Action Camera Overheating? 7 Ways to Stop It Shutting Down

by

An action camera packs a powerful chip into a tiny body with almost no room for cooling, so overheating is common, especially at high resolutions in warm weather. Here are seven ways to stop it.

1. Lower the Resolution and Frame Rate

Recording 4K at 60fps or higher generates the most heat. Dropping to a lower resolution or frame rate cuts heat and extends recording time.

2. Turn Off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS

Wireless features add heat and drain the battery. Turn them off when you are not using the app.

3. Turn Off Extra Processing

Features like heavy stabilisation and high-bitrate modes use more processing. Turn off anything you do not need.

4. Keep It Out of the Sun

Direct sun on a dark camera body can add a lot of heat. Shade the camera between takes and keep it out of a hot car.

5. Give It Airflow

Cameras in a closed housing or case run hotter. When it is safe to do so (not underwater or in the rain), use the camera without the housing, or get a case with ventilation.

6. Take Cooling Breaks

Long continuous takes heat the camera up. Stop between clips and let it cool.

7. Watch Charging While Recording

Charging while filming adds heat from the battery. Use it only when needed.

Overheating Underwater

Water actually helps cool a camera, so overheating underwater is less common. Out of the water in a waterproof housing is where it typically happens.

See my best AliExpress action cameras and accessories for options.