I’m looking for a cheap and portable drone to attach my GoPro to. I don’t need anything complicated, just something that works for capturing aerial shots during my bike trips. What would you all suggest?
Most easy-to-fly drones that are strong enough to carry a GoPro already have great cameras built in.
Using a GoPro is only useful on FPV drones, and those are tricky to fly and not super portable.
If you want something simple without a lot of practice, just get a DJI Mini or Mavic that already has a camera.
@Finley
Exactly what I was thinking.
Thanks for the advice, everyone! Looks like DJI is the way to go. I’ll probably grab a Mini. Appreciate the help!
Yan said:
Thanks for the advice, everyone! Looks like DJI is the way to go. I’ll probably grab a Mini. Appreciate the help!
Good call! Also, remember there are a few things you need to know about flying legally depending on where you live. There are plenty of YouTube videos that can help with that. The B4UFLY app is also great for checking if you’re clear to fly.
Yan said:
Thanks for the advice, everyone! Looks like DJI is the way to go. I’ll probably grab a Mini. Appreciate the help!
Definitely get a Mini, that way you avoid all the extra rules for drones that weigh more than 250 grams. Less hassle for sure.
@Wynn
Actually, in the US, all drones have the same flight rules no matter the weight. So you’ll still need to follow the regulations.
Leif said:
@Wynn
Actually, in the US, all drones have the same flight rules no matter the weight. So you’ll still need to follow the regulations.
You might want to double-check that. As far as I know, Part 107 is only required for drones over 250 grams or if you’re using it for commercial purposes. I’m in Canada, and we have similar rules, but things could be different in the US.
Edit: I think FPV drones also need a HAM license in the US, although most people don’t follow that rule.
@Wynn
Yeah, all drones in US airspace have to follow the FAA rules, but I see what you mean about registration versus flying rules. For smaller drones, registration isn’t as much of an issue.
If this is your first time flying a drone, I’d stay away from the ones that need a GoPro attached. You’re better off with a DJI model that already has a camera. There are good deals on some of the lower-end models, and they still film in good quality.
I know some people here don’t like DJI or FPV drones, but honestly, they make excellent beginner drones.
@Parker
Yeah, I don’t see why you’d want to use a GoPro when DJI drones have such good cameras. I love my GoPro too, but it doesn’t make sense to stick it on a drone. DJI drones are amazing. My boss has one, and the video quality blew me away.
@Larkin
Thanks for the feedback! I’m not trying to reinvent the wheel, just not very experienced with drones. But it looks like you all are steering me in the right direction. I’m convinced—going with a built-in camera.
What’s your budget? It might be worth saving up and getting a DJI drone with an in-built camera instead.
I have a GoPro Hero 10 and a DJI Mini 2. Trust me, don’t bother trying to attach a GoPro to a basic drone. The Mini 2’s camera is fantastic, and I hear the newer models are even better.
Zion said:
I have a GoPro Hero 10 and a DJI Mini 2. Trust me, don’t bother trying to attach a GoPro to a basic drone. The Mini 2’s camera is fantastic, and I hear the newer models are even better.
Thanks for the tip! Your advice lines up with what others are saying, so I’ll skip looking for a GoPro drone and go with a DJI.
Just grab one of the DJI Mini models. The footage quality is actually better than GoPro, in my opinion, and those drones are super easy to fly.
If you’re looking for a good FPV drone, the iFlight Nazgul5 v3 (analog version) is great. You’ll need to buy goggles and a radio too. It’s more challenging than a DJI to fly, but it’s way more fun in my opinion.