How to charge action cameras: Insta360, DJI and GoPro
When traveling, an action camera is rarely your only device: you also carry a smartphone, a power bank, spare batteries, and sometimes a laptop. You want to charge everything from one adapter and get back to shooting quickly. But the same USB-C connector can hide different requirements: one camera may need only basic power, another needs PPS for fast charging, and a charging case may require a completely different power source.
Here we look at conventional action cameras and compact 360 cameras from Insta360, DJI, and GoPro that are compatible with modern fast charging. We cover the requirements of cameras and accessories separately.
PD and PPS charging protocols
USB Power Delivery (PD) lets a device negotiate power with a compatible source. There are several versions, with PD 3.0-3.2 being the most common. PD 3.0 is sufficient for the devices discussed below.
PPS (Programmable Power Supply) adds the ability to adjust voltage in small steps to PD. Support for PD does not guarantee PPS, but PPS is always implemented alongside PD.
Even if an action camera or accessory can charge from a USB-C adapter, that does not confirm fast charging over PD/PPS. Check the action camera fast-charging information below or consult the manual.
Charging parameters and power requirements may differ between the action camera and its battery charging cases.
Pay attention to the power profiles of the port you use. For example, 9V3A provides a maximum available power of 27W. You do not need to worry about a high-power charging adapter, such as 100W: this rating describes its capabilities, while the camera or any other device requests and draws only as much power as it needs. Likewise, cables rated at 100W or 240W cannot harm your devices simply because of their rating: it only indicates the maximum power the cable is designed to handle at a current of 5A.
Charging requirements for specific action camera models from different brands
Insta360
You can charge the battery while it is installed in the action camera by connecting a cable directly to the action camera, or charge it separately in a battery charging case. Charging speeds will differ.
Insta360 devices support PD and PPS charging protocols, depending on the model. A charger with PPS support will charge compatible devices faster.
Please note that PD and PPS charging protocols can only be activated with a USB-C - USB-C cable and a charger with a USB-C port. A USB-A - USB-C cable enables the basic 5V2A (10W) DCP protocol or, in some cases where the camera and charger are compatible, the slightly faster QC protocol at up to 12V2A (24W).
Detailed charging information for Insta360 camera models:
Model | Charging protocol | Requirements for a USB-C - USB-C charging cable |
X6 | Battery charging inside the action camera:
Battery charging in the charging case:
| Please note that charging through the case requires a current of 4A. This means you need to use a USB-C - USB-C cable with an e-marker and a 5A 100W or 240W rating; otherwise, the charging current will be limited to 3A and charging will be slower. |
X5 | Battery charging inside the action camera:
Battery charging in the charging case:
| any cable |
X4 Air | Battery charging inside the action camera:
Battery charging in the charging case:
| any cable |
X4 | Battery charging inside the action camera:
Battery charging in the charging case:
| any cable |
X3 | Battery charging inside the action camera:
Battery charging in the charging case:
| any cable |
X2 | Battery charging inside the action camera:
Battery charging in the charging case:
| any cable |
ONE X | Battery charging inside the action camera:
Battery charging in the charging case:
| any cable |
Batteries do not charge at a constant rate. This applies to cameras and other devices alike: charging is faster at the beginning, then slows down at around 80% of battery capacity. This is normal and expected.
A action camera battery typically takes between 30 minutes and 2 hours to charge, depending on the action camera model, charger power, charging protocol, and battery capacity.
You can charge Insta360 cameras while shooting, but both camera use and charging generate heat. When shooting and charging at the same time, make sure there is ventilation around the camera and avoid direct sunlight to prevent the battery from overheating. This advice applies to any battery-powered device, including smartphones.
DJI Osmo Action
Model | Charging protocol | Requirements for a USB-C - USB-C cable | Documentation links |
Osmo Action 6 | PD 30W | any cable | |
Osmo Action 5 Pro, Action 4 and Action 3 | PD/PPS 30W | any cable |
GoPro
Model | Charging protocol | Requirements for a USB-C - USB-C cable | Documentation links |
MISSION 1 MISSION 1 PRO MISSION 1 PRO ILS | Battery charging inside the action camera:
Through the Dual Battery Charger for Enduro 2 case:
| any cable | |
MAX2 | PD/PPS 30W | any cable | |
HERO 5 - HERO 13 HERO (2018, 2024) Fusion LIT HERO MAX | Basic 5V2A 10W max May be incompatible with a PD charger. | Use a charger and cable with a USB-A port. | |
HERO 4 and earlier | Basic 5V1A 5W max May be incompatible with a PD charger. | Use a charger and cable with a USB-A port. |
Which charger to choose
First, do not buy a charger solely for your action camera. Look at the chargers you already have: one of those you use for your smartphone will probably work for the action camera as well, even if it does not charge at maximum speed.
However, if you own one of the latest models, such as Insta360 X5/X6, DJI Osmo Action or the GoPro Mission 1 series, and cannot compromise on charging time, make sure your charging adapter provides at least 30W and supports the PPS protocol.
If you decide you need a new charger, consider which other devices you need to charge alongside the action camera, including when you are on the road.
If you charge an action camera, smartphone and laptop at the same time, choose a power source for the whole set. At least one port on the charging adapter should be able to meet the power needs of the most demanding device. Extra power capacity is preferable, because charging several devices at once redistributes power between the ports in different, usually fixed ratios, such as 70/30, 50/50 or 50/30/20. Lower power may be acceptable for overnight charging, but may not be enough when you need a quick top-up.
For simultaneous charging and using one universal charging adapter for several devices, it makes sense to consider USB-C chargers rated at 100W or more.
You may already have a quality charger with enough power, such as a 140W adapter for an Apple MacBook Pro 16, but it has only one port, and you need more. This is no reason to give up a good charger: an active Y-cable can help, such as the CUKTECH 10 Plus 2-in-1 140W. This cable not only lets you charge 2 devices at once, but also adds charging protocols that the charger itself does not support, such as PPS and UFCS. You can find this and other active Y-cables in this selection. Be careful and avoid passive Y-cables: they can damage your expensive devices. Use only reliable, tested products from reputable brands.
Charging on the road
While traveling or on long trips, you may unexpectedly need to charge your devices, including action cameras. A powerful power bank and a car PD charger are very convenient in these situations.
Some models can deliver enough charging power for all your devices, matching a wall charging adapter.
Suitable options are listed in the power bank catalog and the car PD charger catalog.
If you also bring a still camera along with your action camera, I recommend reading the guide to charging still cameras.
