Published battery specs are measured under ideal conditions (room temperature, no Wi-Fi, minimal screen-on time). Real-world battery life is consistently shorter.

Typical real-world numbers for a standard 1200–1500 mAh battery:

- 4K/60fps continuous recording: 45–75 minutes

- 1080p/30fps continuous recording: 80–120 minutes

- Time-lapse (photo every 5 seconds): 90–150 minutes

- Mixed use (recording clips, reviewing, changing settings): 60–90 minutes of total session time

Factors that kill battery faster:

- Cold weather (below 5°C / 40°F) — can reduce runtime by 30–50%

- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth left on

- High frame rates (120 fps burns battery roughly 40% faster than 30 fps)

- Screen brightness at maximum

- Using cheap third-party batteries (lower actual capacity than labeled)

Practical solutions:

- Carry 2–3 spare batteries for any full-day activity

- A dual-battery charger that runs off USB (charge two spares while one is in the camera)

- External power bank + USB cable for mounted/static setups

- Turn off Wi-Fi/Bluetooth when not actively using them