Best Quadcopter for GoPro in 2024: 13 Best Quadcopters For Using With a GoPro

Ah yes, the much talked about quadcopter. That piece of gear that every videographer and filmmaker craves to have in their bag of tricks. But what is the best quadcopter for GoPro?

GoPro is a brand par excellence when it comes to buying high-quality ActionCams. Since one can rely on high-quality footage and longevity when buying a camera from the manufacturer, you might want to buy a quadcopter to go with your GoPro.

They can be attached to a myriad of surfaces and objects, from helmets to bikes to backpacks to drones, and users can feel confident going in that they will get quality results from whatever action-packed activities ensue once the camera starts rolling.

One of the most exciting, versatile forms of GoPro filmmaking to emerge in recent years is unmanned aerial videography. A drone-mounted GoPro can capture events from heights and angles that no bike could ever dream of achieving (and please, for the love of all that is good and holy, do NOT try this!).

Quadcopters – What You Need To Know

One of the technologies making the greatest strides in the outdoor filming arena is the oft-heralded quadcopter.

Quadcopters offer the latest and greatest in lighter-than-air leisure activities and filmography. These lightweight, four-rotored machines provide greater, more targeted handling, a more stable flight, and a reduced potential for damage to both surroundings and themselves in the unlikely event of a crash.

Quadcopters are used in all manner of visual media, from newscasts to large-studio filmmaking, to bring depth and perspective to a vast array of events.

The breakthrough of quadcopters in the model- and leisure-flight industry in the last two decades, then, is no surprise to anyone.

Neither is the advent of dozens of sizes, shapes, and models of quadcopter for amateur and professional aerialists, stuntmen, and filmmakers alike!

Let’s quickly take a look at the current bestsellers on the market today:

However, as with anything worth giving a damn about, not all quadcopters are created equal, and muddling through so many options offering so many promises can be an exhausting, daunting task.

That’s why we have put together a list of our favorite quadcopters to fit specifically with GoPro, so you know even if the quadcopter itself is the first purchase in a series of step-up copters, you will always be able to mount your best camera for the best performance.

First! Before we get started on the good stuff, there are two things to note about using a GoPro with a drone.

Certainly, mounting a GoPro onto a drone is far different from granting an ordinary camera the power of (temporary) flight, and quite often offers much better performance overall.

• The GoPro is lighter than most conventional cameras, so the drone won’t be bogged down by a bunch of added weight.
• The GoPro is designed to handle the rugged elements; its unique engineering allows it to take poundings that would forever ruin many other similar cameras on the market.

We’ll tackle this list with those points in mind, and they’ll be mentioned throughout the discussion of the various quadcopters.

Best Quadcopter for GoPro

Let’s take a detailed look at 7 of our favorite quadcopters for GoPro. There’s no special order here, but we’ll cover the pros and cons of each as we go through the list.

1. DJI Phantom 2

A Pioneering Leap in Consumer Drones

When one reminisces about the early days of consumer drones, the DJI Phantom 2 invariably gets an honorable mention.

Released as a successor to the original DJI Phantom, the Phantom 2 made several enhancements over its predecessor, laying the groundwork for what would become a booming industry.

With its familiar white, quadcopter design, it brought advanced features to the everyday consumer, offering a refined flight experience, longer battery life, and the ability to carry heavier payloads, including advanced camera systems.

The inclusion of an intelligent battery system was particularly noteworthy, allowing pilots to get real-time battery status, ensuring they always had time to return home.

Performance and Flight Experience

The DJI Phantom 2 was renowned for its user-friendly approach, appealing to both beginners and more seasoned drone enthusiasts.

Its integrated GPS module allowed for features like position holding, return to home, and safe landings, even if the control signal was lost.

This brought a level of reliability and trust in the platform, reducing the learning curve for many new pilots.

With a flight time of around 25 minutes, it was a significant improvement from the first iteration and was, at the time, an industry-leading specification.

The drone’s self-tightening propellers, combined with its high-efficiency, low-profile motors, allowed for a stable and responsive flight experience, making it not just a tool but a joy to fly.

Integration with Camera Systems

While the Phantom 2 did not come with a built-in camera, DJI offered the Vision variant with an integrated camera.

However, the true potential was unlocked for many filmmakers and photographers when using it with the Zenmuse H3-3D gimbal, specifically designed for the GoPro Hero3 and Hero4 cameras.

This combination turned the Phantom 2 into a formidable aerial filming tool, capturing stabilized, high-definition footage from perspectives previously out of reach for most.

The DJI Lightbridge could also be added, offering high-definition live streaming from the drone to a monitor or FPV goggles, elevating the entire aerial cinematography experience.

In retrospect, the DJI Phantom 2 was a landmark product in the evolution of consumer drones.

It balanced accessibility for newcomers with features for seasoned pilots, making it a sought-after tool for a myriad of applications.

While today’s drones offer an array of advanced capabilities, the Phantom 2’s contributions to making aerial imaging mainstream cannot be understated.

For many, it was the gateway to a world viewed from above, merging technology with creativity in a seamless dance in the skies.

Here’s another top drone for GoPro.

2. 3DR Solo Drone Quadcopter

Innovation and Design Philosophy

The 3DR Solo Drone Quadcopter stands as a testament to 3D Robotics’ ambition to push the boundaries of consumer drone technology.

During its introduction, the Solo was often touted as the world’s first “Smart Drone,” reflecting the company’s vision of a platform that would be both user-friendly and technologically advanced.

With its distinct black exterior and angular design, it brought a different aesthetic to the table, moving away from the curvy designs seen in many competitors.

Under the hood, the Solo was built on an open-source platform, which hinted at 3DR’s intent to foster a community of developers to expand upon its capabilities, showcasing a blend of innovation and collaborative spirit.

Flight Dynamics and User Experience

One of the hallmark features of the 3DR Solo was its computer-assisted Smart Shots, which empowered pilots to capture complex cinematic shots with relative ease.

Modes like “Orbit,” “Follow Me,” and “Cable Cam” showcased the drone’s ability to automate flight paths while the user could focus on camera control.

Such features made aerial videography more accessible to amateurs while providing professionals with tools to enhance their creativity.

With the inclusion of two 1 GHz computers (one in the drone and one in the controller), the Solo prioritized seamless integration between hardware and software.

This synergy was evident in its responsive flight dynamics and smooth handling, ensuring a reliable and enjoyable flight experience.

Camera Integration and Expandability

Unlike some of its counterparts, the 3DR Solo did not come with an integrated camera.

Instead, it provided users with the flexibility to mount their GoPro cameras.

While this may seem like a drawback for some, for many GoPro users, it was an opportunity to utilize their existing cameras.

To complement this, 3DR offered a gimbal system to provide stabilized, cinematic footage, taking full advantage of the GoPro’s capabilities.

The open-source nature of the Solo also meant that there was potential for third-party accessories and modifications.

From advanced gimbals to different payload options, there was a sense of expandability that few drones offered at the time.

The 3DR Solo Drone Quadcopter, in many ways, was ahead of its time.

With its emphasis on intelligent flight modes, user-centric design, and open-source philosophy, it carved a niche for itself in the drone community.

While 3D Robotics faced challenges in the competitive consumer drone market, the Solo remains a testament to their innovative spirit and vision of a drone ecosystem that was both smart and collaborative.

For many users, the Solo was not just a flying machine but a platform of endless possibilities in the realm of aerial exploration and cinematography.

3. Yuneec Typhoon G

Sleek Design and Sturdy Construction

The Yuneec Typhoon G burst onto the drone scene, promising a perfect blend of functionality and form.

At a glance, its unique hexacopter design, with six rotors instead of the standard four, gives it a distinctive presence in the sky.

This configuration not only gives the Typhoon G added stability during flight but also provides a safety net, allowing it to remain airborne even if one rotor fails.

Crafted with durable materials, the drone exhibits resilience against minor crashes and rough landings, making it a favorable choice for both beginners and seasoned drone pilots.

Its matte black finish, complemented by bright LED indicators, ensures it’s as stylish as it is functional.

Flight Performance and User-Friendly Features

Outfitted with an array of advanced flight features, the Yuneec Typhoon G offers a commendable flight experience.

Its GPS-stabilized flight control boasts features like Follow Me, Watch Me, and Dynamic Return Home. The “Follow Me” mode, in particular, is a standout, allowing the drone to autonomously follow the pilot, adjusting its altitude and position in real-time.

Additionally, the inclusion of a ‘No Fly Zone’ feature, which prevents the drone from entering restricted areas, showcases Yuneec’s commitment to safety and responsible flying.

With a flight time of around 20 minutes, the Typhoon G provides ample time for users to capture their desired footage or simply enjoy a leisurely flight.

GoPro Integration and Ground Station Controller

Perhaps one of the most notable features of the Yuneec Typhoon G is its seamless integration with GoPro cameras.

By providing users the freedom to utilize their GoPro HERO3, HERO3+, or HERO4, Yuneec ensures that drone enthusiasts can capitalize on GoPro’s established imaging prowess.

This integration is made even more potent with the inclusion of the GB203 gimbal, ensuring that the footage remains stable and judder-free.

Complementing the drone’s aerial capabilities is the ST10+ Ground Station controller.

Equipped with a 5.5-inch touchscreen display, it provides real-time flight data and video feed. Its ergonomic design ensures that controlling the drone remains an intuitive and comfortable experience, even during prolonged use.

The Yuneec Typhoon G stands as a testament to Yuneec’s vision of creating drones that are both technologically advanced and user-friendly.

With its unique hexacopter design, a slew of intelligent flight features, and seamless GoPro integration, the Typhoon G appeals to a wide range of users.

Whether you’re an aspiring aerial videographer, a hobbyist looking for a reliable drone, or someone keen on exploring the skies, the Yuneec Typhoon G proves to be a worthy companion.

It exemplifies a harmonious blend of style, functionality, and innovation in the ever-evolving drone landscape.

4. GoPro Karma

Design and Portability

The GoPro Karma, released amidst much anticipation, made a striking first impression with its compact and foldable design.

One of its standout features is the folding arms, allowing the drone to adopt a more compact profile suitable for transportation.

This feature, paired with the tailor-made carrying case that snugly fits the drone, controller, and accessories, made the Karma one of the most travel-friendly drones on the market during its time.

The matte black finish, punctuated by the iconic GoPro branding, exudes a sleek and premium look. Furthermore, the build quality is commendable, with the drone exhibiting robustness in its structure, yet maintaining a light enough weight to ensure nimbleness in flight.

Flight Performance and Controller

When it comes to flight, the GoPro Karma offers a mix of ease and capability.

Geared primarily towards GoPro enthusiasts and action sports aficionados, the drone provides stable footage, especially when paired with a GoPro HERO5 or HERO6.

The pre-set flight modes like “Orbit,” “Dronie,” and “Cable Cam” allow users to capture cinematic shots with minimal effort.

However, one drawback was the absence of obstacle avoidance, a feature which many competitors had integrated.

The Karma’s controller deserves a special mention for its simplicity and user-friendly nature. With a built-in touchscreen display, pilots can receive a live feed without requiring an additional smartphone or tablet.

The intuitive design ensures that even those new to the world of drones can navigate the controls with ease.

Gimbal and Camera Integration

Arguably, the crown jewel of the Karma package is the detachable Karma Grip gimbal. This 3-axis stabilizer can be used independently of the drone, serving as a handheld stabilizer for ground-based footage.

This dual functionality adds immense value to the entire package, ensuring that users get stabilized footage both in the air and on the ground.

The Karma was built around GoPro’s ecosystem, and the seamless integration with GoPro cameras like the HERO5 and HERO6 ensures high-quality aerial footage.

The gimbal ensures smooth, cinematic captures, reducing jitters and shakes that can often plague aerial videos.

In conclusion, the GoPro Karma, while having faced its fair share of challenges in the market, carved a niche for itself with its unique offerings.

The foldable design, dedicated controller, and the versatile Karma Grip gimbal positioned it as more than just a drone – it was a complete aerial and ground-based filming solution.

Tailored primarily for GoPro enthusiasts and those in the world of action sports, the Karma offered a fresh perspective in a market filled with feature-packed drones.

While it might not have been the most technologically advanced, its integrative approach to capturing moments made it a memorable entry in the drone landscape.

5. Air 2S by DJI

Design and Build Quality

The Air 2S, a flagship model in DJI’s consumer drone lineup, impresses with its compact and robust design.

Retaining the foldable form factor synonymous with the DJI Mavic series, the Air 2S combines portability with premium build quality.

The aerodynamic design facilitates improved flight stability, especially in gusty conditions.

Reinforced arms and meticulously engineered propellers aid in both durability and noise reduction, ensuring a quieter flight experience compared to many of its predecessors.

Its compact nature doesn’t impede its performance, with the drone weighing approximately 600 grams, making it easy to carry around for those spontaneous aerial shoots.

Camera Capabilities and Flight Performance

One of the standout features of the Air 2S is its powerful camera.

Equipped with a 1-inch CMOS sensor, the drone captures 20MP stills and can record 5.4K video at 30fps or 4K at 60fps, a significant upgrade from the Mavic Air 2.

This sensor size and resolution mean that the imagery is richer, crisper, and more detailed.

Low-light performance is also notably enhanced, resulting in strikingly clear images even in dim conditions.

Complementing this hardware is a slew of intelligent shooting modes like FocusTrack, SmartPhoto, and MasterShots, which allow users to capture professional-grade footage with minimal effort.

When it comes to flight performance, the Air 2S excels. With a maximum flight time of approximately 31 minutes and an impressive range, pilots can fly with confidence.

The addition of four-way obstacle sensors provides an added layer of safety, ensuring that the drone avoids potential collisions from almost any direction.

Advanced Features and User Experience

DJI’s Air 2S is more than just a flying camera; it’s a technological marvel packed with advanced features that enhance the user experience.

The updated Advanced Pilot Assistance System (APAS 4.0) allows the drone to autonomously navigate around obstacles, a boon for both novice and experienced pilots.

For those keen on capturing cinematic shots, the Air 2S offers 8GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD, ensuring ample space for high-resolution footage.

DJI’s renowned OcuSync 3.0 technology guarantees a stable connection and live feed even in environments with interference.

The revamped DJI Fly app, with its user-friendly interface, provides a seamless interaction with the drone, making flight planning, camera control, and post-processing a breeze.

In summation, the DJI Air 2S is a testament to the brand’s commitment to innovation and quality.

Balancing cutting-edge features with user-friendliness, it appeals to both seasoned drone enthusiasts and those new to aerial photography.

Whether it’s the formidable camera capabilities, advanced safety features, or the sheer joy of flight, the Air 2S stands out as a remarkable tool for content creators and hobbyists alike.

6. Traxxas Aton Quadcopter

Design and Durability

The Traxxas Aton Quadcopter offers a sleek and aerodynamic design, setting it apart from many of its competitors in the market.

Its robust build ensures durability and resilience against minor impacts, a critical aspect for any drone enthusiast, be it a beginner or a professional.

The quadcopter features brightly colored LEDs on each arm which serve a dual purpose; not only do they make the Aton visually striking during flight, but they also provide valuable orientation cues for pilots.

The landing gears are sturdy yet flexible, reducing the risk of damage during rough landings. One of the aspects users will truly appreciate is the modularity of the design.

In case of any damages or the need for upgrades, parts can be easily replaced, ensuring longevity and adaptability of the Aton.

Flight Performance and Features

A notable strength of the Traxxas Aton is its versatile flight modes tailored to cater to pilots of different skill levels.

For novices, the ‘Film’ mode offers a more controlled and stable flight experience, ideal for capturing smooth aerial footage.

On the flip side, the ‘Sport’ mode unlocks the quadcopter’s full potential, offering faster speeds and more agile maneuvers, making it a thrill for experienced pilots.

The Aton also boasts a ‘Expert’ mode, giving seasoned drone enthusiasts the freedom to perform acrobatic stunts in the air.

Beyond these modes, the Aton comes equipped with a dual-mode GPS system, providing enhanced stability and allowing features like ‘Return to Home’ and ‘Geo-fence’.

The battery life, though average with around 20 minutes of flight time, is decent given the drone’s power and capabilities.

Camera and Gimbal Compatibility

While the Traxxas Aton does not come with a built-in camera, its design ensures compatibility with a variety of action cameras available in the market, such as the GoPro series.

This flexibility allows users to select a camera that fits their requirements and budget.

The quadcopter features a fixed mount, but for those keen on capturing stabilized footage, there’s an optional 2-axis gimbal available.

This gimbal effectively minimizes shakes and jitters, ensuring that the footage is smooth and professional-looking. T

he fact that the Aton does not tie users down to a specific camera and allows them to choose their preferred gear is a definite plus, especially for those who already own high-quality action cameras.

In conclusion, the Traxxas Aton Quadcopter is a versatile and robust machine that appeals to a broad spectrum of drone enthusiasts.

Its blend of user-friendly features for beginners and advanced modes for pros makes it a unique offering in the market.

While the absence of a built-in camera might deter some, the flexibility to use one’s camera and the optional gimbal support ensures that users can capture top-notch aerial footage.

For those seeking a reliable, adaptable, and exhilarating flying experience, the Aton certainly deserves consideration.

Cheap Quadcopters for Your GoPro Camera

For a smaller budget, you can also find quadcopters that are great for use with ActionCams.

For some models, however, you have to compromise on the performance as soon as a GoPro is installed. The performance of the following drones is sometimes a bit too low to fly with the kind of fast and agile performance that some of the previous models let you do.

As always, your mileage may vary (pardon the pun!)

Ensure that you do plenty of research on your needs and requirements.

The trick with cheaper copters is to judge the price point against any advantages and disadvantages.

With any cheap quadcopter, you compromise performance as soon as any high-quality camera is installed, let alone a GoPro. It is important to do thorough research as to your camera/drone needs, depending on which you have, especially if you are starting with a camera and currently on the prowl for a good, compatible drone.

Know the specs of your camera (including weight!) and its software, which drones are and are not compatible with that camera/software, and, if possible, what you will compromise as far as video quality with each potential combination.

For this next drone, keep these considerations in mind if you are actively searching for a compatible drone for a currently-owned camera.

7. Walkera QR X350 Pro

Design and Build Quality

The Walkera QR X350 Pro showcases a remarkable blend of aesthetics and robust engineering, creating an impressive presence in the vast world of consumer drones.

Its balanced design, characterized by sleek contours and a white finish, makes it an eye-catching flying machine.

The four rotors, paired with sturdy landing gear, provide not just a stable flight but also safety for on-ground resting.

Built with durable materials, the QR X350 Pro ensures resilience against the usual wear and tear and minor crashes, a feature often sought after by both novice and seasoned pilots.

One of its outstanding design features is its retractable landing skids, which provide an unobstructed view for the camera.

It’s clear that Walkera has put in a lot of thought into making a quadcopter that not only looks good but also delivers on performance.

Flight Capabilities and Features

Walkera’s QR X350 Pro comes packed with a plethora of features that make flying both enjoyable and user-friendly.

Equipped with advanced GPS systems, the drone can hover with pinpoint accuracy and return to its take-off location with the ‘One Key Go Home’ function—a lifesaver for any pilot who loses orientation or control.

The quadcopter also boasts an altitude sensor that enables it to maintain a steady altitude, a critical feature for capturing stable aerial footage.

Novices will appreciate the ‘Beginner Mode’, which limits flight range and ensures a safer flight experience while they get the hang of the controls.

More experienced pilots can tap into the drone’s full potential, allowing for a flight radius of up to 2 kilometers and a maximum flight time nearing 25 minutes, courtesy of its powerful battery.

Camera Integration and Gimbal Support

While the Walkera QR X350 Pro does not come with an in-built camera, it’s designed to seamlessly integrate with the renowned GoPro series, allowing users to capture high-definition aerial footage.

Walkera’s choice to offer flexibility in camera selection ensures that users can choose a camera based on their specific needs and preferences.

Additionally, the drone supports a 2-axis gimbal which, when paired with a suitable camera, provides smooth, jitter-free videos, rivaling professional aerial shots.

The gimbal’s stability, combined with the drone’s advanced flight features, makes the QR X350 Pro an excellent choice for those keen on aerial photography or videography.

To wrap up, the Walkera QR X350 Pro stands out as a versatile and reliable drone in its category.

Its commendable design, coupled with advanced flight features, makes it suitable for a broad audience, from beginners just dipping their toes into drone flying to professionals seeking a sturdy machine for their aerial shoots.

The flexibility to choose one’s camera and the drone’s gimbal support further cements its position as a top-tier choice for those who prioritize quality and performance.

Why Are GoPro Cameras Suitable For Flying?

In drone flying, every single gram counts, as your flight time is limited by the size of your battery, and your mobility is limited by how much shorter you want to cut your flight time. Simply put, more aerial acrobatics equals faster battery depletion.

For these reasons, any interested drone aerialist should take into account weight vs quality ratios with every component of the drone, from rotors to blades to gimbal to the camera itself.

Aside from using a smaller drone with a pre-mounted, fixed camera, ActionCams are the best choice to capture high-quality drone flight video.

GoPro, then, is an ideal choice for users who want the flexibility to install their camera on a wide range of brands and styles of drone, especially for extreme sports videographers and hobbyists.

Due to the above-average price point of GoPro models, users can expect every model to deliver on the promise of a good video when combined with almost any mount-compatible drone.

Their durability and waterproof shell offer protection against weather and most human error (how many times have you crashed your quad this month?) while maintaining their high-quality video standards.

Due to technical and software developments in the past decade, GoPro consistently tops the charts in terms of image quality.

Even so, many manufacturers have turned away from offering GoPro-compatible drones in favor of pre-mounted cameras built in-house.

Models such as the DJI Mavic Air and the DJI Mavic Pro especially have standardized the portable, easily-flyable camera.

Still, the quadcopters in this list represent what we consider the best of the bunch on the market right now!

Best Quadcopter for GoPro – In Conclusion

So we’ve come to the end of our list of the best quadcopters for GoPro. In this list, we have only covered a few we considered to be top-of-the-line (or at least cheap and flyable).

When considering any quadcopter purchase, it is important to know your stuff going in. If you don’t know exactly what “your stuff” is, or even where to begin to learn, here are a few considerations to jumpstart your next shopping spree:

• Any specific project requirements, especially if the final product is anything other than a hobby video.
• Minimum quality budget and maximum performance budget.
• Weight of the quadcopter, as well as the weight it will be able to carry (I.e. weight of your camera and any gimbals or attachments).
• Portability of the quadcopter.
• Any fancy features you need/want, such as…
• Crash sensors.
• Mission control options such as tablet compatibility and live-stream requirements.
• GPS.
• Homing functions.
• Programmability.

By “bell and whistles” we mean the fancy features and design aspects that some quadcopters come with. For example, sensors on the quadcopter that alert you if you’re going too close to a solid object that might cause a crash.

All in all, you need to consider all questions and really think deeply about what you need the quadcopter for. It’s not a chap purchase, so getting this right from the start is very important.

It is important to consider all of your needs and purchase a model that will serve all of those functions, even if it means jumping a price point. Otherwise, your video quality will suffer.

We hope this article has at least given you a head start on your next quadventure (get it? Get it? Shutting up…).

Did we miss your favorite quadcopter? Are there other options you believe would better fit this list? Let us know in the comments.

We hope this article on the best quadcopter for GoPro has been useful. And we wish you luck in choosing the right quadcopter for your GoPro!

Did we miss out your favorite quadcopter? Let us know in the comments just below here.
 

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