The first thing you should know is for any type of outdoor sports practice, you can't go wrong with a GoPro camera. People who practice cycling, running, skateboarding, and climbing, never start an adventure if their GoPro is not with them. It can also be used in other less extreme activities and more relaxed events in people's daily lives.
To take aerial shots with the GoPro camera, the alternative is to fit it into a compatible drone. Some of the most recommended models to combine with a GoPro are:
- DJI Mavic Air
- 3DR Solo Quadcopter
- DROCON Bugs 3 Quadcopter
Normally when a person starts in the world of drones with cameras they start with the cheapest equipment they can find, but then when they get hooked and passionate about this fascinating hobby is when they finally decide to buy more advanced drones with GoPro cameras.
Can A Drone Be Adapted To A GoPro Camera? Main Advantages
Yes, of course, you can adapt drones to GoPro cameras, but this is possible only when there is compatibility between both devices.
The great advantage of flying drones with GoPro cameras integrated into the drone from the factory or with the ability to add one in case you don't have one is that these cameras can take snapshots or video sequences with a completely professional look.
The pictures and videos taken with a GoPro camera can be used not only for personal purposes but also for purely commercial purposes.
It is so versatile that it can be operated by a beginner as well as a professional cameraman working on a film or television project. It is for this reason that photographers are always looking to add a GoPro camera to their drone which will allow them to sell high-quality videos to couples who want a special souvenir of their wedding, for concerts, or any other type of public event.
GoPro is actually a U.S.-based manufacturer that produces professional-quality action cameras. What has made this company so successful is that they manufactured cameras that have been successful in providing image quality, and portability.
GoPros are a must-have reference in the market and have made themselves the go-to option when it comes to action cameras that can be adapted to drones.
Apart from the great image of this camera, its other great advantage is centered on the gimbal that joins the camera to the drone, which makes the video or photographic shots very precise due to the great stability that this mechanism provides to the camera.
Although the popularity of the GoPro camera cannot be denied, it is also valid to point out that there are several companies dedicated to camera manufacturing, have been gradually closing the technological gap.
Now, it is possible to find other products, with very good image quality and advanced technology that are fully adaptable to the most high-end drones of today. That is because the competition is focusing on offering more options and better equipment for current and new consumers to come.
What Should A Person Know Before Buying A Drone For A GoPro Camera?
When you are about to buy a drone to adapt it to a GoPro camera, it is good that you check some features of the equipment to evaluate that can make a difference in relation to the final result of your photos or videos. That is why we will mention below some of the main features you should check before making the purchase.
Drone Design
When it comes to drone design, you should take into account that nowadays you can get from the simplest to the most technologically advanced models. Perhaps the most popular design model is the so-called Multi-Rotor Drone or Quadcopter, which is a model that can be used for both professional and recreational purposes.
Its great popularity among fans of this activity is that it has four X-shaped rotors which allows the equipment to have great stability when flying and at the same time it is one of the easiest models to handle.
Drone Compatibility
The compatibility of the drone is nothing more than the ability of this equipment to integrate with the GoPro camera as FPV and WiFi. Although it is taken for granted that every drone has this attribute, the reality is that this is not the case, it is almost the opposite, only some models can offer this benefit of adapting the camera naturally, and without the need to purchase additional accessories that help to force this coupling when a specific model of the drone was not designed to achieve this function.
For example, the 3DR Solo Drone is one of the few on the market that allows HD and lives streaming from the GoPro camera to a smartphone.
Drone Weight
If there is one critical factor when evaluating the purchase of a drone to install a GoPro camera on it, it is its size and weight.
On the one hand, it is very easy and practical to have a very light drone to perform multiple outdoor activities with a lot of comforts, but on the other hand, you have to take into account that it is much more difficult to stabilize a light drone when it is in flight.
This evaluation is essential because the ideal is to have a model that offers stability but is not too heavy or too light, remember that you have to consider that by adapting the GoPro camera to the drone you will be adding more weight to the equipment.
Flight Range And Time
The ability to have a greater flight range and flight time autonomy provides the drone driver with ample flexibility for optimal video or photo work. Most drones offer an average flight time of 22 minutes, while other models such as the DJI Mavic Air 22 offer a maximum flight time of 34 minutes. Regarding the flight range, we can say that the average value for most drones is around 2500 feet, while the DJI Mavic Air 22 model has a range of 10000 kilometers.
The Drone Control Modes
There are two types of controller modes available. There is Mode 1 where the left joystick controls the movement of the drone while the right joystick controls the acceleration and Mode 2 which works in reverse of Mode 1. Most drones today use Mode 2, while very advanced drones allow control via smartphone.
Features Of The Main Gopro Compatible Drones
Every GoPro camera owner should be clear that their main goal should be to get a drone model that is fully compatible with the camera. For this, it is necessary to review the main models that offer 100% compatibility with GoPro to determine which of them best suits what we are looking for. Below we will look at some of the main ones.
DJV Mavic Air 2 Drone Quadcopter
The Mavic Air 2 is a drone that is in the range of premium equipment, as it offers high performance at the level of the photos and videos it can take. Despite being one of the most technologically advanced drones, it is one of the easiest to use.
Advantages
- Flying time of 34 minutes
- Battery charging time of 55 minutes
- Propellers with controlled noise systems and energy efficiency
- Lightweight, foldable design makes it easy to carry around with you
- Easy to use for professionals and beginners alike
Disadvantages
- Requires an additional gimbal to make the connection with the GoPro
- Expensive
DROCON Bugs 3 Quadcopter
The DROCON Bugs is one of the cheapest drones that offer full compatibility with the GoPro, and do not think that this is poor quality equipment, on the contrary, it is very good equipment considering its price, it is also very easy to handle. The only thing is that do not expect to find very advanced technological features.
Advantages
- High quality for an economical drone
- Powerful and fast motor
- Excellent flight stability
- It has alarms for when the potential and signal are low
- It is an excellent alternative to get started in this world
Disadvantages
- Only has basic functions
- Sometimes there are problems synchronizing the remote control with the drone
3DR Solo Quadcopter
One of the great attractions of 3DR Solo is that it comes with a built-in stabilization gimbal and also comes with 8 spare propellers in its initial purchase package.
Advantages
- Has several intelligent flight modes
- Transmits HD videos wirelessly from a GoPro camera to a smartphone
- Flies smoothly and provides high-quality images
Disadvantages
- Poor client service
- Limited compatibility with GoPro models
Conclusion
Why install a GoPro on a drone that already has a factory camera pre-installed? The answer is very simple, the GoPro camera's image and video equipment is of the highest technology and quality. It is infinitely superior to the cameras that come with drones.
If you are interested in developing your skills beyond an occasional hobby and your interest is much more professional then a GoPro attached to a drone is a must-have for you.
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Shawn Manaher loves to play with new toys and dive into new hobbies. As a serial entrepreneur, work definitely comes first but there is always room for hobbies.