As the world continues to usher in the era of new technological devices, drones continue to take over our skies, and they are completely transforming the world of photography and video recording.
Most businesses ranging from the film and acting industry to simple and extreme sports stars are now dancing to the tune of these simple but versatile devices. All that hype is not for nothing as they are quite efficient and give the best pictures and videos from an angle that no human could achieve unless they do so on a plane which would be quite hectic and expensive. They come in different sizes, shapes and even designs which not only spoils you for choice but also gives access to quality ones. However, it would make no sense to spend extra bucks on a drone and end up with one which is not compatible with a go pro camera.
Go pro drones’ grant your wish of effortlessly capturing the best moments through high-quality pictures and videos. They are simply the new black and should be on every drone enthusiasts wish list or even collection. However, there are myriads of them out there which may make it difficult for you to make a selection. If you are in such a dilemma, then we got you with our list of the top six go pro drones in the market currently.
Features
Design
One of the most striking aspects of the Go Pro Karma is its simple but outstanding design. Whether it is a forest shoot or a hiking adventure, the air dog is highly portable. First of all, it is quite lightweight and comes with a modern design backpack that comes in handy during such far away shots. It’s design also means that you will not have to look for alternative means to pack it. It also prides itself over a stabilizer which goes the extra mile in making sure that you get a smooth video capture even when the conditions are all shaky. The drone itself comes in a compact size and an impressive black and white color which will never grow old.
Controller
Other feature buyers consider while purchasing any drone is the controller and Go Pro Karma’s controller does not disappoint. With a weight of only 22 Oz, it is lightweight which means you can control your drone without any difficulties. It has a built-in touch screen size of 12.7 centimeters and a resolution of 720 pixels; therefore, you have an easy time switching from one mode to another. Its operating frequency is 2.4 GHz hence signal interferences from nearby drones becomes a thing of the past. The controller has thumb sticks which make handling a piece of cake. For beginners, you do not need to be a holder of a degree in IT and technical stuff to learn how to fly it as the controllers boast an inbuilt flight stimulator program which actually offers you an opportunity to fly the drone without it going airborne. That is quite efficient as you will learn the function of each mode among all the other operations without having to crush it as it is usually the case with many beginners who learn to fly a drone while its airborne.
Performance
Being the first drone from Go Pro, the drone’s performance is quite excellent. It comes with several modes such as the drone which allows you to zoom in on selfies which you have taken while the air dog is still airborne. Therefore, you get better selfie pictures as you can always delete the ones which do not impress you. It also has the cable cam mode which is very helpful because you are able to move to pre-defined points hence allowing you to take shots from the best position possible while the reveal mode pans until you get the desired item or subject into focus and then automatically takes a shot. Finally, you have the orbit mode which creates a circular plan on the object. It comes in action once you get the desired angle using the other ones and ensures it does not leave the subject until you are done.
Therefore, you get pictures and videos with the same resolution and the best focus possible. In addition, you can do all this on your Smartphone instead of your controller and even stream in live footage. That is made possible through an application known as Quik through which you can also edit and join clips and even apply filters. Through the same application, friends who have installed it also enjoy the live stream and to make it even better, they can also control it. The speed is perfect and the flight time is long enough to ensure you capture the best of nature or anything that you want.
Camera
It is compatible with various go pro cameras hence you can always use your favorite. For instance, you can easily attach the hero 5 black which is waterproof hence eliminating the need for enclosures. It also boasts 4K recording, Bluetooth, GPS, Video stabilization and on top of it all has voice recognition ability hence you can give it voice commands whenever necessary.
One can’t help but notice Go Pro Karma’s battery. It is removable which means that you can always buy spare ones to replace it whenever it is out of charge, and you were still in the field. In addition, it only takes about one hour fifteen minutes to be fully charged and gives you approximately sixteen minutes of flight time. That is more than enough to take numerous photos and even record video scenes for later editing.
- Lightweight and durable
- Inbuilt stimulator program makes it perfect even for beginners
- The battery has a long run time which lets you finish your recording without any worries
- Features a variety of modes which work together to give you the perfect picture and video
- Comes with a variety of extra accessories such as backpack which make it more convenient
- Easy control through Smartphone application
- Weight: 35.05 oz
- Dimensions while opened: 12X16.2X4.6
- Dimensions while folded: 14.4X8.8X3.5
- Maximum speed: 35 mph
- Maximum distance: 1000 meter
- Wind resistance: 22mph
- Frequency: 2.4 GHz
Features
Design
In regards to its design, most of the aspects are similar to Phantom one which was quite developed and durable. It is made of high-quality plastic and has elastic props. The propellers self-tighten themselves hence worries of them loosening mid-flight are cleared. They are also color coded so you can differentiate the front side from the rear. Also, you can easily rotate the drone while at the same time shooting quality photos. That is made possible by the camera tilting feature and also the come back to the original feature which ensures that the drone goes back to the initial position.
Controller
The manufacturer took the controller a notch higher to suit you as it boasts inbuilt lithium rechargeable batteries, unlike the other ones which usually have AA batteries. Therefore, you do not need to worry about buying a new one as all you need to do is recharge it. It also has an LED display which shows you the status of the battery charge remaining and also helps you maneuver the commands easily. Additionally, it has a clamp for your phone which allows you easy handling when you want to control the drone with your Smartphone app.
Performance
This drone features a number of impeccable which make flight performance way much easier. For instance, it boasts the return home feature which makes it automatically come to where you are once you are done. It also features the attitude mode which helps keep you in control of the attitude the maximum being 500 m while the GPS autopilot one allows you to hold the drone in one place while your hands are free. It is perfect for aerial photography as it allows you to focus on one specific point. Additionally, it has the pin to map ability, which allows you to add specific points and locations which you would like it to pass so that whenever you are on the field, all you have to do is activate it and it will follow the set points hence making your work much easier
Camera
It has a high quality 14 megapixels camera which boasts 1080 HD recording abilities. You can store the videos and photos on a micro SD. The design on the camera area allows you to tilt it remotely to any direction you want. It is compatible with up to 46 mm lens filters which helps you create a diverse array of colorful photos. It can also connect to WIFI while the gimbal ensures you get smooth videos even in shaky conditions.
The battery is also another main selling point of this drone. It can last approximately k19 to 20 minutes in extreme weather conditions which is quite impressive and in better conditions, it will last for about 24 minutes or even more depending on how long you have been using it. That blesses you with ample time to record and take as many pictures as you please. It takes about ninety to a hundred minutes to fully recharge and is removable hence you can buy replacements and spares which are readily available on Amazon.
Yet another Go Pro drone which has taken the market by storm, the DJI Phantom 2. When your taking DJI, you know you’re talking quality!
- Highly durable structure
- Easy to upgrade
- Easy to assemble
- More than enough flight time hence you can easily record more than three videos and take myriads of pictures
- Flight time: 25 minutes
- Battery: 5200mAhLiPo
- Operating range: 2000 feet
- Dimension: 13.8X11.4X8.1
- 3 Axis brushless gimbal
Features
Design
First of all the drone is made of strong plastic to prevent it from cracking or breaking the brushless motors whenever it crashes. It also has landing gear which protects your camera and sensors from any damage that may occur during the landing process. The manufacturer goes on to add the touch of fancy and style through the white color and the slant at the top. Rather than being the ready to fly a drone, Walkera is a bind and fly one which means that it comes to you as a skeleton to give you an opportunity to customize according to your own preference.
Controller
The manufacturer clearly wanted to make this drone the best one in the market as everything from its design, performance and now the controllers are just top notch. In the case of the transmitter, it prides itself over the APM flight controller which acts like the brain of the drone putting you in control of every movement that the drone makes. In addition, the transmitter combines Google maps to help you control the drone even when you are in a remote area.
Performance
The Walkera QRX350 is full of features which make its operation almost perfect. For instance, it boasts a GPS hold system which allows you to stop in midair and lets you capture or record a specific point for as long as you need. The GPS is also built in into the transmitter which connects to the drone hence enabling it to access information regarding your location and allowing it to return home. In addition, it also has a compass sensor and an APM controller which combines both the modern analog features making control effortless. It can go up to a speed of 45mph.
Camera
This brand specifically made Walkera QRX350 to work with Go Pro cameras hence allowing you to get nothing but high-quality pictures. It is compatible with all modern GoPro cameras such as the Hero 3, 4 and five.
It comes with the 5200m Ah which takes roughly one hour to charge fully and has a flight time of 15 to 21 minutes which is quite an improvement considering the previous model could only last seven to eleven minutes.
Being one of DJI Phantom biggest competitors, Walkera has tried its best to outdo the company which means it gives the market one of the best Go Pro drones.
- Highly durable structure
- Has GPS controls which allows you to focus on the subject thus giving out the best pictures
- Return home feature
- APM Flight controller
- Short recharge time and longer flight time
- Dimensions: 11.4X11.1X7.1
- Weight: 6.2 lbs
- Battery: 25X 3S 2200 MAh
- Flight time: 12 minutes
Features
Design
The 3DR Solo quadcopter drone defines simple and sleek in the best way possible through its black frame which makes it highly visible while it is flying and also makes it look like a hawk flying at low levels. It has four landing legs each with a rubber foot to protect the whole structure from scratches. The propellers boast a self-tightening mechanism which means your worries of them coming off amid fight are eliminated. Additionally, the quadcopter is designed in such a way that you do not have to throw it away as most of its parts are replaceable such as the motor pods.
Controller
Another feature to take note of in the Solo drone is its transmitter aspects. It has a 1GHz computer which helps in sending commands to the computer on the drone. That makes its operations easier as most things happen automatically. It has a holder for a Smart Phone or a mini iPad on which you can fix such gadgets and control the drone using your Smartphone application. The computer has WIFI connectivity to ensure constant communication hence allowing hands-free operations through the pilot mode.
Performance
In terms of performance, this 3DR boasts modes and features which would make other drones going at higher prices shy away. For instance, it prides itself on being the only drone with two 1 GHz cortex computers in its design. The drone also comes with a bunch of modes which take its performance a notch higher and make your droning life way better such as the selfies, orbit and follow.
Solo has been designed to work perfectly with and accommodate Go Pro cameras, and the 3 axis gimbal is proof of that. It, however, does not come with it and you have to purchase it separately. It also boasts in-flight access controls and all the necessary firmware can be upgraded through the Smartphone application.
Solo Battery: 14.8 volt LiPo (5200 mAh)
Rechargeable controller battery: 2600 mAh / 7.2 Vdc
Lasts 4 hours (8 hours with optional extendable battery).
- Has two cortex computer programs which ease its operation
- Allows in-flight access controls
- Works well with iOs and android phones
- Has more than three modes which make operations easy
- Attractive design
- Flight time: 20-25 minutes
- Battery: 5200 mAh lithium
- Gimbals: 3 axis stabilized
- Range: 5 miles
Features
Design
Bug 3 design screams durability and safety. For instance, it is designed in such a way that it detects low voltage and high temperatures that protects it from such problems thus increasing its lifespan. It also has the automatic lock protection and is made to be able to perform sideward flight. Additionally, it comes with extra accessories and landing gear which means, even more, safety as you need not worry about crashing when landing it. It is also extremely lightweight with only 485 grams. However, that is before you mount your camera on. It has a camera mount which means you can attach a Go Pro model of your choice. As part of the design, the drone has bright LED lights on its structure so as to help you keep track of it during night flights.
Controller
The transmitter has a frequency of 2.4 GHz which prevents any interference and also smart remote control alarm function which sends out signals regarding the voltage status of the drone and also whenever low signal occasions tend to come about hence ensuring you not only get the best shots but also keeps your drone safe.
Performance
With regards to its flight performance, the MJX Bug 3 also does not disappoint. With the latest 6 axis gyro, you no longer have to worry about having a stable flight as it regains momentum immediately after it performs stunts such as the 3D flips and rolls. The drone will safely go over 400 feet without experiencing any interferences.
Again this model is a bit on the cheaper side and it doesn’t come with any camera. It’s fully ready to take your GoPro camera up for a flight tho. This model is made to carry the GoPro 2, 3, 3+. It also has a gimbal mount with anti-shock absorbance, giving you high quality shots and videos.
Considering its price, Bug three has quite an impressive battery. For instance, it boasts approximately 18 to 20 minutes of flight time which offers you ample time to take pictures and record your videos. The battery is also removable, and you can always replace it whenever you ought to or if you want to extend the flight time.
Although it is not a well-known brand, the MJX is fast gaining popularity in the market of drones due to its high-quality products. One of their products include the Tokky MJX Bugs which comes at a fair price and boasts a number of features which users are now looking out for.
- Comes with a camera mount which easily enables you to fix Go Pro camera
- Has safety measures such as low voltage and temperature detection which helps keep your drone safe
- Efficient transmitter
- A good and durable design which includes landing gear
- Easy to assemble
- Long flight time
- Brushless motor type
- Flight time: 18 to 20 minutes
- Maximum range: 500 meters
- Battery: 7.4V 1800 mAh
- Inbuilt gyroscope
- Weight: 485 grams
Features
Design
With approximately 13 inches in regards to the diameter, the Ionic Stratus has a very durable but compact design which enables flying to a smooth sailing process. A drone is usually prone to constant falling crushing, as anything can happen while it is mid-air. Luckily with the Ionic Stratus, that will be the last of your worries as the motor, mainframes and even the arms are designed to withstand such conditions. Also, its replacement parts are readily available, hence if you need to change anything doing so will be a walk in the park. To further enhance its lifespan and prevent it from crushing, it prides itself over landing gear which cushions it while it lands.
Controller
Like indicated on the specs, the transmitter works on a frequency of 2.4G which means signal interruptions will be the last thing on your mind. It accommodates three AA batteries and can connect to the drone even when it is 150 meters away. However, apart from that, you should not expect much as it comes with just the basic controls and the most you can do with it is fly the drone in four different directions and also perform stunts such as 360-degree flips.
Performance
Unlike the ordinary drones, this go pro drone quadcopter comes packed with some of the features which you find in pricey ones such as the 6 axis gyro system which ensures its stability and also helps it return to the same position quickly even when you perform stunts with it. It also boasts the headless mode which makes it perfect for both beginners and experts while the speed is customizable to further enhance your experience as you can set it depending on the required conditions. It also has the one key return functionality which enables it to come back to you once you are done or whenever you want it too.
Like our title suggests, the ionic stratus supports a go pro camera, and it comes with an attachment to enable you to attach the camera. That gives you an opportunity to use any model that you may desire. It also has a mount on the front which allows you to position the camera at the front thus allowing you to capture the best pictures possible.
The drone comes with a 3.7 V LiPo battery which offers you a flight time of about ten minutes which is quite long for a go pro drone which goes at its price. Nonetheless, you do not always have to depend on that one battery as it is removable and you can easily place your spare batteries in place whenever the need arises or when you want to extend the flight time.
Who said you must own a six-figure salary to own a drone. With not much money at all, you get to own one of the ionic stratus drone quadcopters which considering the price, it is quite efficient. Below is more information regarding the ionic go pro drone.
- Highly affordable price
- Boasts several top-notch modes which are usually not found in drones within this price range
- Safe and durable design which allows you to fly it without having to worry about it crashing and cracking
- Can perform stunts such as 360 degree flips hence adding a touch of fun and thrill to your flying experience
- Wind resistant
- Headless modes and also three different speeds make it the perfect drone for a novice
- Easily customizable
- Versatile and lightweight size
- Control: 2.4GHz transmitter
- Battery: 3.7 volts 500 Mah
- Stability: 6 axis gyroscope
- Flight duration: approximately ten minutes
- Flight range: 150 meters
- Weight: 485 grams
