It is a fact that there are not many GoPro compatible drones in the market, and the discontinuation of the Karma drone by GoPro has not improved the situation one bit. One of the reasons is that most drones nowadays come with high-quality cameras already installed. Therefore, it may be unnecessary to add another camera to the drone.
On the other hand, this situation has created a niche in the market for drones that support GoPro cameras. I am going to review a few of these drones in this article.
What is the Best Drone for Gopro?
We have compiled for you the top 7 Best Drone for Gopro in 2024. In this article we go through the products that we have used ourselves, checked what other users thought about them and we ranked them accordingly.
With years of experience with gopro drones and having used several drones for gopro you can trust our review.
Moreover, you can scroll to the end of this review to see our mini buying guide as well as the answers to some of the frequently asked questions about drones for gopro.
1. DJI Mini 3 Pro
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Max Flight Time: 34 Minutes Control Range: 18 Km Gimbal/ Stabilization: 3-axis SD Card Slot: Micro SD Charging Time: 1 Hours |
Mini 3 Pro brings the wow factor to DJI’s palm-sized drones. It marks the territory of professional content creators. Understandably, its price is a leap from Mini 2. The size of the sensor makes a true difference in quality. Pro has been upgraded with a 1/1.3″ CMOS, stabilized from both ends. It enables 48MP photography. The camera also rotates at a 90⁰ angle to support stills in both landscape and portrait. These verticals go on to adorn the feeds of your Instagram and TikTok followers.
The single charge lasts for 34 minutes. You can buy an Intelligent Flight Battery to expand it. In that case, the drone would weigh over 250g.
Pros
- Hurdle sensing,
- Staggering low-light performance,
- 60fps recording at 4K, Portable and powerful
Cons
- Pricier than the predecessor,
- A slight increase in runtime
2. DJI Mavic 3
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Max Flight Time: 46 Minutes Control Range: 30 Km Gimbal/ Stabilization: 3-axis SD Card Slot: Micro SD Charging Time: 1.6 Hours |
Mavic 3 is a state-of-the-art drone. The sensor got bigger with a 4/3” CMOS camera. It takes ultra-smooth HDR shots and films at a 12.8-stop dynamic range. All shadows, details, and highlights are beautifully accommodated in frames. It opens new doors to lightroom editing. Sunset or night-time videography testifies to its unchallenged supremacy.
It excels at all levels: transmission, term, and tracking. Trendy ActiveTrack, QuickShot, and MasterShot features are present in the current firmware.
There are two more expensive editions: Fly More and Cine Premium. The first upgrade has additional spares. Cine is a $5000 model. It brings 1TB internal SSD, RC Pro, and ProRes HQ recording. Mini 2 and Air 2S are low-cost (but more suitable) DJI drones for consumers.
Pros
- Unbeatable image quality,
- Extended aerial sessions,
- Advanced specs,
- Excellent dynamic range
Cons
- Very costly,
- The base model lacks some features
3. RUKO U11 Pro Drone
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Max Flight Time: 26 Minutes Control Range: 500 meters SD Card Slot: Micro SD Charging Time: 3.5 Hours |
U11 Pro is a good drone for entry-level pilots. It has cool flight modes like a return to home, follow-me, and preset waypoints. It also integrates GPS tracking to find the lost one easily.
Launched in a beginner mode, it comes with restricted distance and altitude. You can increase these specs through the app. It’s equipped with a 4K UHD camera, supporting photos, videos, and a 5GHz FPV transmission. The maximum range is 500-meters under light air conditions.
As you take your thumbs off the transmitter, it automatically hovers in a locked position. However, the wobbly camera captures shaky videos. Shock absorbers – whatever they’re – are not helpful.
Pros
- 4K UHD camera,
- Level-V wind resistance,
- Firm altitude hold,
- Two Li-Pol batteries
Cons
- Unstable videos,
- Frail connection
4. DJI Mavic Mini
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Max Flight Time: 30 Minutes Control Range: 4 Km Gimbal/ Stabilization: 3-axis SD Card Slot: Micro SD Charging Time: 1.5 Hours |
Mavic Mini does wonders with a tiny form factor. It supports 12MP JPEG photos and 2.7K Quad HD videos, which is more than enough for travelers or hobbyists. A Motorized 3-axis gimbal keeps the camera focused and stable.
Mini stays in the skies for half an hour. You can guide it through the controller alone. If losing the line of sight, rely on Fly App. It already has templates. You must dig up its Sport and CineSmooth from app settings, whereas newer models possess mode switches on transmitters.
It was a revolution in 2019. But drone technology is moving at a lightning pace. It’s better to get your hands on Mini 2 if the budget warrants it!
Pros
- Impressive flight duration,
- Easy to use,
- 3-axis stabilization,
- Pocketable, collapsible design
Cons
- DNG RAW format is unsupported,
- Not 4K oriented
5. DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone Quadcopter
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 1.26 pounds (0.57 kg) Size: 7.4 x 3.8 x 3.3 inches (18.8 x 9.7 x 8.4 cm) Max Flight Time: 34 Minutes Control Range: 32799 SD Card Slot: Micro SD Charging Time: 1 Hours |
A synthesis of performance and functionality, the DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone Quadcopter offers compelling features for aerial photographers and drone enthusiasts. Our recommendation isn’t purely based on specifications, but the realized user experience that comes with owning this excellent piece.
A focal point for the Mavic Air 2 is its superior camera that captures 48MP photos and can record in 4K at 60fps. But it’s not just the high-resolution visuals that elevate this drone; it’s the intelligent functions that simplify photo and video capturing, making it accessible to beginners yet capable enough for professionals. Also noticeable is the efficient 3-axis gimbal, which steadies the camera to enable a broad range of dynamic video shots.
Packaged in a compact, foldable design for transport ease, the Mavic Air 2 continues to thrill us with its endurance – a generous 34-minute flight time, outlasting many competitors in its class. The lithium-ion batteries supporting this impressive flight time replenish in just 55 minutes. The onboard camera connects via HD live stream transmission, reaching up to a noteworthy 6.2 miles distance. Safety-wise, the drone incorporates an obstacle sensor which aids in avoiding potential collisions. However, for GoPro users, you will need to acquire a separate Mavic Air 2 mount.
Pros
- Impressive 34-minute flight time,
- Only 55 minute battery replenishment,
- Quiet and energy-efficient propellers,
- Compact, foldable design for easy carry, Suitable for beginners to professionals
Cons
- Requires additional mount for GoPro,
- Higher-end of pricing spectrum
6. Holy Stone HS720E GPS Drone
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Max Flight Time: 23 Minutes Control Range: 999 meters Gimbal/ Stabilization: EIS SD Card Slot: Micro SD Charging Time: 5 Hours |
If you’re progressing with capturing stunning aerial views, the Holy Stone HS720E GPS Drone might just elevate your efforts. This gadget is packed with user-friendly features and advanced technology designed to enhance the flying experience for intermediate drone enthusiasts. Though incapable of delivering professional results for commercial work, it has surprises up its high-flying sleeves.
The drone comes equipped with a 4K UHD camera with a Sony sensor, promising crisp images. Its brushless motors ensure smooth and quiet flight while reducing power consumption. Fancy capturing slow-motion footage? The 1080p/60fps camera makes it possible. Although it doesn’t have a gimbal, its Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) sufficiently steadies the lens to deliver stable shots to serve the needs of most hobbyist users.
With in-built GPS and optical flow sensors, the Holy Stone HS720E hovers meticulously and can be pre-programmed with flight paths. The drone’s LED lights not only look spectacular in the nightscape but also aid with flight calibration. The quadcopter’s power comes from a 2800mAh lithium polymer battery, which whilst endurance packed, it does have an extended charge time.
Pros
- Comes with programmed auto return,
- Delivers stable, superior imagery,
- Features dual altitude hold,
- Supports up to 128GB microSD cards
Cons
- Falls short for professional use,
- Sluggish battery recharge (>5 hours from 0-100%)
7. DJI Mini 2 Quadcopter
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Max Flight Time: 31 Minutes Control Range: 10 Km Gimbal/ Stabilization: 3-axis SD Card Slot: Micro SD Charging Time: 4 Hours |
DJI is an industry-dominant manufacturer. Mini 2 welcomes you at the entry of lineups. Its boundless rock-steady coverage will blow your mind if you want to capture cinematic shots.
The 12MP camera has 4x zoom, 4K/30fps resolution, 4000-meter max altitude, and OcuSync 2.0’s 10-kilometer range. Coupled with a motorized 3-axis gimbal, it processes panoramic masterpieces with fine details. Fly App can further enhance and share them on the go!
Take a sunny coastline’s bird-view with the crisp sound of seagulls and clear footmarks on the sand! It weighs less than 250g. Meanwhile, you won’t have to register the aircraft in the US. Achieving smooth operation in the level-5 wind (20mph) is surprising with such a petite frame.
Pros
- Lightweight and discreet,
- Strong wind-resistance,
- Long battery life,
- 10Km transmission distance
Cons
- Night shots degrade quality,
- No obstacle avoidance
Verdict
To summarize, we have gone through dozens of drones for gopro and decided that 7 are worth your consideration. Out of these, the absolute Best Drone for Gopro is DJI Mini 3 Pro which we highly recommend as our overall best.
If money is not an issue, you can consider DJI Mavic 3 as this is our Premium Pick.
Otherwise, there’s no shame in spending prudently, RUKO U11 Pro Drone is the Budget Option.
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying drones for gopro
Size & portability
When it comes to flying any drone at home you should be sure to keep in mind how large it is so that it doesn’t crash into anything when flying around the house (or worse). Many models have foldable designs that allow them to be easily stored away but its best to measure the drone itself and take note of its size before making any purchases.
Range
Range greatly depends on how much you want to spend. The cheapest drones are usually only able to fly up to 15 meters away but the most expensive drones can fly up to 50 kilometers away.
Flying Drones Indoor Safely
Because the propellers gets so close to humans and walls, it’s important that a drone is properly calibrated for indoor flight.
There are a few things you can do to fly your drone safely indoors. The first thing you should do is get away from walls and people while you’re flying. The last thing you want is to get too close while flying and hurt someone or damage your drone.
The second thing you should do is make sure it’s at least 2 meters (6ft) away from the walls of the house or building you’re flying in.
The third thing you should do is make sure the drone isn’t going any faster than 1 meter per second (3 feet per second) (1m/s). If you’re going faster than that, you’re likely too close to walls or objects and can damage the drone. The last thing you should do is make sure your drone is flown in a level and open area. Flying this thing while inside a garage, basement or closet is dangerous because these are some of the hardest places to gauge the drone’s height. If you don’t have access to an open area, make sure to use some sort of measuring tape or ruler and make sure your drone is at least 3 feet off the ground.
If you take these steps, your flight should be pretty spot on.
Overview
When you go shopping for a drone for your GoPro, there are two main factors to consider. These are design and compatibility. Other features are secondary to how well the drone supports your GoPro. However, they are critical for ensuring that you get the best results when using your GoPro. You can also find my complete buying guide for drones here.
Design
When it comes to design, there are four main types of drones. The most common drones for aerial photography are the Multi-Rotor Drones, which also come with different rotor styles for professional work and hobby purposes. These types of drones are easy to manufacture, which makes them affordable. However, they are also limited in flight time and speed compared to the other types. The best Multi-Rotor drones for aerial photography are the quadcopter drones, which feature four rotors in an X-shape design. Quadcopters are the most popular because they are easier to fly and to stabilize in the air more than any other model. Other design features to consider include GPS, which helps your drone to return you when it loses its controller signal and also helps it to maintain altitude. GPS also allows you to design a flight path and to retrieve the drone’s flight log. It also assists you in finding your drone when it crashes. Some drones feature obstacle sensors that help the drone avoid crashing into objects. Autonomous camera modes such as Follow Me, Selfie Drone features, and Smart Shots allow you to take high-quality complex shots.
Compatibility
Compatibility means that you can integrate your GoPro with the drone’s controller and use the drone’s in-flight features such as FPV and WiFi. There are not many drones that provide that level of compatibility. However, the 3DR Solo Drone is one such drone, and it is the only drone in the market that allows HD live streaming from your GoPro to your smartphone. The DJI Phantom 2 comes with a GoPro compatible gimbal but does not integrate with the in-flight features. The type of mount or gimbal that comes with the drone is also a critical factor to consider. Most GoPro drones feature mounts that support Hero 3 and Hero 4 GoPro models. The Bugs 3 drone is unique because it supports all GoPro models on its mount. The DJI and 3DR Solo drones provide 3-axis gimbals, which offer better stability and flexibility for aerial photography than mounts.
Weight
Size and weight are critical factors when you are looking for a GoPro drone. It is easier to carry a lightweight drone for all your outdoor activities, but on the other hand, it is much harder to stabilize a lightweight drone against the wind than a heavier one. You will also need to consider the drone’s payload because the GoPro camera will add extra weight to the drone. It may also slow down the speed of the drone and also wear out the battery faster.
Flight Range and Time
Having a longer flight time and control range gives you greater flexibility to work on your aerial photography. Most drones have an average flight time of 22 minutes, while premium-quality drones such as DJI Mavic Air 2 will give you a fantastic flight time of 34 minutes.
At the same time, it is equally essential to consider how long it takes to charge the batteries. The Mavic Air 2 gives you a battery charging time of 55 minutes compared to the Bugs 3 drone with a charging time of six hours. Therefore, the Mavic Air 2 will give you more productive time, especially if you have extra batteries, than the Bugs 3 drone.
The maximum control range defines the distance from which you can have control of the drone. The average control range is about 2500 feet for most drones. However, you will notice that the DJI Mavic Air 2 drone features an impressive range of 10 kilometers.
Control Modes
There are two types of controller modes available. In Mode 1, the left stick controls the pitch while the right controls the throttle, while in Mode 2, the controller works vice versa. Most drones use Mode 2, while the more advanced drones allow you to use your smartphone as the controller.
Questions and Answers About drones for gopro
What is a GoPro camera?
GoPros are compact action cameras designed to capture high-quality photos and video in extreme conditions. They are popular with outdoor adventurers and extreme athletes because they feature a waterproof, rugged construction with a simple interface. The camera’s most defining features include its wide-angle lens that allows the users to take in more detail in their shots and its dynamic mobile application that allows its users to share their photos and videos on social media easily.
Can you use a GoPro camera on any drone?
No all drones in the market are compatible or can support GoPro cameras. There are a few available, and they come with additional mounts or gimbals to fit the GoPro. Compatible drones allow integration of the camera with the drone’s control system, while supportive drones only provide the structure to carry the GoPro camera.
Are GoPro cameras better than in-built cameras?
GoPro cameras have certain advantages over the in-built cameras in the footage quality that you will get. For example, GoPro cameras have a wider angle, which captures more details compared to in-built cameras. It is also easier to upgrade your GoPro camera than the in-built camera. The GoPro also has a more rugged construction, which gives it more durability. On the other hand, it is more complicated to integrate a GoPro camera with the drone than to set up the in-built camera.
What are the advantages of GoPro drones?
The GoPro camera is, in many ways, a more advanced camera than most drone cameras. It then becomes a good idea to pair them up to get professional quality work. It may also be more cost-effective to use your GoPro than to get a premium quality drone with a professional standard camera. Another advantage is that it is much easier to upgrade your GoPro camera than to upgrade an entire drone for its camera. Pairing up a GoPro camera with a drone is a choice that many professional and amateur photographers have taken in the course of their work.
Who should get a GoPro drone?
GoPro drones are perfect for aerial photography, especially where the photographer needs a wide-angle lens to capture more details. They are also great for outdoor activities that require action cameras.
Why did GoPro stop making drones?
GoPro discontinued its Karma drone in 2018 due to a technical glitch that prevented the drone from starting up. Karma was the company’s first and only foray into the drone market and was not well received by the market.
