At 4K, all cameras surpassed the 4-hour mark without experiencing any overheating issues on a blistering hot 99°F day. 4K | 60 | L
Our action camera coolers have demonstrated remarkable performance in recording at 1080p, even under the most scorching heat conditions. However, we have now embarked on a quest to explore the realm of higher resolutions, specifically 4k, while capturing footage in direct sunlight in a static environment. After rigorous testing, we are thrilled to report that our coolers have succeeded at temperatures as high as 99 degrees. While we do not claim this to be the ultimate limit, it is undoubtedly a significant milestone in our pursuit of excellence. Check the video(s) out on our YouTube channel, Click Link Here
To ensure its effectiveness, we conducted a comprehensive test on each of our cameras, subjecting them to extreme conditions. Outdoors, under the scorching sun at a blistering 99 degrees, we pushed the limits by recording at 4k, 60 fps. Remarkably, all cameras surpassed the 4-hour mark without experiencing any overheating issues, except the Hero 10 in the Media Mod case.
As expected, without the presence of cooling fans, all cameras experienced overheating within a short span of 20 to 25 minutes.
Read below for all the testing details and results. Also, check out the results for our new variable fan running at a super quiet and low 2200 rpm, keeping the GoPro 10 and 12 recording for 8 hours at 5.3K.
Outdoors, under the scorching sun at a blistering 99 degrees, we pushed the limits by recording at 4k, 60 fps. Remarkably, all cameras surpassed the 4-hour mark without experiencing any overheating issues, except the Hero 10 in the Media Mod case. In the baseline tests without the cooling fans, all cameras succumbed to overheating in a mere 20 to 25 minutes. Dive into the comprehensive baseline test data provided below to unravel the intricate specifics of this issue.
Baseline test data show without the cooling fans, all cameras succumbed to overheating in a mere 25 minutes.
The initial tests were carried out in a controlled indoor setting to establish a baseline. To our astonishment, the Hero 11 Mini lasted a mere 14 minutes indoors, but when exposed to the cooling effect of a our cooler, it encountered no problems whatsoever. Conversely, we had anticipated the Hero 8 to struggle in the warmer outdoor environment. However, the presence of air movement from the fan seemed to make all the difference.
Our objective in this particular test was to assess the performance of each camera while recording at it’s highest and demanding settings, such as 5.3K at 60 fps. In the case of the Action 4 camera, it was pushed to its highest resolution of 4K at 120 fps. As anticipated, without any air movement, overheating became a prevalent issue.
We are excited to introduce our latest innovation, a variable RPM cooling fan designed to provide extra cooling when necessary but operate at slower and quieter speeds when not needing that peek cooling. These fans offer a range of 2000 to 7500 RPMs, controlled conveniently via a USB controller. In our rigorous testing, we pushed the GoPro 10 and 12 to their limits, recording at 5.3K resolution with all other “heat-generating” features activated. Thanks to our cooling fan’s exceptional performance, both cameras recorded continuously for a remarkable duration of at least 8 hours.
Operating at 2200 RPM, the ambient noise level of the fan measures approximately 45 dBA. Considering that normal conversation typically registers around 60 dBA, this fan will not be intrusive in a studio or vlogger environment while effectively providing the necessary cooling for optimal GoPro performance. For the best audio results, it is recommended to use an external microphone. A Bluetooth microphone was utilized in the video captured with the GoPro 12, resulting in excellent sound quality. On the other hand, the GoPro 10 video serves as a reference, utilizing the internal GoPro microphones.
Disclaimer: It is important to note that individual results may vary. Factors such as camera condition, battery condition, and unforeseen issues can impact recording times, potentially resulting in durations that differ from the data provided above. While some users have reported longer run times without the battery installed, it is worth mentioning that our testing involved all cameras being tested with a fully charged battery. This was done to ensure a fair comparison, particularly with the Hero 11 Mini, which does not have a removable battery.