Best Drones for GoPro
Flying the friendly skies isn't so friendly when the wind gusts are taking a drone for a ride into a tree, the public pond, or right down to the ground. There are, however, drones that have extras that can lesson the hazards of the great beyond.
Homing controls, LED lights for night flights, and automatic return features all bring drones to the next level. In addition, gimbals (a mechanism for keeping cameras horizontal during flight) allow beginners and experts to take action shots with a GoPro or other sport camera.
Which drone is the best for you depends on if your focus is in the fun or in the footage.
Comparison Table of The Best Drones For GoPro
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MJX Bugs 3 Go Pro Compatible Drone
MJX Bugs 3 RC 3.5-pound Quadcopter is packaged with everything needed for a beginner to get started, including extra sets of propellers. The flight time is a decent 18 minutes, but with the two extra batteries that bumps up the flight time to 35 minutes. Four brushless motors make this drone steadier and stronger on a windy day.
The Ups and Downs
This drone is compatible with many cameras such as the Gopro. It also has LED lights for night flying and smart tech that alerts you when it's getting out of range or low on power. Unfortunately, any camera inserted into the gimbal can't be controlled from the ground, and the footage it takes can't be streamed live.
Pros:
- Extra LiPo batteries
- 18 minutes of flying time
- 300-500 meter control distance
- Four brushless motors for stability
- Capable of full rotation flips
- Alert alarms
Cons:
- Can't control the camera via transmitter
- Included charger may not charge properly
- Alert beeps thirty seconds to low battery (pay attention!)
Survey Says?
If you are a beginner and need a one shop drone to learn the ropes, the Bugs 3 is a perfect starter kit. It takes off fast and can handle wind gusts better than other novice kits that have only an 8-minute flight duration.
It doesn't have stabilizers for taking good shots so if you are looking for quality pictures for a professional shoot, this drone isn't for you.
Traxxas Aton Plus With Go Pro Mount Action Camera Mount
Aton Plus Quadcopter by Traxxas boasts a stabilized camera mount and a top speed of 50 mph in sport mode. It's tough with bright LED lights to enhance visual homing. A smartphone uplink allows for easy control of settings such as radius and maximum altitude.
The Ups and Downs
Agile and smart, the Aton Plus has extended flight time, a low learning curve for beginners, and is outfitted with features that are perfect for advanced flyers who want acrobatics and dramatic filming.
Pros:
- Three modes: film, sport, expert
- Customizable lights
- Fast battery charger
- Air brakes
- 6-axis stability
- Return home button
Cons:
- Can't be used with GoPro WiFi
- Mount doesn't fit the GoPro session model
- Reported issues of drone taking over itself due to signal interference
Survey Says?
This drone returns home with a single button press and automatically returns when the battery is low. Combined with air brakes to give you a chance to decide what to do next, the Aton quadcopter can handle to-the-minute filming.
If you are a professional photographer and need to talk to your camera, the Anton isn't up to the task.
Holy Stone HS300 Drone
Holy Stone's HS300 Camera Drone Quadcopter takes it up a notch with its included wide-angle HD camera. Its stabilizers allow you to take clear shots and smooth video. The drone is equipped with automatic hover technology for still-photos or one-spot filming. It's so stable, it hovers like a humming bird.
The Ups and Downs
The zippy and sleek HS300 features one button return, headless mode, emergency stop, and speed adjustment. It's 120-degree wide-angle lens on the camera can capture shots that other drones (and cameras) can't.
Pros:
- 1080p camera and accessories included
- Compatible with GoPro
- Lightweight for easy travel
- 100-meter control range
- Full rotation flip
- One button home return and landing
Cons:
- 10 15-minute flight time
- Reported problems with included batteries
- Not enough weight to stabilize in winds
Survey Says?
Altair Aerial Blackhawk
The Blackhawk Long Range drone from Altair Aerial has a heavy-duty construction unlike other drones and a 300 to 500-meter range. Its mount is compatible with action cameras including the GoPro Hero 3 and 4.
The Ups and Downs
A 17-minute flight time at medium speed gives this drone staying power unlike others in its price range. It's too bad it doesn't include GPS functionality.
Pros:
- Easy to land; highly stable
- Fast speed at full throttle
- Quality customer service and YouTube tutorials
- Sturdy with quality parts
- Powerful, responsive handling
Cons:
- Mount is not universal
- Not GPS capable
- Flight control learning curve for beginners
Survey Says?
A great recreational drone for those who want a step up from a toy variety or are looking for a fun, tough drone to take out for a spin. It's not suitable for children under fourteen as the controls take more experience and practice especially in the wind.
Best Go Pro or Action Cameras To Mount On Your Drone
Drone photography is only as good as the camera, so before making a final purchase decide which camera will work best for you, or if a camera you already own has the right features.
GoPro Hero6
The 1080p HERO6 and its app takes all footage and streams it to your phone for a live view, which allows for in-the-moment filing and easy editing. It has an advanced stabilization feature for in-hand or on compatible drones. For issues of water hazards when a drone decides to land in the pool, the HERO6 is Waterproof to 33 feet.
The Ups and Downs
The 5GHz WiFi means photos and videos can be exported fast, and the user-friendly touch zoom also makes on-camera editing simple.
Pros:
- Rechargeable battery
- Advanced video stabilization
- WiFi capable
- Waterproof to 33 feet without a casing
- Touch zoom and playback
Cons:
- Requires a 3.5mm pro adapter plug for an external microphone
- 1 hr 20 min run with GPS and 2 hours without
- Not suitable for night footage
Survey Says
The HERO6 has that coveted run time and adapter plug, but low light conditions may give it some trouble. Still, it's a sturdy camera worth considering, especially if it is important for you to have an external microphone.
GoPro Hero (2018)
Want hands-free voice control? The GoPro HERO (2018) can do that plus more with its WiFI and Bluetooth capabilities. It's tough and waterproof to 33 feet, which lets you capture images underwater without a special casing. The app communicates connects your camera and phone to streamline video transfer and editing.
The Ups and Downs
The GoPro's selling feature is its simple voice commands, but you an also direct the camera through remote communication which means that it's perfect for using with drones that allow WiFi.
Pros:
- Voice control
- Bluetooth and WiFi enabled
- Advanced stabilization
- 1040/1080p video and 10mp photos
- Two-inch touch screen
- Time lapse and frame burst functionality
Cons:
- Takes Micro SD cards only
- Suction cup mount not included
- Not compatible with external microphones
Survey Says?
"Go Pro, take my money." This little camera packs a big punch and is excellent for travel and can handle wide-angle shots. With the removeable battery feature, shooting life can be extended by bringing along extras.
It's ideal for point and shoot or when you can't bring a big camera with all its lenses.
Campark ACT74 Action Camera
Akaso's EK7000 Action Sport Camera has the highest megapixels (12mp) on the list. It's 4k capabilities can capture 25 frames per second in higher resolution than HD cameras. The wireless wrist remote control allows for fine camera control and convenient shot framing.
Two rechargeable batteries are included for a total capturing life of 180 minutes. The built in WiFi and HDMI component makes editing and sharing with your phone, tablet, camera, and TV simple.
The Ups and Downs
Akaso has designed the EK7000 and its waterproof case to go to depths of 100 feet. It goes easily from air, to indoors, to outdoor sporting events.
Pros:
- 170-degree wide-angle lens
- Built-in WiFi and HDMI
- Time lapse and burst modes
- Remote control
- Uses up to 64G Micro SD card
Cons:
- Spare backdoor for housing is not waterproof
- Underwater casing blocks the lens slightly
- Does not support an external microphone
Survey Says
Akaso EK7000 Action Camera
Akaso's EK7000 Action Sport Camera has the highest megapixels (12mp) on the list. It's 4k capabilities can capture 25 frames per second in higher resolution than HD cameras. The wireless wrist remote control allows for fine camera control and convenient shot framing.
Two rechargeable batteries are included for a total capturing life of 180 minutes. The built in WiFi and HDMI component makes editing and sharing with your phone, tablet, camera, and TV simple.
The Ups and Downs
Akaso has designed the EK7000 and its waterproof case to go to depths of 100 feet. It goes easily from air, to indoors, to outdoor sporting events.
Pros:
- 170-degree wide-angle lens
- Built-in WiFi and HDMI
- Time lapse and burst modes
- Remote control
- Uses up to 64G Micro SD card
Cons:
- Spare backdoor for housing is not waterproof
- Underwater casing blocks the lens slightly
- Does not support an external microphone
Survey Says
It's the right weight for travel and has that easy point-and-shoot functionality needed on a vacation. It is a durable camera for the price. If you need a camera that can take an external mic or really need that voice activation feature, then this little sport powerhouse can't help.
However, the EK7000 can get those underwater shots, is made to hold up to extremes, and is light enough for use on drones.
The Payload
One camera does not fit all, but there's a camera that can suit a broad range of needs. A 12mp waterproof budget camera might be just the thing for a trip to the island, but not the right pick for shooting a wedding. Hands down, however, the GoPro HERO (2018) has the price and the functionality that makes it a good all-around, wallet-friendly camera.
Drones aren't all compatible with all GoPro or action camera models. If your main concern is great shots, smooth video, and video editing then chose a camera before selecting a drone. Go for the models that have WiFi, HDMI, external microphone function, and remote access.
It's not always about the megapixels. Because stability is a function of both the camera and the drone, seek out stability features. The best option is to contact the manufacturer and ask if your camera model will fit their mount or if another accessory can remedy the issue.
Do you want to just take a drone out for a spin and get some funny shots for Facebook and share some video? Are you a beginner just wanting to practice and get some footage at the same time? Choose a drone first. Holy Stone HS300 comes with its own suitable camera. However, Altair's Aerial Blackhawk packs more punch in the durability, speed, and excitement department. Novices who aren't as interested in taking pictures might find the MJX Bugs 3easier to control. It comes with several replacement parts, too.
