Can You Use GoPro For FPV Camera?

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve seen those breathtaking, buttery-smooth FPV videos online and thought to yourself, “I want my footage to look like that.” And then, you probably glanced at the GoPro sitting on your shelf and a question popped into your head: Can you use a GoPro for an FPV camera?

I’ve been in your shoes. I remember my early days in the hobby, three years ago, when my flying was getting better, but my recorded footage just… wasn’t. It was grainy, shaky, and a pale imitation of the cinematic masterpieces I was trying to emulate. I too looked at my GoPro and saw a world of potential. But I also had a ton of questions and concerns. Is it too heavy? What about the lag? How do I even mount the thing?

The short answer is yes, you absolutely can use a GoPro on your FPV drone. But it’s not quite as simple as just strapping it on and hitting record. Using a GoPro for FPV is a journey, one with a learning curve and a few potential pitfalls. But trust me when I say that the results can be absolutely worth it.

In this guide, I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know about using a GoPro with your FPV drone. We’ll cover the good, the bad, and the ugly. We’ll talk about latency, mounting, settings, and which GoPro is the right choice for you. This is the guide I wish I had when I was starting out.

Ready to find out if a GoPro is right for your FPV setup? Let’s dive in.

Part 1: The Short Answer and the Big Picture

As I said, the quick answer is yes. But the more complete answer is that a GoPro is best used as a second camera on your drone, dedicated to recording high-quality footage. Your primary FPV camera, the one that sends a live feed to your goggles, should still be a dedicated, low-latency FPV camera. This two-camera setup gives you the best of both worlds: a reliable, real-time video feed for flying, and stunning, cinematic footage from your GoPro.

The “Why”: Why Pilots Want to Use a GoPro for FPV

So, why go to all the trouble of adding a second camera to your drone? The answer can be summed up in one word: quality.

• Image Quality: Let’s be honest, this is the main reason. GoPros are capable of capturing incredible, high-resolution video that a standard FPV camera simply can’t match. We’re talking 4K, 5.3K, and even higher resolutions, with vibrant colors and amazing detail. If you want to create videos that will wow your audience, a GoPro is the way to go.
• Brand Recognition and Trust: GoPro is a household name for a reason. They’ve built a reputation for making tough, reliable cameras that can handle just about anything. When you buy a GoPro, you know you’re getting a quality product.
• Versatility: A GoPro isn’t just an FPV camera. You can take it off your drone and use it for all sorts of other activities, from mountain biking to snorkeling. It’s a versatile tool that can be a valuable addition to any adventurer’s gear bag.

The “Why Not”: The Inherent Challenges

Of course, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. There are some significant challenges to using a GoPro for FPV, and it’s important to be aware of them before you take the plunge.

• Latency: This is the big one. Latency is the delay between what the camera sees and what you see in your goggles. GoPros have a significant amount of latency, which makes them unsuitable for use as a primary FPV camera for most types of flying. We’ll dive deeper into this in the next section.
• Weight and Balance: GoPros are relatively heavy, and adding one to your drone will have a noticeable impact on its flight performance. You’ll have a shorter flight time, and your drone might not be as agile as it was before. It’s crucial to make sure your drone is powerful enough to handle the extra weight.
• Durability and Cost: Let’s face it, FPV is a rough hobby. We crash. A lot. And when you crash with a $400 camera on the front of your drone, it’s going to hurt your wallet a lot more than crashing with a $30 FPV camera.
• Power Consumption: GoPros have their own internal batteries, but they don’t last forever. You’ll need to make sure your GoPro is fully charged before you head out to fly, or you’ll have to deal with the added complexity of powering it from your drone’s battery.

Part 2: The Latency Deep Dive: The Make-or-Break Factor

Okay, let’s talk about latency. This is probably the most important factor to consider when you’re thinking about using a GoPro for FPV.

What is Latency and Why it Matters in FPV

In simple terms, latency is the delay between when an event happens in the real world and when you see it in your FPV goggles. In the world of FPV, where we’re flying at high speeds and making split-second decisions, even a small amount of latency can be the difference between a perfectly executed maneuver and a spectacular crash.

Imagine driving a car, but with a one-second delay in your view. You’d be constantly overcorrecting, swerving to avoid obstacles that you’ve already hit. That’s what flying FPV with high latency feels like.

GoPro Latency vs. Dedicated FPV Cameras

A dedicated FPV camera is designed for one thing and one thing only: to send a low-latency video signal to your goggles. They typically have a latency of around 20-30 milliseconds, which is virtually unnoticeable.

GoPros, on the other hand, are designed to capture the best possible image quality. They have powerful processors that are constantly working to stabilize the image, adjust the exposure, and perform all sorts of other complex tasks. All of this processing takes time, which results in a much higher latency, often in the range of 100-200 milliseconds or even more.

Can You Fly FPV with GoPro Latency?

So, is it possible to fly FPV with the live feed from a GoPro? The answer is… kind of. For slow, cinematic flying, where you’re not making any sudden movements, it’s possible to get by with the latency of a GoPro. But for FPV racing or aggressive freestyle flying, it’s an absolute no-go. The delay is simply too great to allow for the kind of precise control that those disciplines require.

I’ve tried it myself, and I can tell you that it’s a nerve-wracking experience. It feels like you’re constantly behind the drone, reacting to things that have already happened. It’s a recipe for disaster.

That’s why I, and most other experienced pilots, will always recommend a two-camera setup. Use a dedicated FPV camera for your live feed, and a GoPro for your HD recording. It’s the safest and most effective way to get the best of both worlds.

Part 3: The Practicalities: Mounting and Setup

So, you’ve decided to take the plunge and add a GoPro to your FPV setup. The next step is to figure out how to mount it to your drone.

Choosing the Right Mount

A good mount is absolutely essential. It needs to hold your GoPro securely, protect it in a crash, and prevent vibrations from ruining your footage.

• 3D Printed TPU Mounts: This is my personal recommendation. TPU is a flexible, rubber-like material that is perfect for FPV drone mounts. It’s durable, lightweight, and does a great job of absorbing vibrations. You can find 3D printed mounts for just about any drone and GoPro combination on sites like Thingiverse and Etsy.
• Adhesive Mounts: GoPro’s own adhesive mounts can be a good option if you can find a flat spot on your drone to stick them. They’re surprisingly strong, but they’re not as secure as a dedicated 3D printed mount.
• Custom Solutions: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can always design and print your own mount. This is a great option if you have a custom-built drone or if you want to get the perfect camera angle.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Here’s a quick and easy guide to installing your GoPro on your FPV drone:

1. Choose your mount: Select a mount that is compatible with both your drone and your GoPro.
2. Attach the mount to your drone: Use screws or zip ties to securely attach the mount to your drone’s frame. Make sure it’s tight and doesn’t wobble.
3. Insert the GoPro: Slide your GoPro into the mount. It should be a snug fit.
4. Secure the GoPro: Use a strap or the mount’s built-in retention system to make sure your GoPro is held firmly in place.
5. Double-check everything: Give the GoPro a good wiggle to make sure it’s secure. You don’t want it flying off in the middle of a flight!

Powering Your GoPro

You have two main options for powering your GoPro:

• Internal Battery: The simplest option is to just use the GoPro’s internal battery. The downside is that you’ll need to remember to charge it before you go flying, and the battery life might not be long enough for multiple flights.
• Powering from the Drone: A more advanced option is to power your GoPro from your drone’s battery. This requires a bit of soldering and a special cable, but it means you’ll never have to worry about your GoPro’s battery dying in the middle of a flight.

Connecting for Live Video Output

As I mentioned before, I don’t recommend using a GoPro for your live FPV feed. But if you’re determined to give it a try, you’ll need a special cable that plugs into the GoPro’s USB-C port and connects to your video transmitter. Be warned, though: the latency will be significant.

Part 4: Which GoPro is Best for FPV?

Not all GoPros are created equal when it comes to FPV. Here’s a look at some of the most popular models and my personal recommendations.

The Evolution of GoPros for FPV

GoPros have been a popular choice for FPV pilots for years, but it wasn’t until recently that GoPro themselves started to embrace the FPV community. In the early days, we were strapping full-size, heavy GoPros to our drones and just hoping for the best. But as the FPV hobby has grown, so too have the options for FPV-friendly GoPros.

The Game-Changers: Stripped-Down and “Naked” GoPros

One of the biggest innovations in recent years has been the rise of “naked” GoPros. This is where you take a regular GoPro, strip it down to its bare essentials, and put it in a lightweight, custom-designed case. The result is a much lighter and more compact camera that is perfect for FPV.

Recognizing this trend, GoPro eventually released their own official “naked” GoPro, the HERO10 Black Bones. This is a game-changer for FPV pilots, as it offers the same incredible image quality as a full-size HERO10 Black, but in a much smaller and lighter package.

My Recommendations

• GoPro HERO10 Black Bones: If you’re serious about FPV and you want the best possible image quality without a significant weight penalty, this is the camera for you. It’s purpose-built for FPV and it shows.
• GoPro HERO 11/12 Black: If you want a versatile camera that you can use for both FPV and other activities, the latest full-size GoPros are a great choice. They’re heavy, but the image quality is second to none.
• GoPro HERO 8/9 Black: These older models are still very capable cameras, and they can often be found for a good price. They’re also a popular choice for “naked” conversions.
• Older Models (Hero 3/4): While these cameras were once the go-to choice for FPV, they’ve been surpassed by the latest models in just about every way. I wouldn’t recommend them unless you’re on a very tight budget.

Part 5: Getting that “Cinematic” Look: Settings and Post-Production

Having a GoPro on your drone is only half the battle. To get that truly cinematic look, you’ll need to dial in your settings and do a bit of work in post-production.

In-Camera Settings for FPV

• Resolution and Frame Rate: I typically shoot in 4K at 60fps or 5.3K at 30fps. This gives me a great balance of image quality and file size.
• Field of View (FOV): SuperView or HyperView are my go-to FOV settings. They give you that classic, wide-angle FPV look.
• Protune: This is where the magic happens. Protune gives you manual control over your GoPro’s settings, allowing you to dial in the perfect look for your footage. I recommend shooting in a flat color profile, as this will give you the most flexibility in post-production.

Stabilization: The Magic Ingredient

One of the biggest advantages of using a GoPro for FPV is its incredible image stabilization.

• HyperSmooth: GoPro’s built-in stabilization is amazing. It does a great job of smoothing out the bumps and jitters of FPV flight.
• Post-Production Stabilization: For the absolute smoothest footage, you’ll want to use a post-production stabilization software like Gyroflow or ReelSteady. These programs use the gyro data from your GoPro to create incredibly smooth and stable footage.

ND Filters: A Must-Have for Cinematic Motion Blur

If you want your FPV footage to have that classic, cinematic motion blur, you’ll need to use ND filters. These are like sunglasses for your camera, and they allow you to use a slower shutter speed, which creates that beautiful motion blur effect.

Part 6: Should YOU Use a GoPro for FPV?

So, after all of that, what’s the verdict? Should you use a GoPro for FPV?

Recap of Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Incredible Image Quality	High Latency
Excellent Stabilization	Heavy and Bulky
Versatile and Durable	Expensive
Wide Range of Accessories	Can Impact Flight Performance

Who a GoPro is For

• Cinematic Pilots: If you’re focused on creating beautiful, cinematic FPV videos, a GoPro is a must-have.
• Content Creators: If you’re a YouTuber, Instagrammer, or other content creator, the image quality of a GoPro will take your videos to the next level.
• Hobbyists Who Want the Best: If you’re the kind of person who always wants the best of the best, a GoPro is the obvious choice.

Who a GoPro is NOT For

• FPV Racers: The latency of a GoPro makes it completely unsuitable for FPV racing.
• Beginners on a Budget: If you’re just starting out in FPV, there are better things to spend your money on than an expensive camera that you’re likely to crash.
• Those Sensitive to Latency: If you’re very sensitive to latency, you’ll want to stick with a dedicated FPV camera for your live feed.

My Final Advice

If you’re serious about FPV and you want to create the best possible videos, then yes, you should absolutely use a GoPro. But I would strongly recommend that you start with a dedicated FPV camera to learn the ropes. Once you’re a confident pilot, you can add a GoPro to your setup and start capturing that beautiful, cinematic footage you’ve been dreaming of.

Conclusion

Using a GoPro for FPV is a journey, but it’s one that is well worth taking. It will challenge you as a pilot and a filmmaker, but the results will speak for themselves. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of watching back a beautiful, cinematic FPV video that you created yourself.

I hope this guide has been helpful. The world of FPV is constantly evolving, and there’s always something new to learn. But with the right gear and a little bit of practice, you’ll be creating stunning FPV videos in no time.