It seems the must have accessory these days when doing any kind of action activity is the very versatile GoPro camera. However with many models available you may ask which GoPro to buy for flying?
Well in this post I will let you know which models you should look to get and which ones you should avoid.
GoPro Hero
This is the cheapest member of the GoPro family but is also the most basic camera. The video capabilities max out at 1080p 30 frames per second and photos are taken at 5pm. This camera cannot record from an external microphone so ATC comms is a no go.
This camera has the following features –
- 1080p 30fps video
- 5mp photos
- 40m waterproof
GoPro HERO On Amazon UK
GoPro Session
The newest member of the GoPro family the Session is an all in one camera that is lighter and smaller than the other GoPros. I do not recommend this camera due to the fact it cannot accept external misc which if you want to record ATC communications on your video is essential.
The camera has the following features –
-
- Smallest, Lightest member of the GoPro Family.
- Waterproof to 10m
- Easy One-Button Control
- 1080p 60fps video.
- 8MP photos.
GoPro HERO4 Session On Amazon UK
GoPro Hero+
A solid camera but one that I will say you should avoid. Don’t get me wrong it is a good camera and takes a good quality video. Once again it does not accept external microphones so you will not be able to record ATC communication directly onto your videos. If this is not a major issue for you then you can purchase it however most of us would like to do that so we would avoid this one.
The Camera has the following features –
- 1080p 60fps and 720p 60fps video.
- 8MP photos.
- Wifi and Bluetooth.
- Waterproof to 40m
GoPro HERO on Amazon UK
GoPro 4 Silver
The GoPro 4 Silver is the one that I purchased. It has the ability to connect and external mic using the official go pro audio cable. I would avoid the cheap imitations as people are reporting issues with them not working as intended. It also has a LCD touch screen on the back which makes it easy to view the video and change settings on the go.
The camera has the following features –
- 1080p60 and 720p120 video
- 12MP photos up to 30 frames per second
- Wifi and Bluetooth.
- Protune for photos and video
- Waterproof to 40m.
GoPro 4 Silver on Amazon UK.
GoPro 4 Black
The GoPro 4 Black is the top model in the GoPro range. This is what they call their Pro camera and the main feature it has over the silver is that it can take 4k video at 30fps! However the black doesn’t have the LCD touch screen that the silver does. If you have the money and the hardware to edit 4k video then this is basically the best that money can buy.
The camera has the following features –
- Super slow motion at 240 fps
- 4K 30fps, 2.7K 60fps, 1080p 120fps and 720p 240fps
- Protune
- Waterproof to 40m
- 12MP photos at 30 fps.
- Improved audio.
- Wifi and Bluetooth.
GoPro 4 Black on Amazon UK.
GoPro Hero 5
The latest in the GoPro range is the new hero 5. This camera ups the game in a big way with the following
- Voice activation
- Touch display
- Waterproof without a housing
- One button control
- Video Stabilization
- 4k video, WDR photo, exposure control, stereo audio and GPS.
GoPro Hero 5 on Amazon UK
Accessories
Once you have decided on your camera there are a few accessories I think everyone will need.
- BacPac – This pretty much doubles the GoPro’s battery life and is pretty much essential. There are two versions of the BacPac, one with a LCD screen on it and one without.
GoPro Battery BacPac On Amazon UK
GoPro LCD Touch BacPac On Amazon UK
- Skeleton Housing or Frame – You will need this to get at the GoPro’s audio ports while it is in use, so you can record the aircraft comms. Click here to learn how to record ATC comms with a GoPro camera.GoPro Skeleton Housing On Amazon UK
GoPro The Frame On Amazon UK
- Go Pro Audio Cable – You will need this cable as well as some others to get the ATC on your videos. The link above explains exactly what is needed to achieve this.
GoPro audio adapter On Amazon UK.
- Suction Mount – Last but not least you will need a suction mount. This allows you to mount your GoPro on an aircraft surface.Let me know which GoPro you went for in the comments.
GoPro Suction Mount on Amazon UK
- MicroSD Card – Last but not least you need a memory card, but you don’t want to buy cheap ones because they do not have the speed required. The Sandisk Extreme is a good card that should satisfy your needs.
SanDisk Extreme 64 GB microSDXC On Amazon UK.
SanDisk Extreme 32 GB microSDHC On Amazon Uk.
