So, you’re looking to elevate your drone footage game with your trusty GoPro Hero 3+ Silver? That’s awesome! While the Hero 3+ Silver is a classic, pairing it with the right gear or considering strategic upgrades can truly transform your aerial videography. Whether you’re aiming for crystal-clear shots, extra protection, or even thinking about what’s next for your drone setup, we’ve got you covered.
Getting the best for GoPro Hero 3+ Silver on drone isn’t just about the camera itself; it’s about the ecosystem around it. We’ve scoured the market to bring you a diverse list of products that can either enhance your current setup or offer exciting alternatives for stunning aerial captures. Let’s dive in and see how you can make your drone-mounted Hero 3+ Silver truly shine!
1. GoPro HERO3+ Silver Edition (Renewed)
Sometimes, the best for GoPro Hero 3+ Silver on drone is… another GoPro Hero 3+ Silver! If your current camera is getting a bit long in the tooth or you need a reliable backup, a renewed Hero 3+ Silver is an incredibly cost-effective option. This camera strikes a fantastic balance between portability, decent video quality for its age, and ease of use, making it a go-to for many drone pilots. Its compact design is perfect for lightweight drones, ensuring less strain and longer flight times.
- Full HD 1920 x 1080p Recording at 60 fps: Smooth, cinematic drone footage.
- HD 1280 x 720p Recording at 120 fps: Capture slow-motion aerial stunts.
- Capture up to 10MP Photos at 10 fps: Great for aerial photography.
- Ultra Wide Angle Glass Lens: Get that expansive drone’s-eye view.
- Built-In Wi-Fi & GoPro App Ready: Easy camera control and live preview from the ground.
- Compatible with Optional Wi-Fi Remote: Even more convenient control.
- Provides Enhanced Low-Light Performance: Better results in challenging lighting conditions.
- HERO3+ Is 15% Smaller Than HERO3: Lighter and more aerodynamic for drone mounting.
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Battery Lasts 30% Longer Than HERO3: More recording time per flight.
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Pros:
- Excellent value for a capable aerial camera.
- Compact and lightweight, ideal for smaller drones.
- Reliable performance for its generation.
- Good frame rate options for various video styles.
- Cons:
- Lacks modern stabilization features (rely on gimbal or post-production).
- Lower resolution compared to newer models.
- “Renewed” status might concern some about longevity, though usually reliable.
User Impressions: Many users praise the renewed Hero 3+ Silver for its solid performance relative to its price. It’s often cited as a perfect budget-friendly option for those getting into drone videography or needing a reliable secondary camera. People appreciate its simplicity and robust build, even if it lacks some of the bells and whistles of newer GoPros.
2. GoPro Hero4 Silver
Stepping up from the Hero 3+ Silver, the GoPro Hero4 Silver offers a noticeable leap in features and quality, making it a strong contender for those upgrading their drone camera. Its built-in touch display is a game-changer for framing shots and reviewing footage on the go, a huge plus when you’re preparing for a drone flight. The improved video modes and Photo + Video settings allow for even more versatility in capturing breathtaking aerial views.
- Built-in touch display: Easy camera control, shot framing, and playback.
- Professional 1080P60 and 720P120 video: High-quality, smooth aerial footage.
- 12MP photos at up to 30 frames per second: Capture detailed stills mid-flight.
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Seamless connectivity with GoPro App and Smart Remote.
- Improved camera control and built-in video trimming: Edit clips directly on the camera.
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ProTune with SuperView: Delivers cinema-quality capture and immersive wide-angle views.
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Pros:
- Touch display is incredibly convenient for setup.
- Higher resolution photos and faster burst rates.
- ProTune allows for more professional grading in post-production.
- Enhanced low-light capabilities over the Hero 3+.
- Cons:
- Still requires a separate gimbal for optical stabilization on drones.
- Battery life can be a concern with intense usage.
- Might be overkill if you only need basic drone footage.
User Impressions: Drone enthusiasts often appreciate the Hero4 Silver for its improved image quality and the highly practical touch screen. Users find it more intuitive to operate compared to the 3+ series, which is beneficial when setting up for complex drone shots. The ProTune feature is a big win for those who like to color-grade their footage.
3. GoPro HERO3: White Edition – (197/ 60m Waterproof Housing)
The GoPro HERO3 White Edition, while an older model, remains a viable entry point for drone pilots on a tight budget, especially if you’re looking for a package that includes a robust waterproof housing. While it doesn’t boast the high-end features of its Black or Silver siblings, it still captures decent aerial footage, and its lightweight design makes it suitable for smaller drones. The included waterproof housing is a huge bonus, offering vital protection for your camera during flights, especially near water or in dusty environments.
- Included 197ft/60m Waterproof Housing: Essential protection for aerial adventures.
- Captures 1080p30, 720p60 Video: Decent video quality for general drone use.
- 5MP Photos at 3 fps Burst: Good enough for basic aerial photography.
- Built-in Wi-Fi: Remote control via GoPro App or Wi-Fi Remote.
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Ultra-Wide Angle Lens: Get that classic GoPro perspective.
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Pros:
- Very affordable, excellent for beginners or as a backup camera.
- Comes with a protective waterproof housing.
- Lightweight and compact.
- Simple to operate.
- Cons:
- Lower video and photo quality compared to newer GoPros.
- Limited frame rate options.
- No advanced features like ProTune or improved low-light performance.
User Impressions: Users on a budget often find the Hero3 White Edition perfectly adequate for basic drone footage. The main draw is usually the price point and the included housing, which provides peace of mind. While it won’t produce professional-grade cinematic shots, it’s a solid workhorse for casual flights and capturing fun memories from above.
4. GEPULY Waterproof Housing Case for GoPro Hero 4 Black, Silver, Hero 3+ & 3
Protecting your investment, especially when it’s hundreds of feet in the air, is paramount! This GEPULY Waterproof Housing Case is an absolute must-have accessory for your GoPro Hero 3+ Silver on drone, or any compatible GoPro. It’s not just about water protection; this housing acts as a robust shield against dust, dirt, minor crashes, and propeller wash, ensuring your camera stays safe and sound even in challenging aerial environments. Its superior build quality and rustproof components make it incredibly durable for long-term use.
- Compatibility: Perfect fit for GoPro Hero 3, Hero 3+, Hero 4 Black, and Silver action cameras.
- Waterproof Up to 131 ft (40M): Excellent for water landings or flying over lakes.
- Rustproof in Seawater: 316 stainless steel parts for marine environments.
- Superior Materials: Solid transparent plastic shell and high-transmission flat glass lens (98% light transmission).
- Aluminum Lens Border: Ensures deep-water waterproofing, unlike plastic alternatives.
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Wide Range of Use: Protects from dust, scratches, shocks; ideal for extreme activities (and drones!).
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Pros:
- Exceptional protection for your GoPro against elements and impacts.
- High-quality materials ensure clarity and durability.
- Specifically designed for compatibility with Hero 3+ Silver.
- Affordable insurance for your valuable camera.
- Cons:
- Adds a small amount of weight and bulk to the camera (though minimal).
- Can slightly hinder audio recording (common with all waterproof housings).
User Impressions: This housing receives rave reviews for its robust construction and perfect fit. Users are consistently impressed by its ability to keep their GoPros safe and dry, whether for underwater adventures or, crucially for our purpose, on a drone. The clarity of the lens cover is frequently highlighted, ensuring no compromise on video quality.
5. GoPro HERO3: Black Edition
For drone pilots who want to push the boundaries of quality without moving to a completely different camera ecosystem, the GoPro HERO3 Black Edition is a serious upgrade. It was GoPro’s flagship model in its time, offering impressive versatility in shooting modes and superior performance, particularly in brightly-lit conditions. If you’re currently using a Hero 3+ Silver and find yourself needing more granular control or slightly better image quality for your aerial cinematography, the Black Edition is a fantastic choice that often comes at a very reasonable price point now.
- Versatile Shooting Modes for Pros: More options for capturing cinematic aerials.
- More Detail in Brightly-Lit Areas: Excellent for daytime drone flights.
- Wi-Fi Built-In: Seamless remote control and live preview.
- Lighter and Smaller: Minimally impacting drone flight characteristics.
- Reduced Fogging in the Housing: Better performance in humid conditions.
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Can record up to 4K (limited frame rates), 2.7K, 1440p, and 1080p (up to 60fps): Higher resolution options than the Silver.
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Pros:
- Superior video quality and more resolution options than the Silver series.
- Excellent low-light performance for its generation.
- More professional control over settings.
- Compact and lightweight design for easy drone integration.
- Cons:
- Still lacks modern in-camera stabilization.
- Battery life can be shorter due to higher processing demands.
- Older model, so finding new units is difficult (often renewed/used).
User Impressions: The Hero3 Black Edition is a cult classic among enthusiasts, and drone operators specifically appreciate its raw power for aerial footage. Users love the higher frame rates and resolution options, which allow for more flexibility in editing. It’s often considered a solid choice for those wanting to get the best for GoPro Hero 3+ Silver on drone without making a huge jump to the latest models.
6. MiPremium Motorcycle Helmet Chin Mount Kits for GoPro Hero
While explicitly designed for motorcycle helmets, the MiPremium Motorcycle Helmet Chin Mount Kit offers a treasure trove of versatile components that can be incredibly useful for DIY drone mounting solutions. When you’re trying to achieve a very specific shot with your GoPro Hero 3+ Silver on drone, sometimes off-the-shelf drone mounts just don’t cut it. This kit provides a range of adjustable joints, strong adhesive pads, and durable thumbscrews that creative drone pilots can repurpose for custom mounting angles or even attaching lightweight accessories to their drone’s frame, offering a flexible alternative to traditional drone camera mounts.
- Adjustable 180-degree rotating joints: Incredible flexibility for custom angles.
- Broad range compatibility: While listed for newer GoPros, components like J-hooks and mounts are universal.
- Heavy-duty durable mount: Made of lightweight PC plastic and rustproof aluminum alloy thumbscrews.
- Safety rope buckle, wrench & adhesive sticker pads: Extra security and tools for secure attachment.
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Includes multiple flat & curved mount stickers: Adaptable to various drone surfaces.
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Pros:
- Highly versatile components for DIY drone mounting.
- Strong adhesive pads and durable build quality.
- Offers unique angle possibilities for creative drone shots.
- Provides extra safety features (tether) if adapted.
- Cons:
- Not a direct drone accessory; requires adaptation and creativity.
- Mounting on a drone requires careful consideration of balance and aerodynamics.
- Designed for helmets, so some parts may be redundant for drone use.
User Impressions: Users rave about the versatility and durability of this kit for its intended purpose. For drone enthusiasts, the takeaway is the quality of the individual components – the strong adhesive, the adjustable joints, and the robust thumbscrews. Many hobbyists find these parts invaluable for fabricating custom camera mounts or attaching other small payloads securely to their drones.
7. GoPro MAX — Waterproof 360 + Traditional Action Camera
Okay, let’s talk about the future! The GoPro MAX isn’t just a regular action camera; it’s a dual-lens marvel that captures stunning 360-degree spherical video, making it a revolutionary choice for drone footage. While your Hero 3+ Silver excels at traditional POV, the MAX opens up entirely new possibilities. Imagine flying your drone and capturing everything around it, then reframing the perfect shot in post-production. Its “stealth mounting” feature can even make lightweight poles disappear from your 360 footage, giving the illusion of a floating camera – perfect for those “drone-like” self-capture shots without needing a large drone. It’s a bold step but offers unmatched creative freedom for aerial content.
- Ultra Versatile 5.6K30 Spherical Video: Capture everything, reframe later.
- Easy 360 Editing with GoPro Quik App: Powerful in-app reframing and object tracking.
- Stealth Mounting: Poles disappear from 360 footage for incredible perspectives.
- Single Lens (HERO) Mode: Capture traditional video (1080p, 1440p) if preferred.
- Waterproof: Durable for various flying conditions.
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Included Enduro Battery: Improved low-temperature performance and longer runtimes.
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Pros:
- Revolutionary 360-degree capture for immersive aerial views.
- “Shoot first, frame later” workflow offers immense creative freedom.
- Stealth mounting creates unique “invisible drone” or “floating camera” effects.
- Can also function as a traditional HERO camera.
- Cons:
- Significantly more expensive than a Hero 3+ Silver.
- 360-degree video workflow requires learning new editing techniques.
- Heavier than the Hero 3+ Silver, requiring a more capable drone.
User Impressions: Early adopters and creative videographers are blown away by the MAX’s capabilities, especially for aerial work. The ability to “fly” a virtual camera within the 360 sphere after the flight is a game-changer. Users love the dynamic perspectives it allows, turning standard drone flights into cinematic experiences with ease. It’s not a direct replacement for your GoPro Hero 3+ Silver on drone, but a powerful alternative for pushing creative boundaries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I still get good drone footage with my old GoPro Hero 3+ Silver?
A1: Absolutely! While newer GoPros have advanced features like in-camera stabilization and higher resolutions, your Hero 3+ Silver is perfectly capable of capturing excellent HD aerial footage, especially when paired with a good drone gimbal for stabilization. It’s lightweight and relatively compact, making it a great choice for many consumer drones.
Q2: What’s the most important accessory for using a GoPro Hero 3+ Silver on a drone?
A2: A reliable drone-specific gimbal is crucial for smooth, cinematic footage. While not listed as a product here, it mechanically stabilizes your camera against drone movements. Beyond that, a protective housing like the GEPULY Waterproof Housing Case is highly recommended to safeguard your camera from impacts, dust, and moisture during flights.
Q3: How can I improve battery life when using my GoPro Hero 3+ Silver on a drone?
A3: To maximize battery life, ensure you’re using a fully charged, genuine GoPro battery. Turn off features you don’t need, such as Wi-Fi if you’re not actively using the app for live preview. Consider carrying extra batteries for longer flight sessions, especially since the drone’s battery will also be a limiting factor.
Q4: Is it worth upgrading from a Hero 3+ Silver for drone use?
A4: It depends on your needs! If you want higher resolutions (like 4K), better low-light performance, or built-in electronic image stabilization (EIS), upgrading to a Hero4 Silver (or even newer models like the Hero5/6/7 Black) would be a significant leap. However, for 1080p/60fps footage, your Hero 3+ Silver still holds its own.
Q5: What challenges might I face using an older GoPro on a drone?
A5: The main challenges include the lack of built-in image stabilization (necessitating a gimbal), potentially less advanced low-light performance, and limited higher resolution/frame rate options compared to newer models. Additionally, older GoPros might have less reliable Wi-Fi connectivity for FPV or remote control, and their batteries may degrade over time.
Q6: Can I use the GoPro App for live preview with my Hero 3+ Silver while it’s on a drone?
A6: Yes, the Hero 3+ Silver has built-in Wi-Fi and is compatible with the GoPro App for live preview and camera control. However, be aware that using Wi-Fi can consume battery faster and might occasionally experience lag or interference, especially at longer distances. Always prioritize your drone’s flight safety and signal strength.
Q7: How important is a lightweight setup for drone photography?
A7: Extremely important! A lighter camera setup means less strain on your drone’s motors, leading to longer flight times, better maneuverability, and potentially smoother footage due to less inertia. The GoPro Hero 3+ Silver is already quite light, making it a good fit for many drones without significantly impacting their performance.
Final Thoughts on Elevating Your Drone Footage
No matter if you’re sticking with your trusty Hero 3+ Silver, eyeing an upgrade, or exploring alternative camera tech like the GoPro MAX, the world of drone videography is exciting and constantly evolving. The best for GoPro Hero 3+ Silver on drone isn’t just one product, but a combination of smart choices that enhance its capabilities, protect your gear, and ultimately help you capture incredible aerial stories. Happy flying!
