Best GoPro Drones 2023

If you’ve been searching for the best drones for GoPros in 2023, you may have noticed there aren’t many new options.

That’s because GoPro discontinued their Karma drone back in 2018 after facing issues like battery problems and inability to compete with rivals like DJI.

Although GoPro is no longer producing drones, they have since released the lightweight HERO10 Black Bones camera designed specifically for mounting a go pro camera on drones.

In this article we’ll take a look at the best go pro compatible drones that are still on the market in 2023 that can carry GoPro cameras.

We’ll see how they compare in terms of features and capabilities for capturing stunning aerial footage with your gopro on a drone. There are many great options for drones compatible with GoPro for pairing your action camera with an existing drone platform.

Even without a new dedicated gopro drone, you can find drones with gopro mounts, drones for gopro cameras, and drones for use with GoPro.

Best Drone Go Pro Camera | Hero11 Drone Cam

Go Pro Cam

Specifically Made Go Pro Camera For Drones

• Designed for drone mounting
• Secures to drones easily
• 5.3K video, 27MP photos
• Wide angle aerial views
• Stabilized for aerial footage

The GoPro HERO11 Black is the ideal go pro camera for mounting on drones. It’s designed to attach to any drone via a secure mount. The HERO11 captures incredibly smooth 5.3K video and 27MP photos from the sky thanks to advanced stabilization and high resolution.

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Why Use A Go Pro On A Drone?

When it comes to aerial videography and photography, there are merits to both using a GoPro mounted on a drone versus an integrated camera drone.

Those considering a GoPro for drone use will appreciate the versatility and cost savings compared to a dedicated camera drone.

Go Pro Drones – Pros & Cons

While using a GoPro camera mounted to a drone has advantages like creative flexibility and cost savings, there are also some disadvantages to consider.

Looking at the pros and cons helps determine if a GoPro drone is the right aerial photography solution based on your budget, skills, and filming needs.

Standard Camera Drones

While standard camera drones offer advantages like built-in stabilization and intuitive shooting modes, there are some trade-offs to consider as well.

Looking at both the pros and cons of all-in-one camera drones can help determine if the added features and functionality are worth the increased price over a basic drone and GoPro combination.

Drone Go Pro Mounts

Drone Go Pro Mount Accesso

DJI Mavic drone/FIMI drone/Hubsan/4DRC/Ruko/Holy Stone/JJRC/EACHINE Compatible

• Universal strap fits most drones
• Compatible with 1/4 screw accessories
• Dual strap and sticker keep camera secure
• Ultra lightweight 31.9g design
• Includes mounts, adapters, ties

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I recently tried out this universal drone GoPro mount and have been very impressed with how well it works.

The adjustable strap with two strong magic tape ties allows me to easily attach my GoPro to almost any drone I own, from my compact Mavic Mini 2 to my larger DJI Mavic Air 2.

Despite being lightweight, the mount keeps my GoPro stable and shake-free while in flight. The industrial-grade double-sided adhesive provides an extra level of security so I never have to worry about my GoPro detaching mid-air.

Best Drones For Go Pros 2023

GoPro cameras are ideal for capturing stunning aerial footage when mounted to a gimbal-stabilized, GoPro-compatible drone optimized for use with action cameras.

In 2023 there are many high-quality drones available with specific mounts and features for pairing with GoPro Hero cameras to produce smooth, professional aerial videos and photos.

DJI Mavic 3 Pro

DJI Mavic 3 Pro + Go Pro Mount

Generally Not Recommeneded

• Tested mounting GoPro on Mavic 3
• Added weight impacted agility and battery
• Vibration more noticeable than built-in camera
• Best for quick POV bursts, not long flights
• Mavic 3 camera still superior for most shots

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I was eager to test out mounting my GoPro Hero 10 on the new DJI Mavic 3 drone. While the Mavic 3 already has an excellent built-in camera system, I wanted the flexibility to capture unique angles and perspectives with my action cam.

I decided to try the BTG camera mount accessory designed specifically for the Mavic 3.

Installing it was simple – the adjustable rubber straps securely held my GoPro in place underneath the drone.

On my first flight tests, I immediately noticed the GoPro added a bit of extra weight which impacted the Mavic 3’s agility and battery life. The footage was also more prone to vibration compared to the stabilized gimbal of the Mavic 3’s camera.

While flyable, I wouldn’t recommend keeping a GoPro on the Mavic 3 for long flights or complex shoots. The GoPro shone for getting tight POV shots during quick bursts of flight. For more advanced use, I’ll be sticking to dedicated FPV drones optimized for action cams.

At the end of the day, the outstanding image quality from the Mavic 3’s built-in camera still beats my GoPro in most scenarios.

But for certain creative shots, having the modular option to mount an action cam is a nice perk despite the trade-offs. Just be prepared to adjust your flying style and expectations when adding extra payload to a professional camera drone.

Overall, the Mavic 3 is an incredible aerial platform on its own without any need for a GoPro in my opinion. But I’m glad I experimented with mounting one for unique perspectives that complement the capabilities of the Mavic 3’s camera system. It’s added another creative tool to my drone filming toolkit when used selectively.

Ideal 12 Pro

Ideal 12 Pro

Upgrade The 1080p With GoPro

• Mounted GoPro on basic 1080p drone
• Added weight reduced agility and flight time
• GoPro footage far superior 4K quality
• Worth tradeoffs for important video projects
• Good hack for budget drone’s camera upgrade

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I recently tried mounting my GoPro Hero 11 onto an affordable drone to upgrade its 1080p camera to 4K gopro drone quality. Using a universal gopro mount for drones, I secured the GoPro on top to create a DIY gopro compatible drone.

On the first test flight with the gopro on drone, I could immediately feel the added payload affecting maneuverability and battery life.

However, the improvement to video quality with the 4K gopro on a drone was dramatic compared to the basic 1080p drone camera!

The stabilized gopro footage was far superior in clarity, colors and detail. I was able to capture stunning aerial gopro drone footage that would’ve looked grainy with the quadcopter’s camera alone.

While the flight time suffered a bit with the gopro drone setup, it was worth it to turn a basic consumer drone into a gopro equipped UAV capable of professional-grade video.

In the future, I’ll use the gopro drone combination only for important projects where top-notch 4K video matters. For casual flying, the payload impact makes me want to keep the drone light and agile sans gopro accessory. But for serious aerial filming, having the modular option to mount a high-end action cam like GoPro is a game-changer despite the trade-offs.

It’s an easy hack to transform an entry-level drone into a professional gopro hero drone filming rig!

Go Pro Karma – Go Pros Official Drone

Discounted Go Pro Drone

Official Released Go Pro Made Drone

• Official Licensed Go Pro Drone
• Easy to fly and intuitive controls
• Compact, foldable design
• Tight integration with GoPro cameras
• Good accessories like controller and case included

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As an early adopter of drone technology, I was eager to try out the new GoPro Karma when it launched in late 2016. As a loyal GoPro user, I loved how seamlessly it integrated with my action cameras. Right out of the box, it was a breeze to get set up capturing stabilized 4K aerial footage.

The Karma felt sturdy in hand yet folded down surprisingly compact.

The operating range was adequate for most of my needs, providing smooth video within a few hundred meters. Battery life hovered around 20 minutes, on par with rivals like the DJI Mavic Pro. The biggest letdown was the lack of collision detection sensors and advanced tracking modes.

However, the streamlined controller provided crisp FPV viewing with handy camera controls integrated.

Overall, I found the Karma to be a very capable flying camera optimized for existing GoPro fans. But issues surfaced a few weeks in when some units began mysteriously losing power midflight.

This led to a full recall and months of downtime waiting for a re-release.

By the time the Karma relaunched in 2017, competitors had pulled ahead. Despite fixes and refinements, it just couldn’t keep up on features or performance.

With GoPro eventually exiting the drone market entirely in early 2018, Karma owners were left in the lurch.

But in the end, it was an ambitious first attempt at a consumer drone that gave the category a boost. As someone who flew the Karma regularly, I can attest that it worked well during its short tenure.

But looking back, the downward spiral and quick discontinuation were not completely surprising given the stiff competition. My dream of a perfect GoPro drone may be gone, but it was an exciting ride while it lasted!

So, Should I Mount A Go Pro On A Drone?

While DJI Mavic drones are not designed specifically for use with GoPro cameras, there are third-party accessories available that allow you to mount a GoPro or other action cam.

Companies like PolarPro and GoPro make mounts that attach securely to the arms, body, or undercarriage of Mavic models including the Mavic 3, Mavic 3s, and even the more compact DJ Mini 3.

However, it’s important to consider the tradeoffs.

Adding any external payload can negatively impact flight performance. You may notice reduced agility, stability, and battery life when flying with a GoPro mounted. The Mavic’s built-in camera and gimbal system is already optimized for aerial imaging and video. You’ll be sacrificing features like obstacle avoidance and automated shooting modes as well.

That said, experienced pilots may still want the flexibility of swapping cameras for certain shots. Just be sure to test any mount thoroughly and fine-tune control settings to account for the weight. Start with short, cautious flights over open areas during ideal conditions.

While mounting a GoPro on a Mavic is certainly possible, it requires accepting heightened risks and reduced functionality that may not be worth it compared to using the onboard camera for most users.

How To Mount A Go Pro To A Drone

Mounting a GoPro camera to your drone opens up amazing possibilities for capturing stunning, professional-quality aerial photos and videos. But it takes some careful planning and preparation to do it properly. Follow these steps to safely and successfully mount your GoPro for drone use:

Choose the Right Drone

The first consideration is picking a drone model that can handle the additional weight and aerodynamic drag of a mounted GoPro.

Look for a sturdy quadcopter built from quality materials that has brushless motors and adjustable speed modes.

DJI’s Mavic series, Yuneec’s Typhoon lineup, and Autel’s EVO drones are all good choices. The very lightweight DJI Mavic Mini, while popular, struggles with a GoPro payload. Make sure your drone can carry at least 300g total safely.

Consider Drone Camera Mounting Options

There are several ways drones allow mounting an action camera:

• Fixed camera mounts positioned under the drone body. Easy to use but no adjustability.
• Multi-axis gimbal mounts that stabilize and aim the camera. Bulkier and expensive but offer the most flexibility.
• Removable action camera mounts like clamps or straps. Affordable and customizable but less secure.

Also look at the space available on your drone when choosing a mounting method. Larger drones like the DJI Phantom 4 Pro have ample surface area while compact models like the Mavic Air 2 offer limited options.

Pick the Right GoPro Mount

With so many drones and GoPro models, finding the right mount can be tricky. Check the exact drone and camera specs when looking at mounting options. Common styles include:

• Removable clamps that grip around drone legs or arms. Offer easy install without tools.
• Adhesive pads that stick GoPro directly to the drone body. Very low profile but semi-permanent.
• Bracket systems that bolt into drone threaded holes. Very secure but require modding your drone.

There are also universal GoPro mounts that can adapt to nearly any drone. These flexible options often use adjustable straps but may obstruct sensors.

Attach Your GoPro Securely

Follow all instructions when physically attaching your GoPro and mounting hardware to the drone. Ensure the GoPro is held tightly in place by the mount.

You don’t want vibration causing it to detach in mid-air. Use any included padding, rubber bushings, or tape to minimize shaking.

Don’t overtighten or crudely mod mounts as it could damage the drone or GoPro itself during a crash.

Test for Clearance and Balance

Before flying, check that the GoPro mount isn’t blocking any critical sensors, cameras, or moving parts. Spin the rotors to ensure the GoPro sits within the blade radius. The extra weight can impact the drone’s center of gravity. Heavier payloads require incremental position adjustments to maintain stability.

Start With Low and Slow Test Flights

The first flights with your GoPro mounted should be simple hovers or circles over soft surfaces – not high speed runs or complex shots. Pay attention to how the added weight impacts battery drain, maneuverability, hover stability and landing. Fine tune drone settings like speed limits and sensitivity to compensate.

Bring it in for an early landing if performance seems compromised.

Use Sturdy, High-Capacity Batteries

Expect reduced flight times when carrying a GoPro’s added payload. High mAh LiPo batteries around 3000mAh to 4000mAh can help compensate. Bring backup batteries on longer shoots. Cold weather further shortens battery life. Keep batteries warm before use and land with 30% charge remaining.

Consider GoPro Settings

Some GoPro capture settings may work better in the air than handheld recording. Narrow your field of view to avoidexcessively warped video. Higher frame rates (60fps or more) produce smoother footage. You can enable auto low-light modes for better exposure adjustment mid-flight.

Consider an ND filter to reduce jello effect.

Follow Safety Best Practices

Never sacrifice safety just to get a shot. Keep your drone in eyesight at all times and avoid risky maneuvers. Only fly in permissible airspace away from crowds, buildings, and airports.

Follow all local drone flight rules and regulations. Obtain proper waivers, licenses, or permits when required.

While mounting a GoPro to your drone requires careful setup, the spectacular aerial footage it enables is well worth the effort. Just take it slow and prioritize safety so you can capture those incredible airborne videos. Follow these tips and you’ll be shooting professional-level GoPro drone content in no time!

Best Go Pros For Drones Conclusion

In conclusion, while there are limited options for new GoPro-compatible drones in 2023, there are still several great choices available for those looking to pair their GoPro cameras with existing drone platforms. The GoPro HERO11 Black is an ideal camera for mounting on drones, offering high-quality 5.3K video and 27MP photos.

Using a GoPro on a drone provides creative flexibility and cost savings compared to dedicated camera drones, but there are also some disadvantages to consider.

Ultimately, the decision to mount a GoPro on a drone depends on your specific needs, budget, and desired outcomes for aerial photography and videography.