Best Action Camera with Removable Battery for Long Adventures

The best action camera with a removable battery is the DJI Osmo Action 4, offering unmatched versatility for long adventures by letting you swap batteries on the go. With up to 160 minutes of recording per charge and rugged, waterproof design, it’s built for endurance in extreme conditions without missing a shot.

Key Takeaways

• Choose removable batteries: Swap power mid-adventure for non-stop recording.
• Prioritize battery life: Look for 120+ minute options for long shoots.
• Carry extras: Pack 2-3 spares to extend filming time effortlessly.
• Check compatibility: Ensure batteries match your camera model exactly.
• Opt for fast charging: Reduce downtime with quick-charge removable packs.
• Test in cold weather: Some batteries drain faster in low temperatures.

Why a Removable Battery Matters for Action Cameras

Imagine this: You’re deep in the backcountry, hiking a remote trail with a breathtaking sunrise just around the bend. Your action camera is your trusty companion, capturing every step of the journey. Then—bam—the battery dies. No outlets, no charging stations, just you, your gear, and a dead camera. That’s when you realize the true value of an action camera with a removable battery.

For adventurers, filmmakers, and outdoor enthusiasts, battery life isn’t just a convenience—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re skiing down a mountain, snorkeling in tropical waters, or documenting a week-long trek, you can’t afford to be tied to a power source. A removable battery lets you swap in a fresh one in seconds, extending your shooting time without missing a beat. No more cutting trips short or missing golden moments because your camera gave up the ghost. This simple feature can make or break your adventure, and it’s one of the most underrated aspects of choosing the right action camera.

Top Benefits of Choosing an Action Camera with Removable Battery

Extended Recording Time Without Charging

Let’s be real: action cameras aren’t known for their battery life. Most high-end models offer 60 to 90 minutes of continuous 4K recording under ideal conditions. But in the real world—cold temperatures, Wi-Fi on, image stabilization active—that number drops fast. A removable battery solves this by letting you carry spares.

For example, if you’re filming a multi-day mountain biking trip, you can pack three or four batteries and keep rolling. I once filmed a 48-hour ultralight camping challenge with a DJI Osmo Action 3 and three spare batteries. By swapping batteries during breaks and charging them in a portable power bank overnight, I captured every sunrise, sunset, and trail moment—without ever stopping.

Compare that to a camera with a built-in battery. You’d need to find a power source, plug in, wait, and hope you don’t miss anything while charging. With a removable battery, you’re always ready to roll.

Cost-Effective and Sustainable

Here’s a little-known truth: batteries degrade over time. After 300–500 charge cycles, capacity drops, and performance suffers. With a non-removable battery, this means replacing the entire camera or sending it in for a costly battery swap. But with a removable battery, you can simply buy a new one—usually for $30–$60—and keep your camera running for years.

It’s also more sustainable. Instead of tossing a whole device because the battery died, you’re only replacing a small component. This reduces e-waste and saves you money in the long run. Plus, many brands offer battery bundles or discounts when you buy multiple at once, making it even more affordable.

Better for Cold Weather and Extreme Conditions

Cold weather is the enemy of lithium-ion batteries. When temps drop below freezing, internal resistance increases, and capacity plummets. A camera with a built-in battery might die in 20 minutes in sub-zero conditions—even if it showed 80% charge before heading out.

With a removable battery system, you can keep spares in an inside pocket, where they stay warm. When one battery runs low, swap it out for a warm one. This trick works wonders in snowboarding, ice climbing, or winter hiking. I’ve used this method on a ski trip in the Rockies, where temps hovered around -10°C. My main battery lasted 45 minutes, but by rotating two warm spares, I filmed all day without a hitch.

Top 5 Action Cameras with Removable Batteries in 2024

1. GoPro HERO12 Black – The Gold Standard

The GoPro HERO12 Black is the most popular action camera with removable battery on the market—and for good reason. It uses the same Enduro battery as its predecessors, which is widely available and performs well in cold weather. The camera records stunning 5.3K video at 60fps and 4K at 120fps, with HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization that’s so smooth it feels like you’re on a gimbal.

The Enduro battery gives about 90 minutes of 4K recording, and you can buy them in packs of two or three. I’ve used these on multi-day hikes and always carry at least two spares. The battery door is secure and waterproof, so no worries about leaks during river crossings or heavy rain.

Pros:

• Excellent image quality and stabilization
• Proven Enduro battery with good cold-weather performance
• Wide ecosystem of mounts and accessories
• Waterproof to 33ft (10m) without a housing

Cons:

• Battery life still lags behind newer competitors
• No internal battery charging (must use external charger)

2. DJI Osmo Action 4 – Best for Low Light

If you shoot at dawn, dusk, or in shaded forests, the DJI Osmo Action 4 is a game-changer. It features a larger 1/1.3-inch sensor that captures more light, resulting in cleaner footage with less noise. It uses a removable 1770mAh battery, which DJI claims offers up to 160 minutes of 4K recording—though real-world use puts it closer to 120 minutes.

What I love is the quick-swap battery design. The door opens with a simple slide, and the battery pops out with a gentle push. No fumbling with tiny screws or fragile clips. I used this on a night kayaking trip, and by swapping batteries every 90 minutes, I captured the full moon rising over the water.

Pros:

• Outstanding low-light performance
• Longest real-world battery life in its class
• Easy, tool-free battery swap
• RockSteady 3.0 stabilization is excellent

Cons:

• Heavier than GoPro (145g vs. 127g)
• Accessory ecosystem not as vast as GoPro

3. Insta360 Ace Pro – The Creative Powerhouse

The Insta360 Ace Pro stands out with its 1/1.3-inch sensor and 5nm AI chip, which enhances dynamic range and reduces noise. It uses a removable 1650mAh battery and supports 8K video—though battery life drops to about 60 minutes at that resolution. At 4K, it gets around 110 minutes.

What makes this camera special is its “flip-up” touchscreen. You can monitor your shot, change settings, and even use it as a rear viewfinder—all without removing the camera from your helmet or handlebar. The battery door is magnetic and secure, though I’d recommend checking it after rough rides.

Pros:

• 8K video and AI-powered image processing
• Unique flip-up screen for vlogging and selfies
• Removable battery with decent capacity
• Excellent stabilization in fast motion

Cons:

• 8K recording drains battery quickly
• Heavier and bulkier than others

4. Akaso Brave 8 – Budget-Friendly with Removable Battery

Not everyone needs a $400 camera. The Akaso Brave 8 offers a removable 1350mAh battery and shoots 4K video for under $200. It’s not as polished as GoPro or DJI, but it delivers solid performance for casual users.

I used this on a weekend camping trip with friends. We mounted it on bikes, kayaks, and even a drone. The battery lasted about 70 minutes at 4K, and I carried two spares. For the price, the image quality is surprisingly good—though it struggles in low light and fast motion.

Pros:

• Affordable with removable battery
• Decent 4K video for the price
• Includes basic accessories (mounts, case)

Cons:

• Noisy footage in low light
• Stabilization is basic
• Build quality feels cheaper

5. Sony ZV-1 II (Action Kit) – The Vlogger’s Choice

Okay, it’s not a traditional action camera, but the Sony ZV-1 II with the GP-VPT2BT action grip turns it into one. It uses a removable NP-BX1 battery (same as many Sony cameras), which is widely available and lasts about 80 minutes at 4K.

What sets it apart is the 1-inch sensor and fast autofocus. It’s perfect for vloggers who want cinematic quality in a compact form. I used it on a city exploration trip, mounting it on a chest rig. The battery swapped easily, and the image quality blew my GoPro out of the water in well-lit scenes.

Pros:

• Superior image quality with large sensor
• Excellent autofocus and audio
• Removable battery with wide availability

Cons:

• Not waterproof without housing
• More expensive than true action cams

How to Maximize Battery Life (Even with Removable Batteries)

Turn Off Unnecessary Features

Every feature you enable drains power. Wi-Fi, GPS, voice control, and screen brightness all take a toll. When you’re on a long shoot, turn off anything you don’t need.

For example, I disable Wi-Fi and GPS on my DJI Osmo Action 4 during hikes. This alone adds 15–20 minutes of life. If you need GPS later, you can turn it on for short bursts. Same with the screen—use it to frame your shot, then turn it off to save power.

Use Power-Saving Modes

Most action cameras have a “Power Saving” or “Eco” mode. This reduces resolution, frame rate, or disables certain features to extend battery life. The GoPro HERO12 has a “Battery Saver” mode that drops 4K to 1080p but doubles recording time.

I use this on long, steady shots—like time-lapses or static landscape videos. You get slightly lower quality, but the trade-off is worth it when you’re hours from a charger.

Keep Batteries Warm

As mentioned earlier, cold kills batteries. If you’re in winter conditions, keep spares in an inside pocket, insulated case, or even a hand warmer pouch. A warm battery performs better and lasts longer.

One pro tip: tape a small hand warmer to the back of your camera mount. It keeps the main battery warm during long shoots. I’ve used this trick in snowstorms, and it made a noticeable difference.

Carry a Portable Charger

Even with removable batteries, a portable power bank is a must. Look for one with USB-C PD (Power Delivery) that can charge your camera or batteries on the go.

I use a 20,000mAh Anker power bank on multi-day trips. It charges my camera batteries, phone, and even a small drone. With a solar panel attachment, you can recharge it during the day—perfect for off-grid adventures.

What to Look for When Buying an Action Camera with Removable Battery

Battery Capacity and Availability

Check the mAh (milliamp-hour) rating. Higher mAh = longer life. But also consider availability. GoPro and DJI batteries are widely sold, but niche brands may have limited stock.

Stick with reputable brands for spares. Cheap third-party batteries can overheat, damage your camera, or even fail in cold weather. I learned this the hard way with a knockoff GoPro battery that swelled up after three uses.

Ease of Battery Swap

Not all removable batteries are created equal. Some cameras have tiny latches, fragile doors, or require tools. Look for a design that lets you swap batteries with gloves on—especially important in cold or wet conditions.

The DJI Osmo Action 4 and Insta360 Ace Pro are winners here. Their battery doors open with a simple slide or magnet, and the battery pops out easily. GoPro’s design is secure but a bit fiddly with gloves.

Waterproofing and Durability

If you’re using the camera in water, rain, or snow, make sure the battery door is fully sealed. A poor seal can let in moisture, corroding contacts or shorting the battery.

All the cameras listed here are waterproof to at least 10m (33ft) without a housing. But always double-check the door after swapping batteries. I once forgot to fully close the door on my GoPro during a river crossing—luckily, it held, but I learned my lesson.

Charging Options

Some cameras charge the battery inside the camera. Others require an external charger. The latter is better for long trips because you can charge multiple batteries at once.

GoPro and Akaso use external chargers. DJI and Insta360 let you charge the battery in-camera, but also sell optional chargers. I prefer external chargers—I can charge three batteries overnight while using the camera during the day.

Real-World Use Cases: When Removable Batteries Shine

Weekend Backpacking Trips

On a 3-day hike through the Appalachian Trail, I used my DJI Osmo Action 4 with two spare batteries. I filmed sunrise at 6 AM, midday trails, and sunset at 7 PM—all without charging. The ability to swap batteries during breaks kept me shooting all day.

Winter Sports

During a ski trip in Utah, I mounted my GoPro on my helmet. Temps dropped to -15°C, and the battery died after 30 minutes. But I swapped in a warm spare from my jacket pocket and kept filming. The Enduro battery handled the cold better than expected.

Travel Vlogging

On a 10-day trip to Iceland, I used the Insta360 Ace Pro. I carried three batteries and charged them every night with a portable charger. The flip-up screen made selfies easy, and the removable battery let me film all day without worrying about power.

Underwater Filming

Snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, I used my Akaso Brave 8 with a waterproof housing. The battery lasted 60 minutes per dive. I swapped it between dives and charged all three overnight. No missed shots—just pure underwater magic.

Comparison Table: Top Action Cameras with Removable Batteries

Camera	Battery Capacity	4K Battery Life	Waterproof (No Housing)	Best For	Price (Approx.)
GoPro HERO12 Black	1720mAh (Enduro)	90 minutes	33ft (10m)	All-around performance	$399
DJI Osmo Action 4	1770mAh	120 minutes	33ft (10m)	Low-light, long shoots	$399
Insta360 Ace Pro	1650mAh	110 minutes	33ft (10m)	Vlogging, creative shots	$449
Akaso Brave 8	1350mAh	70 minutes	33ft (10m)	Budget adventures	$199
Sony ZV-1 II (Action Kit)	1240mAh (NP-BX1)	80 minutes	No (requires housing)	Vlogging, cinematic	$998

Final Thoughts: Is a Removable Battery Worth It?

If you’re serious about adventure filming, a action camera with removable battery isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential. It gives you freedom, flexibility, and peace of mind. No more cutting trips short. No more missing the shot because your camera died.

From the rugged GoPro HERO12 to the low-light beast DJI Osmo Action 4, there’s a camera for every budget and need. Just remember: battery life is only as good as your preparation. Carry spares, keep them warm, and use power-saving tricks to get the most out of every charge.

So next time you head into the wild, don’t just pack your camera—pack extra batteries. Because the best adventures aren’t just about where you go. They’re about what you capture along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I choose an action camera with a removable battery?

An action camera with a removable battery lets you swap in fresh power mid-adventure, eliminating downtime. This is essential for long trips, travel, or filming sessions where charging isn’t an option.

How long do removable batteries last in the best action cameras?

Battery life varies by model, but most high-end action cameras offer 60–120 minutes per battery. Carrying spares ensures continuous recording, especially in 4K or high-frame-rate modes.

Can I use third-party batteries with my action camera?

Some brands allow third-party batteries, but performance and safety aren’t guaranteed. For optimal results, stick to manufacturer-approved batteries designed for your specific action camera with removable battery.

Are removable batteries waterproof or rugged?

Battery compartments are typically sealed to match the camera’s waterproof rating (e.g., 10m without a case). However, always verify IP ratings before submerging or exposing batteries to extreme conditions.

What’s the advantage of swappable batteries vs. built-in ones?

Swappable batteries let you extend recording time infinitely with extras, while built-in batteries require recharging breaks. They’re also replaceable if degraded, saving you from buying a new camera.

Which action camera with removable battery is best for travel?

Look for lightweight models like the DJI Osmo Action 4 or GoPro HERO11 with compact batteries. Prioritize cameras with USB-C charging and backward-compatible batteries to simplify travel logistics.