How to Charge Action Shot Camera Quick and Easy Tips

Always use the manufacturer-recommended charger and cable to safely and efficiently charge your action shot camera, preventing damage and ensuring optimal battery life. Charge in a cool, dry place and avoid overcharging by unplugging once the battery reaches 100%—this keeps your camera ready for every adventure.

Key Takeaways

• Use the right charger: Always match your camera’s voltage and connector type.
• Charge via USB-C: Opt for USB-C for faster, more reliable charging.
• Keep battery contacts clean: Wipe terminals with a dry cloth to ensure connection.
• Avoid full discharges: Recharge at 20-30% to extend battery lifespan.
• Use portable power banks: Ideal for charging on the go during outdoor shoots.
• Store batteries properly: Keep at 50% charge in a cool, dry place.

Why Charging Your Action Shot Camera Matters

Let’s be real—nothing kills the vibe faster than pulling out your action shot camera to capture a breathtaking mountain descent, only to find the battery is dead. You’re left with blurry phone pics and a sinking feeling. I’ve been there. More than once. And it’s not just about missing the shot. It’s about missing the moment. That’s why knowing how to charge action shot camera properly is one of the most underrated skills for any adventure enthusiast.

Whether you’re into surfing, skiing, mountain biking, or just documenting weekend hikes, your action camera is only as good as its power source. And unlike smartphones, which we charge daily, action cameras often get forgotten until the last minute. That’s where this guide comes in. I’ve tested dozens of charging methods, learned from mistakes (like leaving a camera on a hot car dashboard with a solar charger), and discovered what actually works—fast, safe, and reliably. This isn’t just a technical manual. It’s a real-world playbook to keep your camera ready when the action happens.

Understanding Your Action Shot Camera’s Battery System

Types of Batteries in Action Cameras

Not all action shot cameras use the same battery tech. Knowing what kind you have is the first step to charging it right. Most modern action cameras—like GoPro, DJI Action, Insta360, and Akaso—use one of three battery types:

• Lithium-ion (Li-ion): The most common. Lightweight, holds a charge well, and recharges quickly. Found in GoPro Hero models, DJI Osmo Action, and most mid-to-high-end cameras.
• Lithium-polymer (LiPo): Slightly more flexible in shape and often used in ultra-compact or modular cameras. Think Insta360 GO series. They charge faster but are more sensitive to overheating.
• Removable vs. Built-in: Older or budget models may have removable batteries (like GoPro Hero 9 and earlier), while newer models (Hero 11, 12) often have built-in batteries to improve water resistance.

Why does this matter? Because Li-ion batteries don’t like being fully drained or overcharged. LiPo batteries are even more finicky—they can swell or degrade if charged improperly. So, your charging strategy depends on the type.

How Battery Life Affects Charging Strategy

Most action shot cameras last 60–90 minutes on a single charge under normal use (1080p, 30fps, no Wi-Fi). But crank up the resolution to 4K, enable image stabilization, or use Wi-Fi to stream to your phone? That drops fast—sometimes to 30–45 minutes.

Here’s a real example: I once filmed a 2-hour mountain bike trail in 4K with HyperSmooth on my GoPro Hero 10. I had two spare batteries. I charged all three fully the night before. But I forgot to turn off Wi-Fi after the first battery died. The second battery lasted only 40 minutes. The third barely made it through the final descent. Lesson learned: charging is only half the battle—power management is the other half.

So, when you plan to charge your action shot camera, think about:

• How long will you be filming?
• What settings will you use (resolution, frame rate, stabilization)?
• Will you use Wi-Fi, GPS, or voice control?

Standard Charging Methods (And What Works Best)

USB-C Charging (The Gold Standard)

Most modern action shot cameras charge via USB-C. It’s fast, reversible (no more flipping the plug), and widely supported. But not all USB-C ports are created equal.

Here’s what I’ve found works best:

• Use the original charger and cable: Yes, that little brick and cable that came in the box. I know you want to use your phone charger, but the original one is tuned to your camera’s battery. It prevents overvoltage and manages heat better.
• Charge via wall outlet, not a computer: USB ports on laptops or desktops often deliver only 500mA. Wall chargers can push 2A or more. That cuts charging time by 30–50%. I once charged a GoPro Hero 9 in 1 hour 10 minutes with a 2.4A wall charger vs. 2 hours on my laptop.
• Use a power bank with PD (Power Delivery): If you’re off-grid, a 10,000mAh power bank with USB-C PD can charge your camera 1.5–2 times. Just make sure it supports 5V/2A or 9V/2A output. My Anker PowerCore 10000 PD charges my DJI Action 3 in 85 minutes.

Charging via Computer or Car Charger (Use With Caution)

Sometimes you’re in a pinch. Maybe you’re editing footage on your laptop and want to charge the camera at the same time. Or you’re driving to a shoot and use the car’s USB port.

But here’s the catch: car USB ports are often low-power (500–1000mA). That means slow charging. And if your car’s engine is off, you risk draining the car battery. I once left my GoPro charging in a parked car for 3 hours. The camera got to 80%, but the car battery died. Not fun.

Pro tips:

• Use a car charger with a built-in battery monitor that cuts off at 12.2V to protect your car battery.
• On laptops, close other apps and put the computer to sleep (but not shut down) to reduce power draw from the USB port.
• Never charge in extreme heat. A hot car dashboard can push temps over 60°C (140°F), which damages Li-ion batteries.

Multi-Battery Chargers (For Heavy Users)

If you’re a pro or just love filming all day, a multi-bay charger is a game-changer. Brands like GoPro and DJI sell official dual or triple chargers. Third-party options (like Wasabi Power or Tether Tools) are often cheaper and just as good.

Example: The Wasabi Power 3-Bay Charger charges three GoPro batteries in 2 hours each (if charged one at a time). It has LED indicators and overcharge protection. I use it before weekend trips. I charge all three batteries overnight, then swap them out during filming.

One caveat: don’t mix old and new batteries. Older batteries have lower capacity. Charging them together can cause the charger to slow down or stop early. Always charge batteries of the same age and usage level together.

Off-Grid and Outdoor Charging Solutions

Solar Chargers (When Sunlight Is Your Only Option)

Hiking in the Rockies? Backpacking through Patagonia? Solar charging can be a lifesaver. But it’s not as simple as “just leave it in the sun.”

Here’s what I’ve learned from three failed solar attempts:

• Use a solar panel with a built-in battery: Direct solar charging is unreliable. Clouds, shade, or low sun angle can kill efficiency. I now use the BigBlue 28W Solar Charger with a 10,000mAh battery. It charges the battery in 4–5 hours of direct sun, then charges my camera via USB-C in 90 minutes.
• Angle matters: In the northern hemisphere, face the panel south. Tilt it at your latitude (e.g., 40° if you’re in New York). Use the panel’s kickstand or hang it from a tree branch.
• Start early: Solar charging is slow. Begin charging by 9 AM, not at noon. And don’t expect a full charge in one day unless you have 6+ hours of direct sun.

One time, I tried to charge my Insta360 One X2 with a basic foldable solar panel. It took 10 hours to get from 20% to 50%. Useless. The BigBlue system gets me 70% in 6 hours. Much better.

Portable Power Stations (For Base Camps and Long Expeditions)

If you’re setting up a base camp for a week-long adventure, a portable power station is worth the investment. These are like giant power banks—500Wh to 1000Wh capacity—with AC outlets, USB-C, and sometimes even car outlets.

I use the Jackery Explorer 300 on ski trips. It’s 293Wh, weighs 7.1 lbs, and charges via wall, car, or solar. I charge it at the lodge, then use it to charge my camera, phone, drone, and even a small LED light.

Key benefits:

• Charges your action shot camera 4–6 times (depending on battery size).
• Can power other devices (laptops, mini-fridges, etc.).
• Safe for indoor use (no fumes like gas generators).

Downsides: heavy and expensive ($300+). But for multi-day trips, it’s a no-brainer.

Hand-Crank and Thermoelectric Chargers (Last-Resort Options)

These are niche but useful in emergencies. A hand-crank charger (like the Eton Scorpion II) can give you 1–2% per minute of cranking. That’s not much, but it might be enough to start your camera and film a 30-second rescue clip.

Thermoelectric chargers (like the BioLite CampStove 2) generate power from heat. Burn a small fire, and it charges a 2,600mAh battery. Then use that to charge your camera. I’ve used this in winter camps where solar wasn’t an option.

These are not for daily use. But they’re great to have in your emergency kit.

Charging Best Practices (To Extend Battery Life)

Don’t Fully Drain or Overcharge

Lithium batteries hate extremes. Fully discharging (to 0%) stresses the battery. Overcharging (leaving it at 100% for days) causes oxidation and reduces capacity over time.

Best practice: charge when the battery hits 20–30%. Stop at 80–90% if you’re storing it. I use a smart charger (like the Nitecore UMS4) that stops at 80% when I set it to “storage mode.”

Real-world impact: After 100 charge cycles, a battery charged to 100% might lose 15–20% capacity. One charged to 80% might lose only 5–8%. That’s a big difference over time.

Store Batteries Properly

If you’re not using your action shot camera for weeks, don’t leave the battery in the camera or at 0%. Here’s what to do:

• Charge to 50% before storage.
• Remove from the camera (if removable).
• Store in a cool, dry place (ideally 15–25°C / 59–77°F).
• Check every 3–6 months and top up to 50% if needed.

I once left a GoPro battery in a hot garage for 3 months. When I used it, it died in 10 minutes. The capacity had dropped to 30%. Lesson: storage matters.

Clean Charging Ports and Cables

Saltwater, sand, and dust love to hide in charging ports. A single grain of sand can break a USB-C pin. I clean my camera’s port after every beach trip with a dry toothbrush and compressed air.

For cables, inspect the USB-C end for bent pins or frayed wires. I replace cables every 12–18 months. A damaged cable can cause slow charging or overheating.

Common Charging Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Using Cheap Third-Party Chargers

I get it—original chargers are expensive. But cheap knockoffs can be dangerous. I once used a $5 USB-C cable from Amazon. It charged my camera, but the connector got hot enough to melt the plastic. I stopped using it immediately.

Stick to reputable brands: Anker, Belkin, UGREEN, or the camera manufacturer. Look for certifications like USB-IF or Qi.

Charging in Extreme Temperatures

Batteries don’t like heat or cold. Charging in temperatures below 0°C (32°F) or above 45°C (113°F) can cause permanent damage.

Tips:

• In cold weather, keep the camera close to your body (inside a jacket) while charging.
• In hot weather, charge in the shade. Never on a car dashboard.
• If the battery gets hot during charging, unplug it and let it cool.

Ignoring Battery Swelling

Swollen batteries are a red flag. It means gas has built up inside—often due to overcharging or physical damage. A swollen battery can crack the camera’s casing or even catch fire.

If you see swelling:

• Stop using the battery immediately.
• Do not charge it.
• Dispose of it at a battery recycling center (not in the trash).

Data Table: Charging Times and Methods Compared

Charging Method	Time (0% to 100%)	Battery Type	Best For	Risks
Wall charger (original)	60–90 minutes	Li-ion	Home, hotel	Low
Power bank (PD)	75–100 minutes	Li-ion/LiPo	Travel, off-grid	Medium (if low-quality)
Solar + battery	240–360 minutes	Li-ion	Backpacking, camping	High (if no sun)
Multi-bay charger	120 minutes (per battery)	Li-ion	Pros, multi-battery users	Low
Car charger (2A)	90–120 minutes	Li-ion	Road trips	Medium (battery drain)

Final Thoughts: Keep the Action Rolling

Learning how to charge action shot camera isn’t just about plugging it in. It’s about planning, understanding your gear, and respecting the battery’s limits. I’ve lost shots to poor charging habits. But I’ve also captured once-in-a-lifetime moments because I was ready.

Remember: your camera is a tool for storytelling. And a dead battery is a broken tool. So charge smart. Use the right gear. Store batteries properly. And always have a backup plan—whether it’s a spare battery, a power bank, or a solar panel.

Next time you’re packing for an adventure, don’t just grab your camera. Grab your charger. Check the battery level. And maybe—just maybe—charge it the night before. Because when the action happens, you don’t want to be the one fumbling with a dead battery while everyone else captures the moment.

Stay charged, stay ready, and keep filming.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I charge my action shot camera for the first time?

To charge your action shot camera for the first time, use the included USB cable to connect it to a power source like a wall adapter, laptop, or power bank. Ensure the battery is fully inserted and the camera is powered off for optimal charging.

Can I use a phone charger to charge my action shot camera?

Yes, you can use a standard phone charger or USB port to charge your action shot camera, as most models support USB charging. Just make sure the output matches the camera’s requirements (usually 5V/1A or 5V/2A).

How long does it take to fully charge an action shot camera?

Charging time typically ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the battery capacity and power source. Using a fast charger or higher-output adapter can reduce charging time slightly.

Is it safe to leave my action shot camera charging overnight?

Most modern action shot cameras have built-in overcharge protection, so leaving them plugged in overnight is generally safe. However, avoid doing this regularly to prolong battery lifespan.

Why isn’t my action shot camera charging when connected?

If your action shot camera isn’t charging, check the USB cable, port, and power source for damage or debris. Try a different cable or adapter to rule out faulty accessories.

Can I charge my action shot camera while using it?

Some action shot cameras support pass-through charging, but many will stop recording or shut down when connected to power. Check your model’s manual to confirm if this feature is available.