GoPro Enduro Battery Introduced and HERO10 Firmware Update

Battery News

by Jeff LochOctober 27^th, 2021

GoPro has just introduced a new battery for HERO 9/10 action cameras: the GoPro Enduro. This new battery will be available next month for $24.99, and it’s mainly designed to improve the camera’s battery life in icy shooting conditions. In addition, a new firmware update for all GoPro HERO10 will also be released by the end of this month to help maximize your camera’s performances and maximum recording times. So let’s take a closer look at these announcements!

Last month GoPro introduced the latest version of its action cameras, the GoPro HERO10, with impressive video recording capabilities. Indeed, with the HERO 10 Black, you can now record footage in up to 5.3K60p, 4K120p, and 2.7K240p, with HyperSmooth 4.0 available in all recording modes. If you missed it, you can watch our GoPro HERO10 Black review.

Even if the battery life of the latest GoPro action cameras drastically improved thanks to the new GP2 processor, those who already used a GoPro to record their ski/snowboard sessions (myself included) can relate that the battery life in cold shooting conditions is usually abysmal. That’s not particular to GoPro, as batteries in general drain a lot faster under 0°C.

To solve that issue, GoPro has just introduced Enduro batteries.

GoPro Enduro battery features

The GoPro Enduro is a new optional battery pack compatible with GoPro HERO 9/10 cameras. Unfortunately, there is not a ton of technical information available about the GoPro Enduro at the moment, but here is GoPro’s statement:

The new Enduro Battery features revolutionary technology that dramatically improves your HERO10 or HERO9’s performance in cold temperatures while extending recording times by up to 40% in normal conditions.

At a battery temperature of 14F / -10C (note: this is the battery’s temperature, it can be even colder outside), with HERO10 Black the Enduro battery enables, on average, 56 minutes of 5.3K60 video, 50 minutes of 4K120 video, 76 minutes of 4K60 video and 115 minutes of 1080p30 video recording per charge.

At a temperature of 77F / 25C, the GoPro Enduro battery enables, on average, a total of 60 minutes of 5.3K60 video (a 28% improvement over the standard battery), a total of 51 minutes of 4K120 video (a 40% improvement over the standard battery), a total of 71 minutes of 4K60 video (a 13% improvement over the standard battery) and a total of 120 minutes of 1080p30 video recording per charge.

GoPro

As you can tell, these new GoPro Enduro batteries should significantly improve your camera’s battery life. Also, Enduro battery packs charge faster, which is around 13% faster compared to standard GoPro batteries. But, there’s more if you want to improve your HERO10 battery life.

GoPro HERO10 firmware update

GoPro should release a firmware update for all HERO 10 action cameras by the end of this month. This firmware update will introduce three new “Video Performance Modes.” In short, you’ll have the choice between Maximum Video Performance, Extended Battery, and Tripod / Stationary Video modes to get the best battery life out of your camera.

As its name suggests, Maximum Video Performance will set your camera at the maximum video resolution and frame rates, so you get the best image quality/slow-motion possible.

The Extended Battery mode will adapt the video resolutions and frame rates to maximize recording times and extend the battery life.

Last but not least, Tripod / Stationary Video mode will shut down GPS/HyperSmooth video stabilization features while still giving you access to the camera’s maximum resolutions/framerates. According to GoPro, here are the recording times you can expect at 25°C/77°F without movement:

• 5.3K60 – 47% more runtime than previous for an average of 29 minute-long clips
• 5.3K30 – 11% more runtime than previous for an average of 44 minute-long clips
• 4K120 – 52% more runtime than previous for an average of 26 minute-long clips
• 4K60 – 154% more runtime than previous for an average of 63 minute-long clips
• 4K30 – 35% more runtime than previous for an average of 50 minute-long clips

As you can tell, resolutions and framerates under 4K are absent from these tests. However, GoPro states that if you shoot in 2.7K and 1080p resolutions, you’ll get “significantly longer single clip recording times in either Extended Battery or Maximum Video Performance modes.”

Last but not least, another firmware update later down the road will enable even longer clip lengths in 5.3K30p and 4K30p recording modes.

Price and availability

GoPro Enduro battery packs should be available by the end of November (winter is coming in Europe!) for $24.99. I find this price fair for such battery life improvements, especially considering “regular” GoPro HERO 9/10 battery packs retail for $19/€24.

The GoPro HERO10 firmware update should be released this week and will be free of charge.

For more information, please visit GoPro’s website here.

What do you think about these new GoPro Enduro battery packs? Do you often shoot in cold weather? Are you happy with your camera’s battery with the standard battery pack? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments down below!