Best Drones with Action Camera Mount for Epic Shots in 2026

Capture jaw-dropping aerial and ground-level footage with the best drones featuring action camera mounts in 2024. These high-performance drones seamlessly integrate with popular action cameras like GoPro, offering unmatched versatility for dynamic POV shots, extreme sports, and cinematic adventures. With stable mounts, extended flight times, and pro-grade stabilization, they’re the ultimate tool for creators chasing epic, multi-angle content.

Key Takeaways

• Choose versatile mounts: Ensure compatibility with GoPro and other action cameras for maximum flexibility.
• Prioritize stability: Opt for drones with gimbals to capture smooth, professional-grade footage.
• Check payload capacity: Verify drone can handle your camera’s weight without performance loss.
• Longer flight time: Select models with 30+ minutes of airtime for extended shooting sessions.
• Weather resistance: Pick drones with wind resistance for reliable outdoor performance.
• Quick-release mounts: Save time with tool-free camera swaps during fast-paced shoots.

The Sky’s the Limit: Why Drones with Action Camera Mounts Are a Game-Changer

Remember the first time you saw a drone shot that made your jaw drop? Maybe it was a sweeping mountain vista, a surfer carving through waves, or a sunset over a city skyline—all captured with cinematic clarity. That magic isn’t just about the drone. It’s about the action camera mount, the unsung hero that lets you pair your trusted GoPro, DJI Osmo Action, or other action cam with a flying platform. Suddenly, you’re not just filming from the air; you’re blending drone agility with the rugged, wide-angle versatility of an action cam.

But here’s the thing: not all drones with action camera mounts are created equal. Some are clunky, others unreliable, and a few are downright overpriced for what they deliver. Whether you’re a travel vlogger, a mountain biker, or a real estate agent wanting dynamic aerials, the right combo can transform your footage. In 2024, the market is packed with options—but we’ve done the legwork to find the best drones that let you mount your action cam and soar. Let’s dive into what makes these setups tick, how to pick the right one, and the top models you can trust to capture epic shots without breaking a sweat (or your budget).

Why Pair an Action Camera with a Drone?

You might wonder: “Why not just use the drone’s built-in camera?” Fair question. Most drones today come with decent 4K cameras, but they lack the flexibility and ruggedness of action cams. Think of it like a Swiss Army knife—sometimes you need a specific tool for the job. Here’s why the drone + action camera combo is a powerhouse.

1. Versatility in Mounting and Angles

Action cams like GoPro Hero 12 or DJI Osmo Action 4 thrive in extreme conditions. Their wide-angle lenses, stabilization, and waterproofing make them ideal for dynamic shots. But they’re limited to ground-level perspectives. Mount one on a drone, and you unlock:

• Overhead tracking: Follow a mountain biker through a trail with the drone above and the action cam angled down.
• Low-to-ground sweeps: Film a skateboarder’s trick from a few inches off the ground, then ascend for a wide shot.
• 360-degree freedom: Use the drone’s gimbal to position the action cam at any angle—even upside down for dramatic effects.

Pro Tip: Test different mounting positions (top, bottom, side) to see how the action cam’s field of view interacts with the drone’s movement. A bottom mount, for instance, gives you a “floating” effect when flying close to the ground.

2. Redundancy and Reliability

Imagine you’re filming a once-in-a-lifetime event—a wedding, a race, or a natural phenomenon. If the drone’s built-in camera fails, you’re out of luck. But if you’re using an action cam, you’ve got a backup plan. Action cams are built to survive drops, splashes, and vibrations. Even if the drone crashes (hey, it happens), your footage might still be safe.

Real-World Example: A friend of mine was filming a kayaking trip in Iceland. His drone’s camera froze mid-flight, but the GoPro mounted on the drone’s bottom survived a crash into a river and captured stunning underwater shots.

3. Cost-Effective Upgrades

Action cams evolve faster than drone cameras. If you already own a GoPro Hero 11 or Osmo Action 3, you don’t need to buy a new drone with a “better” camera. Just upgrade the action cam, and your entire setup gets a refresh. No need to replace a $1,500 drone every two years.

What to Look for in a Drone with an Action Camera Mount

Not every drone with a mount is worth your time. Here’s what separates the winners from the also-rans—and how to avoid buyer’s remorse.

1. Mounting System Quality

The mount is the glue (literally) that holds your setup together. Look for:

• Secure, vibration-dampened mounts: Cheap plastic mounts can wobble, ruining your footage. Opt for silicone-padded or rubberized mounts.
• Quick-release mechanisms: You don’t want to unscrew bolts every time you swap cameras. Magnetic or clip-on systems save time.
• Compatibility: Check if the mount works with your specific action cam (e.g., GoPro’s standard “thumb” mount or DJI’s Quick-Release system).

Watch Out: Some mounts block the drone’s sensors (like downward-facing ones for landing). Test this before flying.

2. Flight Time and Battery Life

Action cams add weight. A drone that claims 30 minutes of flight time might only get 20 with a camera mounted. Prioritize drones with:

• 25+ minutes of real-world flight time (accounting for wind, camera weight, and maneuvers).
• Swappable batteries: Carry 2-3 spares for all-day shooting.
• Power-efficient motors: Brushless motors are quieter and use less battery than brushed ones.

3. Stability and Gimbal Control

A shaky drone + action cam = nausea-inducing footage. The drone’s gimbal (the stabilizer for its built-in camera) doesn’t affect the action cam, but the drone’s overall stability does. Look for:

• GPS and GLONASS positioning: Keeps the drone steady in wind.
• Obstacle avoidance: Prevents crashes when filming in tight spaces.
• Smooth flight modes: Cinematic modes (slow, steady movements) are a must.

4. Portability and Ease of Use

You’re not just flying the drone—you’re managing the action cam, batteries, and memory cards. A bulky setup kills spontaneity. Consider:

• Foldable designs: Drones like the DJI Mavic 3 Pro fold into backpack-sized packages.
• Intuitive apps: A good app (e.g., DJI Fly) lets you adjust settings on the fly.
• Weight under 250g (for some countries): Avoids strict drone regulations in places like the EU.

Top Drones with Action Camera Mounts in 2024

After testing a dozen models, these are the drones that deliver epic shots without compromise. We’ve balanced price, performance, and real-world usability.

1. DJI Mavic 3 Pro (Best Premium Pick)

The Mavic 3 Pro is a beast. Its built-in 4/3-inch Hasselblad camera is incredible, but the real magic is its modular mount system. DJI sells a dedicated action camera mount (or you can 3D-print one) that attaches to the drone’s top or bottom.

• Flight time: 46 minutes (with action cam, ~38 minutes).
• Pros: 1TB internal storage (great for long shoots), omnidirectional obstacle sensing, 4K/120fps video.
• Cons: Expensive (~$2,200), mount sold separately.
• Best for: Professional filmmakers, real estate agents, travel content creators.

Tip: Use the drone’s built-in camera for wide shots and the action cam for tight, dynamic angles. Sync them in post for seamless edits.

2. Autel Robotics EVO II Dual 640T (Best for Thermal + Action Cam)

Autel’s EVO II Dual 640T has a thermal camera and a regular RGB camera, but its top-mounted rail system lets you attach a GoPro or Osmo Action. It’s a niche pick, but perfect if you need thermal imaging (e.g., search and rescue, wildlife monitoring).

• Flight time: 40 minutes (with action cam, ~32 minutes).
• Pros: 640×512 thermal resolution, 8K video, IP43 weather resistance.
• Cons: Bulky, app is less intuitive than DJI’s.
• Best for: First responders, industrial inspectors, adventurers.

3. Holy Stone HS720G (Best Budget Option)

At under $400, the HS720G is a steal. It comes with a built-in action camera mount (no extra parts needed) and 26 minutes of flight time.

• Flight time: 26 minutes (with action cam, ~20 minutes).
• Pros: GPS return-to-home, 2K camera (for backup), lightweight.
• Cons: No obstacle avoidance, limited wind resistance.
• Best for: Beginners, hobbyists, budget-conscious creators.

Real-World Test: I took this drone to a local park and mounted a GoPro Hero 10. The footage was smooth, and the GPS kept it steady even in light winds.

4. Parrot Anafi AI (Best for Portability)

The Anafi AI is tiny (250g) and folds into a compact case. Its 3-axis gimbal lets you mount an action cam on the top, and it’s one of the few drones with a built-in 4G module for long-range control.

• Flight time: 32 minutes (with action cam, ~25 minutes).
• Pros: Ultra-portable, 4K HDR video, 4G connectivity.
• Cons: Limited accessories, app can be glitchy.
• Best for: Travel vloggers, journalists, urban explorers.

5. Skydio X2 (Best for Autonomous Tracking)

Skydio’s X2 is a self-flying marvel. Its AI tracks subjects better than any human pilot, and it has a top-mounted action camera bracket.

• Flight time: 35 minutes (with action cam, ~28 minutes).
• Pros: 360-degree obstacle avoidance, 4K/60fps video, military-grade durability.
• Cons: Expensive (~$1,700), limited to U.S. market (for now).
• Best for: Athletes, filmmakers, anyone who wants “set it and forget it” tracking.

Data Table: Quick Comparison of Top Drones

Drone Model	Flight Time (with action cam)	Mount Type	Obstacle Avoidance	Price Range	Best Use Case
DJI Mavic 3 Pro	38 min	Top/bottom modular	Omnidirectional	$$$$	Professional filmmaking
Autel EVO II Dual 640T	32 min	Top rail	Front/side	$$$	Thermal imaging + action shots
Holy Stone HS720G	20 min	Built-in bottom mount	None	$	Budget adventures
Parrot Anafi AI	25 min	Top gimbal mount	Front	$$	Travel vlogging
Skydio X2	28 min	Top bracket	360-degree	$$$	Autonomous tracking

Pro Tips for Shooting Epic Footage

Gear is just the start. Here’s how to turn your drone + action cam setup into a storytelling powerhouse.

1. Master the “Hero Shot”

Every great video has a hero shot—the moment viewers remember. For drones with action cams, this is often a low-to-ground fly-through (e.g., a tunnel, forest, or canyon). To nail it:

• Pre-plan your path: Use Google Earth to scout locations.
• Fly slowly: Speed kills. Move at 5-10 mph for smooth footage.
• Use manual camera settings: Set the action cam to 4K/60fps with a shutter speed of 1/120s (for 24fps in post).

2. Sync Your Cameras

If you’re using both the drone’s built-in camera and the action cam, sync their settings. Match:

• Color profiles (e.g., both in “Flat” or “Log”).
• White balance (set manually, not auto).
• Frame rates (e.g., 4K/30fps on both).

Pro Tip: Shoot a clapperboard at the start of each scene. It makes syncing in post a breeze.

3. Embrace the Elements

Action cams shine in tough conditions. Use this to your advantage:

• Rain: Film a stormy beach with the action cam’s waterproofing.
• Snow: Capture a skier’s POV with the drone flying ahead.
• Dust: Mount the action cam on a drone flying through a sandstorm (use a protective housing!).

4. Edit Like a Pro

Your footage is only as good as your editing. Use tools like:

• DaVinci Resolve: Free and powerful for color grading.
• Adobe Premiere Pro: Great for multi-camera sync.
• GoPro Quik: Quick edits with auto-sync.

Remember: Less is more. Don’t overdo transitions or music. Let the footage speak.

The Future of Drones with Action Camera Mounts

The line between drones and action cams is blurring. In 2024, we’re seeing:

• AI-powered mounts: Drones that adjust the action cam’s angle based on the subject (e.g., tracking a moving car).
• Swappable camera systems: Drones with hot-swap mounts for action cams, thermal cameras, and more.
• 5G connectivity: Real-time streaming of 4K footage from the action cam to your phone or cloud.

But here’s the bottom line: the best drone with an action camera mount is the one that fits your needs. Whether you’re chasing adventure, telling stories, or just capturing life’s moments, this combo gives you the tools to do it better. So grab your drone, mount your action cam, and get out there. The sky—and your next epic shot—is waiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best drones with action camera mount for 2024?

The best drones with action camera mounts in 2024 combine stable flight performance with versatile mounting options, such as the DJI Mavic 3 Pro and Autel EVO Lite+. These models support popular action cameras like GoPro Hero 12, ensuring professional-grade aerial footage.

Can I attach my GoPro to any drone with an action camera mount?

Not all drones support every action camera, so check compatibility before purchasing. Most high-quality drones with action camera mounts, like the Skydio 2+, offer universal or brand-specific mounts for seamless integration with GoPro or DJI Osmo Action.

How does an action camera mount improve drone videography?

An action camera mount allows you to capture dynamic, multi-angle shots by combining a drone’s flight capabilities with an action cam’s rugged design. This setup is ideal for fast-paced sports, travel vlogging, and cinematic B-roll.

Are drones with action camera mounts more expensive?

Prices vary, but drones with action camera mounts often cost slightly more due to added versatility. However, budget-friendly options like the Holy Stone HS720E offer reliable mounts without sacrificing essential features.

Do I need a separate action camera if I already have a drone with a built-in camera?

It depends on your needs—built-in drone cameras excel in stability, while action cameras provide durability and wider angles. A drone with an action camera mount lets you switch between both for diverse shooting styles.

What safety features should I look for in a drone with action camera mount?

Look for drones with obstacle avoidance, GPS tracking, and secure locking mounts to prevent camera drops. Models like the DJI Air 3S include these features, ensuring safe flights even with added action camera weight.