30fps significantly extends recording time compared to 4K/60fps. Many cameras can record for 8-10+ hours on a 128GB card at these settings.
  • Turn Off Unnecessary Features: GPS, Wi-Fi, voice control, and a bright screen all drain battery. Disable them if not in use.
  • Spare Batteries: Always carry fully charged spare batteries for seamless swapping.

Scenario 2: Short, Action-Packed Clips (Sports, Stunts, Quick Vlogs)

When capturing intense, brief moments, quality and specific feature use (like slow-motion) take precedence over sheer recording duration. You want to ensure you get the absolute best footage of that specific moment.

• Strategy:
  • Max Quality Settings: Go for the highest resolution and frame rate your camera offers (e.g., 5.3K/60fps, 4K/120fps for slow-motion). This will produce large files quickly, but the quality for short bursts will be unparalleled.
  • Short Bursts: Don’t just let the camera run. Start recording just before the action, and stop immediately after. This saves battery and storage and makes editing much easier.
  • Protune/Pro Res: Enable high bitrates for maximum detail and color data, especially if you plan extensive post-production.
  • QuikCapture/Preset Modes: Many cameras have quick-capture functions or customizable presets that allow you to jump straight into high-quality recording with a single button press.

Scenario 3: Dashcam Functionality

For in-car recording, the ability to continuously capture footage and manage storage automatically is paramount. This is where how to set up the length recording on action camera specifically for loop recording shines.

• Strategy:
  • Loop Recording ON: This is non-negotiable. Set it to a manageable segment length, typically 5 or 10 minutes. This ensures you always have the most recent footage without ever manually clearing your SD card.
  • External Power: Keep the camera continuously powered via your car’s USB port or 12V adapter.
  • Auto On/Off: Many action cameras (or accessories) support auto-on/off when external power is detected/removed, mimicking a dedicated dashcam.
  • Moderate Quality: 1080p/30fps or 2.7K/30fps is usually sufficient for dashcam footage, balancing detail with storage efficiency for the looping function.
  • G-Sensor (If Available): Some cameras, especially those designed with dashcam features, have a G-sensor that can automatically “lock” segments of footage if an impact is detected, preventing them from being overwritten.

Scenario 4: Time-Lapse Projects

When you want to condense a long event into a short, dynamic clip, time-lapse is your go-to. The “length” here is about the final video’s duration and the capture interval.

• Strategy:
  • Choose Interval Wisely: The interval between photos (e.g., 0.5s, 1s, 5s, 30s) determines the final speed of your time-lapse. Shorter intervals for faster motion, longer intervals for slower changes.
  • Total Duration: Estimate how long you want the final time-lapse video to be and work backward from there, considering your interval and desired frame rate for playback.
  • Battery/External Power: Time-lapses often run for hours, so external power (power bank, wall adapter) is almost always necessary.

By tailoring your recording length settings to these specific scenarios, you can ensure your action camera is always configured to capture the perfect footage efficiently and effectively.

Maximizing Storage and Battery Life for Extended Recording

When you aim to extend your recording duration, whether through continuous filming or maximizing loop recording cycles, efficient management of your camera’s storage and battery is paramount. Understanding how to set up the length recording on action camera also means understanding how to sustain that recording.

SD Card Selection and Management

Your SD card is the backbone of your action camera’s recording capacity. Choosing the right one and managing it properly can significantly impact your ability to record for extended periods.

1. Capacity:
   • For serious users, 128GB or 256GB cards are highly recommended. A 64GB card fills up surprisingly fast, especially with 4K footage.
   • Consider 512GB or even 1TB cards for multi-day trips or professional shoots where offloading isn’t immediately possible.

   Example: A 128GB card can typically hold around 3.5 hours of 4K/60fps footage or up to 10 hours of 1080p/30fps footage (approximate, varies by camera/codec).

2. Speed Class:
   • UHS-I Speed Class 3 (U3) / V30: This is the minimum recommended for most 4K recording. It guarantees a minimum write speed of 30MB/s.
   • V60 or V90: For higher resolutions (like 5.3K) and frame rates, especially with high bitrates (Protune), V60 (60MB/s) or V90 (90MB/s) cards are essential to prevent dropped frames or recording errors.

   Using a slow card will lead to recording interruptions, as the camera can’t write data fast enough.

3. Formatting:
   • Always format your SD card directly within the action camera before each major shoot or after offloading files. This ensures optimal performance and prevents corruption.
   • Regularly check for errors, especially if you frequently remove the card or use it in multiple devices.

Battery Management for Extended Shoots

Battery life is often the primary limiting factor for extended recording. Proactive management is key to maximizing your recording duration.

1. Spare Batteries: This is the simplest and most effective solution. Carry multiple fully charged spare batteries. For a full day of shooting, 2-3 spares might be necessary depending on your usage.
2. Power Banks/External Power:
   • For stationary or semi-stationary recording (e.g., time-lapses, dashcam use, vlogging from a fixed spot), an external power bank or wall adapter can provide continuous power.
   • Ensure the power bank provides sufficient output (e.g., 5V/2A or higher) to keep the camera powered and ideally charging while recording.
   • Many cameras can record while charging, but check your specific model’s capabilities.
3. Disable Unnecessary Features:
   • Wi-Fi/Bluetooth: Turn off if not actively using the companion app. These are major power drains.
   • GPS: Disable if location data isn’t critical for your footage.
   • Voice Control: Disable if you’re not using it.
   • Screen Brightness/Auto-Off: Reduce screen brightness and set the screen auto-off timer to the shortest possible duration to save power.
4. Temperature Effects:
   • Cold Weather: Batteries drain much faster in cold temperatures. Keep spare batteries warm (e.g., in an inside pocket) until needed.
   • Overheating: Recording at high resolutions/frame rates in hot environments or direct sunlight can cause the camera to overheat and shut down, limiting recording length. Provide shade or breaks if possible.
5. Lower Settings for Endurance: As discussed, opting for 1080p/30fps instead of 4K/60fps can significantly extend recording time on a single charge, sometimes doubling it.

By diligently applying these storage and battery management strategies, you can significantly enhance your ability to set up the length recording on action camera for prolonged periods, ensuring you capture every moment without interruption.

Troubleshooting Common Recording Length Issues

Even with careful setup, you might encounter situations where your action camera isn’t recording for the desired length. Here are some common issues and their solutions to help you troubleshoot when your efforts to set up the length recording on action camera don’t quite go as planned.

Issue 1: “My camera stops recording too soon!”

This is one of the most frustrating problems, especially when it cuts off a crucial moment. Several factors can cause premature recording stops:

• Solution:
  1. Full SD Card: Check your SD card’s remaining storage. If it’s full and loop recording isn’t enabled (or you’re not in loop mode), the camera will stop. Clear space or use a larger card.
  2. Battery Depletion: The most common cause. Check battery level. Charge, swap for a fresh battery, or connect to external power.
  3. Overheating: High-resolution, high-frame-rate recording generates heat. In hot environments or with poor airflow, the camera can overheat and shut down to prevent damage.
     • Fix: Reduce resolution/frame rate, provide ventilation, take breaks, or move to a cooler environment. Some cameras are more prone to this than others.
  4. SD Card Speed/Corruption: If your SD card isn’t fast enough for the chosen resolution/frame rate (e.g., using a Class 10 card for 4K/60fps), the camera can’t write data quickly enough and stops. A corrupted card can also cause errors.
     • Fix: Use a faster SD card (UHS-I U3/V30 minimum for 4K, V60/V90 for higher settings). Always format the card in the camera. Try a different, known good SD card.
  5. Firmware Bug: Rarely, an outdated or buggy firmware can cause erratic recording behavior.
     • Fix: Check for and install the latest firmware updates from the manufacturer’s website.
  6. Camera File Size Limits (Older Cameras): Some older cameras or specific file systems (like FAT32) have a 4GB file size limit, meaning a single recording will be split into multiple 4GB files. If a recording hits this limit and there’s an issue with the camera creating the next segment, it might stop. Modern cameras use exFAT, which handles larger files.

Issue 2: “My loop recording isn’t working / not overwriting old files.”

If you’ve enabled loop recording but find your card still fills up, or older files aren’t being deleted, check these points:

• Solution:
  1. Correct Mode Selection: Double-check that “Loop Recording” is actually enabled in your camera’s settings. It’s easy to accidentally be in standard video mode.
  2. Segment Length Setting: Ensure a specific segment length (e.g., 5 min, 10 min) is chosen, not “Off” or a setting that effectively disables looping.
  3. SD Card Issues: A corrupted or write-protected SD card might prevent the camera from overwriting old files.
     • Fix: Format the card in the camera. Try a different card. Ensure the physical write-protect tab on the SD card adapter isn’t engaged (though this usually prevents any writing).
  4. “Locked” Files (Dashcam Feature): Some dashcam-style action cameras or advanced loop recording features allow you to “lock” specific footage segments (e.g., via a G-sensor or manual button press) to prevent them from being overwritten. If you have many locked files, they might consume all available storage before the camera can loop.
     • Fix: Manually unlock/delete these files or review settings for auto-lock sensitivity.

Issue 3: “My files are too big/small or difficult to manage.”

This is often a settings issue rather than a malfunction, but it impacts your ability to work with the footage efficiently after you set up the length recording on action camera.

• Solution:
  1. Resolution and Frame Rate: Higher settings (e.g., 4K/60fps) yield larger files. Lowering these (e.g., 1080p/30fps) will significantly reduce file size without always compromising usability, especially for online sharing.
  2. Bitrate: Advanced settings like GoPro’s Protune (high bitrate) increase file size for better quality. If you don’t need maximum grading flexibility, turning this off will reduce file size.
  3. Automatic Chaptering Awareness: Remember that continuous recordings are often split into smaller files (e.g., 4GB). If you’re expecting one massive file and instead see many smaller ones, this is normal behavior for most action cameras.
  4. Segment Length (Loop Recording): If your loop recording segments are too long (e.g., 30 minutes), they can still be unwieldy to quickly review. Adjust to shorter segments like 5 or 10 minutes for easier handling.

By systematically checking these points, you can resolve most issues related to recording length and ensure your action camera performs reliably for all your adventures.

Here’s a quick reference table for estimated recording duration on a 128GB SD card with typical action camera settings. Actual times may vary slightly based on camera model, compression codec, and specific scene complexity, but this provides a good baseline for planning how to set up the length recording on action camera for various needs:

Resolution / Frame Rate	Typical Bitrate (Mbps)	Estimated 128GB Recording Duration	Impact on Battery Life (Relative)
5.3K / 60fps	~120-150	~1 hour 45 min – 2 hours 15 min	High
4K / 60fps	~80-100	~3 hours – 3 hours 45 min	High
4K / 30fps	~60-75	~4 hours – 5 hours 15 min	Medium-High
2.7K / 60fps	~60-75	~4 hours – 5 hours 15 min	Medium
1080p / 60fps	~45-60	~5 hours 30 min – 7 hours	Medium
1080p / 30fps	~30-45	~7 hours 30 min – 10 hours	Low-Medium

Note: Battery life is also affected by features like Wi-Fi, GPS, screen brightness, and ambient temperature. These durations are for continuous recording; loop recording will have similar file size impacts per segment.

Conclusion

Mastering how to set up the length recording on action camera is a crucial skill for any enthusiast or professional looking to get the most out of their device. It’s not just about maximizing recording time; it’s about optimizing your camera’s performance for specific scenarios, managing valuable storage space, and conserving battery life to ensure you never miss that perfect shot.

By understanding the nuances of continuous recording, the practical applications of loop recording, and the impact of settings like resolution and frame rate, you can transform your action camera from a simple point-and-shoot device into a sophisticated tool tailored to your exact needs. We’ve covered everything from accessing essential settings and choosing the right mode for your activity to troubleshooting common issues and extending your camera’s endurance through smart storage and battery management.

The journey to perfect action camera videography is one of continuous learning and experimentation. Take the knowledge you’ve gained, dive into your camera’s settings, and experiment with different recording lengths and modes. You’ll soon discover the ideal configurations that empower you to capture seamless, high-quality footage, making your adventures even more memorable and your editing workflow a breeze. So go forth, record with confidence, and make every moment count!

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is “length recording” on an action camera?

Length recording, often referred to as video duration setting, allows you to pre-define how long each individual video segment your action camera records will be. Instead of recording continuously until you manually stop, the camera will automatically stop recording after the set time limit.

How do I set up the length recording feature on my action camera?

To set up the length recording, navigate to your action camera’s video settings menu, usually labeled “Record Settings,” “Video Duration,” or “Segment Length.” From there, you can select your desired time interval, such as 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or 20 minutes, and confirm your choice to apply the setting.

Where can I find the setting to adjust the video recording length in my action camera’s menu?

The exact location varies by action camera brand and model, but you typically find this setting under “Video Settings,” “Recording Options,” “Advanced Settings,” or a dedicated “Loop Recording” sub-menu if your camera combines these features. Look for options like “Duration,” “Segment,” or “Video Length.”

What are the benefits of setting a specific recording length for my action camera videos?

Setting a specific recording length helps manage file sizes, making individual video clips easier to review, edit, and share without needing to trim large files. It’s particularly useful for creating short, digestible clips for social media or for situations where you want to ensure consistent segment durations.

Is “length recording” the same as loop recording or time-lapse mode?

No, “length recording” is distinct from both loop recording and time-lapse. While loop recording continuously overwrites the oldest footage once the memory card is full, and time-lapse captures still images at intervals, length recording simply dictates the duration of each individual video file before stopping (or starting a new segment if combined with loop recording).

What happens if I don’t set a specific recording length on my action camera?

If you don’t set a specific recording length, your action camera will typically record continuously until you manually stop it, the battery runs out, or the memory card becomes full. This can result in very large, single video files that might be more challenging to manage, upload, or edit later on.