what drones are compatible with gopro?

In the exhilarating world of aerial videography and photography, the names GoPro and drone have historically been synonymous. For years, the rugged, high-quality GoPro camera was the default choice for capturing stunning footage from above, strapped to virtually any flying contraption. However, as drone technology rapidly evolved, most manufacturers began integrating their own advanced cameras directly into their aerial platforms, seemingly leaving the external action camera behind.

Yet, the question persists: what drones are compatible with GoPro? This isn’t just a nostalgic query; it’s a practical one for enthusiasts and professionals alike. Whether you’re an FPV pilot chasing adrenaline-pumping shots, a DIY builder seeking ultimate customization, or someone looking to leverage GoPro’s unique image quality and features, understanding compatibility is key. This comprehensive guide will navigate the complex landscape of GoPro-drone synergy, from historical setups to modern niche applications, equipping you with the knowledge to make informed decisions and capture breathtaking aerial content.

Join us as we explore the evolution, the technical considerations, specific drone models, and the pros and cons of pairing a GoPro with your drone, ensuring you soar with confidence.

Quick Answers to Common Questions

Can I just attach my GoPro to any drone I buy?

Not typically! Most modern consumer drones come with their own integrated cameras. You’ll need a drone specifically designed to carry an external action camera, or one that’s popular for custom modifications.

Are popular DJI drones compatible with GoPro cameras?

Generally, no. DJI drones are famous for their excellent built-in cameras and aren’t designed to have external GoPro cameras mounted for primary footage.

What type of drones are compatible with GoPro for the best aerial shots?

You’ll usually find compatibility with older, larger consumer drones that had interchangeable payloads, custom-built FPV (First Person View) drones, or specialized cinematic drones designed to carry a range of cameras, including GoPros.

Did GoPro ever make their own drone that was compatible with their cameras?

Yes, GoPro did release the Karma drone, which was specifically engineered to work seamlessly with their Hero cameras. However, the Karma drone has since been discontinued.

What should I look for if I want a drone compatible with my GoPro?

Search for drones explicitly marketed with a gimbal or mount for action cameras, or explore the world of custom-built FPV drones where adding a GoPro for recording is a very common setup.

The Evolution of GoPro and Drones: A Historical Perspective

To truly understand what drones are compatible with GoPro today, we must first look back. In the early to mid-2010s, GoPro wasn’t just compatible with drones; it *was* the drone camera. Before companies like DJI perfected their integrated camera systems, amateur and professional drone pilots alike relied on GoPro’s compact size, wide-angle lens, and impressive image quality to capture aerial footage. The market was flooded with generic quadcopters and specialized rigs designed with a singular purpose: to carry a GoPro.

Iconic drones of this era, like the DJI Phantom 2 and the 3DR Solo, didn’t come with their own cameras. Instead, they featured mounting plates and, in the case of the Phantom, sophisticated Zenmuse gimbals specifically engineered to stabilize a GoPro Hero 3 or Hero 4. These setups delivered groundbreaking aerial video, ushering in an era of accessible drone cinematography. GoPro even tried to enter the drone market itself with the ill-fated Karma drone, which was designed around its Hero cameras, highlighting the tight integration of the two brands during that period.

However, the landscape shifted dramatically. DJI, Autel, Parrot, and others invested heavily in developing their own custom camera sensors, lenses, and powerful image processing units that were seamlessly integrated into the drone’s airframe. These integrated systems offered advantages like superior image transmission, real-time control over camera settings via the remote, and often better stabilization through custom-designed gimbals. This innovation largely pushed external action cameras out of the mainstream consumer drone market. Today, if you buy a DJI Mavic or an Autel Evo, it comes with its own high-performance camera, and there’s no official or practical way to mount a GoPro for primary filming. Yet, for a specific segment of the drone community, the quest for GoPro compatible drones continues, driven by unique needs and preferences.

Key Considerations for GoPro Drone Compatibility

Pairing a GoPro with a drone isn’t as simple as strapping it on. Several critical factors dictate whether a drone is truly “compatible” and, more importantly, whether the resulting flight and footage will be successful. Understanding these elements is crucial when asking what drones are compatible with GoPro for your specific use case.

Mounting Mechanisms: Secure and Stable

The first hurdle is physically attaching the GoPro. Unlike integrated cameras, an external GoPro requires a secure and vibration-dampening mount.

• Fixed Mounts: Basic, rigid mounts (often 3D printed or simple plastic/carbon fiber) hold the GoPro in place but offer no stabilization. These are common on FPV racing drones where the pilot controls the camera angle with drone movement, or on cinewhoops where software stabilization (GoPro’s HyperSmooth, ReelSteadyGo) is relied upon.
• Gimbals: For smooth, cinematic footage, a brushless gimbal is essential. These motorized systems counteract drone movement to keep the camera level. Legacy drones like the DJI Phantom 2 used custom-built gimbals (e.g., Zenmuse H3-3D/H4-3D) specifically for GoPros. Finding these today can be challenging, but some custom builds or prosumer platforms might incorporate third-party gimbals.
• Custom Solutions: Many users, particularly in the DIY and FPV communities, design and 3D print custom mounts tailored to their specific drone frame and GoPro model. This offers unparalleled flexibility but requires design and fabrication skills.

Weight and Aerodynamics: Impact on Performance

Every gram counts in drone flight. A GoPro, even a compact Hero Session, adds significant weight compared to a drone’s integrated camera.

• Payload Capacity: The drone must have sufficient lift capacity to comfortably carry the GoPro. Exceeding this limit will drastically reduce flight time, strain motors, and compromise stability and safety. This is why most modern consumer drones (e.g., DJI Mini/Mavic Air) are unsuitable.
• Flight Time: Increased weight directly translates to shorter flight times. A drone designed for 25 minutes might only fly for 15 with an added GoPro.
• Aerodynamics: A bulky GoPro can disrupt airflow, making the drone less aerodynamic, especially in windy conditions. This impacts stability, control, and overall efficiency.

Powering and Connectivity: Control and Battery Life

GoPro integration can extend beyond just mounting.

• Internal Power: GoPros run on their own batteries. For longer flights, some setups integrate a power supply from the drone to keep the GoPro charged, though this adds complexity and weight.
• Remote Control: Most legacy GoPro-compatible drones offered limited control over the GoPro (e.g., start/stop recording). Modern integrated cameras offer full control over settings (ISO, shutter, white balance) from the remote. Achieving this with an external GoPro often requires specialized modules or isn’t possible at all, meaning you might have to set up your GoPro manually before launch.

FPV and Video Transmission: What You See is What You Get

For safe and effective drone operation, particularly FPV (First Person View), a live video feed is crucial.

• Dedicated FPV Camera: Most drones designed to carry a GoPro (especially FPV drones) use a separate, small, low-latency FPV camera for piloting. The GoPro is then purely for recording high-quality footage. This is the most common and recommended setup.
• GoPro as FPV Camera: While some GoPros can provide a live feed, it often suffers from higher latency, making it unsuitable for precise piloting, especially on fast FPV drones. It can be acceptable for slower, cinematic flights if latency is minimal.
• Video Transmission System: The drone needs a robust video transmission system (analog for FPV racers, or digital systems like DJI O3, Walksnail, HDZero) to send the FPV feed back to the pilot’s goggles or screen.

Considering these factors will help you narrow down your search for GoPro compatible drones and ensure a successful aerial experience.

Types of Drones Compatible with GoPro Cameras

While the mainstream has moved to integrated cameras, specific categories of drones continue to be excellent platforms for GoPros. Understanding these types will guide you in finding what drones are compatible with GoPro for your aerial ambitions.

DIY / Custom-Built Drones: The Ultimate Flexibility

For those with a penchant for tinkering, custom-built drones offer unparalleled freedom. These are often the most capable platforms for carrying external cameras.

• Component-Based: Builders select individual components – frame, motors, ESCs, flight controller, battery – to create a drone tailored to their needs. This allows for frames explicitly designed to accommodate a GoPro.
• Payload Optimization: Custom builds can be designed with extra power and robust frames to handle the GoPro’s weight without compromising performance significantly.
• 3D Printing Advantage: The DIY community heavily utilizes 3D printing to create bespoke GoPro mounts, vibration dampeners, and protective casings that perfectly fit their chosen drone and GoPro model.
• Learning Curve: This option requires significant technical knowledge in drone assembly, electronics, and flight controller setup.

If you’re asking what drones are compatible with GoPro with maximum control in mind, a DIY build is often the answer.

FPV Drones: Action-Packed Synergy

First Person View (FPV) drones are arguably the largest segment of the modern drone world still actively using GoPros. These drones prioritize agility, speed, and immersive flight experiences.

• Cinewhoops: These are ducted FPV drones designed for stable, slow, cinematic shots in tight spaces, often around people or obstacles. They are *perfectly* suited for carrying a GoPro (often a “naked” GoPro for weight savings) and rely on GoPro’s internal stabilization (HyperSmooth) or post-stabilization software (ReelSteadyGo, Gyroflow) for buttery smooth footage. Many popular cinewhoop frames (e.g., CineLog, Cinebot) come with pre-designed GoPro mounting solutions.
• Racing Drones / Freestyle Quads: While speed is paramount, many freestyle FPV pilots will mount a GoPro (again, often naked) for high-impact, dynamic footage. The thrill of flying through gaps and performing acrobatic maneuvers is best captured by an action camera. Mounts are typically fixed and angled to match the drone’s flight angle.
• “Naked” GoPro: A common practice in the FPV world is to strip down a GoPro Hero camera (removing its casing, battery, and front screen) to reduce weight significantly. This “naked” GoPro is then powered directly by the drone and often housed in a custom 3D-printed case, drastically improving the drone’s flight characteristics and extending flight time. This is a game-changer for FPV pilots seeking GoPro compatible drones.

Legacy Consumer Drones: The Pioneers

As mentioned earlier, some older consumer drones were explicitly designed for GoPros. While largely discontinued, they represent a significant era.

• DJI Phantom 2: This iconic drone was primarily sold without a camera and relied on a GoPro Hero 3 or 4, often paired with the excellent Zenmuse H3-3D or H4-3D gimbal for stabilization. These drones can still be found used, but spare parts and battery availability are dwindling.
• 3DR Solo: Another popular platform from its time, the 3DR Solo also required a GoPro (Hero 3/4) and could be equipped with a 3-axis gimbal. It offered advanced features for its era, but like the Phantom 2, it’s a relic of the past.

These drones highlight the historical answer to what drones are compatible with GoPro, but their relevance today is limited to hobbyists or those seeking vintage tech.

Heavy-Lift Professional Platforms: Industrial Strength

At the high end, large professional and industrial drones are built to carry substantial payloads, including multiple cameras or specialized sensors.

• Enterprise Drones: Platforms like some DJI Matrice series (with custom mounting solutions) or Freefly Alta drones are powerful enough to carry a GoPro alongside other larger cameras or sensors. Compatibility here isn’t about the drone being designed for *just* a GoPro, but having the sheer payload capacity and customization options.
• Custom Rigs: Film production companies often build specialized octocopters or hexacopters designed to carry professional camera setups, and a GoPro might be included as a secondary or “crash cam” in such rigs.

For these heavy-duty machines, the question isn’t whether they *can* carry a GoPro, but rather why you *would* in the context of their primary, much more expensive payloads.

Specific Drone Models (Past & Present) That Work Well with GoPro

Navigating the sea of drones to find those that truly harmonize with a GoPro can be daunting. Here, we’ll delve into specific examples, categorized for clarity, to answer what drones are compatible with GoPro across different eras and use cases.

Legacy Legends (Discontinued but Notable):

• DJI Phantom 2 (with Zenmuse H3-3D or H4-3D Gimbal): This was the quintessential GoPro drone for years. The Phantom 2, combined with DJI’s sophisticated Zenmuse gimbal, offered remarkably stable footage for GoPro Hero 3/3+/4 cameras. If you happen to find one in good condition, it can still deliver decent results, though parts and battery availability are major concerns.
• 3DR Solo: Designed specifically as an open-source platform, the Solo was hailed for its “Smart Shots” and its ability to carry a GoPro (Hero 3/4) on a dedicated gimbal. Its modular design made it appealing, but like the Phantom 2, it’s largely obsolete now.
• Blade 350 QX: A smaller, more budget-friendly option from Horizon Hobby that also had mounting options for GoPros. Less stable than the DJI Phantom but offered an entry point.

While these models were once at the forefront of GoPro compatible drones, their age and lack of support make them less practical choices today.

Modern Mainstays (FPV & Custom Builds):

This is where the true compatibility lies in the current market, especially for action and cinematic FPV footage. While there isn’t one “brand” of FPV drone, specific frames and configurations are popular.

• Cinewhoop Frames (e.g., iFlight CineLog series, GEPRC Cinebot series, HGLRC Veyron): These ducted drones are purpose-built for smooth, stable, and safe indoor/close-proximity flights. Many come with pre-designed mounts for “naked” GoPros (Hero 6-12) or the smaller GoPro Hero Session models. They are prime examples of GoPro compatible drones, relying heavily on GoPro’s HyperSmooth stabilization or post-processing software.
• Freestyle FPV Frames (e.g., Lumenier QAV-S, ImpulseRC Apex, iFlight Nazgul Evoque): These robust frames are designed for aggressive acrobatic flying. While not primarily for cinematic work, many pilots strap a “naked” GoPro to them to capture their high-speed maneuvers and impressive tricks. The mounts are typically rigid and angled up to account for forward flight.
• DIY / Custom Frames: Any custom-built quadcopter or hexacopter with sufficient payload capacity can be made GoPro compatible. The beauty here is tailoring the drone’s size, power, and mounting points precisely to your GoPro model and desired flight characteristics. This is a path for experienced builders looking for bespoke solutions.

For modern users asking what drones are compatible with GoPro, FPV drones and custom builds are the primary and most effective answers.

Heavy-Lift & Enterprise (Niche Applications):

• DJI Matrice Series (e.g., M200, M300 with custom payloads): These are industrial-grade platforms designed for heavy lifting and specialized tasks. While they primarily carry DJI’s own enterprise cameras or third-party sensors (thermal, multispectral), their robust payload capacity means a GoPro *could* be integrated as a secondary camera or for specific inspection angles with a custom mount. This is not common for primary video capture.
• Freefly Alta series: These high-end professional drones are often used in Hollywood productions. They are modular and built to carry substantial camera packages. A GoPro might be used as an auxiliary camera, but never as the main shooter.

It’s important to note that most modern consumer drones (DJI Mavic series, Air series, Mini series, Autel Evo series) are NOT designed to carry an external GoPro for primary video capture. Their integrated cameras are excellent, and adding a GoPro would likely compromise their flight performance and offer no practical benefit.

The Pros and Cons of Using an External GoPro on Your Drone

Deciding to use a GoPro on your drone involves weighing several factors. While it offers unique advantages, there are also significant drawbacks compared to integrated camera systems. Let’s break down the benefits and disadvantages to help you determine if GoPro compatible drones are right for you.

The Advantages (Pros):

• Superior Image Quality & Features: GoPros, especially the latest models (Hero 10, 11, 12), boast incredible image quality, robust color science, high frame rates (up to 240fps in 1080p), and advanced stabilization (HyperSmooth). These features often surpass the capabilities of many mid-range integrated drone cameras, particularly in challenging light conditions or for specific cinematic effects.
• Versatility: A GoPro is not just a drone camera. It’s also a helmet cam, a dive camera, a handheld vlogging camera, and more. Investing in a GoPro means you have a versatile action camera for all your adventures, not just aerial ones.
• Crash Durability: GoPros are built tough. In the event of an FPV drone crash, while the drone might sustain damage, the GoPro often survives due to its rugged design. This is particularly valuable in high-risk FPV flying.
• Lens Modifiability: Third-party lens mods (e.g., ND filters, anamorphic lenses, specialized wide-angle lenses) are readily available for GoPros, offering creative flexibility that integrated drone cameras might lack.
• “Naked GoPro” Optimization: For FPV pilots, stripping down a GoPro reduces its weight by 30-50%, dramatically improving flight performance. This specialized mod maximizes the GoPro’s aerial potential.
• Existing Investment: If you already own a high-end GoPro, leveraging it for drone footage can be more cost-effective than buying a new drone with an integrated camera, provided you have a suitable drone platform.

The Disadvantages (Cons):

• Added Weight & Reduced Flight Time: This is perhaps the biggest drawback. The extra weight of a GoPro significantly reduces a drone’s flight efficiency and duration. A 5-minute FPV flight might become 3 minutes.
• Lack of Integrated Control: With an external GoPro, you typically cannot control camera settings (ISO, shutter speed, white balance, recording modes) from your drone’s remote controller. You often have to start recording manually before takeoff and hope for the best, or rely on Wi-Fi/Bluetooth app control which adds latency and complexity.
• No Real-time FPV Feed (usually): While some GoPros can output a live feed, it often has high latency, making it unsuitable for piloting. This means you’ll almost always need a separate FPV camera, adding to the drone’s complexity and power draw.
• Vibration and Jello: Without a dedicated, well-tuned gimbal, the GoPro is susceptible to vibrations from the drone’s motors, which can result in “jello” effect or shaky footage. Fixed mounts require excellent drone tuning and reliance on software stabilization.
• Cost and Complexity: Beyond the GoPro itself, you might need to invest in custom mounts, specialized wiring for power, or even a completely separate FPV system, increasing the overall cost and complexity of your setup.
• Aerodynamic Impact: The GoPro’s rectangular shape, even when slim, can negatively affect the drone’s aerodynamics, especially in windy conditions, making stable flight more challenging.
• Loss of Advanced Drone Features: Many modern drones use their integrated cameras for obstacle avoidance, intelligent flight modes, and precise GPS positioning. An external GoPro doesn’t contribute to these advanced functionalities.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to pursue GoPro compatible drones boils down to your specific needs. For FPV pilots craving cinematic action or DIY builders seeking ultimate control, the pros often outweigh the cons. For the average consumer looking for an easy-to-fly, “point-and-shoot” drone, an integrated camera system is almost always the better choice.

Optimizing Your GoPro Drone Setup: Tips and Best Practices

So, you’ve decided to venture into the world of GoPro compatible drones. To ensure you get the best possible results, here are some actionable tips and best practices for setting up and flying your GoPro-equipped drone.

1. Choosing the Right GoPro Model

• GoPro Hero Session (Legacy): These small, cube-shaped GoPros are lightweight and still favored by some FPV pilots for their minimal impact on flight time. However, their image quality and stabilization are outdated.
• GoPro Hero 6-9 (Modded for “Naked” Use): Many FPV pilots strip down these models to reduce weight significantly. They offer a good balance of image quality and a manageable size for FPV frames.
• GoPro Hero 10-12 (Full or “Naked”): The latest models provide the best image quality, dynamic range, and HyperSmooth stabilization. While heavier in their full casing, a “naked” Hero 10/11/12 is the gold standard for high-end FPV cinematography.
• Consider GoPro Settings: Before flight, set your GoPro to a suitable resolution (e.g., 4K/60fps or 2.7K/120fps), enable HyperSmooth, and choose a flat color profile for better post-processing. Use ND filters to achieve cinematic motion blur.

2. Mounting Best Practices: Stability is Key

• Secure Attachment: Ensure your GoPro mount is rock-solid. Any wobble or play will translate to shaky footage, even with HyperSmooth. Use sturdy screws, zip ties, or custom 3D prints that snugly fit the camera.
• Vibration Isolation: For cinematic shots, try to incorporate soft mounting (e.g., rubber grommets, TPU dampeners) between the mount and the drone frame to minimize motor vibrations reaching the GoPro.
• Angle Matters: For FPV, angle your GoPro up (e.g., 20-40 degrees) to match the drone’s forward pitch during flight, ensuring the horizon stays in view. For cinematic cruising, a shallower angle might be appropriate.
• Protect Your Lens: Always use a lens protector on your GoPro, especially on FPV drones, as crashes are inevitable.

3. Power Management

• GoPro’s Own Battery: For short flights, relying on the GoPro’s internal battery is simplest. Ensure it’s fully charged before each flight.
• Integrated Power (Naked GoPros): For “naked” GoPros, integrate a small BEC (Battery Eliminator Circuit) into your drone’s power distribution board to safely power the GoPro directly from the drone’s main battery. This eliminates the GoPro’s internal battery, saving weight.

4. FPV Feed Setup: Don’t Compromise Piloting

• Separate FPV Camera: Always use a dedicated FPV camera for piloting your drone, especially FPV drones. These cameras are optimized for low latency and dynamic range, essential for safe and responsive flight.
• Optimal Placement: Mount the FPV camera and GoPro in positions that don’t obstruct each other’s view.

5. Post-Processing: Unlocking the Full Potential

• Software Stabilization: Even with HyperSmooth, sometimes external software like ReelSteadyGo (from GoPro, for older footage) or Gyroflow (open-source) can provide even smoother, more cinematic results, especially from fixed-mount FPV footage.
• Color Grading: Shoot in a flat color profile (GoPro’s “Flat” or “Log”) and color grade your footage in post-production to achieve a professional look that matches other cameras you might be using.
• De-noising & Sharpening: Depending on lighting conditions, you might need to apply noise reduction or sharpening in editing software.

6. Legal & Safety Considerations

• Payload Limits: Be aware of your drone’s maximum payload capacity. Overloading it is dangerous and can lead to unstable flight or crashes.
• Drone Registration: In many regions, drones above a certain weight (e.g., 250 grams in the US and EU) must be registered. Adding a GoPro might push a lighter drone over this threshold. Always check local regulations.
• Balance: Ensure the GoPro is mounted centrally and does not significantly shift the drone’s center of gravity, which could make it unstable.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering your GoPro compatible drone setup and capturing stunning, high-quality aerial footage that stands out.

Data Table: GoPro Compatibility Across Drone Types

To summarize, here’s a quick reference table detailing the general compatibility of GoPros with different drone categories, along with their key characteristics and ideal use cases.

Drone Type	Typical GoPro Compatibility	Key Considerations	Best Use Cases
Legacy Consumer Drones (e.g., DJI Phantom 2, 3DR Solo)	Direct mounting, often with proprietary gimbals (e.g., Zenmuse H3-3D/H4-3D) for Hero 3/4.	Limited availability, older tech, specific GoPro models, dwindling parts/battery support.	Nostalgia, budget entry (if functional units can be found), historical interest.
DIY / Custom Built Drones	Full flexibility; custom mounts (3D printed, carbon fiber); can accommodate any GoPro.	Requires significant technical skill in assembly, electronics, and flight tuning.	Specialized payloads, unique cinematic shots, advanced hobbyists, learning platform.
FPV Drones (e.g., Cinewhoops, Racing/Freestyle Drones)	Designed for “Naked GoPro” (Hero 6-12) or Hero Session; custom fixed mounts common.	Weight is critical; vibration isolation; integrated power for “naked” GoPros; relies on HyperSmooth.	Cinematic FPV, extreme action shots, racing, freestyle maneuvers, immersive experiences.
Heavy-Lift Professional Drones (e.g., DJI Matrice series with custom rigs)	Mounts often part of a larger camera/sensor array; professional gimbals; can carry any GoPro.	High cost, professional operation, significant payload capacity; GoPro typically secondary.	Hollywood productions, industrial inspection, mapping (as auxiliary sensor), research.
Modern Consumer Drones (e.g., DJI Mavic/Air series, Autel Evo)	Generally Not Compatible for primary video; integrated cameras are standard and superior for their design.	No dedicated mounting points, payload limits exceeded, redundancy issues, unnecessary.	General aerial photography/videography for mass market; convenience and ease of use.

Conclusion

The journey to understand what drones are compatible with GoPro reveals a fascinating evolution in aerial technology. While integrated cameras have dominated the mainstream consumer market, the symbiotic relationship between GoPros and drones is far from over. It has simply matured into a more specialized niche.

For those seeking the pinnacle of action-packed aerial cinematography, the flexibility of custom-built drones and the thrilling capabilities of FPV platforms, especially cinewhoops and freestyle quads, continue to make GoPros an indispensable tool. The ability to harness GoPro’s legendary image quality, advanced stabilization, and rugged durability for dynamic, immersive shots is a powerful draw for a dedicated segment of pilots.

However, it’s crucial to approach this compatibility with a clear understanding of the technical considerations, from mounting and weight to power and FPV feeds. While challenging, the rewards of a well-optimized GoPro compatible drone setup are immense, allowing you to capture breathtaking perspectives that integrated cameras often can’t replicate in the same agile, intimate way. So, whether you’re a seasoned FPV pilot or a budding DIY enthusiast, armed with the right knowledge, your GoPro is ready to take flight once more and redefine your aerial vision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are most drones compatible with GoPro cameras, or only specific models?

Generally, only specific drones are truly designed to be compatible with GoPro cameras, particularly older models like the now-discontinued Karma or some DJI Phantom series with third-party mounts. Many modern consumer drones now come with integrated cameras, reducing the need for external GoPro attachment. However, hobbyist and FPV drones often still offer excellent platforms for mounting various GoPro models.

What types of drones are best for attaching a GoPro?

Drones that are designed with a payload capacity in mind, or specific FPV (First Person View) racing/freestyle drones, are often the best candidates for GoPro compatibility. Brands like iFlight, CineWhoops, or custom-built drones frequently offer specialized mounts and gimbals for different GoPro models. Look for platforms that can handle the extra weight and size of your camera.

How do I mount a GoPro to a drone, and will it be stable?

Mounting typically involves a dedicated gimbal or a fixed mount designed for your specific GoPro model and drone. For stable, cinematic footage, a brushless gimbal is essential to counteract drone movements and vibration. Fixed mounts, common on FPV drones, will record the raw drone movement, providing a more immersive but less smooth perspective.

Can I control my GoPro camera through the drone’s remote control?

In most cases, no. Drones designed specifically for GoPro integration, like the defunct GoPro Karma, offered some level of control. However, when you attach a GoPro to a third-party drone, you usually need to start recording manually on the camera itself before takeoff, or use a separate smartphone app if supported by your GoPro model.

Are newer GoPro models, like the Hero 10 or 11, still compatible with drones designed for older GoPros?

Physical compatibility for mounting can vary, as newer GoPros might have slightly different dimensions or require updated mounts. While the underlying technology of capturing video remains compatible, drones designed specifically for older, heavier GoPros might be over-engineered or require updated mounting solutions for newer, lighter models. Always check the specific mount and drone’s payload capacity for optimal performance.

Are there any disadvantages to using a GoPro with a drone compared to a drone with a built-in camera?

Yes, there can be several. Using a GoPro often adds extra weight, reducing flight time and potentially affecting drone stability and maneuverability. Drones with integrated cameras typically offer seamless control from the remote, real-time video feeds optimized for the drone, and often superior stabilization systems designed specifically for that drone’s camera, plus you avoid managing two separate batteries.